New restaurants greet returning summer people
Phil Blauvelt of Bath installs lubrication pads in the passenger car wheelset that is in the final stages of restoration at Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum in Alna. Phil is the line’s “Oily,” car bearing maintenance technician; he has an extensive background in marine mechanics.
We’re back for another summer. And, a lot is new since last October.
We’ll lead off with the retirement of Sarah Heald, founder and owner of Sarah’s Cafe. For several years, we and our friends - the Bigleys and the Soules - would meet at Sarah’s for pizza on Friday nights. Ms. Heald is retiring. After 43 years! (More) https://admin.wiscassetnewspaper.com/article/memories-and-no-mixes-sarah-s-cafe-wiscasset-heald-retires/175035
While Sarah packs up, Jodie Roquemore is expanding her own cafe and bakery. She opened Jodie’s last Spring, in Ship’s Chow Hall space. She’s built a reputation for cakes and cookies and good food. Interestingly, a previous cafe operator in town didn’t like customers’ demands for the cake/bakery business. She complained on Facebook that customers were too demanding and picky. Seems like Jodie’s got a handle on it.
Another ‘new’ restaurant is the Back River Bistro (BRB) in the space where the beloved Little Village Bistro (LVB) prospered. The BRB menus look good. We’ll visit soon.
Nothing new to see on Main street where the Wawenock Building facade fell down two years ago. Still an eyesore to all. The heart of downtown Wiscasset continues to be embarrassing. Meanwhile, businesses and visitors have to carefully negotiate sidewalks, stairs, and detours around the center of the village. Why is no one upset about this? It sure makes Wiscasset look bad.
Big Al’s discount store closed at the end of last year, but has now been reopened as a candy super-store, Sweetz & More, claiming to be the largest sweets shop in New England. Offerings include 80 flavors of saltwater taffy, more than 100 Pez characters, and candies from Japan. Big Al’s discount store may be gone, but he isn’t. The fireworks store is still open, next to the candy store
Finally, the Wiscasset Creative Alliance is bringing the town’s House Tour back to Wiscasset. There are five historical and creatively-maintained properties which will be open on Saturday July 8, from 11am to 4 pm. Properties which are on the tour include the Customs House. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here, now, online. Do it! https://www.eventbrite.com/o/wiscasset-creative-alliance-66140876763
Phil Blauvelt of Bath installs lubrication pads in the passenger car wheelset that is in the final stages of restoration at Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum in Alna. Phil is the line’s “Oily,” car bearing maintenance technician; he has an extensive background in marine mechanics.
About this blog:
Man about Wiscasset
Frank Barnako is a seasonal resident of Wiscasset at Clarks Point on the Sheepscot River. His career in journalism included on air and news director positions with CBS and NBC Radio and TV stations. He was a pioneer in the Internet, helping to create and co-found MarketWatch.com where he also developed a 200-station radio network and wrote daily columns focused on the stock market, business news, and technology. Barnako describes himself as “an aspiring photographer,” whose work can be seen at frankbarnako.com<http://frankbarnako.com>. He is a member of the town’s Investment Advisory Committee. Email him at wiscasset@barnako.com.
