What is a European-style bistro?

Would that be Polish-style? Croatian-style? Portuguese? 

Perhaps it’s whatever you want it to be. Janet likes to say we are a farm-to-table, European-style bistro and taco joint. Tacos? Does that make us Sicilian?

Freestyle is the brand that seems to suit us best. But let’s go back to European-style. When Janet and I travel we find that the fare of Northern Italy best hits our sweet spot; risotto, beans, pasta, seafood. But then there’s the Coq au Vin, Chicken Mirabella and Paella. Does that make us “Continental?” What about those tacos?

Those of you that have traveled abroad have probably noticed the difference in European vs American restaurateuring. Can you put your thumb on it? Here’s what I think it is: Restaurants in the US are generally based on a “concept;” some scheme or theme that the initiator thinks will be catchy or appealing. Maybe it’s simply Italian. Or Brazilian all-you-can-eat-rain-forest-meats. Umami burgers? Supper clubs? Steakhouse, etc. 

Bethany’s Table was not conceived as a concept. Similarly, one gets a certain organic hit when they walk into a neighborhood restaurant in Verona or Bologna. There, in my experience, folks simply show up to work making good food their neighbors love.

Hospitality? (Let’s leave those cranky French out of this and focus on the Italians.) “Come in! Come in!” they’re likely to holler as you come through the door. “Oh the little one looks famished, let me get her some fruit.” This doesn’t come out of a policy or training manual. This arises out of the nature of the people. 

When recruiting new talent, I am faced with the oxymoronic challenge of finding people with good judgment who want to work in a restaurant. We want folks who speak in full sentences, and who have the sense to know when not to bother you and when to engage. Pros with pride in both the front and the back of house.

Yep. Freestyle well describes our day-to-day approach. We sell an experience and are charged with the task of stewarding the ingredients of that experience. European-style defines the context in which this occurs. “Welcome to our dining room, let’s have some great food and conversation” is the gesture we strive to greet you with. It comes naturally.