Faro Express

HAMPTONS · 08-31-2018, 06:13 AM

Anyone know what is going on with this restaurant on Union Ave ? (The old Pizza Hut building) It was supposed to open months ago.....

barefootbay · 08-31-2018, 09:37 AM

Also the Holy Grail ( Laconia ) .

joey2665 · 08-31-2018, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barefootbay

Also the Holy Grail ( Laconia ) .

As far as I know there is nothing going on at the Holy Grail. However, there are new enthusiastic owners of Hector's across the street that are already planning improvements to the restaurant and to be much more active in the community. I had lunch there a few weeks ago and it was good and Anthony the owner was extremely nice and accommodating.

Lakemamma · 09-05-2018, 11:14 AM

Saw the sign was put up now at Faro's Express so making getting closer to opening.

Overlake97 · 10-04-2018, 07:07 AM

I called Faro Italian Grille the other day, and asked them if they had determined an opening date for Faro Express, in the old Pizza Hut building. The person on the phone told me they were currently estimating a "launch date" of November 2nd (a Friday).

AC2717 · 10-04-2018, 07:47 AM

what is the purpose of them opening just a few miles away from their current location? I am a little confused by it

joey2665 · 10-04-2018, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC2717

what is the purpose of them opening just a few miles away from their current location? I am a little confused by it

It is supposed to be more of a casual, take out pizza and other italian staple dinners.

Phantom · 10-04-2018, 08:22 AM

Faro Express will not have a full bar either, simply Beer & Wine.

I have also been told (by Management) that Faro's will close for the first 2 weeks of November and the staff will assist during the "soft launch".

AC2717 · 10-04-2018, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey2665

It is supposed to be more of a casual, take out pizza and other italian staple dinners.

thank you, more my speed for a regular place of the summer

Overlake97 · 10-30-2018, 05:57 AM

Had dinner at Faro Italian Grill the other night, and our waitperson said the hoped-for opening date for Faro Express (of Nov 2nd) has been pushed back, due to unforeseen circumstances. Dinner (Chicken Marsala and Pollo Abruzzese [Ziti w/chicken & broccoli in creamy white wine sauce]) at the Grille was great though!

8gv · 10-30-2018, 07:17 AM

This is a tough time to open a restaurant in this area.

It may be better to wait until spring.

jetskier · 10-30-2018, 01:47 PM

That would be a great location for a Pizza Hut

Phantom · 12-03-2018, 07:34 AM

Although Faro Express has yet to open ……..this past Friday night the main restaurant in Weirs reopened

joey2665 · 12-03-2018, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8gv

This is a tough time to open a restaurant in this area.

It may be better to wait until spring.

I agree. Why pay labor and other costs in the off season. If you want to hire employees and work out the kinks April would provide enough time before Memorial Day.

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WINNOCTURN · 12-05-2018, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Overlake97

Had dinner at Faro Italian Grill the other night, and our waitperson said the hoped-for opening date for Faro Express (of Nov 2nd) has been pushed back, due to unforeseen circumstances. Dinner (Chicken Marsala and Pollo Abruzzese [Ziti w/chicken & broccoli in creamy white wine sauce]) at the Grille was great though!

How was the Masala Sauce?

We have been think of trying the Veal Masala. One other reason is the Menu notes they are MADALIONS of VEAL. The last time I saw it listed this way was at Karen and Barry's in Meredith.

Can't tell you how much we miss Karen and Barry's!

I am getting tired of VEAL SLABS and Franco American BROWN GRAVY!

Nolan's has a good Veal Masala.

JADAQ · 12-13-2018, 12:55 PM

The Faro Facebook page said they were officially opening on 12-12-18

GodSmile · 12-14-2018, 05:55 AM

Drove by last evening and they were open.

joey2665 · 12-14-2018, 07:32 AM

Has anyone seen a menu online? I can’t seem to locate one

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Overlake97 · 12-14-2018, 07:56 AM

Here are menu photos. I didn't order anything, but was so pleasantly surprised to see them open I just walked in and checked it out.

joey2665 · 12-14-2018, 08:55 AM

Looks good. I will definitely stop in the next time I am there.

