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Is the restaurant Maple Street Bistro by Monika in Florence still open …
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Maple Street Bistro: A Culinary Gem in Florence, OR
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You are encouraged to make reservations and prepare to stay a few hours. Since she does all the cooking and the stove isn’t massive, it’s an experience. There is NO place like it in town.
They won’t take more people than they can serve so if they tell you they’re full, believe them.
PS. Start with their amazing soups!
In an age where most restaurants seem to get all their dishes from Cisco, few dare to take a stand. Monika is over here doing things the old way, the right way and making everything from scratch with local ingredients that are ethically sourced. Now that alone should warrant a trip here but she doesn’t stop, not only are her recipes authentic they are also delicious. I stopped in and had a bowl of borscht on the faithful day her culinary expertise graced my palate. A simple meal of soup, bread, pâté, and pickled pumpkin touched my soul in a way no meal has in many years.
If you find yourself hungry for more than food but life itself, I invite you to join Monika for a meal of culture and heart.
Details: The proprietor wants you to leisurely enjoy your meal and conversation, be that with your dinner companion or other friendly diners, so plan to stay a little longer than usual. You’ll want to relax and chew slowly to savor the homemade bread (if you are on a “no bread” kick, put that on pause for this meal), see if you can guess what makes the soup so exceptional (do NOT skip soup…we had the dill pickle and could’ve easily left in bliss having ate just it and the bread), and give yourself time to contemplate how she made the mushrooms in the Asian prom tenderloin dish melt in your mouth. Fresh ingredients, perfectly balanced sauces, and each dinner made to order…who knew you could get food like this in such a wee (and delightful, I might add) coastal Oregon town? You can and you should! The restaurant is small so make a reservation or enjoy a bottle of wine while you wait; it’s worth it. (I withheld 1 star on atmosphere because the tables are spartan and belie the caliber of the cuisine. Linen table cloths and a candle or fresh flowers would better prepare your mind for the taste sensation that awaits!)
We started with a beet and goat cheese appetizer that was almost too beautiful to eat. The beets were sliced thin, layered with creamy goat cheese, figs, pine nuts, and a drizzle of balsamic—every bite was silky, bright, and perfectly balanced.
Then came the dill pickle soup. I had never tried anything like it, and I’m convinced I may never taste something that delicious again. Imagine the comforting warmth of a chicken soup, but with a deeper, richer flavor and an incredible tang from the pickles. Absolutely unforgettable.
For our entrées, we shared the duck ragu, slow-cooked for hours in red wine. The meat was so tender it melted in my mouth, served over fresh, homemade pasta that soaked up every bit of the sauce. Truly outstanding.
We also had a pear and Gorgonzola salad, and genuinely, I’ve never seen a salad this beautiful. Pears, Gorgonzola, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, raspberries, honey and balsamic over fresh greens—perfectly balanced and stunningly presented.
The chef and owner is Michelin-star-level talented, yet warm, funny, and deeply passionate about her craft. Talking with her was as memorable as enjoying her food. And Joseph, who served us, was wonderful—attentive, personable, and kind.
Important to know: This is not Taco Bell. You do not rush this meal. Plan to be here at least two hours and let yourself sink into the experience. Excellence takes time—and it’s worth every minute.
This was more than dinner—it was an experience. I cannot recommend this place enough.
As I arrived – I had no reservation but was politely accepted because I was visiting out of season and indeed we bonded!
I had the best duck ragu and it really tasted like an European meal!
Thank you Monika and I hope we meet again soon.
It was a pleasure.
Highly recommend!