REVIEW: Abby Singer's Bistro at Robinson FIlm Center

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With a Song in my Heart: Abby Singer’s Hits All the Right Notes
(★★★★★)

I recently visited Abby Singer’s Bistro, at Robinson Film Center (for the first time, as my guest chose it), to take lunch with a certain Shreveport Singer-of-the-Year. Pulling up to the venue, there was a parking spot, right at the front door. They have an elevator. As a disabled person, those were two amenities I found inviting. The environment was upscale-casual, and was outfitted in every way apropos of a Bistro of a certain reputation.  My first visit was already off to a great start.

My Host/Server, Cathy, was more than accommodating of my mobility scooter, table placement, and offered a welcome that is all the very best of Shreveport, in one petite body.  Business was brisk, and a wonderful assortment of people, and a waitstaff which made me comment aloud that they all looked like supermodels. The linen napkins were a pleasant accoutrement, that gave me confidence in what turned out to be a magnificent experience overall. I found myself longing to dine on the balcony.

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SHRIMP & GRITS
Pan-seared shrimp in their house seafood cream sauce served over creamy cheese grits.

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​My guest arrived, we ordered beverages, and in no time, Cathy returned with them. She didn’t harass us about ordering right away, as we were meeting each other for only the second time, and were getting acquainted. Good thing, too! As we chatted, one of her local friends (a certain musician) appeared, which I hadn’t expected at all. We invited him to crash, ordered a beverage for him, and set about examining the menu.

Her friend chose the ROYALE WITH CHEESE burger ($10): A, cinematic-homage--- generous, juicy beef patty with lettuce, tomato and red onion. He also selected a SPINACH SALAD ( $6 half / $9 whole): Baby spinach with goat cheese, fresh strawberries and roasted walnuts, served with balsamic or pomegranate vinaigrette, to start. The very first thing I noticed was the freshness of the salad. “Just plucked”, would not be an unfair impression. Freshness and color flew from the plate before he even took a bite. On looks alone, I pondered ordering one as well.

My guest chose the, legendary, SHRIMP & GRITS ($14): Ample pan-seared shrimp in their house seafood cream sauce served over creamy cheese grits. I quickly learned that, not only had my companion never had this dish in her several visits there--- I learned that she is considered a “Shrimp and Grits” specialist in her own right, but was, from bite one, blown away by the taste, texture, presentation, and a detectable amount of “cooking from the heart” that she experienced as she smiled. Everyone was in their own contentment, as presentation, flavors, and service satisfied every hope. 

​ROYALE WITH CHEESE burger ($10): A, cinematic-homage--- generous, juicy beef patty with lettuce, tomato and red onion

SPINACH SALAD ( $6 half / $9 whole): Baby spinach with goat cheese, fresh strawberries and roasted walnuts, served with balsamic or pomegranate vinaigrette

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​I ordered the TUNA TOWER ($14): Pan-seared tuna on a bed of spring mix, avocado, red bell pepper and sesame seeds, tossed in their house oriental dressing to start. Executive Chef, Tootie Morrison, happened to deliver the dish to my table. It was a beautiful plate, indeed on an appealing vertical, and was exciting to see. Her take on a, deconstructed, Tuna Tataki, with atypical vegetables was a delight. 

I also had the DUCK NACHOS ($14) as my second. This was an innovative dish--- with its Adobo- and Chipotle-braised duck, served over crispy house-made tortilla triangles, and finished with a perfect amount of cilantro to balance the savory depth of the dish, goat cheese to further expand the intricacy of the flavor profile, served with sour cream. I marveled at how Chef took care to serve her duck with no pools of fat, for which duck is so notorious.

The menu is truly a mélange with something for everyone. From vegetarian, seafood, and poultry options, such as Chicken and Waffles, and much more. The menu is artful, but not “fussy”. Something for everyone. I had enough left for a filling midnight snack. Lunch for three, with soft drinks, top-shelf beverages, and gratuity was $133.24. I’d return for lunch or dinner, any time.

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TUNA TOWER ($14): Pan-seared tuna on a bed of spring mix, avocado, red bell pepper and sesame seeds, tossed in their house oriental dressing

DUCK NACHOS ($14) Adobo- and Chipotle-braised duck, served over crispy house-made tortilla triangles

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Chef Tootie Morrison, Executive Chef/Food and Beverage Director, Robinson FIlm Center

​Chef Tootie commands a tight, high-quality, artistic kitchen. Her finessed mastery of flavors surely qualifies her win of last year’s Louisiana Food Festival. A graduate of the Culinary Arts program of Bossier-Parrish Community College, hers is a talent which rivals any one of the James Beard Chefs of my acquaintance. I think I’d love to experience her fine-dining offerings, as her touch is hearty, genteel, nuanced, supple, and well-trained. Her hand is neither too heavy, nor too light. 

I didn’t know what to expect, but her bistro met my every need. There is much to know about this complex, gifted, homespun, award-winning Chef. I hope to profile her in future. Special hat-tip of appreciation to RFC Dir. of Operations, Mike Woodfork, for his kind assistance.

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If You Go:

Abby Singer's Bistro (★★★★★)
617 Texas Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 459-4125 
 
Lunch: 11-2:30 Tues-Fri
Dinner: 5-9 Tues-Thurs, 5-10 Fri-Sat
Bar: Opens at 4 Tues-Fri, 4:30 Sat
Metered/Lot parking available.