Oakwood Bistro: Paris’ Left Bank right in Kalamazoo
Tucked into a strip shopping center, Oakwood Bistro defies the suburban bland stereotype and prepares the kind of creative, sophisticated meals more often associated with Chicago or Detroit than Kalamazoo.
That extra attention to detail and the interest in world cuisines begins with the appetizers. For example, the calamari comes pistachio encrusted and flash fried, served with an herbed red pepper coulis ($8.99). Another unexpectedly tony option is the Blue Crab Cakes, hand made daily ($10.99). These pan-seared crab cakes arrive layered with roasted red peppers over lobster beurre blanc sauce — not your typical shopping center fare! Whenever possible, owner and chef Ryan Soule uses local and/or organic ingredients.
The entrees are as inspired as the appetizers. Take the chicken breast stuffed with mushrooms, shallots and Gorgonzola cheese, served with grilled asparagus and roasted Yukon Gold potatoes ($17.99). Or perhaps you’d prefer pine nut-encrusted tilapia filets slathered with a sun-dried tomato vinaigrette ($15.99). The fish comes with brown Basmati rice and green beans. Black Cherry-Ginger Pork Loin, in which pork medallions are pan seared and then laced with a black cherry-ginger glaze ($14.99), comes with grilled asparagus and whipped Yukon Gold potatoes. The Vegetable Torta Rustica ($13.99), with its Boursin cheese, basil oil, balsamic syrup, sautéed spinach and other vegetables nestled in a brioche crust, isn’t just for vegetarians!
Those looking for comfort food won’t be disappointed: The Oakwood Bistro also serves pot roast, macaroni and cheese, beef stroganoff and sirloin steak — not like Mom used to make, but better. The macaroni and cheese, for instance, sports pulled chicken and bacon and uses corkscrew-shaped cavatappi instead of elbow noodles ($13.99).
Looking for lighter fare? The Oakwood Bistro doesn’t forget its bistro roots: The eatery carries a variety of sandwiches ($7.99–$9.99) and crispy thin-crust pizza ($8.99–$14.99). You can check the menu here.
For the rare Oakwood Bistro patron who can save room for dessert, you have a treat in store! Whether it’s chocolate pot de crème, vanilla crème brûlée, Melba raspberry-peach flambé or apple-pecan tarte tatin ($5.50–$5.99), the desserts are as rich and delectable as that in any French restaurant. Craving something more hometown? The Oakwood Bistro also carries lemon-blueberry bread pudding; blueberry crisp, made with fresh Michigan blueberries; and Death by Chocolate, a house-made espresso brownie à la mode ($5.99–$6.99).
The Oakwood Bistro has daily specials that you can check out here.
HelloMetro Tip: The Oakwood Bistro is a mecca for vegetarians and diners with food allergies or other special dietary needs. As the father of a child with autism, owner and chef Ryan Soule always includes gluten-free items on the menu. (Some believe that gluten is detrimental to persons with autism.)
Posted by Ivonne Rovira
