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They say that talented people who truly love to cook don’t use cookbooks or recipes. The owner and chef of one of Celebration’s newest restaurants, Jean Pierre, is certainly evidence of that belief. His French Bistro and Bakery brings another unique dining alternative to Celebration and other area residents.
“I grew up in the kitchen, “ said Jean Pierre, “and my mother taught me not only how to cook, but also a love of cooking. I don’t have a single cookbook or recipe card. I simply remember how my mother cooked – the ingredients, the amounts, and the process – from the way she cut the vegetables to the way she sautéed the meat. And I’ve added many of my own dishes over the years.” 
Jean Pierre arrived in Celebration from the South of France in March 2009 with his wife Saskia, and children Edourd, Estelle, Pierre, and Serge. They had been here several years earlier on vacation, and fell in love with the town. “I noticed that there was an absence of authentic French food. It seemed like there was so much fast food and that just about everyone wants to eat in two minutes.” So he chose Celebration as the site of the restaurant that he had been contemplating. They reside in Artisan Park. 
His location in Water Tower Place seems right out of a town in southern France. Comfortable black metal tables and chairs are available to patrons, inside and out. French-motif posters and photos line the walls. A semi-private bar is nestled into a back corner, well stocked with reasonably priced, choice wines (French only, of course).
The cuisine is billed as “authentic French.” Meats are marinated in a special, secret sauce. All food is cooked from scratch, many based on his mother’s original instructions. Pastries are fresh. Bread and croissants are baked on site. Among the specialties are Soupette de Fifi (named after Jean Pierre’s sister), a thick broth with plenty of chunky vegetables. 
Food connoisseurs will recognize typical, classic French offerings. Order Beef Bourguignon and you’ll receive an oval bowl of large, tender beef chunks, along with carrots and mushrooms, in a thick sauce made of top-quality French wine. It’s served with a generous slice of scalloped potato casserole made with French potatoes and heavy cream, and a crisp green salad. Appetizer selections include specialty escargot, French pâté, salads, and cheese plates. Deserts, including crepes, napoleons, and éclairs, are served on a large plate decorated with artful patterns of strawberry and chocolate sauces.
The French Bistro seems to be developing a local following, among them Jim and Jeri Hammond of Davenport. They recently had a Saturday night dinner and were so impressed that they returned the next morning for brunch. As self-described Francophiles (admirers of things French), they are not easy to please. “We adore French food,” said Jeri Hammond. “The food here is really good. Home-cooking. The Chicken Cordon bleu was excellent. And the French bread is awesome.” Meanwhile, Jim Hammond raved about the ham & cheese croissant, newly enhanced with béchamel sauce. “For French food, there’s simply no alternative in this area,” he said. 
Among visitors, John McLaferty, who hails from Blackpool, UK (50 miles from Manchester), is a regular to the Bistro when in Orlando. “The sandwiches are great,” he said. “The fresh chicken makes the difference.”
Jean Pierre’s Signature French Bistro is located on Blake Road at Water Tower Place, next to Stone Cold Ice Cream. They are open 9 am to 10 pm, seven days a week.
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