ONE OF BELLINGHAM’S well known entrepreneurial teams has brought another destination restaurant to the proverbial table. Estelle is a new French-inspired bistro that opened in Fairhaven in late October of 2022.
Chefs James Zamory, Aaron Saurer, and Sean McDermott have been making culinary moves in Bellingham since 2020. After being scouted in New York City by investor Skip Williamson, they brought their culinary concept Carnal to Bellingham and hit the ground running with their live-fire cooking and focus on savory, full bodied flavors.
The same team opened Accomplice in 2021, a burger focused comrade to Carnal. Right next door to their other place, the burger, fried chicken, and sandwich shop highlights their ability to modernize and elevate American comfort cuisine.
Photograph Courtesy of Estelle
Now, these movers and shakers have opened up a third venture a little farther away, although not by much. Estelle opened up in the space left behind by Swim Club Wet Bar, and has transformed the interior into a stylish ‘50s-inspired bistro. The rich browns, white marble, and warm globe lights are now open seven days a week to invite you in.
The chefs are putting their past experience in high-end NYC kitchens to work here, having developed a French-American menu that aims for impressive dishes that can still be approachable for diners. For example, the Ham and Gruyere Sandwich ($16) features mustard seed mayo and pickled cucumbers, and the New York Strip Steak Frites ($33) is served with a brandy peppercorn sauce and fries tossed in duck fat, parsley, and lemon.
Estelle also presents a hardy selection of wines and craft cocktails, and even offers French press coffee that would be delicious with their Bay Leaf Creme Brulee ($10). All-in-all, this new bistro from a proven team promises delicious food and a chic place for drinks and dates. 1147 11th St., Bellingham, 360.656.5045 bistroestelle.com
