School may be on the horizon for some in August, but summertime still rests heavily on our minds and our city. The heat generally causes us to head indoors and opt for an iced beverage; we prefer air conditioning to the humidity of a late-summer barbecue. It was our love of all things cool and refreshing that led us to Yaya’s Euro Bistro in the Promenade.
We opted for YaYa’s relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a meal that would not only be refreshing, crisp and cool but also delectable.
The European villa-inspired space immediately put us in the mood of visitors to the wine country. The mosaic tile floors complemented the heavy-beamed ceilings; the intimate lighting, along with the large floor-to-ceiling windows, set the tone of the airy but sophisticated indoor room. But we did not choose YaYa’s simply for their indoor décor; it has one of the best patios in the city.
Patio dining in the middle of August, you ask? Yes. Outdoor dining at YaYa’s is a relaxing, cool experience. They have special fans that mist cool water over the perimeter of the patio. These misting fans create a type of invisible roof over the space, so you’re outside enjoying the day without suffering the heat. You can sit back, relax and melt into a plush chair with a white wine sangria in hand.
As we eyed the menu from the comfort of our patio seats, one dish immediately caught our eye: the roasted beet salad ($7.95). Roasted beets have never been something we’ve gravitated toward, but after this salad, we’re bona fide beet fans. The salad features baby field greens topped with fresh roasted beets and oranges, goat cheese, toasted almonds and a citrus vinaigrette. Zesty and light, this summer salad is bursting with flavor; the tangy dressing mixed with the crunchy almonds, rich cheese and beet and orange juices make it fabulous and refreshing. We recommend eating this salad (pictured at right) on YaYa’s patio with a cool beverage surrounded by close friends,but if you’re on the run, it is also a great take-out item.
YaYa’s Euro Bistro | 17711 Chenal Parkway, The Promenade, 821-1144 | YaYasAr.com