I got a tour of Downtown Eatery and Libations recently.
I left with a copy of its menu and a hunch that this events-driven restaurant will be a downtown winner.
With owners Billy York and Nathan Peterson leading their equally youthful, community-minded team of artistic entrepreneurs – including manager Paul David and chef Ryan Klemek – their business exudes a hip, hopeful, enthusiastic feel.
I was completely won over by these articulate, engaging, hard-working individuals. They’ve planned, brainstormed and researched every possible facet to create a welcoming meeting, greeting, eating and drinking spot.
They’ve played up the building’s Prohibition-era heyday, when lore claimed the basement held a distillery (operated by the sheriff). The building is said to have held Redding’s first bakery and first moving picture theater.
York conceded that the remodel fell behind schedule. But if being a little tardy meant implementing everything they wanted, the wait will be well worth it. Most obvious is the feat they’ve accomplished by combining the best of the old with the best of the new. They remodeled with copper, wood and brick materials that pay homage to the building’s architecture and history.
Other details include:
• Espresso bar and free wi-fi
• Private conference room with a projector and wi-fi
• Delivery options
• Custom catering
• Microbrews and beers, ranging from locally made to world-class
• Sugar Mama’s handcrafted candies, cookies and pastries, by Kendra Quan
• Live music and events, including bands, open mic nights, improv, movies and art shows
• An exterior marquee sign to announce specials and events
I saved mention of the intriguing menu for last. Prices range from appetizers at $5.50 for Sweet Potato Pommes Frites, Buttermilk Battered Onion Rings or Soup of the Day, to $11.50 for the Wild Mushroom Wrap or Calamari with Penne. In between are many other items, such as a Greek Chopped Salad for $8 and Nothing But a Burger (American Kobe beef and Black Angus beef) for $10.50.
The menu offers vegan fare, and dishes that can be adapted to please vegans, but the majority of the menu is comprised of meats, salads, sweets, wine, beer, and a wide assortment of bottled beverages and sodas.
(I liked the glossary that takes the mystery out of such ingredients as shiso leaf: “… from the mint family, a light licorice and lemon aroma and flavor.”)
York and Peterson’s crew have worked many months to create an interesting place that welcomes all kinds of people and events, and to caters to a wild variety of tastes and sophistication levels.
You’ve followed their restaurant’s progression here, starting with this first story and then the second about the Downtown Eatery and Libations.
Now, York and his team hope to open Mon. Sept. 29. They’re excited for us to check out their place and see what we think.
See you there.
What: The Downtown Eatery and Libations restaurant opens
When: Mon. Sept. 29
Where:1344 Market St., Redding
Hours: Lunch Mon. – Fri. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Dinner Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Open Mon. – Thurs. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Fri. – 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Sat. 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.)
Contact: Call 243.4731 or log onto REDDINGDOWNTOWNEATERY.COM
