Marylou Bacik was just getting back into the swing of things when I stopped in for lunch on a recent weekday. It was just after the holidays, and many of the corporate workers who make up the bulk of Bistro at Freedom Square’s clientele had not yet returned to work.
Bacik has owned and operated this little breakfast and lunch spot since the late 1990s, when she purchased it from the original owner. Though her rental agreement prohibits her from using exterior signs, her regular customers know just where to find her (see below).
Bacik started in the business of food more than 20 years ago, when she and a friend decided to capitalize on their fondness for cooking and start a catering company out of Bacik’s home. She has gone through a couple of partners since then, but catering still accounts the majority of her business. She now uses the kitchen at Bistro at Freedom Square for both ends of her business. In contrast to her catering, she says that the fare offered at the restaurant is much simpler.
On offer are a variety of basic sandwiches, salads, and snacks, as well as a daily special and soup. Prices are comparable with fast food outlets and, if you work at Freedom Square, the restaurant is only a short elevator ride or walk across the parking lot away — no car required.
Sandwiches include BLTs ($3.85), subs ($4.75), hot dogs ($3), and a club sandwich ($5.25), among others. Chicken, egg, and tuna salads are house-made. I tried the latter in a buttery tuna melt on rye ($4.75). The generous portion of tuna salad was flecked with crunchy celery slices and was topped with American cheese. A cup of mildly spicy vegetable soup ($2.25) and a big, soft, vanilla-scented oatmeal cookie with raisins (65 cents) rounded out my meal.
Lighter fare includes a chef salad with turkey, ham, and cheese (4.95), served with a roll, and daily specials such as stuffed tomatoes and a turkey, dried cranberry, and caramelized nut salad.
Swing by even earlier for a quick breakfast. Simple fare such as bagels with cream cheese ($1.50), fresh fruit cups ($2.95), or even a two-egg breakfast with choice of meat, toast, and hash browns ($4.75) and a juice ($1.35) will kick-start your productivity without draining your wallet.
The cafeteria-style eatery is convenient and efficient, designed to serve food quickly. Most items are conveniently packaged so that customers can easily take their meals back to their desks if they like. “You can run in for lunch and run out the door,” Bacik said.
She enjoys interacting with her regular customers. “You see these people every day. They get to be like friends,” she said. Although nearby office workers make up most of the eatery’s business, Bacik laughingly assures that, “We’ll feed anybody who comes in the door!”
Bistro at Freedom Square is located at 6000 Freedom Square in Independence. From Freedom Square Drive off Rockside Road, go straight back to the Freedom Square II Building (the one that says “Hylant Group”). Go around to the back of the building, down the stairs to the basement level, and in the back door. The restaurant is located to the right about halfway down a short hallway. Bistro at Freedom Square is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and is closed on weekends.
Phillips is a freelance food writer in Avon Lake.
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