Bistro celebrates ten years in Pipe Creek

The Backyard Bistro celebrated its tenth anniversary with an open house on Sunday, September 18. During the previous week, Chef/Owner Aaron Gonzalez prepared a special $10 dinner menu of the most popular dishes at the restaurant to commemorate the occasion.

On Sunday, from 3 -5 p.m., the Almost Patsy Cline Band played old time country favorites on the back patio to the delight of the audience.

A full crowd sat at tables under awnings and sipped complementary wine. They snacked on delicious hors d’oeuvres as the band played. The weather was balmy, and a slight breeze made it pleasant to sit outside in the dappled shade of the tall trees.

Chef Gonzalez prepared spanakopita, vegetable egg rolls, fried cheese curds, sliced fresh fruits, chicken cordon bleu balls and cheesecake to share with guests. The wines served were light and refreshing. The foods were well prepared and designed to complement the wine selections.

Chef Gonzalez uses farm fresh eggs, herbs, and other locally sourced ingredients in his perfectly crafted menu that many locals and tourists have come to love. The Backyard Bistro is a unique restaurant that has become a staple in the Hill Country.

Local patron Linda James remarked “It’s been kind of slow this afternoon, but the food and the music are good.” The dinner crowds this week have been substantial as many locals came by to celebrate this milestone with the Backyard Bistro family.

Gonzalez passed out succulent plants to all the guests as door prizes and even provided them with protective glasses from the Chamber of Commerce with which to view the upcoming eclipse.

“I am so grateful for all of the support we’ve received from the community over the years,” said Gonzalez. “From the beginning until now, it wouldn’t have been possible without Bandera County. This is our way of showing our appreciation.”

Despite the hardships of operating a restaurant, Chef Gonzalez has said that his acceptance in Bandera County has helped propel him forward. He is “forever grateful for the community’s continued support.”

The Backyard Bistro has been featured on Tanji Patton’s Good Eats show (2016), The Kerrville Daily Times’ Texas Hill Country Culture and been given culinary nods by Texas Monthly.

While garnering a successful following, The Bistro has also been able to give back to the community through donations and community events. This year, Chef Gonzalez is the featured chef at the 2022 Cork and Fork Gala in November to benefit the Arthur Nagel Clinic.

The Backyard Bistro sits just behind Country Accents Antiques (8312 Hwy 16 South, Pipe Creek, Texas). It is open Thursday through Sunday every week for lunch and dinner. For more information, go to backyardbistro.com.