It’s okay really, you know.  You’re among friends.  You can admit — entre nous — when you go out to dine, you want culture, too.  Not fast food culture of plastic and fast fake smiles.  You want the real stuff.  Linen napkins, suave and genuinely friendly folk, maybe some light jazz or soft blues in the background, upscale, sophisticated conversation, and the solidity of old brick walls, crystal glass, a good wine list, and quality enticing food and desserts.  If the weather’s fine, you want to sit out outside and watch the world pass by in its never-ending panorama.  Bienvenue to bistro culture, cheri.

Pierre Des Jardins of Bistro 400, on 4th Street, across from the Santa Ana’s Ronald Reagan Federal Building and US Courthouse, knows his culture as intimately as he does his regular customers.  Pierre’s from Quebec – that quaint and yet modern cultural spot that is, if possible, more French than Paris.  Birthplace of Cirque du Soleil, Quebec’s old world charm mixes and blends with its always cutting-edge Art.  It’s also home to some of the best cuisine on the planet with plenty of bistros and sidewalk patios for people watching.  I know all this because I lived in Montreal for two years and never tired of its European flavors and vibrant art and culture sophistication.

At Bistro 400, Pierre and business partner, Robert Fontes, treat you as if you’re a returning friend who is ready for some pampering in high style.  And what tender mercies they dispense:  mouth-watering Black Mussels (very big this year in culinary circles), Peppered Lamb Chops, Petite Osso Buco, and Pork Chop Dijonnaise (one of my favs!).  Or if you’re in the mood for lighter fare, sip cocktails and dip into their new Artichoke and Bacon Melt served with bread rounds (delish!).

“We change the menu around from time to time.  Sometimes it comes from us, sometimes from something a customer suggests,” Robert confided at a recent visit while Pierre talks about their plans to work with the local artist community to co-host event nights.  On Friday and Saturday nights, the Bistro serves a Prix Fixe dinner (another new hot ticket in 2009) selected from the chef’s specialties and customer suggestions.  No matter what you choose for an entrée, I highly recommend a Chocolate Vesuvius for dessert (Molten Chocolate Cake with a Bittersweet Chocolate center).

Along with the new prix fixe dinners, on Friday and Saturday nights, you can also hear live jazz or blues at Bistro 400.   Upcoming performers include:

• March 21 The Huge Blues featuring, Tim Lewis, Vocals; Brett Caplinger. Harmonica; Paul Hughes, Guitar;  Lisa Duncanson, Bass.  Also introducing some special guest performers.
• March 27 Rebecca Hyrkas with the Three Strangers jazz trio.   Doug Carter on the Piano, Bill Been on bass, and Jon Hyrkas on drums.
• March 28 Maryanne Reall , a local favorite returns to the Bistro by popular demand and Linda A. Smith, just back from touring Japan with Rick Hils on the Grand and Jaco on stand up bass.

Bistro 400
400 West 4th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 543-9821 tel
bistro400.com