February 18, 2019 | Royal Oak Tribune

The award-winning Bistro 82 restaurant in Royal Oak is getting ready to celebrate its fifth anniversary with a $5 menu for all it appetizers, entrees and desserts.

Diners can get the one-night-only special Wednesday, Feb. 27.

Aaron F. Belen, owner of the AFB Hospitality Group that operates Bistro 82, said in a statement the celebration is happening right after making updates to the menu and interior design.

“We’ve refined our menu, continuing to offer guest favorites while improving the overall experience,” he said. “Our team is grateful for the community’s ongoing support and we’re looking forward to the five, 10 (years) and beyond.”

The menu from executive chef Derik Watson still features many signature dishes, like the French onion soup dumplings, filet mignon, pan roasted cobia, and beignets, as well as a number of new dishes, such as scallop carpaccio, pasta bolognese, and seafood mélange.

The interior décor upgrade includes black-and-white photos of Paris street scenes and portraits from France-based photographer, Boswell Hardwick, a new mural, velvet drapery, new banquette upholstery and fixtures over the bar.

Belen, who also owns The Morrie on Main Street, grabbed plenty of attention on the night of Bistro 82’s first anniversary in 2015.

Dozens of diners - along with the Boys & Girls Club of Oakland and Macomb Counties - all got a treat from Belen when he announced he was picking up the tab for all the diners. The bill came to $5,182.

Belen then doubled down and donated the same amount to the Boys & Girls Club.

Bistro 82 is at 401 S. Lafayette in downtown Royal Oak a the corner of Fourth Street.

For more information on the upcoming anniversary, or to make reservations, call 248-542-0082 or visit bistro82.com.

– Mike McConnell