Alexandria Restaurant Tips by BuickMackane

Restaurant Name: Bistro on the Bayou at ParcEngland Hotel

Bistro on the Bayou works hard to create an air of New Orleans world-class cuisine, service and elegance. The main obstacle was its setting, an austere, unmistakably dated government building which served as a military officers club for the former England Air Force Base, now an industrial park which adjoins Alexandria International Airport. If you don't look at the office-style walls and corridors and concentrate on the splendid food and attentive service, you'll have a magnificent time. We truly enjoyed this special evening and plan to return!

PS: Since our visit, Bistro on the Bayou has added a brand-new upscale hotel called ParcEngland to its grounds. The new building looks very nice and does a lot to enhance the setting of the restaurant. If you don't have to stay in a downtown hotel and prefer to be near the airport, this would probably be an excellent choice for lodging in Alexandria.

Favorite Dish: We had to wait a very long time for our carefully prepared entrees, during which time the grown-ups knocked back plenty of the excellent house Merlot. The waitstaff wisely served the restless children first, with an upscale preparation of what was really just chicken fingers and French fried potatoes. I had an entree I'll remember for a long time, a huge pork chop stuffed with crabmeat and cooked to perfection.

We didn't order dessert, because we were given a special treat. A group at a nearby table was having a family birthday party. According to the waitstaff, they overheard our conversation about our plans to visit the local Harley-Davidson dealership the next day, and they promptly sent slices of cake to our table. You see, their guest of honor was none other than the owner of the Alexandria Harley store himself! How often does that happen?!

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Theme: American
Comparison: most expensive
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Address: Chappie James Avenue, England Air Park

There was a coffee shop across the street from the Hotel Bentley which appeared to be part of the Sentry Drug Store. The sign said 'home cooking,' so we went in search of local cuisine. Mighty good, y'all!


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Theme: Other

Convenient to several hotels and AEX airport; always a pleasant experience!


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Theme: Breakfast
Comparison: about average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: West Calhoun Drive, Alexandria, LA 71303