Category: Under Construction

Martha and Charlie Bryon, the owners of The Salt Exchange, sent along this photo of their work site on Commercial street. The Bryons write that the kitchen will lead by Jacob Jascinski, who’s resume includes the White Barn Inn. They hope to open their “small plates endeavor” in late May with “regional ‘New American’ cuisine designed for sampling and sharing”.
As you might be able to discern from the blueprint (Commercial street is shown on the right) the plan calls for a bar, seating for 50+ and tables on the  sidewalk.

It look like they’re making good progress at the construction site for El Rayo. The building plans anticipate seating for about 25 people between the counter and tables. It also indicates plans for outdoor seating. El Rayo’s kitchen will be run by chef Cheryl Lewis who’s bio includes stints at the Black Point Inn, Stonewall Kitchen and Aurora Provisions.

Portland Psst! reports that Saignon Sandwich & Variety is taking over the spot on Cumberland Ave formerly occupied by the Portland Grocery Store. They’re under construction now and are aiming to open on April 15.

A new restaurant, The Salt Exchange,  is being planned for 245 Commercial Street. The restaurant plans on serving ” a small plate menu…in a casual/upscale setting with an open kitchen concept”. A sample menu can be seen on page 125 of the agenda for the April 6 meeting of the City Council.

The Danforth Inn is also planning to open a “small restaurants available to our guests and other patrons”. A sample menu can be seen on page 103 of the agenda. Appetizers, salads, cheese and desserts predominate.

Sea Dog Brewing is taking over the Eggspectations building by the Mall where they will be opening a restaurant and bar in May. They plan on offering breakfast throughtout the day and will be open 7 am to 1 am daily. For more information you can check out this FAQ.

Here’s a look  at the building site for Luna Rossa, a new Italian restaurant under construction on Middle Street in the old Pavillion space. According to to liquor license application filed with the city, Ryan Byther, one of the former owners of Prost will be the manager and part owner of Luna Rossa. Seating is planned for both the first and second floors of the building. Luna Rossa’s menu is on display in a window at 188 Middle Street.

Here’s a look  at the building site (above) for Pearl, a new bar under construction on Fore Street. It is in the location formerly occupied by Onyx – and before that by Liquid Blue. Floor plans (below) show a bar on the left, dance floor in the center and a stage in the back.

Eric Simeon has been hired as to be the Chef at Grace. Simeon has worked at several high profile restaurants in New York and Philadelphia. The reference online to the “globe-trotting menu of smartly designed small plates” he served up at Park Blue might provide a hint at what we’ll see on the menu at Grace.

At the former Freaky Bean location on Main Street in Westbrook a new business is under construction. Chug-a-Mug Coffee Roasters is taking over the space that had been home to the Freaky Bean’s roastery. They hope to be open “very soon”.

Tivi Design is producing a circular bar for Grace, the restaurant that’s being built in the Chestnut Street Church. The bar’s wood and glass canopy echos the design of Grace’s three pointed logo. You can see artist drawings and a series of construction photos that Tivi has published on Flickr.