80 Thoreau Opens In Historic Concord, Ma

80 THOREAU OPENS APRIL 21, 2011
In Historic Concord, MA

Restaurateurs Ian Calhoun & Vincent Vela Team With
Local Favorite, Chef Carolyn Johnson


Thoreau would be pleased.

80 Thoreau opens this week at the historic Concord Train Depot. Led by restaurateur Ian Calhoun, a native of Concord/Sudbury, Chef Carolyn Johnson of the respected Rialto kitchen, with Vincent Vela of Per Se and Craft directing the service, the talented team is committed to the land, farms, and community of Concord, MA.

Set in historic Concord, 80 Thoreau is a progressive fine-dining restaurant offering New American cuisine and genuine hospitality in a convivial setting.

Restaurateur Ian Calhoun is thrilled to return to the Concord area where he grew up. The vision for 80 Thoreau is one that has grown and evolved over the years since owners Ian Calhoun and Vincent Vela first met in college and vowed to open a restaurant. Their experiences cooking, serving, bartending, and managing have formed the basis for the hospitality at 80 Thoreau. The thoughtful balancing of 80 Thoreau's commitment to every detail in food, wine, the bar program and service, combined with a laid-back temperament of easy hospitality, is evident in every element of the restaurant.

Chef Carolyn Johnson, formerly of Rialto, is crafting a menu that is both straightforward and refined - where New England ingredients and traditions are embellished with French techniques. As the focus of the culinary world has turned to local sourcing, there are few better communities to join than Concord's - one which boasts a host of commercial and family farms. In addition to the seasonally motivated menu, small and large bar plates will be offered. Carolyn and her team work in an open kitchen, where four lucky guests can snag the "Chef's Counter" seats to watch all the action. "We are fortunate to be located in Concord surrounded by several working farms. What amazing timing to be opening as the farms start to see the bounty of a New England Spring!"

In the dining room Vincent Vela, formerly of Per Se and Craft, directs service that is gracious, attentive, and relaxed. The cocktail list focuses on properly made classics and 80 Thoreau's own hand-made tonic water. "Each tonic is made-to-order for the cocktail" explains Vincent. "It's an extra step that we think makes a huge difference in the taste and quality of the cocktail." The team put much thought into the wine and beer programs: the Wine List is well-balanced and well-priced featuring wine from around the world. The Beer Collection highlights beer only brewed in MA. "It was an opportunity for us to help small breweries, and we love what they are brewing!"

Located on the top floor of the Concord Depot, the renovated space is inviting and thoughtfully designed. As guests arrive, they find a comfortable bar with ample seating and tables, ideal for catching a drink and sharing a bite with friends after the train ride home. The space flows to the Dining Room for easy conversation and memorable dining. A sense of rustic New England meets contemporary simplicity sets the stage for the beautifully prepared dishes by Chef Carolyn Johnson. Head to the open kitchen around the corner and you will find Carolyn and her team preparing the evening's specialties in a warm, convivial setting, complete with a Chef's Counter and cozy nooks and tables.

80 Thoreau is set to be the neighborhood restaurant that Concord has been waiting for, and 'worth the drive' for friends coming from the Boston/Cambridge area.

OPENING DATE: THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011
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80 Thor