2009.09.16
Big plans for former Trio space
What some mezes might look like. Image: Yelp.com
The word is out: Benjamin Ward and business partners at The Isaacs Mediterranean Restaurant in Grandin Village has plans to open a new restaurant in downtown Roanoke. The setting will be the space that used to house Trio Bistro Bar Bottle on the corner of Church Avenue and Market Street.
Meze World Cafe is the name. "Meze" means "small dish" in Greek. So, it is similar to Spanish tapas but with a Middle Eastern twist. At Meze World Cafe, diners will be able to mix, match and share from a menu of mezes. During lunch, there will be a buffet with both hot and cold options, Ward said.
He plans to source as many local ingredients for Meze as possible, which he is already doing over at The Isaacs. He says Meze will offer a lot of outdoor seating with a Paris cafe feel.
They are aiming to open at the beginning of October, but that hinges on the ABC license and some other paperwork. I'll keep you all informed. Ben promises to send along some more detailed information about the business plan shortly.
What are your initial thoughts?
My days of gobbling a quick lunch at my desk are over! This sounds great; I'll be there often. I love Isaac's fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flair. (Please, please have the sauteed kale....)
Comment by Curly — September 16, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
Very exciting. They have done a fabulous job with Isaacs, great food and great atmosphere. Hopefully he will be able to make that corner a go, since no one else has in a while. Just has to keep the price right! I'll certainly try it!
Comment by D — September 16, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
Yes!! That makes me sooo happy.
Comment by Debbie — September 16, 2009 @ 5:33 pm
I love the Isaacs, can't wait for the new place! And anyone serving as much local food as possible is awesome!
Comment by Michelle — September 16, 2009 @ 10:19 pm
HAAAALELUJAHAAAAAAAAAA!!!!
Comment by Ann — September 16, 2009 @ 10:26 pm
well darn, I was hoping Shucker's was coming back
Comment by RT — September 17, 2009 @ 6:43 am
I am so excited. I love Isaacs and to have a second restaurant by Ben in a downtown location is very exciting.
Comment by Steph — September 17, 2009 @ 9:06 am
That IS exciting, thanks Lindsey! I absolutely love The Isaacs Restaurant!
And I'm thinking any food venture they go into is going to be good! I'll definitely be giving it a try. And I'm w/ Curly, if they have the fried kale then it'll be all the better!
Comment by Dennis — September 17, 2009 @ 10:13 am
As a new Roanoker and lover of Isaacs, this sounds....FABULOUS!
Comment by Bruce Houghton — September 17, 2009 @ 5:36 pm
This is amazing news that makes me SO happy! I can't wait for this to happen. Thanks for the heads-up.
Comment by AMy — September 21, 2009 @ 4:51 pm