Bis on Main: Lunch Menu Revives Old Bellevue and Saves Your Pocketbook

Unlike years gone by, I’ve made a few resolutions for 2011, one of which is to spend less money eating out but not to deprive myself of gourmet food. So how do I do that? Hit up expensive restaurants for lunches and happy hours instead of for dinner. Generally, you'll find that prices and portion sizes are more reasonable during those times. To put my new money-saving theory to the test, I made lunch reservations at this past Tuesday.

Voted most romantic restaurant in Bellevue for four years running, Bis on Main is located in old Bellevue on…you guessed it, Main Street. The décor is reminiscent of a modern bistro with clean lines, square bookshelves separating the dining room and intimate, white table clothed tables dotting the restaurant. Bis on Main’s menu is seasonal, though not entirely locally sourced. For example, their lunch special on the day I went included sea scallops dry packed and shipped from the East Coast. Don’t let that dissuade you, however. Their food is thoughtfully executed and prepared, as was made evident by my black truffle risotto and my partner’s Kobe beef burger and truffled pomme frites.

My risotto, a creamy mix of decadence and al dente rice, made me feel chic without overpowering my palate – a trait that I feel is often the downfall of using truffles in abundance. The same held true with the pomme frites – the underlying aroma of truffle melded seamlessly with the crispy fries and dusting of sea salt. The burger, cooked barely above medium, was richly dense and packed with flavor. A smattering of caramelized balsamic onions held just enough acidity to make the burger interesting but not overwhelming.

Another one of the main draws of Bis on Main for me is their intensive wine list. With a wide selection of glasses and half bottles, their wine list offers great options for lunch dining – you can enjoy a glass or split a half bottle without feeling guilty about heading back to the office.

The verdict? At just under $70 - after tip - for a full lunch for two (soup, entrees and a glass of wine each), Bis on Main still isn’t a cheap option. However, if you’re looking to fine dine and have room in your budget for a small splurge, lunch is definitely a significantly more inexpensive option than dinner. Not to mention, it's one of the best meals in town.