Dynamic husband and wife duo, Eric & Lindsey Fillion, purchased Heat Bar & Kitchen in Hillcrest from Sam Khorish and Pascal Courtin earlier this year. They kept the place pretty much as was, retained the same staff and only closed for two days before reopening as the rebranded Pardon My French Bar & Kitchen. The restaurant has since settled into its own, updated with a French-inspired bistro menu from Executive Chef Dariusz Szelag, an incredible wine list, top notch spirits and a most-welcoming ambiance. We recently sat down for a multi-course meal, which turned out to be a heart & belly-warming dining experience.
Eric Fillion's career as a professional ballroom dancer brought him all over the world where he had the opportunity to enjoy some of the finer things in life. Among his treasured travel memories, he remembered most fondly his times in France and all the magnificent food, wine and spirits available in the truly epicurean country. Eric and Lindsey's most recent endeavor was the popular Pardon My French Art gatherings that united art collectors and aficionados to various hotspots in town where carefully selected art pieces were enjoyed while networking with like-minded folks. So, when he and his wife Lindsey had the opportunity to establish a French-inspired restaurant, they seized it.
"Every day, no matter what time I'm coming into the restaurant, as soon as I walk in, I smile," explained Eric when discussing this newest endeavor.
Pardon My French Bar & Kitchen takes on where Heat Bar & Kitchen left off, with the new owners maintaining certain aspects of Heat - the casual ambiance, hearty plates and a bottomless mimosa Sunday brunch - but adding a French-Californian flare. Pardon My French has kept some of Heat's most beloved menu items while expanding on its offerings.
We recently visited PMF for a multi-course tasting of some of their new menu items paired with selections from their expertly-curated wine list. The dinner began with an amuse bouche - a refreshing cucumber granita with lime & mint foam.
The first course was a creamy and delicious heirloom tomato salad with balsamic caviar, burrata cheese and fresh basil.
Pardon My French Bar & Kitchen takes on where Heat Bar & Kitchen left off, with the new owners maintaining certain aspects of Heat - the casual ambiance, hearty plates and a bottomless mimosa Sunday brunch - but adding a French-Californian flare. Pardon My French has kept some of Heat's most beloved menu items while expanding on its offerings.
Pardon My French also has a large, dog friendly, outdoor space, kept warm with a fireplace and heat lamps, making it an ideal destination for the popular Sunday Brunch, which comes complete with bottomless lavender mimosas.
