Christmas Island Steakhouse

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Christmas Island Steakhouse will re-open very soon. The property was purchased and the new owners have approached Tom and Wendy to operate the restaurant. The townhouses being built on the former motel site are moving along and the restaurant opening will bring that corner back to life.

This is great news for those of us who miss crawling back home after dinner.

[MeredithMan]

...I was worried that that corner was becoming the Paugus Bay version of The Weirs... I haven't been in the restaurant in probably 20+ years...how was the food/service before its recent closure? Always seemed to be a lot of cars there, especially on weekends....

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by MeredithMan

...I was worried that that corner was becoming the Paugus Bay version of The Weirs... I haven't been in the restaurant in probably 20+ years...how was the food/service before its recent closure? Always seemed to be a lot of cars there, especially on weekends....

They closed because the property was sold. Not because of anything negative. The steakhouse has a following (their Facebook page shows that) and if they can remedy the parking problem they should do well. Hopefully Tony will be back too. There's a lot of work ahead for that property.

[Woodsy]

Hopefully there will not be a problem with zoning..... there is a proposal on the table to rezone that part of the Weirs to Residential.... That would make it VERY difficult for the restaurant to open.


Woodsy

[Happy Gourmand]

One of the very best prime ribs in the region!

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

Hopefully there will not be a problem with zoning..... there is a proposal on the table to rezone that part of the Weirs to Residential.... That would make it VERY difficult for the restaurant to open.


Woodsy

The restaurant is grandfathered in...not a problem. The new zoning was approved last week, which I think, made the sale of the property 'as a restaurant' a priority for the seller.

[Woodsy]

I am not sure it is grandfathered... the article I read specifically noted that they (ZBA) could not do spot zoning and a variance would be needed for Christmas Island as it was not open (existing business) at the time of the proposed zoning change... The zoning change would definitely devalue the Christmas Island restaurant property.

I believe John Ganong has a similar issue with his property...

Woodsy

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

I am not sure it is grandfathered... the article I read specifically noted that they (ZBA) could not do spot zoning and a variance would be needed for Christmas Island as it was not open (existing business) at the time of the proposed zoning change... The zoning change would definitely devalue the Christmas Island restaurant property.

I believe John Ganong has a similar issue with his property...

Woodsy

It would not have been purchased had it not been able to reopen as a restaurant, that I'm 100% sure of.
John just built a beautiful new deck for his business. It looks great.

[AC2717]

From what I read the final selectman vote was to happen second week of May was postponed from next week due to poor notice

[Woodsy]

I also think there is a time delay for the zoning implementation... I am pretty sure the zoning change forced their hand a little as far as the selling price of the property.

I cant wait to try out the new place!

Woodsy

[sum-r breeze]

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

Christmas Island Steakhouse will re-open very soon. The property was purchased and the new owners have approached Tom and Wendy to operate the restaurant. The townhouses being built on the former motel site are moving along and the restaurant opening will bring that corner back to life.

This is great news for those of us who miss crawling back home after dinner.

What about the golf cart.....can 15 of us still fit in it for the ride up the hill? Great karaoke memories there too. Journey anyone?

Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' (a microphone) back

[dpg]

Used to go up with a couple friends and we'd get well lets just say a little "tipsy" there. There and the Depot in Meredith - those were the days.

[BroadHopper]

By coincident, I bumped into the owner at Bonsai in Manchester! He is doing well and we talked up a storm about the days.

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by dpg

Used to go up with a couple friends and we'd get well lets just say a little "tipsy" there. There and the Depot in Meredith - those were the days.

Remember those days well....Christmas Island,The Depot and a nightcap at the Stonehearth.

[jeffatsquam]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Remember those days well....Christmas Island,The Depot and a nightcap at the Stonehearth.

I remember those days (nights) more like the Studio the White Hat and the Stonehearth / Poor Richards

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Building is sold. Tom and Wendy are on board. Lots and lots of work to do, especially restocking the bar! The work begins TODAY!

[Happy Gourmand]

OK, So when is it opening? I heard it's today, but haven't been able to confirm.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by Happy Gourmand

OK, So when is it opening? I heard it's today, but haven't been able to confirm.

June 5 is the day, as of now.

[WakeboardMom]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Remember those days well....Christmas Island,The Depot and a nightcap at the Stonehearth.

Was it the Depot before or after it was the Station? I was there in the late 80's when it was the Station; in the heyday of MTV and they had the giant screen showing videos of the songs. So much fun!

We alternated that with Jade Island and sometimes the Sweetwater (?) Inn in Moultonborough.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

The work is just about done. There was a ton of stuff to do from replacing the roof, appliances, floors, etc. The place was basically gutted. The plan was to open this past weekend but it wasn't happening until everything was done and done right. Hopefully a soft opening mid to late week and fully opened by Friday. Inspections always bring surprises but it looks like everything is ready to go!

