Citron European Bistro opening in Tacoma in April

Parkland lost a European restaurant in November when Bruno’s European Cafe moved to a bigger space in Lakewood, but now it’s gaining another.

Citron European Bistro will be a French-style bistro with dishes from other European regions. The bistro plans an April opening, but a specific date has not yet been set for the restaurant at 10716 A St. S.

That’s the somewhat hidden building near the intersection of Pacific Avenue South and 108th Street South.

Or, as I like to say when giving directions: Look for Frugals, the shiny silver burger joint. Citron is just a few buildings away where the state Route 512 off-ramp turns into A Street.

Chef-owner Christophe Durliat passed his health inspection Monday, which means an opening is a matter of working out the fine details of a restaurant opening. One detail he was tracking Wednesday morning was finding his snails. “I think UPS has them,” he said, laughing, during a phone interview.

Those snails— when he can find them — will wind up on the menu along with the greatest hits of French bistro dining: beef bourguignon and coq au vin, for starters. The French native is working with a Lakewood butcher to supply rabbit, as well as frog legs, for the menu.

The restaurant also will delve into broader European territory with German and Swiss regional specialties. His plan is to pay homage to seasonal ingredients, so expect to see spring’s early bounty cycle through the menu after the opening. The wine and beer list will reflect his specialty in European cooking.

He plans to serve lunch and dinner Tuesdays-Saturdays.

This is Durliat’s first restaurant, but he has a lengthy résumé in fine dining for large corporate hotels, including stops in Guam, Korea and Malaysia for Hilton hotels and resorts. His most recent role was executive chef at the Shangri-La Hotel in Changchun, China. He also worked for downtown Tacoma French restaurant Aviateur after it opened in 2014.

“I love cooking and I just want to try this experience. Working for other people is one thing, working for yourself is another. It’s very exciting to see all the little aspects of how we build the business,” said Durliat, who was drawn to the area by his wife, who has friends in Western Washington.

Durliat is a DuPont resident and proximity was important to Durliat and his family. He and his wife didn’t want a long commute and their preference was a restaurant space on the smaller side. At 44 seats, the restaurant was a perfect fit. However, the building has room for additional seating, if needed. For now, “we will start small,” said Durliat.

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 12:29 PM with the headline "Citron European Bistro opening in Tacoma in April."