Paris-Bistro, the charming little French restaurant (emphasis on the the little) will soon leave the odd location it has occupied since 2005 for the tonier digs of Park Avenue. Owner Tatiana Cerruto said she hopes to have the new space at 217 Park Ave. N. ready in October. The restaurant will be larger, but still relatively small with 50 seats.
Paris-Bistro currently resides in a ground-floor space of a two-story office building on East Aloma Avenue, very near a urologist with a very large sign. When it opened four years ago, Paris-Bistro was owned by husband and wife team Jean-Marie and Roselyne Marlot. But they stopped being husband and wife, and Roselyne eventually sold the business to Cerruto.
One of the draws of P-B, besides the deliciously authentic French cuisine, was the very reasonable cost. The restaurant is currently offering a lunch special of three courses for $10.95. Some of the prices of the entrees alone are more than that, so it’s a pretty good deal. I asked Cerruto if the high rents of Park Avenue would force higher prices. Some, she said, maybe a dollar or two, but she still planned to offer good food at a good price. Hope so. I’ll let you know when the place is ready to open.
A little farther up the avenue, at Circa 1926, comes word that James Slattery is no longer employed as the executive chef. I’ve heard reasons for the breakup, but nothing I could repeat without fear of litigation. Let’s just say it does not seem to have been an amicable split. Slattery’s sous chef, Adam Langdon, has stepped up to top chef position.
And watch for more Press 101’s to start showing up soon, including Winter Park. Not on Park Avenue, but you should see one shortly in the former Starbuck’s space in Winter Park Village. Manny Garcia is teaming up with Press founder Bill Whitaker to build the franchise. Whitaker was the developer of the Crisper’s concept.

