New restaurant brings piece of Paris to Germantown Avenue

The highly anticipated Paris Bistro & Jazz Cafe said “salut” to the Chestnut Hill community on Jan. 30 when it opened its doors at 8229 Germantown Ave.

The classic French bistro, which was originally slated to open in Dec. 2013, is a collaborative effort between Chef Al Paris and brothers Robert and Ben Bynum, who are also proprietors in Chestnut Hill’s Heirloom as well as the Green Soul Cafe.

“We began the process over a year and a half ago, working with Ron Pete as he improved the Chestnut Hill Hotel and its surroundings,” said Chef Paris. “It’s been an incredibly positive process of design and execution. [The Bistro] is an expression of that positive energy. We’ve created a feel good, genuine environment. No stone was left unturned with this project.”

To create that “feel-good” environment in a space that formerly occupied fondue chain, The Melting Pot, Paris spent months researching classic bistros to develop an authentic menu of oysters, escargot and crepes du jour, as well as an interior design that aims to reflect the history of the French-style establishments.

Understanding of local tradition and needs and wants of the community was also essential, Paris noted.

“When you open up downtown there is so much ebb and flow of the community that it’s often times hard to establish yourself,” he said. “But people visit and live in Chestnut Hill for a certain reason and feeling.”

Paris Bistro serves dinner Tuesday through Sunday starting at 5 p.m., brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, and offers a Jazz Cafe with live music Thursday through Sunday.

Chef Paris is looking forward to liveliness of spring and summer in Chestnut Hill, especially since there will be outdoor seating. 

“It’s important to us that no matter what kind of experience we have, that we listen to the clientele and their wants,” Paris said. “We want to keep our mind on perfecting execution, enjoying what we’re doing, and making sure our customer experience is genuine. We’re up on all cylinders.”