[AC2717]

I drove by on Saturday saw all the furniture outside and everyone working

[dpg]

Originally Posted by WakeboardMom

Was it the Depot before or after it was the Station? I was there in the late 80's when it was the Station; in the heyday of MTV and they had the giant screen showing videos of the songs. So much fun!

We alternated that with Jade Island and sometimes the Sweetwater (?) Inn in Moultonborough.

I believe it was the Depot last, not sure I remember it as the Station.

[Winopt]

Have never eaten there, will there be any docking?

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by Winopt

Have never eaten there, will there be any docking?

Unfortunately no docking exists. The old docks are now part of the CI condos that are being built.

[BroadHopper]

My family grew up with the Rouxs. We would dock at the boathouse and walk up to the restaurant. Since Tony took over, the spot has not been my favorite. I hope the current owners update the interior and bring the menu up to the times. It was a beautiful location before the trees block the view and there was additional parking at the motel.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

My family grew up with the Rouxs. We would dock at the boathouse and walk up to the restaurant. Since Tony took over, the spot has not been my favorite. I hope the current owners update the interior and bring the menu up to the times. It was a beautiful location before the trees block the view and there was additional parking at the motel.

I can't tell you about the menu, that's up to Tom and Wendy, but I can tell you the building was updated. Paint, carpet, plates, silverware, glass, decor, appliances (everything including ice machines), roof, floors, downstairs bathrooms, lights, electric, walk in coolers gutted and floors replaced, bar area tables sanded and finished, parking lot patched sealed and new lines (worried about replacing parking area and having soft areas during bike week) old 'Steakhouse' sign restored and a ton of other things that needed attention. More updates after the season.
The rest is up to Tom and Wendy. They are very hard working people so no doubt they will succeed. Still on for Friday. Running and testing equipment could always bring an unwanted surprise.

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

I can't tell you about the menu, that's up to Tom and Wendy, but I can tell you the building was updated. Paint, carpet, plates, silverware, glass, decor, appliances (everything including ice machines), roof, floors, downstairs bathrooms, lights, electric, walk in coolers gutted and floors replaced, bar area tables sanded and finished, parking lot patched sealed and new lines (worried about replacing parking area and having soft areas during bike week) old 'Steakhouse' sign restored and a ton of other things that needed attention. More updates after the season.
The rest is up to Tom and Wendy. They are very hard working people so no doubt they will succeed. Still on for Friday. Running and testing equipment could always bring an unwanted surprise.

Can I put a reservation in for a table now for Friday night?

[CGI3]

Are they open yet??..One of my favorite restaurants in the area!

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

They are open.
Tony is flipping steaks and Tom and Wendy are back running the restaurant. They had a 'soft' opening this week and seem to be back in the swing of it. Its good to see a crowd in the old place.
Tonight is the official grand re-opening!

[Greene's Basin Girl]

I drove by Wednesday night and the parking lot was full!

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Just saw the sign 'Lobster and Steamers' Open at 4
Make a reservation!

[sum-r breeze]

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

Just saw the sign 'Lobster and Steamers' Open at 4
Make a reservation!

We have plans to try the new Christmas Island Steak House tonight with a group. This crew might meld into a much larger group if the text messages are all true about who is coming. (That's you PBFF) Can't wait to see everybody and try the new menu!!

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' (a fork and steak knife) back

[sum-r breeze]

Originally Posted by sum-r breeze

We have plans to try the new Christmas Island Steak House tonight with a group. This crew might meld into a much larger group if the text messages are all true about who is coming. (That's you PBFF) Can't wait to see everybody and try the new menu!!

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' (a fork and steak knife) back

Great night at the Christmas Island Steak House last night. Food was good service was good too. Wendy the business owner came over to our table and sat to chat with us for a bit. The restaurant was full and there was a 30 to 45 minute wait by the time we left. We wish them the best for a successful re-launch of a well known Lakes Region dining destination.

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back

[thinkxingu]

Hadn't seen this thread yet when we stopped by Wednesday--I went in and asked to see a menu as I'm unfamiliar with the place. Person being counter seemed a bit put-off by my request when I heard a couple leaving talking to him about less-than-stellar steak. Person's response was, "well, try again--steak can vary." Wasn't thrilled with the set of events, so we took off.

Because it was getting late, however, everything was closing on our ride back to Moultonborough except for the Frog Tavern in Meredith, which we were VERY happy with. But that's another thread!

