Dining “out” looks a little different these days, but we’ve been happy to continue to support our local favorites by grabbing something to go. Tonight, we’re excited to roll out our new series called To Go (creative name, we know!), starting with a new downtown gem - Radici Kitchen & Bar. We chatted with Chef Brian Bowden and his partner Carly Mankouski below to find out how the restaurant is doing during the pandemic - what challenges they’re facing, the unexpected wins they’ve experienced, and more. We also grabbed a little something to go for ourselves, and we can’t sing their praises enough - we loved it.
Pro-tip: grab some pretty plates out of your cupboards and enjoy it on your porch or in your backyard - it makes it feel like a real dinner out, which is oh so special these days.
On Pause
We have faced numerous challenges since the start of the pandemic. Obviously there is the business side of things where we had to evolve from an upscale casual, full service dining room to take-out only. Initially this was a bit terrifying! We had only been open for five weeks but we hit the ground running and forged wonderful relationships with our guests. The support from Glens Falls residents and beyond had us overwhelmed with joy that our new venture would do well. Then, bam! The State mandated shutdown certainly had us reeling.
Shrimp Aglio e Olio
On evolving
Keeping a positive attitude, we began to brainstorm value driven ideas to generate sales without sacrificing the quality and the standards our guests had come to expect. We came up with our signature three course dinner for two which has really done quite well...even if it's in a take-out container! At first, the idea of take-out containers had me quite unhappy since I believe "you eat with your eyes first" and a to go box just doesn't have the same aesthetic appeal. That said, restaurant folks are resourceful and our combined experience has carried us through thus far.
Beefsteak Tomato and Avocado Salad
AT HOME
The real challenge is now trying to keep our seven year old son Jackson entertained, educated, engaged, but more importantly - safe! Since we are all quarantined and the schools are closed, we have to bring Jackson with us to the restaurant everyday, which is taxing for us all. Especially for a seven year old that doesn't quite understand why he can't see his friends, or leave the yard, or go to school. Or why everyone is wearing masks and he has to sit in the restaurant office for dinner "service". This is very stressful for us all!
On Small Victories
Some unexpected wins for our business are that we are still keeping our head above water! The community support has been outstanding and each day brings new challenges which we can confidently face head-on knowing we are in Glens Falls. Our supportive guests have been very understanding during this transition. Some nights are fluid and efficient. Other nights people may have to wait for a few minutes for their food and they are ok with that...even if they are spread six feet apart while wearing masks.
Chef Brian Bowden and partner Carly Mankouski
On the Future
Going forward, when the world re-opens and we have a la carte dinner service again, we plan to continue our signature Grab & Go three course dinner for two. It was something we planned to implement before this all began and has proved to be a real crowd pleaser!
On the Small Business Community
We believe it is important to practice what you preach. We have appreciated the support from other businesses and business owners, and we have reciprocated. This has been a very humbling experience for everyone, and it's amazing to see how everyone has banded together.
Radici Kitchen & Bar
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518-804-1007
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This story was made possible by Keena Staffing.
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