I ve been meaning to eat at Blue Bistro for sometime. I’ve passed it several times, its near where I live and the owner, Peter Dunkley,  is super friendly on twitter (@blue_bistro ). I was happy to be able to make it last night.

Blue Bistro is in Spon Street, the medieval part of town and the building is satisfying on that score with the timber structure, full of character and great ambiance. I can imagine having great company and conversations around those wooden tables. But on this occasion I was on my own and I was seated next to a line of books. Great stuff.

Time to order. It was a warm day:  I declined the temptation of Alsatian escargots and went with the recommendation of Apple soup.

It had just the right note of tartness, it tasted fresh, redolent of summer. It went down easily and I could have easily have had another bowl of that soup.  I cannot say the same for the accompanying bread which went with it. The waiter was very nice – he went to ask about the bread for me – the bread was with sun dried tomatoes and chillie. The unctuous sweet texture of this bread did nothing for the soup. I think some plain or maybe walnut bread might have been better if it needed any bread.

I asked for Duck Confit with Spaghetti, Balsamic Onions, Mushrooms & Spinach. I love Confit de Canard when I used to live in Alsace and would have it at every opportunity. Its basically preserved duck – it should be succulent and flavoursome, it should not be too salty.  I carefully picked out the shredded meat, it was in a cheesy sauce which I was not expecting. I love pasta but most times the restaurant would ask me if I wanted cheese to be added to the dish and /but not incorporated into the sauce. I have a slight lactose intolerance especially to cooked cheese. There was baby chives which is nice and I was puzzled by the mention of balsamic onions. The duck meat was very bland to my taste and was overshadowed by the sauce. It was a shame but I could not finish the pasta dish.

I had jelly to end the meal. Very pretty with edible flowers omitting the ice cream.

The restaurant is accessible for wheelchair users via a back door through a gate. Best to make a reservation weekends.

Blue Bistro & Restaurant, 21 Spon Street, Coventry, CV1 3BA || 024 7622 9274