Q&A with Anthony Fiorentino: Co-owner and chef at Bistro Fare

Bistro Fare, serving European sandwiches, pizzas and desserts, opened up at 601 Brighton Beach Ave. in March. Anthony Fiorentino, co-owner and chef, is from southern Brooklyn and wanted to open a bistro that differed from other restaurants in the neighborhood.

Why did you decide to open a bistro in Brighton Beach?

I wanted a new challenge. I come from a background in a lot of gourmet shops in Manhattan. A friend of mine offered me that they had a corner store and had no idea what they wanted to do here and I offered a bistro. It’s really taken off.

How would you describe your food?

The quality is top-notch. The ingredients have to be up to my standards of course and everything has to have flavor. I look at the small details in order to make flavors the top priority.

How would you describe this neighborhood?

It’s actually changed a lot to be honest. Growing up it used to be all Russian. My partner is a Russian gentleman and he didn’t want a Russian store. Once [Superstorm Sandy] hit, things started to change and people have been more open to change over the last several years.