A Former Subway Becomes A European Bistro

by queenseyes

It's amazing how far a little creativity and motivation can take someone. Owner of the city's newest restaurant, Michael Pijanowski, has transformed a former Subway Restaurant into Europa Bistro. When a few of us stopped in to see the progress earlier this summer it was hard to imagine just how Michael was going to pull off this feat. Left alone to his own devices for the following two months, the process of revitalizing the interior was a daily chore. Europa Bistro opened to the public this past Monday and even though I stopped in to take a look that evening, it was not until last night that we tried the food. Actually, it is impossible to just try the food. Once you walk through the front door of this charming bistro your senses are immediately put on high alert.

Europa Bistro did not skip a beat when it came to the fine details. Every inch of the space is dripping with colorful, yet muted, splashes of light. The old-world music is just about the most engaging sound... it surrounds you always and adds to the intimate appeal of the scene. Actually, everything about Europa is intimate. The quaint, dark wood bar, the small tables, even the food is designed to entice a food lover's palate. Europa serves up a gruyere and emmenthaler cheese fondu for two that will knock your socks off. Also on the menu is Spar's white sausage with mustard, spaetzles and red apple cabbage. The rest is left for you to discover. Even the bathroom is brilliant. Michael's wife hand-painted the lighting fixtures, and the walls are a work in progress as the owners fill them in with post cards sent from all over the world. Michael is expecting his beer and wine license to come through today, which will only elevate the bistro-esque experience.

EUROPA BISTRO
464 ELMWOOD AVE.
716-884-1100