Yesterday, while we waited in line at Iguanas Ranas for a table (first time for that!), I wondered if the "Most Romantic Main Street" designation was already working its magic. With just one or two exceptions, the downtown restaurants had big crowds: it was packed at Luce, Esca, Fiore's, Typhoon and First & Last. We joked that Amici's should have put out sidewalk tables for the balmy weather.
Three small bits of gossip:
The Downtown Bar & Grill was dark, without even a sign to tell customers why they were closed:
The former Firehouse Steakhouse will soon be "Titanium Bar & Lounge", rumored to be the work of an experienced downtown restaurant family. We peeked around the paper-covered windows to see that the construction team (working late) had already removed the downstairs divider walls:
There's a new restaurant called K. LaMay's Steamed Cheeseburgers coming to Metro Square, next to the Shadow Room. It's a second location for K. LaMay's - the first is in Meriden.
Now, I know there are people who grumble about all the restaurants on Main Street - but I say, Bring It On! If we want more retail and entertainment options on Main Street, we need more consistent foot traffic, and every successful restaurant downtown does its part toward that goal.
At this point, experienced restaurateurs have figured out that they can do well on Main Street - but experienced retailers haven't come to the same conclusion - yet. I think we're on the right track, though, and the continued investment from the food sector is a sign of our potential. At least, I hope so!
6 comments:
Mondo had a full house also.
Yup - they were packed. Mondo and NE Emporium are both demonstrations that there is still room in the market - each had a few slow months in the beginning, but they are quickly becoming local favorites.
We can also see plenty of examples of successful retail on Main St.: Amato's, Forest City, It's Only Natural store, shops in the pedestrian mall, Joe Riff's, the salvage place, Fruitery, etc., etc.
Jennifer,
What about Echo Trading or Trendz? I love that I don't have to go out of town to get great clothes. Jerri in Trendz is a riot. Whenever I go in, in my Cold Stone clothes, she says "We've got to get you out of those and into something more flattering". She's right. She always finds something that's perfect for me.
Good to hear Iguana's had a good crowd. My absolute FAVORITE fish tacos! Mondo is also a new favorite - good pizza in a kid friendly environment -my 6 yr old loves the chalkboard :-)
I was curious so I went to KLamays in Meriden -- a great steamed cheeseburger for $4.50 and nice kids running the place. Exactly the kind of entreprenuers we need downtown.
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