You don't need to take a trip to Paris or the Gold Coast of Chicago to find a little eating place that fits the usual definition of the word "bistro". There's one right in Egg Harbor, and it's convenient, upscale (but not particularly pricey), and it's the new kid on the block.

The Bistro at Liberty Square is now open in Egg Harbor. It's at the southern end of downtown. A few years ago this same location was home to a small diner with a 50's motif, complete with a couple of classic cars parked out front. Now, under new ownership and totally remodeled, it's an attractive, airy, and sparkling clean eating place and more. It's cosmopolitan yet very Door County at the same time. Open for all three meals all 7 days of the week, you'll be greeted by a tastefully decorated cafe with high ceilings and quality art work adorning the many walls. A saying inscribed on one of them reads "It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato".

Host Chris Anderson seats two guests at The Bistro

Ambiance is everywhere at Egg Harbor's new restaurant. There's cheerful decor and high quality music wafting through the air but not taking over. During our first visit we were treated to classic jazz of some forty years ago. Co-owner Chris Anderson was on hand to provide a smile-filled greeting on this evening, his first week or so open for business. Richard and Pam Wegner of Jacksonport are partners in the new venture.

"We're working out the bugs before the summer rush starts," Chris explained, although we sure didn't notice anything that didn't go just fine. Chris' mom Kathy Anderson is proprietor of Espresso Lane in Baileys Harbor, a coffeehouse located in a former residential structure, and he assisted her when she opened just a few short years ago, thus learning the food service business. 

It was immediately obvious that the restaurant business is in Chris' blood. "Our plan is to totally focus on the customer experience and provide first class service while delivering a high-quality product," Chris explained energetically. "We want to do everything we can to make sure our customers are well-satisfied with everything we do. I have a great new team and we're ready to go."

Chris Anderson, center, with server Liz and chef Allan MacIntyre

In the kitchen is Chef Allan MacIntyre (sometimes pinch-hitting as host), who comes to the venture with a culinary background, most recently with Stone Harbor Resort in Sturgeon Bay. Allan's menu is varied and offers choices for everything from a snack to a full course meal with exquisitely prepared entrees. There's a good selection of sandwiches for a hearty lunch or a light supper. A deli counter makes it easy to serve up meals to go. There's a patio with table seating outside that looks onto Main Street. Breakfast is served starting at 7:00 a.m.

On our first visit, I chose a hot sandwich consisting of chicken breast with mozarella on toasted panini bread. With chips and a side of pasta to share, I was all set. My partner had a Portabella mushroom sandwich with carmelized onions, mango chutney, and brie cheese on panini bread. It seemed to disappear rather quickly as well. Our server, Liz, was eager and the timing was perfect. The food quality was high and serving temperatures were right.

We were pleased to enjoy a totally smoke-free environment. Hopefully this is a new trend for Door County. Together with friendly service and good food, our experience was a recipe for a return visit. Chris explained that he plans to target both the tourist and the local market with The Bistro. 

Our return visit found my companion and I ordering a full dinner entree. We enjoyed a delicious appetizer called Artichoke and Spinach Dip on Crostini. Mettie, our very capable server, recommended the Radiatori Pasta with grilled chicken, spinach, and roasted red peppers in a light garlic parmesan cheese sauce. I decided on this and it was quite tasty. I had just the right amount left over for a lunch portion to take home. My partner had the Blackened Salmon Wrap and found it equally delicious, with a nice balance of spices in the recipe. Although the Bistro has a very excellent wine list, we had evening work to do, so we did not partake of any adult beverages. Next time!

The "Bored Room" at Liberty Square, Egg Harbor

The premises also includes a gift shop with upscale merchandise. A somewhat unique feature of the establishment is the "Bored Room", a cozy retreat just next door. For the non-shopper or companion simply tired of standing around waiting for the completion of shopping or browsing, this environment provides things to do while waiting, including beverage service and a large flat screen TV. Feel like checkers? Have at it, perhaps with a total stranger in a simiar circumstance!

Retail shops at Liberty Square, Egg Harbor

The rest of the building has been revitalized quite a bit for retail tenants of Liberty Square. There's a clothing shop, a Himilayan shop with beautiful native arts and crafts, an outdoor furniture store, a deli/wine shop, and a full service business center/pack/mail/ship store. The exterior has taken on a lot of class with just some simple changes and fresh paint. Flags and banners add to the festiveness of this prime Egg Harbor location.

We remember when (years ago, of course) Egg Harbor had little to offer in the way of variety in business establishments. It was pretty much a "drive-through" town on the way to points north. More and more, over the last few years, this sleepy village is wide awake and catering to an affluent taste. The Bistro and the Shops at Liberty Square continue to move Egg Harbor in this direction.

We say "bravo" for the Bistro.