New Bess Bistro Executive Chef Roman Murphy is taking Bess in a new direction, and there’s no better way to experience his new vision than at the fall menu. In a city that has morphed into one of the nation’s hottest culinary spots, it seems fitting that Murphy is applying a fresh approach to New American cuisine, using locally sourced products and experimenting with Asian, French and Spanish elements to create sophisticated fare.
Austin’s evolving food scene translates to ultra refined palates, which is why Murphy, whoemphasizes farm-to-table cooking with a modern yet playful approach, broadened the ingredients and techniques utilized at Bess. The new menu direction means local and seasonal. In addition to utilizing offerings from area purveyors such as Broken Arrow Ranch and John Lash’s Farm to Table, Murphy has direct access to the restaurant’s Morsels Farm, a one-acre spread just outside the city.
“We started as a French-inspired bistro with a touch of New Orleans and a sprinkling of Southern influences,” says Justin Raiford, culinary director of Bess Bistro “However, it was hard to always have all those influences in every menu and for Bess to stay cohesive.”
New restaurants open every day, and Raiford felt the need to stay current with the city’s changing tastes. “Austin diners are educated. They know about food products. They expect to be impressed with details ranging from smart flavor pairings to subtle nuances,” says Raiford.
I had the chance to sample the brand new fall menu and check out the new changes at Bess – and I was impressed! The crispy artichokes were my favorite. The last time I stopped by the restaurant was to photograph their fall menu last year. The rooftop itself beautiful – best view of the city and one of my favorite hiding spots. Check out the new dishes below.
New Menu & New Chef at Sandra Bullock’s Bess Bistro
Table of Contents
Beef Tartare
Arugula, parmesan, pickled mustard seed, herb aioli, lavash
Berkshire Pork Chop
Celeriac purée, caramelized root vegetables, rosemary jus
Braised Lamb Shoulder
Fall braising greens, white beans, shallots, pappardelle, gremolata, lamb jus
Braised Short Rib
Roasted carrots, cipollini onions, beech mushrooms, red wine reduction, horseradish grits
Duck Breast
Sweet potato purée, brown butter roasted salsify, Brussels sprouts, huckleberry demi
Chocolate Hazelnut Napoleon
Chocolate puff pastry, chocolate and coffee mousse, hazelnut mascarpone ice cream
*Photography by Jody Horton
Bess Bistro
500 W. Sixth St.
Austin, TX
