March 30th is the day of the foundation of the French "Bistro". In 1814 the Russian army entered Paris, the streets were flooded with 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.

It is entirely appropriate that the Doukhobor Village Museum should be called The Village Bistro, combining as it does, the Russian and French influence in English at the Doukhobor Discovery Center.

The latest incarnation of the Doukhobor Village Restaurant will feature a full Western menu along with Doukhobor culture specialities such as borsch, pyrahi and nalesniki.

All of this will be provided at a modest cost in the newly renovated and decorated restaurant specialty foods building.

The management and board of the Kootenay Doukhobor Historical Society feels confident that this latest addition to the Castlegar area dining scene will add a cosmopolitan flavour which will be a pleasing addition to an already varied lunch time choice.

The Village Bistro will be open from 10 AM to 4 PM, seven days per week.