Main Street Bistro toasts its 15th year

Food, naturally, is big part of celebration

By: Jake Uitti
   The Main Street Euro-American Bistro, located in the Princeton Shopping Center on North Harrison Street, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this week, which includes some giving back to the restaurant’s patrons.
   As part of the celebration, Township Mayor Phyllis Marchand will be the guest of honor for dinner tonight in the restaurant, which has also undergone some renovations.
   "A week ago Sunday, an entire new wall façade was put up, including bistro mirrors and fluted columns," said John Marshall, whose family owns and operates the restaurant, in an interview on Monday. "It was something we’ve long wanted to do."
   All patrons are invited for a birthday dessert party today and Wednesday. A complimentary birthday cake sampler plate will be offered to all lunch and dinner guests.
   The sampler plate will include Belgian chocolate truffle, hazelnut berry and lemon raspberry velvet cakes.
   "We wanted to offer something back," said Mr. Marshall. "Main Street is a family enterprise. My mother started it in 1984. I used to help out in the summers when I was in college. I joined full time in 1987."
   During the celebration, patrons who sign up at www.mainstreetprinceton.com for the monthly on-line highlights will receive a 15-percent-off gift certificate for one of the many birthday cakes from Main Street’s Eatery and Gourmet Bakery, which is located in Kingston.
   The Web site also includes access to menus, services and products.
   For patrons wishing to receive monthly previews of new menus, wine lists, seasonal and holiday specialties, they can view the site to automatically receive Main Street updates.
   "The Web site says what’s happening at each of our three locations," said Mr. Marshall.
   Over the next eight weeks, Mr. Marshall added, the restaurant will be offering stew selections from all over the globe.
   "Every two weeks a featured stew from around the world will be offered while we’re in the throes of the cold winter," he said. "For two weeks we’ll run one of four different options, coq au vin, Moroccan beef tagine, shepherd’s pie and O’Kelly’s Irish stew."
   Main Street was originally opened in 1984 by Sue Simpkins in Kingston. In 1989, Main Street expanded to include a kitchen, bakery and catering facility in Rocky Hill.
   The bistro opened in Princeton in 1992. For more information, contact Mr. Marshall at (609) 786-1004.