Sybaris Bistro
Their menu changes every single month, which is ambitious to say the least. But it’s the fare that Sybaris offers that’s the most impressive and unexpected. Self-described as “equal parts eclecticism, classical preparation, and innovation,” their menu delivers such delightful choices as halibut with coconut sticky rice, crispy duck leg with a Thai green curry, and grilled crawfish and turkey sausage with tasso mashed potatoes and a gumbo sauce. Yeah.
Perhaps equally as delightful is its location in downtown Albany, in an historic industrial building. Lively and spacious, the tables are set in intimate configurations with cherry wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. Walking through the front door takes you from the quaint streets of Albany into an upscale bistro worthy of downtown Manhattan.
From the menu last month: nine raw gigamoto oysters with frozen pearls of shallot-sherry vinegar, Vietnamese black pepper, and frank's red hot sauce. This, served on an ice sculpture for two. So much fun! Next: romaine salad with a beer cheese vinaigrette and bacon croutons (also for two). The main course: shell-less shellfish with miso butter, yakisoba, and winter vegetables. This plate has shrimp, scallops, mussels and lobster, sans shells, so it was delightfully easy to eat, and share.
Grey Goose martinis with our oysters, northwest red wine with dinner and rich coffee with dessert made the experience complete.
Sybaris owner and chef, Matthew Bennett, sources local ingredients from nearby farms and ranches and prepares nearly everything they serve from scratch. Because he changes the menu every month, you always know you’re getting fresh food, in season, and grown in a sustainable way. With much credit to his use of unique ingredients and exquisite combinations, Matt was recently named as a semi-finalist in the 2011 James Beard Foundation Awards in the category of Best Chef Northwest.
Co-owner Janel Bennett runs the front of the house and, with her intimate knowledge of the menu and wine list, can suggest perfect choices and pairings. She also features local art exhibits in the restaurant that change on a monthly basis.
Engaged in the community, the owners of Sybaris have organized and participated in numerous charitable projects, including the Albany Public Library, Fish house, ABC House, and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
Sybaris is also part of Albany’s Nosh Tour. Traveling on Albany's historic trolley, the Nosh Tour takes you backstage in many of Albany's home-grown restaurants; tasting food and drink samples of what makes each establishment stand out, getting to see behind the scenes, and speaking with the people who make it all happen. 2011 tickets are $45.00 each or $40 for two or more.
Try Sybaris’ fantastic recipe for Blue Cheese Shortbread here.
Sybaris
442 1st Avenue West, Albany, Oregon
541/928-8157
www.sybarisbistro.com
