Venturing beyond the familiar downtown Grand Rapids dining scene often leads to unexpected culinary gems. For those of us accustomed to the vibrant restaurants closer to the city center or the charming eateries of East Grand Rapids, 28th Street might not be the first place that springs to mind for a delightful dining experience. Often characterized by sprawling parking lots and ubiquitous strip malls, this suburban artery can feel somewhat removed from the unique character of Grand Rapids’ core. However, nestled towards the eastern end of 28th Street SE, where the bustle begins to soften before Cascade Avenue, lies Euro Bistro, a European-inspired restaurant that proves to be a worthwhile detour, even for those unfamiliar with this part of town.
Euro Bistro occupies the same location that once housed Tuscan Express, a beloved spot by Chef Dan Chudick. While Tuscan Express was known for its comforting Italian dishes and arguably the best tiramisu in Michigan, Euro Bistro steps in with a focus on classic French bistro cuisine, reminiscent of Escoffier’s timeless culinary traditions. Stepping inside, the ambiance retains a sense of comfortable familiarity from its Tuscan Express days, a simplicity that perfectly suits Euro Bistro’s understated elegance. The décor is unfussy, allowing the focus to remain squarely on the food and the overall dining experience. The welcoming open kitchen and L-shaped bar still greet guests as they enter the lounge area, setting a relaxed and inviting tone. On a recent Friday evening, we observed sous chef Miguel Castillo expertly managing the kitchen, while owner and executive chef Akram Karadsheh warmly greeted guests in the dining room, indicating a hands-on approach to hospitality.
A Culinary Journey to France: Exploring the Euro Bistro Menu
Euro Bistro’s menu is a loving homage to the comforting and flavorful dishes of a classic French bistro. From the quintessential escargot to the hearty coq au vin, the offerings are designed to transport diners to a cozy Parisian eatery. Our exploration of the menu began, as any good French meal should, with Escargot ($8). Served sizzling in a ceramic dish, the snails were bathed in a generous and fragrant bath of garlic, shallots, and herbs. The aroma alone was enough to whet the appetite, and the taste lived up to the anticipation. Each bite was rich and savory, with a delightful garlic punch that would undoubtedly earn the approval of any discerning palate.
Next, we sampled the House Made Charcuterie ($10), a visually appealing and generously portioned platter. A rectangular board arrived laden with a delightful assortment of textures and flavors: salami, smooth chicken liver pâté, delicate prosciutto, tangy pickled onions, crisp cornichons, roasted red peppers, and grainy mustard. Among the selection, the pâté stood out for its remarkably pure flavor and luxuriously rich texture, a testament to quality ingredients and skillful preparation.
The Lardon Salad ($7) offered a refreshing counterpoint to the richer appetizers. Organic greens, crisp croutons, and a light house vinaigrette formed the base of this simple yet elegant salad. The crowning glory was a perfectly poached egg, placed atop the greens like a delicate dome, reminiscent of the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica overlooking Paris. The yolk, when broken, added a creamy richness that tied the salad together beautifully.
For a vegetarian option, the Herb Crusted Eggplant ($12) proved to be a standout dish. Served on a flavorful sundried tomato and shiitake mushroom sauce and finished with thin shavings of Parmesan cheese, the eggplant was cooked to perfection. The interior was meltingly tender, while the herb-crusted skin provided a delightful textural contrast and a burst of aromatic flavor. The savory sauce complemented the eggplant beautifully, creating a well-balanced and satisfying dish.
When it came to entrées, the choice was between two French classics: Coq au Vin and Beef Bourguignon. Ultimately, the Beef Bourguignon ($16) won out, and it was an excellent decision. This dish, rooted in peasant cuisine but elevated to haute cuisine status, was a true testament to French culinary tradition. Tender beef, slow-simmered in red wine (traditionally Burgundy Pinot Noir) and a rich roux, was further enhanced by the addition of pearl onions, mushrooms, bacon, and peas. Euro Bistro served their Bourguignon with fettuccine, transforming it into a comforting and hearty winter dish that was deeply satisfying.
Despite being informed that desserts were pre-packaged from a national distributor, we decided to try the Tiramisu ($7). While pre-made, it was surprisingly delicious. The ladyfingers were perfectly soaked, the mascarpone was creamy and light, and the dusting of chocolate powder added a final touch of sweetness. It was a satisfying end to the meal, proving that even pre-made desserts can be enjoyable when well-chosen.
Service with Room to Grow
While the food at Euro Bistro was consistently impressive, the service during our visit was a notable area for potential improvement. Our server, while undeniably pleasant and polite, lacked a fundamental knowledge of the menu. Basic questions about cheese selections on the French cheese plate, charcuterie components, oyster varieties, and wine characteristics were met with uncertainty and frequent trips back to the kitchen for answers. While a server may not know every single detail, a basic understanding of core menu items is essential for providing a seamless and informed dining experience. As my companion aptly noted, our server undoubtedly gained a significant amount of menu knowledge throughout the evening.
Final Verdict: Is Euro Bistro Worth the Trip?
Despite the service shortcomings, the quality of the food at Euro Bistro shines brightly. Each dish we sampled was expertly prepared, beautifully presented, and, most importantly, delicious. From the classic escargot to the comforting beef bourguignon, Euro Bistro delivers a genuine taste of French bistro cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The prices are also remarkably reasonable, making it an accessible option for a quality dining experience. With some focused attention on server training, Euro Bistro has the potential to elevate the entire dining experience to match the high caliber of its cuisine. For those in the Cascade Township area, or anyone willing to venture slightly off the beaten path in Grand Rapids, Euro Bistro is definitely worth a visit for a taste of France that’s closer than you think.
Visit eurobistrogr.com for menus and reservations.