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Overlake97 · 12-16-2018, 08:54 AM

My wife and I dropped in on Friday, Dec 14th, for lunch, and both ordered a Create Your Own Pasta. I had angel hair + cajun alfredo sauce, with a sausage added; she had ziti + spicy tomato sauce, with 2 or 3 veggies added. Both were served piping hot (serious steam rising) in perfect-sized portions, and both were really good!

I had gone in intending to compare their alfredo sauce to that of Lake Side Pizza (used to be called Lake Side Roast Beef; across from Dunkin Donuts in Laconia), which I'd recently discovered was also very good. Faro Express's version was even better (the cajun helped), and it was also nice to be able to eat it in a nice atmosphere (which helped a LOT).

Speaking of which, they've done a nice job transforming the old Pizza Hut. When you walk in the same old door, you're faced with a wall and a hallway extending to the right, where you find the actual door on the left. This arrangement will prevent drafts in winter, and serve as a waiting area for lines that could form in the summer. Inside you take a left and come to their menu wall (also have the paper menu I posted above, if you'd prefer to sit down and relax while deciding), and a long copper counter right in front of a "line cooking area," with all new prep. fixtures, including a large gas stove and dozens (50+?) of large saute pans hanging above. The cooks take your order, and then prepare it right in front of you, if you want to actually wait/stand and watch (no seats here). Most would probably pay (to the right), get drinks (bottled or a self-serve soda fountain), and take a seat, where they'll bring the food to you.

Besides regular tables (easily-rearrangable 2's and 4's, plus one large one), there is also an L-shaped counter, separating the dining room from the cooking area, and one step up from both, with smart-phone charging cords (both styles) already hanging from in-wall connectors in front of almost every stool - a seriously nice touch!

We plan to go back very soon.

Top-Water · 12-16-2018, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Overlake97

Create Your Own Pasta

Really

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkvbZ-e795k

Descant · 12-16-2018, 10:59 AM

Thank you Overlake97 for the very comprehensive report. I was at a similar concept place some years ago in San Jose, CA. It was great; always wondered why the concept never moved east. Looking forward to trying Faro Express.

joey2665 · 12-17-2018, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top-Water

Really

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkvbZ-e795k

Not hijacking the thread but there are several chain pizza restaurants that are using this concept .

Great review of Faro and I love the idea. Can’t wait to try it out.

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happyonlittlebear · 12-26-2018, 03:42 PM

Saw this on facebook this morning.. going there on saturday to find out what on earth a muffuletta is.

joey2665 · 12-26-2018, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by happyonlittlebear

Saw this on facebook this morning.. going there on saturday to find out what on earth a muffuletta is.

Muffuletta is a round Italian bread with sesame seeds.

KPW · 12-26-2018, 05:02 PM

https://emerils.com/121389/muffaletta

Descant · 12-26-2018, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey2665

Muffuletta is a round Italian bread with sesame seeds.

Awww. You spoiled the surprise.

joey2665 · 12-26-2018, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

Awww. You spoiled the surprise.

Sorry it’s the Italian in me!

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Biggd · 12-26-2018, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joey2665

Muffuletta is a round Italian bread with sesame seeds.

My mind immediately went in the gutter and I'm half Italian.

It must have been my other half.

joey2665 · 12-26-2018, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd

My mind immediately went in the gutter and I'm half Italian.

It must have been my other half.

It’s the Italian 1/2 that’s in the gutter. I know my mind usually is

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Little Kin · 12-27-2018, 06:18 PM

The Village Store in Gilford makes Muffuletta sandwiches . . . damn good. Don't
see these very often . . .

Liquorish · 02-19-2019, 06:55 AM

This past Saturday the 16th, wife and I decided at the last moment to go out and grab a bite. Tried calling all our favorites for a reservation, but every place we like was booked solid. With no real plan now, we pulled into Faro Express, having no idea what to expect. To our surprise we had a fantastic meal! From start (Caprese salad and Aroncini) to our dinners (chicken parm and shrimp sorrento) everything was spot on. We even liked the concept of ordering “cafeteria “ style. Definitely will go back.

garysanfran · 02-19-2019, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquorish

This past Saturday the 16th, wife and I decided at the last moment to go out and grab a bite. Tried calling all our favorites for a reservation, but every place we like was booked solid. With no real plan now, we pulled into Faro Express, having no idea what to expect. To our surprise we had a fantastic meal! From start (Caprese salad and Aroncini) to our dinners (chicken parm and shrimp sorrento) everything was spot on. We even liked the concept of ordering “cafeteria “ style. Definitely will go back.

