While the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society is the actual operator, the day-to-day operations are handled by Marlene (Soukoreff) Larsen, well-known in the area for her expertise in food preparation and serving experience.

The restaurant seats 50 with room on the patio for more. The Bistro specializes in famous Doukhobor vegetarian specialities such as borsch, vareniki, nalesniki and pyrahi. - all prepared in the Doukhobor tradition. By popular request, you can now download a Borsch recipe here! A western cuisine menu is also available.

Interestingly, even the name has a historic connotation. The menu itself boasts, "March 30th is the day of the foundation of the French "Bistro". In 1814 the Russian army entered Paris, the streets were flooded with the Russian soldiers and officers. Just then the "bistro" originated from the Russian word "bystro" (which means "quickly") which the Russian Cossacks used to hasten the owners of the taverns. That is how the term "bistro" for the cafe originated in 1814".

The Village Bistro will be open seven days per week during the open season, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Take-out orders are available, as are bookings for catering and events.

Your host Marlene