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[Bumble2249]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Hadn't seen this thread yet when we stopped by Wednesday--I went in and asked to see a menu as I'm unfamiliar with the place. Person being counter seemed a bit put-off by my request when I heard a couple leaving talking to him about less-than-stellar steak. Person's response was, "well, try again--steak can vary." Wasn't thrilled with the set of events, so we took off.

Because it was getting late, however, everything was closing on our ride back to Moultonborough except for the Frog Tavern in Meredith, which we were VERY happy with. But that's another thread!

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

Well......sometimes you miss out on a great opportunity and sometimes you miss out on a great opportunity!


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[Sailor Jerry]

Visited there on the 4th for dinner. Service was excellent as was the food. The prime rib was great and the apps were spot on. I would recommend to all.

[AC2717]

had dinner there on July 4th right at about 4:30pm
place was clean,
food was great
waitstaff was awesome
Wendy and Tony are back!!!!

first meal in a long time, I did not mind forking money over for!!!

[hutch42]

Great to see an old Laconia establishment coming back to life. We moved into
the first condo that opened in the Four Seasons (old Peyton Place Motel) in 1968. So ate there frequently. An old friend, Terry Langford played some
memorable gigs at the place. Great bar in the basement. Have been gone out
of the area for 30 years, still try and get back every few years.

[jbolty]

Originally Posted by hutch42

Great to see an old Laconia establishment coming back to life. We moved into
the first condo that opened in the Four Seasons (old Peyton Place Motel) in 1968. So ate there frequently. An old friend, Terry Langford played some
memorable gigs at the place. Great bar in the basement. Have been gone out
of the area for 30 years, still try and get back every few years.

Wow, that's going back. My parents used to go there for Terry Langford in the many, many, many years ago A handful of times they could not get a baby sitter and left me in the lobby to watch TV for a couple hours.

[WINNOCTURN]

Tried a web search and found what must be the old number. The number that does go through is 603-527-8116.

They need to do a goggle search as there multiple site saying they are permanently closed.

When I got through on this number I made them a wear of this.


Going to give them a try tonight.

[polarisman14]

Do they still have a function room? Looking to recommend a restaurant for the company Christmas party this year after a disappointing performance by Patrick's last year. We did Christmas Island a couple years ago and were happy with the food and the fact that they had other entertainment (bar and pool tables downstairs).

[polarisman14]

^^Anyone have any information about a function room? They don't appear to have a website other than Facebook.

[Major]

Originally Posted by polarisman14

^^Anyone have any information about a function room? They don't appear to have a website other than Facebook.

They do have a function room. We had an event there last Saturday night. The food was really, really good. Chicken parm, baked haddock and prime rib, with roasted red potatos and a veggie mix. Call Wendy at 527-8116.

[polarisman14]

Thank you. Do they still have pool tables and a makeshift/separate bar like they had downstairs in the old restaurant? I'll forward the number on to the powers that be.

[Major]

Originally Posted by polarisman14

Thank you. Do they still have pool tables and a makeshift/separate bar like they had downstairs in the old restaurant? I'll forward the number on to the powers that be.

They definitely have the same bar downstairs. I didn't notice a pool table, but I didn't go into that part of the function room. The pool table that was "upstairs" is still there.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Originally Posted by Major

They definitely have the same bar downstairs. I didn't notice a pool table, but I didn't go into that part of the function room. The pool table that was "upstairs" is still there.

There used to be other tables in the lounge but they were removed during the recent rehab of the building. As stated above, the table in the lounge was kept.

[Waterbaby]

Originally Posted by dpg

I believe it was the Depot last, not sure I remember it as the Station.

dpg - it was the station before it was the depot, but...... that's a different thread!

[GodSmile]

We had dinner there a couple of times while on vacation; both times it was great. Found out they only offer lobster on weekends, so went back for one and was not disappointed! We will be regular customers.

[Top-Water]

Originally Posted by WakeboardMom

Was it the Depot before or after it was the Station? I was there in the late 80's when it was the Station; in the heyday of MTV and they had the giant screen showing videos of the songs. So much fun!

We alternated that with Jade Island and sometimes the Sweetwater (?) Inn in Moultonborough.

Originally Posted by dpg

I believe it was the Depot last, not sure I remember it as the Station.

Originally Posted by Waterbaby

dpg - it was the station before it was the depot, but...... that's a different thread!

It was the Depot first 1980 to 1982 ish Then Meredith Station after, I worked there in 1981 - 1982 then at his other club he opened up in Florida after he lost interest (just put simply - actually a longer sad story) in the Meredith location. His dad owned a home on Loch Lane on Governors Island and a number of other properties in Laconia.

Depot menu pictures in this thread.
https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...ad.php?t=18332