878 Waterfront Bistro a Hidden Gem in Perth-Andover
This attractive and intimate little bistro is the loving creation of Chef Charles MacFarlane and Maitre D’ Shirley Hansen.
The couple had searched all over the Maritime Provinces for a spot to open their new restaurant venture. They ultimately decided to remodel an older waterfront property on Perth Main Street that possessed plenty of charm and character.
Shirley is originally from New Denmark, so it was a coming home for her. She previously spent over 20 years in the fine tea and coffee business operating a an upscale gourmet store in Fredericton called T Plus.
Charles has been in the food business all his life. He spent 14 years stationed in at least 14 countries in Africa working in research and development for International Development Research Centre (IDRC) exploring ways to facilitate greater crop production for indigenous cereal grains such as maize, millet and sorghum.
His research helped to revolutionize the sorghum industry amongst indigenous peoples.
IDRC introduced small scale mills so that local women no longer had to spend hours of every day hand grinding grains in order to feed their families.
Think about that the next time you flip the switch on your food processor or electric coffee grinder! Or, imagine doing it with a mortar and pestle, or between rocks!
Charles next went to Korea for 10 years where he worked for the Department of Education.
The couple’s first business together was a bistro in Downtown Fredericton, where Brubaker’s currently is, which they ran for 3 years.
They expended considerable time and artistic sensibility in creating the Waterfront Bistro. Shirley has a decided talent for interior decorating, as reflected by the current Halloween décor. In case you spotted the black ravens in the photos, that’s what they’re all about!
The décor is always evolving to reflect the seasons and holidays and is always attractive. The patio facing the river is a wonderful spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch when the weather permits.
The menu is always evolving as well, as Charles introduces a number of new specialties every week. You can check out their delicious and varied menu at their website at www.878waterfrontbistro.com.
The Bistro has an intimate and classy look and feel, but the food is reasonably priced and offers a lunch menu with a number of tasty sandwiches.
There is always a homemade soup of the day and salads to be enjoyed.
The current week’s menu is a celebration of Halloween that is both funny and tantalizing. Check these ghoulishly good offerings that are on the current menu!
- Vampires Demise Scallop Rice Paper Rolls with Asian Style Peanut Dipping Sauce 12.50
- Hocus-Pocus Corpse of Fillet of Salmon & Salad 12.00
- Thrillerously Killer Portobello Sea Scallop Shrimp Burger with a side 10.50
- Sedaciously Suicidal Portobello Feta Cheeseburger w/side 10.50
- Mendaciously Murderous Portobello Lamb Feta Burger Napoleon w/side 10.50
- Psychomaically Insanely Delicious Bistro’s French Club 9.50
- Otherworldly Morbid Mummified Bistro’s French BLT 8.50
- Bloodcurdling Roast Chicken Caesar Salad 12.50
The Bistro has a Five Star Rating on Trip Advisor and is now included in and recommended by the official “Where To Eat In Canada” guide.
The Bistro’s regular hours of operation are Wednesday-Sunday 9 AM-4 PM. On Fridays the Bistro is open for supper as well, serving from 9 AM-8 PM.
Parties are always welcome, and Charles and Shirley will accommodate evening reservations made ahead of time for parties of 4 or more on any night of the week.
So, if you have a hankering for a special meal for a special dinner party, or simply want to go out with a group of friends just give Charles a call to discuss your meal! 273-2878
Bon Appetit!
