We recently had launched a poll on the new restaurants in the Cleveland area. Your votes were tallied and you voted The Bistro On Lincoln Park as the best new restaurant in the area. Executive Chef Pete Joyce took time out of his busy schedule to answer some of our questions.

What is the dining concept at the Bistro?
We are a Mediterranean bistro featuring fair from France, Italy and Spain. We concentrate on the most local (when available ), freshest products. Quality is first at the bistro. Our focus is on great food, great service in a warm inviting atmosphere.

How did you decide on the location of the Bistro?
This location was chosen for its great character. It is a very unique space with two separate dining rooms and two separate kitchens. This in itself gives us many options. Also set on the beautiful Lincoln Park actually brings some serenity to the hustle bustle of this city.

There are so many first-rate restaurants in the Tremont area, how do you set the Bistro apart from the rest?
Yes, there are so many awesome restaurants in Tremont, how can it get any better? Well, the more great restaurants the better. We differ our selves from the others by bringing to Tremont a lighter atmosphere, different food and a great pricing structure. Not that any other restaurant isn't adjusting to the economy we started at a time when things were really at its worst. We were able to start out by bring value to our menu right away. Also a five dollar happy hour and a twenty for twenty wine list. Twenty bottles for twenty dollars each.

How did you get your start as a chef?
I grew up in the Catskill mountains of New York State. I started very young and washed dishes at a local restaurant. There I learn a skill from a seasoned chef that trained in Europe. He was the inspiration for me to become a chef. From there I went to Culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

What is your general philosophy on food and dining?
Great ingredients make great food! If you start with quality ingredients you will most likely end with a great product. Also, I love to use local ingredients where ever I am. Live off the land that's around you if you can. Food and service go hand in hand. If your food is great and service is not, I might come back. But if your service is great and the food is great I will definitely return.

Which dish on your menu do you love to cook the most?
I like to cook all of them. In any kitchen you have your favorites but in this kitchen there are many. Probably because we change almost everything on our menu each season. I can't  get bored with one or the other. Also, since there are not many items I feel each one is very special.

In your opinion, which Cleveland restaurant do you think is the most underrated?
Well, you know what I am going to say..... Bistro on Lincoln park of course. I am not trying to be conceited but since we are new I really feel we have a chance to be something special. We have all the makings for a great restaurant. If you come to eat here I know you will like it. Just give us a chance.

Describe the overall dining experience you would want the customer to have at the Bistro.
Great food, great service in a warm inviting space. Also, with our price points we feel our customers are getting great value especially the 20 for 20 wine list.

For reservations and more information on Executive Chef Pete Joyce and The Bistro, check out http://www.bistroonlincolnpark.com/concept.html

The Bistro is at
2391 W11th St
Cleveland OH 44113
in the Historic Tremont Neighborhood.