Metro Bis Settles In at Simsbury 1820 House

Cristopher Prosperi's excitement is evident as he sips his coffee on the porch of the Simsbury 1820 House. 

Overlooking Hopmeadow Street, the 1820 House is a building rich with history, architectural details and now one of Simsbury's more well-known restaurants —  Metro Bis.  

"Look at this," said Prosperi, the restaurant's chef and co-owner. "I feel like I'm in a different country." 

Just a little more than a week ago, the restaurant welcomed its first customers at the new location. It had previously been at the Simsbury Town Shops for more than 15 years. 

Prosperi said the lease was up and the restaurant had to find a new home. 

"Luckily the Brighenti family kind of adopted us," Prosperi said. 

For Prosperi it was his 9th restaurant opening and he still can't quite believe they pulled it off with only closing for about three days. 

"I'm still in shock how smooth this was for a restaurant opening," he said. 

The new location seats approximately 60 inside and another 30 on the porch, which will open seasonally. 

Still to come will be the bar, which will contain a custom bar, room for some of Prosperi's extensive cookbook collection as well as memorabilia from the Paris metro, which will keep the restaurant's ties to its namesake and original owner Claude Martin. 

The new space also allows the restaurant to expand its services. With a larger kitchen, it will expand its menu. A downstairs meeting and gathering space, with space for approximately 100, will allow the owners to book special events. 

Still, the heart of Metro Bis continues to be casual fine dining.

"We have really good food but you can come in shorts," Prosperi said. 

The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. for dinner. The restaurant is at 731 Hopmeadow St.  

See more at http://www.metrobis.com/