Walk in to Neighborhood Bistro and an inviting ambiance of warm colors and smiling faces promises a pleasing experience. One bite of any one of the 13 fresh made to order, chef creation sandwiches and planning the next visit will be part of the table talk. Located at 905 E. Brandon Blvd., it truly is family owned, from owner mom, Beth Allen, to son-in-law and Head Chef Michael Walker and granddaughter and greeter, Zaida Walker. Neighborhood Bistro brings a family’s heart and dedication to its meal preparation and customer service.
The 1,750-sq.-ft. location opened in late March and sits within the plaza next to Nativity Catholic Church. It stands apart from the other businesses with its creamy, ivory brick façade and bright green lettering. It took four and a half months for the idea to become a reality and now the entire family has taken on the goal to ensure Neighborhood Bistro has a longstanding presence within its community.
Front House Manager and owner Allen’s daughter, Cheya Thompson, said, “We are all local from the surrounding neighborhoods and have been for a long time.” It is that first hand experience with the area that inspired the family to open Neighborhood Bistro, a restaurant concept they felt was missing in the area.
All produce is purchased locally and the meats cooked fresh, in house daily. The mastermind of such delectable menu creations as, Muffaletta with ham, salami, Italian mortadella, Swiss cheese, tomato and olive tappenade’ grilled on tomato focaccia is owner and Head Chef Walker. With two years as lead culinary support for Crown Plaza and five years at Hard Rock, Walker poured into these menu creations with the dedication of a seasoned chef, family man and an appreciator of great taste.
Osprey Observer’s Small Business Manager Nan Hager ventured to Neighborhood Bistro for lunch to know first hand what everyone has been buzzing about. She ordered the Not Your Average Steak sandwich. Her side dish was a 2 oz. cabbage salad topped with the bistro’s very own blood orange vinaigrette. “It is awesome. I love the dressing on the salad, the iced tea is perfect and I’m very picky about my iced tea. I just couldn’t have had a better lunch.”
Neighborhood Bistro’s emblem is the family tree symbol, a tribute to the foundation of their business. When stopping in, don’t forget to look out for the lucky elephant with its trunk pointed up. It is open Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
For more information, call 315-3-9852.
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