Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2012-05-03, Page 9THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 3, 2012. PAGE 9. The community is no stranger to the food of Peter and Sarah Gusso, but hopefully later this month people will have a new way to enjoy the couple’s talents. While there is no definitive grand opening date set, the Gussos’ next project, Bistro Part II, is well underway. The pair hope to have a few weeks of experience under their belts by the time the Blyth Festival opens in June. With the paper taken down from the front window of the former Tasty Treats To Go Or Stay, directly across the street from Memorial Hall, anyone walking by can now see that major changes have been made. It was around Christmas when Peter realized he had to expand the business. Things were busy at the couple’s bed and breakfast The Station House and catering orders were flying in and food was flying out and Peter knew the family had to grow along with the success of the business. “We needed to expand. We were getting a lot of calls,” Peter said. It was around that time that the property became available and the couple began discussing the idea of opening a casual fine dining restaurant in Blyth with Bev Elliott, the owner of the building. “[Bev] has been really good for us,” Peter said. “She’s really helped us out.” Peter says he and Sarah felt lucky to move into the building, saying it’s a prime spot in the village, especially when the Festival is on stage. Peter says originally the pair had wanted to open a British-style pub (they spent five years living in the United Kingdom), but when they saw the space, they knew exactly what kind of persona the restaurant would take on. Peter says the goal is to offer the community another option, not taking anything away from other local restaurants, such as The Blyth Inn, saying the food is “excellent” but that Bistro Part II will simply offer another option to residents and visitors looking for something to eat. With the renovation of several other storefronts along Blyth’s main street and a handful of other businesses in the process of opening, Peter says he’s just pleased to be a part of what’s going on in the village. “Blyth is really booming,” he said. “It’s very exciting.” The restaurant, which will seat approximately 40 people, will be ideal for theatregoers, artists and the actors who come to the village for the summer, Peter said. Over the course of redecorating for the last two months, Peter says he has worked closely with Eric Coates from the Blyth Festival in acquiring Festival posters from decades past and even unique items such as costume designers’ sketches from past Festival productions. These rare finds now adorn the walls of Bistro Part II. Peter and Sarah, both adorned in blue jeans, said that while the menu will reflect the fine dining fare Peter has become accustomed to serving, people dressed “like him” need not fear being underdressed. When he says casual fine dining, Peter says that all are welcome and he hopes Bistro Part II will become a location where people know they can come to relax, have a bite to eat, have a glass of wine (eventually, the couple is still in the process of obtaining a liquor licence that should arrive in time for the summer), and not be rushed in or rushed out. Hoping to provide a “unique” experience, Peter says his menu, while not finalized, will reflect his striving to be unique. One thing is clear, the influence this areahas had on the Gussos is evident in what they’ll be using on their menu. Spring rolls will feature sausage meat from Scrimgeour’s, while a fish and chips dish will feature trout from Hedley’s. You would be hard-pressed to find a menu item without a local connection, Peter says, calling the restaurant a real community project. “That’s the way things are going nowadays. People want to know where their food is coming from,” Peter said. “We figure that if we support the locals, they’ll support us right back.” There are still renovations to be done, Peter says, but the target for the grand opening is the Victoria Day long weekend later this month.As far as the workload isconcerned, the couple admits that it will increase when the restaurant opens, as they will continue to cater and run The Station House, but they both think they’re up to the challenge. The hope is that the restaurant will be open for lunch every day of the week, opening at 11:30 a.m. and closing after post-Festival show patrons have had a chance to finish up their nightcaps. There will be daily specials and they won’t be hard to see, with chalk boards hanging in the front window will list the specials each day. For more information on Bistro Part II, e-mail Peter and Sarah at part2bistro@hotmail.ca or call (226) 523-FOOD (3663). Bistro Part II aims for a unique experience Students work on yearbook The sequel After success with their bed and breakfast, The Station House, and a successful catering business, the Gusso family, Peter, Sarah and 10-month-old Georgia, felt it was time to expand once again and Bistro Part II is the result of that decision. The family hopes to open later this month, but still has some renovating to do. (Denny Scott photo) BLYTH PRINTING INC. BLYTH 523-9211 PRINTING IS OUR BUSINESS • Colour • Business Printing Forms • Posters • Brochures • Letterheads • Flyers • Envelopes • Carbonless • Business Forms Cards • Labels WE CAN DO IT ALL! Mother’s Day Hot and Cold Buffet with dessert bar 10 am - 2 pm Sunday, May 13th 38527 Blyth Rd., Auburn 519-526-7373 • Gas Bar • Variety New Hours starting May 13: Mon. to Sat. 6:30 am - 8 pm; Sunday 7 am - 8 pm Family Restaurant Brunch Dinner Specials Reservations Appreciated Salmon Loin or Swiss Chicken served with potato, vegetable, soup & dessert 4 pm - 7:30 pm By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Continued from page 3 writing experiences with their Grade 6/7 buddies. Everyone added a number of facts to their animal schema. The Grade 6 science students who attended Sci-tech this week brought home The Gold as they achieved stellar results at this science-based competition. Joseph Pizzati, Jordan Shortreed and Carson Richmond came in fourth overall with their mechanized zip line and Logan Chalmers, Jessie McNichol and Samantha Hubbard came in second overall with their marble drop, where points were awarded based on criteria like how many right angles and drops the marbles negotiated successfully. Selected intermediate student teams will compete on behalf of Blyth Public School this week. Look out intermediate teams, the Grade 6 science student have issued you a challenge, they want to see if you can meet them or beat them. In the Grade 7/8 class students are in high gear now that the end of the year is close. A number of students have been privileged to work on camera and photo editing skills with Denny Scott from The Citizen. Please remember to search out school photos and other memorabilia for our Celebration of Education weekend. Grade 7 and 8 students would be happy to scan and photograph them as you wait. Contact Nancy Roe if you have any questions or items to share.