The French Bistro

According to Wikepedia.................
"a bistro, sometimes spelled bistrot, is, in its original Parisian incarnation, a small restaurant serving moderately priced simple meals in a modest setting".
That sounds just like my kitchen - small, simple, modest!

There's more....................
"Bistros are defined mostly by the foods they serve. Slow-cooked foods like braised meats are typical. Bistro patrons do not necessarily expect professional service or printed menus".
Well, being vegetarian there are no meats stewing away for hours on my stove, but I can do great braised/roasted veggies, lots of pastas, and DH says I make the best slow-simmered soups!
As for service......."come and get it". We're not uppity around here! Menus? Just lift a lid or peek in the oven, you'll see the special of the day. No need to write it down!

That said, remember this fabulous large sign I spied at the Thieves Market recently? Someone even commented I should bring it home. I wanted to but waited, thought about it, measured to find a wall in the small kitchen where it would fit, struck a bargain with the dealer, and finally brought it home on Friday. Not an impulse buy, more of a "if it's still there when I go back it means I'm supposed to have it" purchase. You must know that feeling. Then there are the times you go back, it's gone and you kick yourself forever - like the Ralph Lauren suede boots on sale on the Internet last year!!

This sign may have a history. Need to chat with the dealer, perhaps discover where she found it. It appears to be really old and handmade, not a contemporary factory created item (but do tell me if you've seen similar). The boards are old and warped, the metal frame well-worn. The sign is in two sections hinged together so that it folds easily to transport. The prices are from long ago before the euro.

Perfect fit in the corner by the windows. I'm really loving it......and it's helping continue the casual French country look I want in my home.

My favorite bistro cook book......Patricia Wells' Bistro Cooking - 200 recipes inspired by the small family restaurants of France celebrate a return to generous, full-flavored cooking.