Warming Up at Bistro 22
I have never been happier to arrive at a final destination than I was during my recent trip to Truro. After a brisk five minute walk on a particularly chilly day, all I could think about was being submerged in heat. Warm, cozy, welcomed heat. Since I was sans hubby this visit, a warming cuddle or hug was not to be had. I needed some heat fast!
Thankfully Bistro 22 offered just what I wanted – hot food and hot drinks in a comfy spot by the window. As soon as I arrived I was enveloped with warm smiles, a blast of heat, and was as snug as a bug in a rug.
Warm Atmosphere
The bistro was bustling with the lunchtime crowd and is clearly a favourite among locals. I can see why – they offer a fantastic array of food options, a vast list of local wines, there’s beautiful floor to ceiling windows, gorgeous art lighting the walls and an incredibly intimate setting with about ten tables.
The Cheers song, “Where everybody knows your name”, kept dancing through my mind. As customers came and went, greetings were shouted out, people stopped at tables to say a few words, and customers lingered at the check out counter chatting with the waitresses. I was both entertained and heart-warmed as I sat back and watched the interactions while waiting for my lunch.
Warm Food
After a quick glance at the menu, there was no doubt that I had to try a bowl of the haddock chowder, offered on Fridays only. It was the perfect remedy for my need for heat, and when something is offered only once a week it’s hard to resist knowing you might not have opportunity to try it again.
I’m glad I happened to stop in on the day I did, as I would have been sad to miss something so mouth-wateringly delicious. The chowder had massive chunks of haddock; it was creamy and hot, and came complete with a garnish of homemade bacon bits. Yes that’s right, bacon bits. Why doesn’t everyone do that? It made an already delicious chowder taste even more incredible, and I loved the occasional surprise of crunchy bacon a midst the velvety soup base.
The biscuit that accompanied the chowder was so good I almost called my mother to tell her she had met her biscuit-making match. I didn’t have the heart to share the news though, so I slathered the biscuit with butter and enjoyed it in silence instead.
Not aware that the chowder would be such a large and hearty portion, I had previously ordered one of the daily specials- a pizza topped with pesto, spinach, tomato, basil and goat cheese. It was the perfect portion for lunch, and came with oodles of goat cheese – my favourite. It was crunchy and flavourful and the fresh basil and tomato made me feel I was at a sidewalk cafe in Italy, miles away from the cold temperatures of Truro.
Anyone that knows me, knows I rarely say no to anything that involves chocolate. When my server Courtney stopped by my table to see if I had room for something sweet, I stopped her from reciting the list of available desserts when she reached the warm chocolate walnut brownie with vanilla bean ice cream.
Ice cream is not really something you crave on a cold winter day, but when it sits atop a warm brownie, and the ice cream is homemade, who cares right? I’d have happily eaten it with my mitts on. The brownie was perfectly chewy and the way the ice cream melted into it was dreamy. It even came topped with whipped cream and sugar crystals so it wasn’t just delicious, it was a delicious work of art. What a warm and wonderful way to end a meal!
If it weren’t for the caffeine in my tea, I might have fallen into a deep slumber right there in the corner of their bistro – my belly was so warm and full.
Warm People
Chef/Owner Dennis Pierce was kind enough to chat with me during a quick break from cooking the meals that were flying out left and right around me.
The bistro is cozy and quaint but tiny doesn’t mean it isn’t mighty. This place is a well-oiled machine. After 11 years in Winnipeg training as a Red Seal chef and perfecting his skills, Dennis returned home to NS with dreams of establishing his own restaurant. Five years later, he’s running one of the hippest spots in Truro, bringing big city fresh and inventive menu ideas to this little town of 12,000 people.
I admire that even in the dead of winter he still manages to work with approximately 80% local products, which can prove to be challenging during the winter months. Most products come from the Truro farmers’ market and he makes as much as he can in house. Thankfully this is the case, because otherwise I might not have had the luxury of trying that beautiful homemade vanilla bean ice cream!
When I had opportunity to speak with waitresses Courtney and Brittany, it was wonderful to hear that their favourite part of working with Dennis is not just tasting new menu options (although that would certainly be most people’s favourite part I’m sure) – it’s getting to know the regulars. Some folks come in at least twice a week and it’s a great feeling for them to see their customers satisfied and having a good time.
Warm Hearts
It was easy to detect said customer satisfaction at Bistro 22. Everyone came in happy, and left even happier after eating high quality food and having been treated like royalty. If I had a chef like Dennis, and waitresses like these girls in my neighbourhood, I’d happily become a regular too.