PORT TOWNSEND — If the opening of new restaurants indicates a reviving economy, Port Townsend is having a banner month.
Two new eating spots are now available for local diners, both expanding the type of food and when it is available.
The Galatea Cafe, 842 Washington St., which previously had the suffix “and tapas bar” is open under the new management of Kris Nelson, current owner of Sirens and past owner of Jordinis and the Fountain Cafe.
She plans to expand the menu and turn the adjoining area into a destination for wine and martinis called the Alchemy Espirted Wine Bar.
The Mus Kan Indian Restaurant, 2330 Washington St., expands the ethnic food choices in East Jefferson County.
Owner Manoj Kumar operates the Spice Route restaurant on Bainbridge Island, and his family runs the Gandhi restaurant in Silverdale.
He said that many of his customers at the Bainbridge location are Port Townsend residents and have encouraged him to open a restaurant there.
He has been considering the idea for several months and took action when the location became available.
That spot most recently housed a Thai restaurant and was the original home of T’s, now located on Point Hudson.
“We are offering something different that is not available in Port Townsend,” Kumar said.
“And the local people are going to appreciate this.”
That prediction has already come true, as the restaurant has been crowded on weeknights with no publicity other than word of mouth.
Both Kumar and Nelson acknowledge the tough economic times, but feel they are addressing niches that are now unfilled.
And while January is thought to be the worst time for any business, both think the coldest month provides a good opportunity as it gives them time to refine and develop their operations in time for the busy tourist season.
“When opening a new restaurant, you first need to satisfy the local customers so you are ready for the tourists when they arrive,” Nelson said.
Aside from expanding the menu, the new Galatea is expanding its hours and will serve a bar menu until 11 p.m. every night — an unprecedented move for Port Townsend, where most restaurants close down early.
“This is something that is needed around here,” she said.
“We will be serving food later than everyone else, so people can get something to eat both before and after the movie.”
As for the food selection, Nelson said her business partner, Julian Ray, has a deep knowledge about cuisines throughout Europe and will incorporate those choices into the developing menu.
Nelson said she loves working at restaurants and satisfying customers, and she wanted to diversify Sirens’ success.
“We will be adding and subtracting menu items every day to see what works,” Nelson said.
Kumar said he expects customers to respond to the availability of Indian food because it is healthy, natural and spicy.
The potency of the spice can be specified by the customer, who chooses a range between one and five, signified by stars.
While it isn’t on the menu, Kumar said he can serve food at the eight-star level, but it’s not for everybody.
“When it gets that hot, you don’t taste the food,” he said.
“You only taste the spice.”
Kumar and Nelson see the silver lining in the current economic cloud.
“When you open any new business, you are taking a risk, especially with food service,” Nelson said.
“But these days, you can get a better deal on a lot of things and it can cost you less to open.”
“Times are tough,” said Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce President Kim Aldrich.
“But right now is a good time to follow your dream.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.