Over the last two years Pond Restaurant in Radnor has become known as a culinary destination offering unmatched ambiance, service and cuisine that makes any occasion one to remember. With that reputation firmly in place the attention of many patrons has been drawn to Pond's sister restaurant Bistro Cassis. As we all know, there are times for fine dining and there are times for casual dining. If you are like me you don't want to sacrifice the quality of the food or the setting in order to enjoy a relaxed meal. There are very few places in the area where you can enjoy elevated cuisine at a not so elevated price. Bistro Cassis offers exactly that. Cassis occupies the eastern wing of the expansive Spanish style building that is an architectural masterpiece and home to Pond Restaurant as well. Sharing the same setting while offering an equal caliber of food at a lower price point has made Bistro Cassis a popular spot. The casual environment is perfect for enjoying live entertainment on Friday evenings, an after work cocktail with friends, lunch with colleagues, Sunday brunch or an amazing dinner on any night of the week.

Chef / Owner Dahrouch was born in Morocco and grew up in France. It was his mother who taught him the fundamentals of traditional Moroccan cooking and his father passed along the knowledge that fresh ingredients make the dish. These lessons learned at a young age are evident in every bite of Chef Dahrouch's cuisine. His formal training was in France. After immigrating to the United States in 1985, he worked in the kitchens of Washington, DC, before coming to Pennsylvania. His lovely wife Maria brings interests and experience from working in her mother's Bolivian restaurant, as well as Washington, DC, Miami and Pennsylvania to their partnership. The combination leads to an uncompromising attention to detail in all aspects of their business.

It is sometimes difficult to distinguish which is more captivating, the setting or the food. Either way the result is a dramatic yet soothing and satisfying combination of sights, smells and tastes. From your first walk across the majestic wood and iron bridge that leads to the entrance of the building. To your first glimpse of Bistro Cassis appointed in rich deep colors purposefully chosen to evoke the feeling of a Mediterranean setting. You can't help but feel a sense of calm come over you. After a cocktail and a few minutes of taking in the view of the flowing stream and gardens your attitude adjustment is usually complete.

Bistro Cassis offers a well rounded a la carte menu as well as a Prix Fix menu Tuesday through Thursday. Some stand out favorites are the 12 oz. Cowboy Steak topped with a green peppercorn sauce served with garlic fries that are piled high in a neatly organized tower. Fish lovers will enjoy several dishes on the menu including the Studded Lake Victoria Perch with thyme, zucchini and olives which proves to be a light yet satisfying dish. The accompanying lemon thyme sauce provides the perfect marriage of flavors in this dish and is yet another example of the Moroccan influences that resonate in each selection on the menu. Every dish includes fresh greens or a light sauce that you would imagine yourself enjoying on any Mediterranean get away and that is just what Bistro Cassis is. A get away for the mind and the culinary enthusiast in all of us.

175 King of Prussia Road, Radnor PA 19087, 610.293.9411

www.cassis-bistro.net