In the photo: George and Linda Szasz at their first Victoria restaurant, Paprika Bistro



STAGE OPENS IN FERNWOOD

Inspired by the success of Paprika Bistro, their award-winning Oak Bay restaurant, George and Linda Szasz have taken on a new project in a new neighbourhood.

Stage is a 50-seat bistro featuring a small plates menu and a wood-topped wine bar created from a refinished section of bowling lane salvaged from the recently demolished Victoria landmark, Mayfair Lanes. Set in a heritage building in the funky neighbourhood of Fernwood, the bistro emits a contemporary vibe with its exposed brick, slate grey walls, wood floors and open kitchen.

"We never thought that we would have two restaurants, but the charm of the old building called to us," says Linda Szasz. "And being Fernwood residents, we knew that the area could use another dining option."

"What we wanted", adds George, "was really accessible food -- old-world choices that were elevated without being pretentious."

With that aim in mind, Chef George has created a small plates menu divided into five themes: charcuterie, vegetables, cheese, fish and meats. Each dish incorporates seasonal and sustainable produce from local food artisans blended with the trademark, elegant Szasz take on Hungarian comfort foods.

Choose from such fare as marinated olives, house-smoked almonds or artisanal cheeses accompanied by Cliff Leir's organic wood-fired breads. Heirloom tomatoes over organic greens, dressed in a herb vinaigrette topped with fried Haloumi cheese is a good segue into the addictive langos, a savoury Hungarian fry bread sprinkled with Maldon sea salt and garlic. Other Hungarian influenced dishes include chicken with pancetta and spetzle dumplings, pork belly over stewed white beans, or Paprika's signature sausage with onion gravy and mash. Some west coast seafood variations could be steamed clams with house chorizo; mussels cooked with coconut milk, lime and chipotle; or half shell oysters given a delicate lift with white balsamic and preserved lemon. All plates are priced at a point between $2 and $10.

Longtime employee Marlisa Hollands, has created a wine list with a focus strong on B.C. wines rounded out with global choices chosen for their good value. Bottle prices range between $26 and $75 with 90 percent priced at $45 or less." Seventeen wines are available by the glass in 3- to 5-oz pours. The three-ounce tasters permitting diners to create their own wine flights to match their menu choices.