Traditions aren’t so traditional anymore.

It’s a time-honored and loved custom in France for families, friends and neighbors to gather just before Christmas for an evening of great seasonal food and fine, hearty wine. It’s a tradition the new Bistro 555 in West Houston doesn’t want to let go of, but in these pandemic times, the intimacy among people must be put on hold. What doesn’t need to be sacrificed, however, is the great seasonal food and fine, hearty wine.

It’s those aspects of tradition Bistro 555 owner Genevieve Guy will be focusing on when she joins Houston’s French Country Wines for a special wines of Bordeaux evening just ten days before Christmas. The Bistro is offering the option of joining a small and socially-distanced gathering at the restaurant or a take-home option with all the wines included.

Beginning at 7 p.m., the Bistro will present a five-course dinner, each with a paired wine from French Country Wines, the unique wine importer that works with small, family-owned vineyards to bring Houstonians wines unavailable outside of France.

Seating is very limited in regard to COVID safety recommendations so reservations are required and regular service will be suspended. Cost for the dinner is $139 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For dine-in reservations, a non-refundable $40 deposit via PayPal is required.

For take-home orders, which come with the wines, reservations for the dinner should be made no later than Monday, Dec. 14, and picked up before 5 p.m. Dec. 15. Time arrangements can be made when ordering. Note, the number of take-home dinners is limited, so the sooner orders are placed helps assure availability. Take-home orders must be paid for upon ordering.

Bistro 555, 13616 Memorial Drive, is a new restaurant that replaced Bistro Provence in September. Its name refers to its unique, three-course menu offered at lunch and dinner which offers five choices per course. It is open for both lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and for dinner on Saturday. It is closed Sundays. For reservations, call 713-827-8008, email [email protected] or go to the web site www.bistro-555.com.

Amuse bouche

Domaine de l’Aubier- Sauvignon Blanc 2019

First Course

Salade hivernale

Greens, chestnuts, bacon, hard boiled egg and walnut vinaigrette

Château St Saturnin 2009

Second Course

Paté de porc et canard aux noisettes

Homemade pork, duck and hazelnut paté

Château St Saturnin 1989

Third Course 

Filet de boeuf, sauce foie gras

Angus beef filet, foie gras sauce

Château St Saturnin 1986

Dessert 

Bûche de Noël

Christmas log

Château de Loupiac 2016

$139 per person, plus tax and gratuity

Dine in or take home options

For information or reservations, call 713-827-8008 or email [email protected]