With her always handy camera, Avery captures all the hottest happenings in Portland.
June 10, 2009
Small plate meals at The Salt Exchange
Near Dewey's on Commercial Street, The Salt Exchange restaurant opened its door this past Friday. The new eatery is the work of the husband and wife team of Charles and Martha Bryon. I stopped in this morning before they opened for lunch to scope things out.
Here's Martha Bryon, Chef Jacob Jasinski and Bar Manager Erin Compton. They're standing in front of the awesome cherry bar that was crafted by Maine College of Art professor Jamie Johnston. I absolutely love the space's modern design scheme, particularly the unexpected lime green ceiling.
The restaurant features an open kitchen and a main dining room that seats 45, which can be used for private functions. In a month or so, bar seats will be pulled up to this counter and the diners who reserve them will be treated to special prix fixe menus and conversations with the chef.
Wanting to stand out from other fine dining establishments in town, the Bryons and Chef Jasinski are only serving appetizer-sized meals. Be sure to call them small plates, and not tapas.
"Tapas is not what we are, although we have some Spanish-inspired food," Martha explained.
She calls the cuisine New New England, with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients. Some of the current menu offerings include: spiced Maine coast cioppino with Casco Bay fish, shellfish & grilled sourdough crostini ($12); Pemaquid oysters with lemon celeriac cream & hazelnut ($7 or $12); local baby spinach with tempura Great Hill blue, grapes and saba dressing ($8); spice rubbed lamb with eggplant tart & garden beans ($15) and Wolfe's Neck Farm shoulder steak, sweet and sour cherries & crisp potatoes ($14).
Sharing is encouraged and the portion sizes are such that two or three items should be the equivalent of a traditional entree. Reservations are accepted, although not necessary, and anyone is welcome to belly up to the bar for a drink. Look for sidewalk seating in July.
The Salt Exchange is located at 245 Commercial St., Portland. It is open for lunch Mon-Sat from 11 am-2:30 pm. Dinner is served Mon-Thur from 5-9 and Fri-Sat from 5-10 pm. The bar stays open until 11 pm Mon-Thur and until midnight Fri-Sat. For reservations, call 347-5687.
Comments
Congratulations, you wonderful and courageous young people! The restaurant is lovely as are you, and we wish you the very best of feeding and feasting. If we ever get to go out to eat, you will be our 1st choice forever. We love you and are so proud of you. Grammy, Gramp and Great Grammy
Posted by GrammyJune 13, 2009 07:57 AM
We have eaten there a few times, and every time the service, flavor and attention to detail is better. The first time I went, I was not totally familiar with this "small-plates" thing, but as I have gone back a few times, I find I quite enjoy eating this way. I feel like I am getting more...? The service borders impeccable, and I think with a few more weeks under their belts, this place could be one of the top 3 restaurants in town.
Posted by BlueVJune 27, 2009 06:59 PM
My girlfiend and I had lunch there today and loved, loved, loved the place! The owner himself seated us, then stayed and chatted about the menu and made some superb wine suggestions. We started with the North Atlantic Oysters under a lemon celeraic cream with hazelnuts and a tiny flower. Paired with a Riesling from Argentina the flavors of this dish were amazing--briny, lightly lemony and buttery with a hint of sweet melon. Yummmm! Our next dish was the Cioppino which was served at just the right temperature. The fresh tomato broth was sublime, and we polished off our glasses of Riesling with this before moving on to a Malbec to compliment the duck sliders. There was a mystery ingredient in the purple slaw on the duck that made our mouths sing, but we couldn't figure out what it was. Our personable waiter came back with the answer--Szechuan sauce! We finished with 2 desserts, the Marcona almond cake and the key lime tart, that were the perfect explanation point to a wonderful lunch. Our waiter was knowledgeable and attentive and our entire experience was simply first rate. We highly recommend this taste experience!
Posted by DebbieJuly 23, 2009 12:21 AM
NEW HOURS! We will now be open from 12:00 to 2:30 for Lunch and from 5:30 to 9 M-TH and 5:30-10 Fri and Sat! Lounge open at 4:00!
Posted by Martha BryonJuly 31, 2009 06:41 PM
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leer 127 commented: this is dope really dont get in to portland to much but this is sick. from ...
Kristy commented: I'm never going back. Terrible service followed by bland, overpriced food....
Michelle commented: Thanks for the article, Avery! I linked it on Goodwill's FB page!...
Gia commented: How refreshing to find homemade breads and the freshest ingredients in town...
Martha Bryon commented: NEW HOURS! We will now be open from 12:00 to 2:30 for Lunch and from 5:30 ...
kevin commented: Had a enjoyable time not to loud nice people @ wait staff... I would go bac...
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The food, the atmosphere, the bar, the staff, the music, the food, the chef, the wine, the food, the comfy lounge furniture, the owners...and did I mention the food? You must try the cioppino! To die for! I'm within walking distance and I do fear for my waistline as I fear that I can't get enough of THE FOOD!!!
Posted by Mama MiaJune 10, 2009 05:39 PM