A bistro is a restaurant unlike others. The atmosphere is inviting, intimate and happy. It's a simple and modest place; a business to people where the owners and employees come to know their clients well....an unpretentious neighborhood restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and a traditional menu of home-style cooking often featuring daily specials. The clientele is made up of "habitués",
usually neighbors. The ideal bistro is chef owned and family run.

Today's bistros evolved from what were once called "bougnats"....small cafes offering their faithful customers food that warmed the heart and pleased the
palate. Bistros feature many dishes that can be prepared ahead of time and then
ladled onto a plate and served. Desserts are straight forward and simple as the rest of the menu. It is a fare that might come from the cozy kitchen of a grandmother.

Bistros originated in Paris when Russian soldiers marched on Paris after
Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815. They broke rank, rushed into the city's
cabarets in search of food and drink, and called out "Bistro, Bistro"! (Quick,
Quick!"). Many bistros began by necessity rather than by design; canteens to
serve workers, struggling artists and journalists. They dined, debated and virtually
lived in their bistros, returning night after night to familiar menus of home-style
cooking. Many confidences were shared along with the evening meal at old bistros, run by women who were known as "meres".

This bistro has been a "dream of mine", and pays homage to a career that I fell in love with, so many years ago. My happiest times and memories are cooking for
and entertaining my beautiful family and close friends.

Finally, I couldn't do this kind of work without the support, love, understanding,
and help of my husband, John, and my children, David, Leah, Jonathan, and
Alison, my Mom, Bobbi... for her never ending help and love, Millie and Al, my in- laws...with whom I shared many wonderful meals, and my brother, Gerry, for his enthusiasm, encouragement, love and support.

"Good Food, Good Wine, Family, Friends....Amen and Buon Appetito"