The restaurants doing so well in mid-February.

SteveO123 · 02-21-2019, 04:23 PM

We’ve been to Express twice recently and very much enjoyed the food. All the Italian favorites, plus a nice pizza pie. The food was fresh and tasty, perfectly seasoned and prepared to order.

I think they have an interesting restaurant model there. If you are looking for great food at very reasonable prices, pop in, sit down and enjoy your Express meal! On the other hand if you are looking for a dining experience like a night out then the Express may not suit you. In that case you may want to continue up to the Mothership-Faro at the Weirs.

I am certain that it would be a perfect lunch spot too when you are looking for something a little better than the other fast food options nearby.

During high season this place will be jumping. Give it a try now-you will love the food and let us all know how you think the format works.

Cheers
Steve

Anvil · 02-25-2019, 09:28 AM

My wife and I went on Saturday afternoon and were definitely impressed. They did a great job renovating the place. I had the Shrimp Sorrento and my wife had the Chicken Pesto Panini with fries. Everything was extremely good made with fresh ingredients. We will definitely go back!

thinkxingu · 08-07-2019, 12:41 PM

Went here today on a recommendation from my other thread, and it was awesome! I sooo wish we had one of these on the northern side!

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08-31-2018, 06:13 AM	#1
HAMPTONS Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Laconia and Burlington MA Posts: 21 Thanks: 174 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Faro Express Anyone know what is going on with this restaurant on Union Ave ? (The old Pizza Hut building) It was supposed to open months ago.....

10-04-2018, 07:07 AM	#5
Overlake97 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford Posts: 246 Thanks: 146 Thanked 58 Times in 42 Posts	Faro Express - estimated opening date: Nov 2 I called Faro Italian Grille the other day, and asked them if they had determined an opening date for Faro Express, in the old Pizza Hut building. The person on the phone told me they were currently *estimating* a "launch date" of November 2nd (a Friday).

10-04-2018, 07:47 AM	#6
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,547 Thanks: 751 Thanked 350 Times in 263 Posts	what is the purpose of them opening just a few miles away from their current location? I am a little confused by it __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

10-04-2018, 08:22 AM	#8
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	Faro Express will not have a full bar either, simply Beer & Wine. I have also been told (by Management) that Faro's will close for the first 2 weeks of November and the staff will assist during the "soft launch". __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

10-30-2018, 05:57 AM	#10
Overlake97 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford Posts: 246 Thanks: 146 Thanked 58 Times in 42 Posts	Faro Express opening delayed. Had dinner at Faro Italian Grill the other night, and our waitperson said the hoped-for opening date for Faro Express (of Nov 2nd) has been pushed back, due to unforeseen circumstances. Dinner (Chicken Marsala and Pollo Abruzzese [Ziti w/chicken & broccoli in creamy white wine sauce]) at the Grille was great though!

08-31-2018, 09:37 AM	#2
barefootbay Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 383 Thanks: 68 Thanked 97 Times in 70 Posts	Also the Holy Grail ( Laconia ) .

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09-05-2018, 11:14 AM	#4
Lakemamma Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Meredith/Florida Posts: 148 Thanks: 156 Thanked 27 Times in 22 Posts	Saw the sign was put up now at Faro's Express so making getting closer to opening.

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10-30-2018, 07:17 AM	#11
8gv Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,073 Thanks: 63 Thanked 721 Times in 470 Posts	This is a tough time to open a restaurant in this area. It may be better to wait until spring.

10-30-2018, 01:47 PM	#12
jetskier Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North Reading, MA and South Down Shores Posts: 850 Thanks: 57 Thanked 183 Times in 114 Posts	Of no relevence whatsoever That would be a great location for a Pizza Hut

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12-03-2018, 07:34 AM	#13
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	Although Faro Express has yet to open ……..this past Friday night the main restaurant in Weirs reopened __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

12-13-2018, 12:55 PM	#16
JADAQ Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 198 Thanks: 4 Thanked 66 Times in 43 Posts	The Faro Facebook page said they were officially opening on 12-12-18

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12-14-2018, 05:55 AM	#17
GodSmile Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 188 Thanks: 91 Thanked 56 Times in 36 Posts	open Drove by last evening and they were open.

