BISTRO 7 CARVES ITS NICHE WITH SOPHISTICATED CUISINE AND SPECIAL TOUCHES IN A SLEEK NEW SETTING

Bistro 7 has recently undergone a tremendous renovation reaching far beyond the décor. Carving its niche with a powerhouse team of culinary prowess, a certified mixologist, an innovative happy hour, plus new catering services, the recent Bistro 7 (B7) overhaul has brought new life to the South Reno gastronomic scene.

The Cuisine

Chef Michael Vingiello partnered with Jennifer Bushman to create a tantalizing array of Bistro and catering menu items. Bushman, founder of the Nothing To It! Culinary Center in Reno, began fine-tuning her cooking talents at a young age, and has been featured for them on such national television shows as the Today Show and Life & Style.

After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in New York City, Vingiello was mentored for years by renowned Executive Chef Mark Estee of Moody's Bistro & Lounge, then spent time running his own kitchen at Lexie's in the Siena Hotel Spa Casino before joining the B7 team.

Centered on its flavor-inducing wood oven grill, Bistro 7's new fare features delicacies like Brined Fulton Valley Farms Organic Chicken, Grilled Flatbreads with Ricotta Cheese and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Hardwood Fired B7 Rib Eye, Wood Fired Jumbo Shrimp, Prime Rib Fire Roasted on the Bone and an Apple Pear Galette with Apple Thyme Glaze. B7 also partners with local proprietors and food producers to serve guests only the finest quality ingredients, while helping the community thrive.

The Cocktails

Featuring a "Reverse Happy Hour", Bistro 7 caters to late-night industry employees and bar goers with drink specials from 8:30 p.m. until closing Monday through Thursday. For those preferring earlier libations, another Happy Hour runs daily between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. At Bistro 7, it would almost be simpler to list when it isn't Happy Hour.

The Wide Array

All appetites are catered to at B7. Families are the focus each Sunday when affordable, family-style shareable portions are offered. If lighter appetites need whetting, a small-plate bar menu is also available. When sit-down dining is not an option, box lunches can be ordered on the website and picked up to go.

Even wine connoisseurs will appreciate the extensive, diverse wine list, presenting numerous selections from the Napa Valley plus hard to find wines from around the globe.

The Space

Sleek, modern sophistication graces the interior throughout. A high, exposed ceiling showcases the striking décor, with warm chocolate and taupe tones meeting matte silver, and industrial elements meshing with cutting-edge simplicity.

Bistro 7 is ideal for special occasions or meetings. Smaller gatherings may take place at the secluded Chef's Table, adjacent to the wood fire oven. Groups of approximately 60 or less may utilize the year-round private event space, with a captivating fire and water sculpture as centerpiece.

The Extras

While special touches abound throughout B7, their presentation of recipe cards to diners smitten with a particular dish or cocktail is a distinctive feature. "We have no secret sauces." Proclaims owner Dave Bogart.

On weekends, dinner guests and music lovers can meander into the bar, which will be kept bustling until the wee hours with live entertainment.

As well, Bistro 7 now offers catering for events of any size, featuring a menu painstakingly created by Bushman and Vingiello. The restaurant is now open for lunch as well offering great sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and tasty nibbles as well as daily specials.

The Info

Located at 7111 South Virginia Street in Reno, Bistro 7 is open Monday through Saturday. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner hours are Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. A bar menu is served weekdays from 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, please visit www.B7reno.com or call 775-851-WINE (9463).