OWASCO - For the second summer season, visitors to Emerson Park will have a chance to dine out on Owasco Lake.
Bernie Simmons, owner of Balloons Restaurant, returns this summer to run a full-service restaurant with a bar in the Emerson Park Pavilion.
"The hours are meant to complement that of the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse," Simmons said. "It will be a wonderful marriage of dinner by the lake followed by a short walk over to see a tremendous Broadway musical. This goes on in the bigger cities, but we take for granted that we have it right here."
In addition to seating approximately 75 guests in the indoor dining lounge, additional seating will be available on the patio overlooking the lake. Simmons hopes to have about 10 outdoor tables, but knows central New York's weather is extremely unpredictable.
"Of course this will depend on the weather, but it has a very picturesque view of the lake. It makes for a unique dining experience."
The two restaurants owned by Simmons are meant to be separated, but will complement one another, each offering different styles of cuisine.
"Balloons Restaurant is a unique establishment," Simmons said. "We wanted the restaurant to have its own unique flair for the park. The name was kicked around, but we finally decided on Emerson Grille. It seems to capture some of the history of the park; after all, the land for the park was donated by the Emerson family."
The cuisine will emphasize seafood and seafood pasta combinations, yet steak dinners will be available as well.
"The restaurant will have a bistro feel," Simmons said. "We will offer light fare and appetizers in addition to the main entrees. Most of our guests will be dining before they go to see a show at the theater. Some just don't want a heavy meal. They want something light."
Simmons is hoping to offer the delights of the bigger cities at a convenient and affordable price.
"In the bigger cities, a nice dining experience followed by an evening at the theater will cost upwards of a couple of hundred dollars," Simmons said. "Here in Auburn, you can have the same luxuries for less than $50 per person."
Tim Fox, marketing and communications director for the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, hopes the two businesses will feed off each other.
"Last year, a lot of patrons were excited," Fox said. "We have already had a lot of patrons ask when the restaurant will open. We like it because is supports the park, and it is such a great location."
Simmons said that his three years of operating the concession stands at the park, as well as the extensive catering done by his restaurant, gives him an insight into what the park guests will be looking for in an eating establishment.
Simmons was also formerly on the lake dance committee board, and hopes to continue the dances next year.
"The lake dance will not be held this year," Simmons said. "But I am hoping to head up the committee to continue holding the event again next year. The park has seen many positive moves over the past few years. I think that providing a place for fine and yet casual dining, in addition to other events held at the park, will be a good start in reviving it."
As part of Simmons contract with the park, he has the option of extending it through the 2006 season.
"I am really psyched about winning the contract," Simmons said. "By extending the contract, it will give me a chance to start sooner next season."
"The hours are meant to complement that of the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse," Simmons said. "It will be a wonderful marriage of dinner by the lake followed by a short walk over to see a tremendous Broadway musical. This goes on in the bigger cities, but we take for granted that we have it right here."
In addition to seating approximately 75 guests in the indoor dining lounge, additional seating will be available on the patio overlooking the lake. Simmons hopes to have about 10 outdoor tables, but knows central New York's weather is extremely unpredictable.
"Of course this will depend on the weather, but it has a very picturesque view of the lake. It makes for a unique dining experience."
The two restaurants owned by Simmons are meant to be separated, but will complement one another, each offering different styles of cuisine.
"Balloons Restaurant is a unique establishment," Simmons said. "We wanted the restaurant to have its own unique flair for the park. The name was kicked around, but we finally decided on Emerson Grille. It seems to capture some of the history of the park; after all, the land for the park was donated by the Emerson family."
The cuisine will emphasize seafood and seafood pasta combinations, yet steak dinners will be available as well.
"The restaurant will have a bistro feel," Simmons said. "We will offer light fare and appetizers in addition to the main entrees. Most of our guests will be dining before they go to see a show at the theater. Some just don't want a heavy meal. They want something light."
Simmons is hoping to offer the delights of the bigger cities at a convenient and affordable price.
"In the bigger cities, a nice dining experience followed by an evening at the theater will cost upwards of a couple of hundred dollars," Simmons said. "Here in Auburn, you can have the same luxuries for less than $50 per person."
Tim Fox, marketing and communications director for the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, hopes the two businesses will feed off each other.
"Last year, a lot of patrons were excited," Fox said. "We have already had a lot of patrons ask when the restaurant will open. We like it because is supports the park, and it is such a great location."
Simmons said that his three years of operating the concession stands at the park, as well as the extensive catering done by his restaurant, gives him an insight into what the park guests will be looking for in an eating establishment.
Simmons was also formerly on the lake dance committee board, and hopes to continue the dances next year.
"The lake dance will not be held this year," Simmons said. "But I am hoping to head up the committee to continue holding the event again next year. The park has seen many positive moves over the past few years. I think that providing a place for fine and yet casual dining, in addition to other events held at the park, will be a good start in reviving it."
As part of Simmons contract with the park, he has the option of extending it through the 2006 season.
"I am really psyched about winning the contract," Simmons said. "By extending the contract, it will give me a chance to start sooner next season."
The Citizens' Say
There are No comments posted.