We ran into Ed Vadas and Sue Burkhart on Friday night. For months, they have played a weekly gig--their act is called Ameri-MF-Cana--at the Bistro 186. Why were they busking out on the sidewalk, instead of setting up inside? "The owner always comes by early and lets us in," they explained. "He's twenty minutes late. That's not like him."Turns out the Bistro is no more. Rumor on the street? Back rent owed. Too bad...the Bistro 186 was starting to develop as a great place to catch local musicians playing early evening gigs.
That was quick...it appeared they were doing good, too.
ReplyDeleteWas the menu a factor at all? There was nothing compelling about the food selection there. You have to give people a reason to want to linger and listen to music.
ReplyDeleteI agree; they couldn't quite get their formula down. They could have offered an inexpensive meal and a drink special, like Claudio does at the Paradise City Tavern (beer and a burger, 6.95). Contrast the Bistro with Sam's--first off, Sam knows all of his customers by name. Second, you can purchase the right to hang ot at Sam's by buying a $3.50 slice of pizza. Breakfast at the Bistro was a little bit too expensive for what it is. If you're going to spend 8 bucks for breakfast, might as well go to the Green Bean. The Bistro space does not have an upscale vibe; I think the owners should have gone for higher volume/lower prices.
ReplyDeleteI think there's a real market in Northampton for an inexpensive, relaxed French cafe/bistro-inspired place, like a cheapie version of Green Street Cafe. Hearty breakfasts, steak frites, mussels, beef stew, good grilled sandwiches, onion soup -- the sort of place you can linger and watch the street action. Mix in some great music and I think you'd have a hit.
ReplyDeleteGonna miss Ed'n'Sue playing there. A lot! It was great to see such outstanding local talent so freely available... though we-their-loyal-audience fed the Tips Spittoon generously. Freely (as in no cover).... maybe that had something to do with the closure. Proprietors do not live on beer alone.
ReplyDeleteI never went there. Still I'm sad. Oh by the way, Happy Birthday.
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