Bistro Marquee to Open in Downtown's Former Market Space, Rick Widmayer is Executive Chef

A new project has committed to downtown's former Market/Carafe Bistro space. According to a press release, Bistro Marquee — owned by current Thirst Wine Bar owners Gary Kneski and Leslie Palmer — will offer a "refined approach to classic French and New American cuisine." And the executive chef? Rick Widmayer, who departed the kitchen of SE's beloved Screen Door earlier this year. At the time, Widmayer told PoMo of plans to open his own concept, a comfort-food-restaurant-meets-doughnut-shop, in Old Town. No word of those plans are still on the table.

According to a rep, Kneski and Palmer will give the Market space a minor facelift, but the renovations completed by ChefStable last year — including bar placement and the outdoor patio — will remain intact. Bistro Marquee will offer lunch, dinner, and prix-fixe options for theater-goers, with the menu promising to highlight local meat and seafood and "utilize local and seasonal produce." Also planned: a "robust" happy hour atmosphere.

Bistro Marquee already has a tentative opening date of May 17. More as it becomes available.
· Bistro Marquee [Facebook]

Image of Market courtesy Avila/EPDX