A Very French Father’s Day at Bistro Red Lion by Manu
There are few things better than settling in for a long lunch with family, especially when French food is involved.
This Father’s Day, we kept things close to home with lunch at our local French bistro, Bistro Red Lion by Manu. Manu Feildel himself was at the pass, which brought on a little extra excitement around the table.
When Manu Is at the Pass
We arrived while the restaurant was still relatively quiet, which meant we caught the bistro before the Sunday crowd arrived. When we saw Manu at the pass, we knew we were in for a treat. We could see him moving between the kitchen and dining room as dishes started making their way out.
Naturally, we took the obligatory photo, because you cannot have Manu standing right there and not take one. What I loved most was watching him actually work the room and kitchen around us.
There was no big production, just Manu doing what he does while lunch quietly got underway. Then, rather wonderfully, he started serving our starters.
We began with the baguette and French butter, which has become something of a ritual whenever we visit. It sounds simple, but there is something deeply satisfying about really good warm bread with proper French butter.
Next came the chicken liver parfait with toasted brioche and pickled onion, delivering all the richness you expect from a French classic.
Then came the French onion soup, which for us is firmly in the category of dishes that simply cannot be skipped. The deeply savoury broth, toasted sourdough and bubbling Gruyère made it every bit as comforting as we remembered. YUM!
By then, everyone had settled into the afternoon, and the conversation was flowing. We caught up on the week while the kids had a play. That is when you know a long lunch is going exactly to plan.
Celebrating Three Generations
Father’s Day is always a little different when you get to celebrate it across three generations. This year, I had my own father at the table, along with my brother and my kids. Having the three generations of our family together for a long lunch made the occasion feel particularly special.
We love our food, so Father's Day was a pretty good excuse to indulge.
For the mains, we decided to share everything, which meant nobody had to commit to just one dish.
The pumpkin ravioli brought plenty of richness, followed by the spatchcock with its generous sauce. Then came the pork for two, which quickly became the centrepiece of our increasingly busy table.
Sharing food seemed particularly fitting for the occasion. Plates moved around the table, everyone tried a little of everything and the conversation continued between mouthfuls.
Then the kids presented me with my Father's Day drink. A Provence rosé. I have to admit, they made an excellent choice.
A French lunch, a bottle of Provence rosé and three generations of our family around the table felt pretty hard to beat.
Always Room for Dessert
As usual, we had over-ordered. It seems to happen when we want to try everything off the menu. By the time the mains had been cleared, the table was already looking rather well fed.
We had worked our way through the bread and butter, parfait, French onion soup, pumpkin ravioli, spatchcock and pork for two plus more. Surely that was enough, but apparently not. Dessert was still very much on the agenda.
We ordered the verrine of lemon meringue tart, dark chocolate mousse and baba au rum. Three very different desserts, which made sharing between the table the obvious choice.
The lemon meringue tart brought a bright, citrusy finish, while the dark chocolate mousse was richer and more indulgent. Then there was the baba au rum, soaking up all that beautiful rum syrup and giving us a very French way to finish.
It was a fitting finish to a Father’s Day lunch that had stretched into several very enjoyable hours around the table.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re planning a long Sunday lunch, celebrating a special occasion or simply craving classic French bistro cooking, Bistro Red Lion by Manu makes an easy choice.
The relaxed Rozelle setting works beautifully for family lunches, while the menu gives you plenty to share across the table.
If Manu is at the pass, consider yourself lucky and definitely take the obligatory photo.
Bistro Red Lion by Manu
📍 Red Lion Hotel, 726 Darling Street, Rozelle NSW
Our highlights
- French onion soup
- Chicken liver parfait
- Baguette with French butter
Wine
- Maison Saint Aix Provence Rosé
🍷 The Wined Up Tip
Come hungry and give yourself plenty of time. This is a restaurant best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, with dishes shared generously across the table.
