Break out the olives, head over to Martinis! Restaurant and Lounge

December 01, 2008 08:09 pm

— SAYBROOK TOWNSHIP — Like super spy James Bond, who prefers his martinis “shaken, not stirred,” fine dining aficionados will delight to discover Martinis! Restaurant and Lounge.
The new restaurant, located at the Harbor Golf Club, 4338-48 Lake Road W., is co-owned by Mary Ann Spencer and Tommy Acierno.
“We picked the name Martinis for our restaurant because a martini drink is featured on the backs of our bar stools,” Spencer said. “Our lounge is a festive, inviting place.”
Spencer and Acierno got the keys to their newly acquired restaurant on Nov. 3, and on Nov. 17 the doors were open.
“We are calling this the two-week miracle. Our families and friends came out and helped us clean and remodel in record time,” Spencer said.
In fact, Martinis’ face-lift included fresh paint, new tables and chairs, silverware and china, ceiling fans, mirrors and new kitchen equipment. The lounge has two new flat-screen TVs, wine rack and a popcorn machine.
“We have scrubbed every wall and window and every inch of the kitchen,” Spencer said.
The smaller dining room has a “to die for” view of the golf course. In total, Martinis seats 250 people, has a large dance floor, and can accommodate banquets and special events.
Spencer and Acierno have a long culinary history and have worked together at two area upscale restaurants for more than 18 years.
“We worked together for many years at Lou’s Billow Beach, and after it closed, we went to work for Dave Parsons at the Bridge Street Bistro,” Spencer said.
Recently, Parsons closed Bridge Street Bistro for health reasons, and Spencer and Acierno experienced a revelation.
“When the opportunity came up here (at the Harbor Golf Club), we said let’s just sign on the dotted line and do this for ourselves,” Spencer said.
The duo is leasing the restaurant from the Harbor Golf Club owners, and the owners are very pleased with Martinis, Spencer said.
“We have worked together for so many years, it seemed like a natural progression to own our own restaurant,” Acierno said. “We are living our dream.”
Clientele who have been following Spencer and Acierno, as well as Bridge Street Bistro fans, will be thrilled to note that Martinis has retained chef Nathan Rockwell and his sous chef, Will Hutcheson.
“They are so fabulous. We are thrilled to have Nathan and Will in our kitchen and on our team,” Spencer said.
Even though Martinis is an upscale dining experience, it will be easy on the wallet.
For example, customers will find on the sumptuous menu a 10-ounce USDA choice Delmonico steak dinner for $20, a fresh teriyaki salmon dinner for $17, chicken-tortellini dinner for $17 or baby-back ribs for $16 a half rack. Plus, there is an ample wine list that includes local wines, a variety of unique and tasty appetizers, salads, soups and “signature” sandwiches. The signature sandwiches include a seafood wrap with shrimp and scallops in a garlic herb wrap with lettuce, tomato, onion and pesto mayonnaise, and a chicken parmesan hero with lightly fried chicken tenders set on a baguette roll and topped with tomato sauce and provolone cheese.
“We are trying to let everyone know that we are a ‘come as you are’ restaurant and lounge, and everyone is welcome,” Acierno said. “Come and experience good food with good company.”
Martinis is open for dinner. Walk-in business is welcomed, and reservations are encouraged. For reservations and further information, contact Martinis (440 964-2800), and for banquet sales call (440) 813-4915.

Photos

MARY ANN Spencer and Tommy Acierno, co-owners of Martinis! Restaurant and Lounge, have remodeled the restaurant and bar at the Harbor Golf Club in Saybrook Township. WARREN DILLAWAY