New Restaurant - "The Breeze"

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

I will miss the old bar area with the sliding doors open in the summer. Perfect 'Keys' atmosphere and the barmaid Margaux was wonderful experience. The noise was contained in the bar area so we can enjoy our dining experience in a quiet area with a wonderful lake view. I'm not happy with the new setup. It is now too noisy in the big room! Gretchen, the original owner, with decades of experience in the upscale food industry did her homework and did the right thing. In fact, she had another bar to the right of the front door for those who are waiting for their table. A huge win!

It is just another Ellacoya Grill. The public wants variety.

Though I wasn't blown away by Lyons Den, almost everybody else here—and most of the reviews online—were. Weird they'd change a proven recipe.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Though I wasn't blown away by Lyons Den, almost everybody else here—and most of the reviews online—were. Weird they'd change a proven recipe.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I'm not surprised. Sandy Point in Alton Bay was a success for 50+ years and when Wally and Jean retired, the successors all tried to update a tired and dated restaurant, without success. "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it.".

Dave

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

"If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it.".

Dave

Exactly, and I'd think they'd want a different style restaurant in their portfolio. Unless it's better/safer to stay with what you know?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[baygo]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Exactly, and I'd think they'd want a different style restaurant in their portfolio. Unless it's better/safer to stay with what you know?

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Gretchen and Roland were mom and pop and a from scratch kitchen. I don’t think new ownership has that talent.

I’m certain I have a little different take on the changing of the bar location. When it was a lions den I would occasionally hop off my mower and head over for a beer and a bite. I was never concerned about my appearance because the bar was separated from the dining room. To me it kinda felt like a local working man’s bar I don’t think I’d be comfortable heading over there in a sweaty T-shirt to sit at the bar now. Perhaps my newfound reluctance is better for other guests.

[Slickcraft]

I also liked the old bar and the Den menu. However;

The Breeze has been filling up every day. In general business has been great for a new start. The new owners are in this to make a profit and so far it is on track. The bar is where the money is so they gave it the best seats in the house.

So while I liked the old, the new is what it is and I wish them well. We will give it another try in a while.

Alan

[BroadHopper]

Originally Posted by baygo

Gretchen and Roland were mom and pop and a from scratch kitchen. I don’t think new ownership has that talent.

I’m certain I have a little different take on the changing of the bar location. When it was a lions den I would occasionally hop off my mower and head over for a beer and a bite. I was never concerned about my appearance because the bar was separated from the dining room. To me it kinda felt like a local working man’s bar I don’t think I’d be comfortable heading over there in a sweaty T-shirt to sit at the bar now. Perhaps my newfound reluctance is better for other guests.

And I don't think boaters and islanders will be comfortable stopping by in bathing suits and t's.

[ghfromaltonbay]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

I'm not surprised. Sandy Point in Alton Bay was a success for 50+ years and when Wally and Jean retired, the successors all tried to update a tired and dated restaurant, without success. "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it.".

Dave

The successors also didn't put in the hours like Wally & Jeanne. The Damons lived at Sandy Point all season, so Jeanne would be there for early morning deliveries and dinner prep would begin before the lunch hour. Their cottage was next to ours, and most nights it was 11 pm before they called it a night. Many times we saw their successors show up after 3 pm to open for dinner. The bread/roll deliveries would be waiting for them outside the kitchen door. You can't expect success with no effort. We all miss the old Sandy Point Restaurant as well as the William Tell, another long successful establishment.

[chachee52]

We always loved Ellacoya's fries. They are hand cut and fired to order, which makes them different and more flavorful than the typical frozen ones you get everywhere else.
Are they the crispiest? no, but they taste great!
Look forward to trying the Breeze once we get up there next.

[phoenix]

a group of us would go to Sandy Point every August by boat for the baked stuff lobster. We went twice with new owners and it wasn't good so never went back

[bellamaria]

Originally Posted by ghfromaltonbay

The successors also didn't put in the hours like Wally & Jeanne. The Damons lived at Sandy Point all season, so Jeanne would be there for early morning deliveries and dinner prep would begin before the lunch hour. Their cottage was next to ours, and most nights it was 11 pm before they called it a night. Many times we saw their successors show up after 3 pm to open for dinner. The bread/roll deliveries would be waiting for them outside the kitchen door. You can't expect success with no effort. We all miss the old Sandy Point Restaurant as well as the William Tell, another long successful establishment.

Late to the table for my two cents, but I couldn’t agree with you more on Wally and Jeanne. Worked for them for three summers as a kid...most passionate owners I’ve ever seen. Down to business, but genuinely kind and caring as well. Sad day Sandy Point closed, but “some day” to close a chapter has to come.