12-14-2018, 07:32 AM	#18
joey2665 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Meredith Bay & LI, NY Posts: 3,222 Thanks: 1,219 Thanked 1,008 Times in 649 Posts	Has anyone seen a menu online? I can’t seem to locate one Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

12-14-2018, 07:56 AM	#19
Overlake97 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford Posts: 246 Thanks: 146 Thanked 58 Times in 42 Posts	Faro Express menu (take-out and eat-in the same) Here are menu photos. I didn't order anything, but was so pleasantly surprised to see them open I just walked in and checked it out. Attached Images

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12-14-2018, 08:55 AM	#20
joey2665 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Meredith Bay & LI, NY Posts: 3,222 Thanks: 1,219 Thanked 1,008 Times in 649 Posts	Looks good. I will definitely stop in the next time I am there. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

12-16-2018, 08:54 AM	#21
Overlake97 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gilford Posts: 246 Thanks: 146 Thanked 58 Times in 42 Posts	First Try: Thumbs way up! My wife and I dropped in on Friday, Dec 14th, for lunch, and both ordered a Create Your Own Pasta. I had angel hair + cajun alfredo sauce, with a sausage added; she had ziti + spicy tomato sauce, with 2 or 3 veggies added. Both were served piping hot (serious steam rising) in perfect-sized portions, and both were *really good! I had gone in intending to compare their alfredo sauce to that of Lake Side Pizza (used to be called Lake Side Roast Beef; across from Dunkin Donuts in Laconia), which I'd recently discovered was also very good. Faro Express's version was even better (the cajun helped), and it was also nice to be able to eat it in a nice atmosphere* (which helped a LOT). Speaking of which, they've done a nice job transforming the old Pizza Hut. When you walk in the same old door, you're faced with a wall and a hallway extending to the right, where you find the actual door on the left. This arrangement will prevent drafts in winter, and serve as a waiting area for lines that could form in the summer. Inside you take a left and come to their menu wall (also have the paper menu I posted above, if you'd prefer to sit down and relax while deciding), and a long copper counter right in front of a "line cooking area," with all new prep. fixtures, including a large gas stove and dozens (50+?) of large saute pans hanging above. The cooks take your order, and then prepare it right in front of you, if you want to actually wait/stand and watch (no seats here). Most would probably pay (to the right), get drinks (bottled or a self-serve soda fountain), and take a seat, where they'll bring the food to you. Besides regular tables (easily-rearrangable 2's and 4's, plus one large one), there is also an L-shaped counter, separating the dining room from the cooking area, and one step up from both, with smart-phone charging cords (both styles) already hanging from in-wall connectors in front of almost every stool - a seriously nice touch! We plan to go back very soon.

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12-16-2018, 10:59 AM	#23
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,262 Thanks: 1,313 Thanked 1,599 Times in 1,035 Posts	Fresh pasta Thank you Overlake97 for the very comprehensive report. I was at a similar concept place some years ago in San Jose, CA. It was great; always wondered why the concept never moved east. Looking forward to trying Faro Express.

12-26-2018, 03:42 PM	#25
happyonlittlebear Junior Member Join Date: May 2018 Posts: 4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 2 Posts	Muffuletta Saw this on facebook this morning.. going there on saturday to find out what on earth a muffuletta is. Attached Images

12-26-2018, 05:02 PM	#27
KPW Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 395 Thanks: 728 Thanked 116 Times in 58 Posts	https://emerils.com/121389/muffaletta

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12-27-2018, 06:18 PM	#32
Little Kin Junior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 17 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts	The Village Store in Gilford makes Muffuletta sandwiches . . . damn good. Don't see these very often . . .

02-19-2019, 06:55 AM	#33
Liquorish Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Medfield Ma & Meredith Nh Posts: 93 Thanks: 8 Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts	This past Saturday the 16th, wife and I decided at the last moment to go out and grab a bite. Tried calling all our favorites for a reservation, but every place we like was booked solid. With no real plan now, we pulled into Faro Express, having no idea what to expect. To our surprise we had a fantastic meal! From start (Caprese salad and Aroncini) to our dinners (chicken parm and shrimp sorrento) everything was spot on. We even liked the concept of ordering “cafeteria “ style. Definitely will go back.

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