Bistros.

Fancy a latte or cappuccino on the go? Or want a decent light meal with a refreshing wine or beer? Drop into a fine bistro; take some time to recover from the buzzing street life and watch people pass by.

A bistro is one of those inventions we like the French for. But did you know that it’s actually not a French inspired location to eat and drink? The first bistros were installed in Paris after the Napoleonic Wars when Russian soldiers occupied the city.

The brave guys used to hang out quite often in restaurants and shouted “bistro, bistro” to the waiters to serve them quicker. “Bistro” is the Russian word for fast or quick. Nowadays the fast food tradition has passed to well known American chains and local snack bars, so don’t feel hassled. Relax, take a sip, have a bite and take your time.