Main Street Grill Opens Next Week; Pride in Home-Made Fare
by Christopher Miller
LOCK HAVEN – Downtown Lock Haven has become a buzz of activity in recent months as new businesses are set to open left and right it seems. The new Main Street Grill which has taken over the old Checker’s storefront will be alive once again with business and tantalizing tastes starting Thursday, July 28.
The words that the owner Chris Darwin uses to describe his take on the casual lunch/dinner menu come in an appetizingly pleasing form to those who look for originality when dining out.
“Fresh” and “homemade” is the name of the game at The Main Street Grill.
“Chef Eli and his team will be creating all breads, dressings and such from scratch,” exclaimed Darwin in an interview. “This is not all that will be made fresh onsite,” he says, “but it’s an excellent start to explore what other avenues we can stroll down as business takes off.”
Those who know Chris also know that he has been the owner of The Riverside Saloon on Grove Street, two short blocks away, for these past few years. “I just love being a manager,” Chris explained. “I get to do it all…I teach, train, help and get to see my employees grow in their personal and work lives.”
Darwin started his career in the dining industry when he was a teenager washing dishes at the Train Station Restaurant in Castanea. “When I am manager, I have to know how to do it all,” he stated. “I am the CEO, secretary, treasurer, cleaner, teacher…this is just what I do!” And he has the support of his entire family, especially his wife and three children. “I am very fortunate to have such a loving and caring family,” Chris says.
As many local small businesses are owned by families, Chris is excited for his new work family. Chef Eli Valentin has worked in the industry for over 10 years and has made a name for himself locally; not only for his dishes, but for being completely self-taught. “Our menu will consist of steaks and seafood mixed as well as fare for those on a lunch rush, such as subs, pizza and burgers,” Eli exclaimed. “Right now we are working on introducing some game to our menu, including a rabbit stew with curry along with seasonal fruits, vegetables and game.”
Bringing his mixology skills to complete the puzzle, Chris will be bringing back the classic tastes of days gone by, such as cocktails and specialized mixed drinks, like the Tom Collins. “We will have two drink menus,” he explains, “the classic drinks and then our modern take on the classic; a “not your father’s” classic Tom Collins.”
The Main Street Grill, located at 127 East Main Street Lock Haven will be opening to the public on Thursday, July 28 at 4:00PM and will be open regular business hours: Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. They can be found on facebook under “The Main Street Grill Lock Haven.”
