Couple turns historic site into restaurant

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IN THE KITCHEN — Bret and Amy Baker with Chef Jeremy Donovan. The couple recently opened 76 Pleasant Street, a new restaurant in Norway.

NORWAY – Have you ever driven by 76 Pleasant Street and thought: what a beautiful home?

Bret and Amy Baker thought the same thing, but instead of just admiring the address as a place to live, they decided it would be an ideal place to open a restaurant.

The couple had been living at Lake Tahoe and for the last few years have been searching up and down the east coast for that perfect spot for people to enjoy their menu.

“A friend had told us to check out Maine and gave us the name of a local realtor,” smiled Amy. “So we came to Maine, and completely by chance, ended up in Norway.”

“We saw this property and knew right away that it was ‘the one',” added Bret. “And we knew we had a chance to succeed.”

The name of the restaurant is 76 Pleasant Street, and the estate has quite a bit of history behind it. It was built in 1896 for Judge Williams Jones and the mansion was a wedding gift for his wife.

“The previous owner did an extensive remodel to the home, but maintained its original character and the layout is ideal for our concept,” said Amy. “We arrived in June and have worked pretty much straight through to satisfy state codes including the addition of two ADA bathrooms, as well as a new hood for the stove and the addition of required fire-suppression equipment.”

The door opens to an amazing foyer and there are three, exquisite rooms on the first floor of the restaurant: a reception/waiting area and two dining rooms.

“All three rooms have a fireplace and we have seating for 24, so it will be a warm, intimate setting,” said Bret. “The floor plan allows for private parties and we are available for functions such as Christmas parties or luncheons during off hours.”

“We have space for more seats,” added Amy. “But given the size of our kitchen, we chose to insure quality and to give our guests the room to relax and enjoy themselves.”

Speaking of the kitchen, the couple hired a chef with an impressive resume, and whose focus is on the simplicity of fine ingredients and attentive presentation.

“Chef Jeremy Donovan has worked with a host of renowned chefs at some of the country’s finest restaurants,” said Amy. “He combines the flavors of the local market, with affordable menus reflecting the changing seasons.”

According to the Bakers, the menu is both appealing to the eyes and taste buds.

“For starters, we have house-smoked maple molasses salmon and autumn squash ravioli,” said Amy. “Our soup menu includes seafood chowder and butternut bisque. Entrees range from Lamb Milanese, pan-seared scallops with lobster cream to roasted organic vegetable lasagna.”

The Bakers hope the public will allow them to reveal their beautiful home and unique menu.

“We have been encouraged by the warmth of the people we have met and the help and acceptance to this community,” said Bret. “And our neighbors who have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome.”

“We hope people will give us a chance,” added Amy. “To return that warmth by sharing our home and all we have to offer.”

Currently, hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to close. After January 1, hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, 5 p.m. to close. For more information or to make a reservation, call 744-9040. The menu can be viewed at 76pleasantstreet.com.

Photo: Jackie Rybeck

INTIMATE DINING — One of the dining rooms at 76 Pleasant Street restaurant.

Photo: Jackie Rybeck

76 Pleasant Street