European Bistro Owners to Unveil New Concept!

When I first met Anna and Piroska, two stalwart Hungarian ladies who believed that Pflugerville was ready for Eastern European cuisine, it was 11 years ago. They took that passion for great food and launched the European Bistro on a side street across from a biker bar. Location? Well, in retrospect not so good. Service? Excellent when there were less than five tables: but frankly they had trouble handling a high volume of diners.

The food? I have never had a bad meal there in all that time. From the Chicken Paprika to the Weinerschnitzel and the consummate Borscht (not to mention the caramelized Cabbage and Egg noodles) the Bistro ran the gamut of eastern European delights.

So why are they closing? Well the two founders are getting up in age and would like an easier work load. But the truth of it may really be that this is simply the right restaurant in the wrong city. Cafe Mangu with their excellent Caribbean fare down the street also failed as did the once beloved Dot’s. And they were not the only ones. This city is not an easy go for more interesting and complicated fare.

But the ladies are not permanently retiring.So after Piroska returns to Budapest for some much-needed medical attention and Anna takes a breather they are going to take launch a small catering operation out of their home in N Austin. Craving the dishes that made the EB a must for many? Well, gather up to ten of your pals and Anna and Piroska will cook your group a custom dinner. I love the idea! They keep their overhead low and their cost of food and you can pick and choose from all your old favorites. I am going to be one of their first customers when they begin the operation in late Fall of this year. We’ll post all their new contact information when they’re ready to roll. In the meantime, the European Bistro will be missed.