Mount Horeb Business Network participant: Bistro 101

by George Zens

Mount Horeb is one of the more dynamic communities in Dane County when it comes to supporting local businesses and creating new initiatives to encourage people to shop locally. One of the new attractions is remodeled Hoff Mall on Main Street, and in the mall a new eatery, Bistro 101.

Bistro 101, located in the historic Hoff Mall building in downtown Mount Horeb, is the latest addition to the already impressive line-up of good eateries in this small, but very dynamic town.

Open since May 6 of this year, Bistro 101 joins several other exclusive stores in the renovated gallery mall, including Kaleidoscope, Elegant Bridal, Enhancements East and Alexa King Studios.

As chef and co-owner Lisa Boté explains, the basic idea is to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to Mount Horeb.

“On our menu we have Mediterranean olives, we have a couple of dishes from Spain, we have Italian-influenced food, we have food inspired by French cooking, as well as Greek flavors, like feta cheese and goat cheese.”

Lisa Boté, who is originally from Chicago, got her formal training at culinary school and her professional experience in catering.

While the menu is inspired by Mediterranean cuisines, the atmosphere at Bistro 101 is distinctly European. Tables and chairs in the mall lend a terrace-feel, while extensive use of wood, comfortable chairs and benches, wine racks distributed throughout the dining area, soothing background music and a fire place make for a relaxing experience. The nod to American tastes is provided by two flat-screen TVs discreetly embedded in the wood paneling. Lisa Boté insists, though, that they have absolutely no intention of turning Bistro 101 into a sports bar.

The bistro is open seven days a week at 10 a.m., with coffee drinks (they have an Italian espresso machine), breakfast panini and pastries available until 11, when they switch over to the main menu.

Based on the Mediterranean flavors, that menu includes items to share among two or three people, tapas-style,, like marinated olives, tortillas, cheese and cured meats plates, bruschettas, salmon, ribs, shrimp and beef carpaccio. Soups, salads and panini sandwiches, as well as signature desserts, complete the line-up.

It should be pointed out that all food items are made from scratch on the premises, including breads and pastries.

“The banana bread is my mother’s recipe,” says Lisa Boté, “ and it’s very popular. My mother loves to hear that.”

Sundays and Mondays Bistro 101 closes at five o’clock in the evening, so dinner is not really their focus those days, but Tuesdays and Wednesdays they are open until 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday until 11 p.m.

Besides food, Bistro 101 offers an impressive selection of wines, as well as Martinis, cocktails and local beers on tap from Capital, Lake Louis and New Glarus.

After the first month of operation, Lisa Boté is quite optimistic. Her customers come from Mount Horeb, but also from surrounding communities, and she has noticed a fair number of repeat customers. She is very serious about getting customer feedback and is quite open to suggestions for improvements.

And as the menu evolves, she is also planning to increase the number of local suppliers she gets her food ingredients from.

A special grand opening for all of Hoff Mall, with live music and other events, is planned for the weekend of June 20 to June 22.

Bistro 101
101 E. Main Street
Mount Horeb
Telephone: 437-9463
www.hoffbistro101.com