There are 2 types of excellent restaurants in Westport:
The ones everyone talks about. You know what they are.
And the ones that don’t get much buzz at all. Like Bistro du Soleil.
Tucked away in a corner of the old Saugatuck post office — on Riverside Avenue just before the train station, next to now-departed Westport Auction — the Mediterranean-with-a-French-flair spot is beloved by everyone who knows it.
But not everyone does.
Bistro du Soleil is a family affair. Owner Maria Munoz del Castillo works alongside her parents, Soledad and Bernardo. They came to the US in the 1980s.
Soledad was trained as a French chef. Bernardo — a craftsman as well as a restaurateur — lovingly made every table, the outdoor seating and handsome wooden bar. He’s also a playwright and poet.
Bernardo Munoz del Castillo (right) hand-crafted this handsome wooden bar.
Bistro du Soleil is more than a great restaurant. Since it opened 2 years ago, over 200 local and international artists have had their work highlighted on the sunflower gold walls.
Next up: Peter Saverine. A public reception to meet him, see his art, and enjoy wine and treats is set for this Sunday (August 4, 4 to 7 p.m.).
Like Bistro du Soleil, Saverine is a strong believer in giving back. He wants his art to be affordable, so he’s priced it at $20 to $450.
One of Peter Saverine’s works …
When he offered to donate a portion of his sales to a local non-profit, Soledad asked him to choose one supporting women and girls. Saverine selected Project Return, the Homes with Hope facility on North Compo Road that helps homeless young women rebuild their lives.
Like Bistro du Soleil’s owner, Saverine has an intriguing background. Professionally he’s director of philanthropy at STAR, the non-profit serving area residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
But he’s also a self-taught artist. His seascapes capture familiar scenes along Long Island Sound, Cape Cod and Nantucket. Compo Beach is a frequent inspiration.
… and another.
Saverine also authored a children’s book about a mermaid: “Jenny’s Pennies — A Nantucket Tradition.”
Great food and wine; fine (and affordable) art; a wonderful cause — it’s all there Sunday.
Whether you’re a Bistro du Soleil fan or never heard of the place, this is a wonderful reason to stop by.
I’ve dined there, and recommend it very highly.
Wonderful food, atmosphere and the owners are lovely people. They had a restaurant in Sono over 10 years ago that was an oasis on Washinnngton St. I’m so glad they came to Westport.
Thanks for the reminder- her food is terrific!
Besides excellent food one of the nicest things about Bistro is that you can actually talk with people and hear them.A small place with a wonderful atmosphere.Looking forward to showing some of my work there in November in a show called “A River Runs Through Us-A Town’sTreasure The Saugatuck “
Amen to all that. First rate fare competently served in a blessedly quiet setting.
Agree with all of the above. Have had nothing but great experiences at this restaurant!