Palette Bistro in Petoskey is back open after a roughly three-month closure due to damage caused by a burst pipe, and patrons will notice several changes.
The most obvious is the look of both dining rooms, with fresh coats of blue paint, new carpet and acoustic dampening panels designed to lower the noise and provide a more pleasant dining experience, according to Assistant General Manager Gus Guthrie.
“We went for more of a neutral tone,” Guthrie said. “It was time for a change. We’re happy with (the result).”
Restaurant management worked with Petoskey-based design firm Lake Street Design on the look of the interior.
The second is the return of art pieces on the walls from local artists. While this was a feature before the renovation, the in-restaurant gallery is managed by Julie Stoppel at Somebody’s Gallery in Petoskey. Patrons can still purchase pieces of art, but the process is seamlessly handled by the gallery. Art that is bought is then quickly replaced by Stoppel with other works. Guthrie estimates that 25-35 unique art pieces for sale may be displayed throughout the restaurant at any given time.
“We still wanted to feature local artists and feature as a gallery for (patrons) who are interested in seeing and buying,” Guthrie said.
The last change, unsurprisingly, is tweaks to the menu at Palette Bistro. The restaurant is known for its Mediterranean style foods, with a new menu featuring breads, appetizers and tapas items. A group of new spreads are particularly popular, with hummus flavors including roasted garlic, eggplant and more. Each spread comes with warm pita bread.
Palette Bistro will feature a couple of small and large plates each week with a menu that emphasizes favorites and new options. The Kobe hanger steak is available with other long-time favorites.
“We’ll have a Mediterranean twist and new, different features each week,” Guthrie said. He also said some Happy Hour food items are 40% off.
It was important for the restaurant to open in early May to allow its staff to have time adapting to the new point-of-sale system and other operational tweaks, Guthrie said. Many staff members returned from the three-month break, with seasonal hiring supplementing shorter-term needs.
“We’re prepared, ready and organized for the (summer season),” Guthrie said. “The interest in our reopening from the public and our regulars has been incredible.”
Palette Bistro’s weekend brunch also returns, featuring an array of breakfast favorites like the Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon or Canadian bacon and homemade French toast. The brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10 a.m. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Learn more by visiting palettebistropetoskey.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Palette Bistro in Petoskey reopens with new interior, updated menu
Reporting by M. Alan Scott, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
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