New restaurant opening in Wilmington's South Front District. Here's what to expect.
Mark Zecher is a restaurant industry veteran. He loves the business – is maybe even addicted to it -- but is at the point where he just wants to work for himself. That goal led him to 1540 S. Second St. in Wilmington’s South Front District. Now, he’s ready to launch the elevated casual, regional American concept he’s been developing for the past 20 years. South Front Tavern opens Thursday, Aug. 1. Here’s what to expect.
The look
The new restaurant is located where The Second Glass wine bar closed earlier this year. Zecher created a lounge-y area in the former wine cellar and removed the T-shaped booths that separated the dining room from the bar area.
“We really liked the architecture here, with the containers,” he said. “So, we wanted to bring that industrial look inside.”
He added custom lighting and lots of aluminum and steel touches, warmed with leather and wood. He sanded and pickled the walls and reimagined the garden patio seating. Inside, there's a bar, banquette seating by the window and high-top tables in the dining area.
The food
Zecher’s work has taken him around the country, and he’s picked up recipes along the way, in cities from Sante Fe to New Orleans, where he worked for the Brennan family who own restaurants like Commander’s Palace and Mr. B’s Bistro.
“I can execute some of these regional specialties in a way that you don’t always see here,” he said.
He mentions making the shrimp-and-corn stock that is the basis of a bisque. The Gumbo Ya-Ya entree has an authentic dark roux base, which is then layered with chicken, shrimp, andouille and Carolina rice. The Texas-style Short Rib Five-Chili Chili starts with a selection of toasted, dried chili peppers.
“A lot of people judge your place on the burger,” he said. “But a good burger is one of the hardest things on the menu to make. There are so many steps.”
He said those steps all come together for the restaurant’s Plancha Burger with gruyere, mushroom, garlic aioli and tobacco onions.
The menu is meant to be approachable in variety and pricing, he said. He’s recruited Chef Ken Hanson to help him implement his vision.
The details
Also on his team are general manager Rex Horrell and Brandy Zamagne, bar manager. In addition to a comfortable space for dates and family meals, Zecher said South Front Tavern will also have a lively bar scene. Look for local beers, American wines and a cocktail/mocktail menu that focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients and consistent execution. While the restaurant isn’t a sports bar, Zecher did answer a request from neighbors and future customers to add some TVs for watching games.
Right now, South Front Tavern opens at 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays for brunch, followed by dinner service.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: South Front Tavern restaurant opens in downtown Wilmington, NC
