Anyone who has passed Bistro 7 on Second Street has no doubt said “Oh that looks cute. We should go there soon.”  But most often than not, that thought comes and goes and we move on. The spring green door and simple, modern logo and white exterior make Bistro stand out on a street of old shops and cafes. Inside are a dozen or so tables in the narrow space. The open kitchen in the back is almost part of the dining room, so diners can smell the dishes they should have ordered and watch both chefs carefully plating each hors d'oeuvres.

All the food that chef and owner Michael H. O’Halloran makes is made using all local and sustainable ingredients. And even though Bistro 7 is a BYOB, they carry wine in the back for those who just want a glass of two. Most diners here bring their own bottles, however, and sit in twos or fours. The atmosphere in the dining room is older, as most guests are parents or grandparents, out for a mature meal, leaving the trendier and more well known restaurants for the younger generation.

The waiter pours the house pinot gris (Clu Du Bois); there is no wine sampling, he just fills the glass and brings out some warm homemade bread made with fennel, which is just fine with me; tasting wine always made me feel weird anyway as I have no idea what I’m doing. The waiter gave us enough space to contemplate all the dishes helped us choose an amazing plate: lentils topped with a poached egg, which had the slight taste of chive and coconut oil (O’Halioran confirmed later he did use both in the dish).

Truthfully, writing any sort of review of Bistro 7 will be very hard, as there is nothing of note to build around. Overall the food was good and the décor aesthetically pleasing, but in a city of Jose Garces, Stephen Starr and Steven Cameron kitchens, you really can’t afford to be just copasetic. Bistro 7 is a good place for older couples in the area that want a night out with friends, but if you are looking for outstanding food, a fun atmosphere and interesting décor, go elsewhere.