European Bistro - Pflugerville

European Bistro - Pflugerville

Written by Jim Dawson Monday, 07 November 2005

Pflugerville Bistro offers tastes from old world Europe

Sisters Anni Zovek, proprietor, and Piroska Althauser, executive chef, restored a historic downtown Pflugerville building into the restaurant you expect to find in eastern European villages.

Althauser is careful to preserve some of the old world recipes and techniques of her grandmother. She bakes her own bread for the bread crumbs in items such as the delicious breaded portabella mushrooms served with cream sauce. ($6) According to Zovek, even the chef at the Four Seasons Restaurant admits that his restaurant cannot take that much care in preparation.

On a recent visit, our server was Michael Ortiz, a student at the Texas Culinary Institute working out front until a position opens in the kitchen.

“I wanted to work here with Piroska,” Ortiz said, “because she knows more about European cooking than anyone in this area.”

Traditional foods such as wienerschnitzel and jagerschnitzel are two of the most popular menu items. ($18 - $19) These are both tender breaded veal cutlets and are accompanied with a choice of some delightful salads.

Rather than the fresh garden greens, you could opt for Russian beets with a fresh mayonnaise dip, Albanian fresh cucumber, tomato and onion with feta cheese (my favorite), or cabbage with red and green pickled peppers.

Three soups also suggest the European heritage: Russian borscht, beef goulash and sour cherry soup. ($5 –$6)

All desserts are made on site by Althauser. There are several decadent chocolate cakes, an authentic apple strudel ($4), and their signature Austrian dumplings with a warm vanilla sauce. ($5)

Zovek gives equal attention to the restaurant guests. The atmosphere is very unhurried. There is a special banquet table available for up to eight guests furnished with original Austrian aristocratic antique furniture and table settings. A frequent diner from Washington, D.C. often flies in with his party just for dinner.

European Bistro is popular for anniversaries and birthdays. Call ahead and Zovek will arrange a private table with flowers and Belgian chocolates. She suggests bringing a camera to capture the moment.

On Friday nights, music is heard from the grand piano on the upstairs balcony, and on Saturday and Sunday nights, local accordionist, Shirley Johnson, serenades the diners. The Bistro is great for special occasions, but just like in Europe, you can stop by for dessert and coffee, or just an appetizer with a glass of wine.

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