Local Business Profile: Chartreuse Bistro

By the end of the summer, a new European-inspired restaurant, known as Chartreuse Bistro, will open at the gates of the Monticello Arcade in downtown Norfolk.  I recently chatted with Karine Varga (one of the owners along with her husband Christopher Corrie) to get the scoop on this exciting establishment in such a great location.

What inspired you to open a restaurant like this in downtown Norfolk?

KV: My husband Christopher is a passionate chef who grew up in Norway, so he has spent his life around fresh and local ingredients. So this style of restaurant is in his blood. And I myself have been working in the restaurant industry in Norfolk since I was sixteen. I have been fortunate to travel to Europe about every year since I graduated High School. But, our main inspirations come from our time together in France on our honeymoon.

What kind of food will be on the menu?

KV: We will be serving a made from scratch, nose to tail, European inspired menu that changes daily. The menu will include include organic, local and sustainable ingredients, including tartines (open-faced sandwiches), fresh pasta, breads, quiches, seafood, meat and vegetarian options.

CC Image courtesy of Chartreuse Bistro Facebook Page

What will your hours look like?

KV: Chartreuse Bistro be open Monday through Friday 11:00am - 11:00pm serving lunch and dinner. We will also be open for dinner at 5:00pm on Saturdays and 11:00am on Sundays for Brunch. At some point, we would like to open for Saturday lunch and Sunday dinner.

Chartreuse Bistro is scheduled to open at 205 East City Hall Ave. in downtown Norfolk this July.  Outdoor seating will be available.  For more information on the design, click here.  To follow all the news and updates on Chartreuse via Facebook, click here.