Venturing beyond the familiar dining scenes of downtown and East Grand Rapids in Michigan, you might discover a hidden gem that transports you straight to a cozy European bistro. Located in Cascade Township, Euro Bistro Grand Rapids Mi offers a refreshing culinary escape from the usual suburban sprawl. For those seeking an authentic taste of French bistro cuisine without the pretense, Euro Bistro at 6450 28th St. SE is a destination worth exploring.
Tucked away near the quieter end of 28th Street SE, just before Cascade Avenue, Euro Bistro occupies a space with a flavorful history. This location was once home to Tuscan Express, a beloved Italian eatery helmed by Chef Dan Chudick, known for its comforting home-style Italian dishes and arguably the best tiramisu in Michigan. Now, Euro Bistro carries on the tradition of satisfying local palates, this time with a focus on classic French bistro fare, reminiscent of the timeless cuisine popularized by Auguste Escoffier.
Stepping inside Euro Bistro, you’ll find a familiar setting that has gracefully transitioned from its Tuscan roots. The ambiance is unpretentious and inviting, embracing a “less is more” philosophy. The decor is simple yet effective, creating a comfortable and relaxed dining atmosphere. The layout remains largely unchanged, with an open kitchen and an L-shaped bar greeting guests as they enter the lounge area. During a Friday evening visit, the culinary team was observed in action, with sous chef Miguel Castillo diligently working the kitchen line, while owner and executive chef, Akram Karadsheh, warmly welcomed guests in the dining area.
The evening began with a slight hiccup in service. While the server was undeniably friendly and well-mannered, her familiarity with the Euro Bistro menu was noticeably lacking. Basic inquiries about menu staples, such as the cheeses on the French cheese plate, the charcuterie selections, oyster varieties, or featured wines, were met with uncertainty, requiring frequent trips back to the kitchen for answers. While such instances can be easily addressed with improved staff training, the quality of the cuisine quickly overshadowed the initial service stumbles.
Fortunately, any initial reservations were swiftly dispelled as the kitchen delivered a truly commendable dining experience. Each dish was not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The culinary offerings at Euro Bistro proved to be the highlight of the evening, showcasing the bistro’s commitment to authentic and well-executed French classics.
The culinary journey commenced with the Sautéed Escargot ($8), a quintessential bistro starter. Served sizzling in a ceramic dish, the escargot were bathed in a fragrant blend of garlic, shallots, and herbs. The generous use of garlic would surely earn approval from even the most discerning palates. Each bite was savored, setting a high bar for the courses to follow.
Following the escargot, the House Made Charcuterie ($10) arrived, a visually enticing and flavorful platter. A rectangular board was generously laden with an assortment of salami, smooth chicken liver pâté, savory prosciutto, tangy pickled onions, crisp cornichons, roasted red peppers, and grainy mustard. Among the selections, the chicken liver pâté stood out for its delicate flavor and rich, velvety texture.
In contrast to the richness of the charcuterie, the Lardon Salad ($7) offered a refreshing and balanced interlude. Organic greens were tossed with crispy croutons and a light, flavorful house vinaigrette. Adding a touch of elegance, a perfectly poached egg crowned the salad, reminiscent of the iconic dome of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica overlooking Paris.
For a vegetarian option, the Herb Crusted Eggplant ($12) proved to be a delightful surprise. The eggplant, tender and flavorful, was served on a bed of savory sundried tomato and shiitake mushroom sauce and finished with delicate shavings of Parmesan cheese. The crispy herb crust provided a pleasant textural contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth eggplant.
For the main course, the Beef Bourguignon ($16) was chosen over the Coq au Vin, guided by the server’s confident recommendation regarding the entrée selections. Beef Bourguignon, a classic French dish with humble origins as peasant food, has been elevated to haute cuisine status. Euro Bistro’s rendition featured beef simmered in wine, traditionally Burgundy Pinot Noir, with a rich roux, and enhanced with pearl onions, mushrooms, bacon, and peas. The hearty stew was served alongside fettuccine, making it a perfect comforting dish for a winter evening.
Despite initial hesitations about dessert, the Tiramisu ($7) was sampled and deemed a worthwhile indulgence. While acknowledged as pre-packaged, the tiramisu, with its coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and dusting of chocolate powder, was undeniably enjoyable and fell into the category of well-executed pre-made desserts.
While the server’s menu knowledge could benefit from further training, the overall dining experience at Euro Bistro Grand Rapids MI was overwhelmingly positive, primarily due to the exceptional quality of the food. Euro Bistro offers a genuine taste of French bistro cuisine in Cascade Township, making it a restaurant well worth revisiting for those in search of comforting and classic European flavors.
