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RED LINE CAFE - FY 2014 i Red Lion Caf6 i 'fit :,. S >",`° e. a 'a$fi � yy +f• 1 & a i.,-+ f 3r°'g+.� � � .�MM a $- « s` H. ,a �-a.� q R _ �i �kP �+', E ,y '. '�` ti .. +R! ? r ,g�. w2 .'d.,n& r •h* 5t�r' -# 'S -a.r - .� a� _ .,& q ��w e .. $3 s ,u ,'� -v 3 .a �ffi .r - "° • : S -'��, r�4 a Sa d " ;' 6, a. .. i i x i+ q a d P ea&` ✓ *ii tib° rs °"'.9 �' pr. 'a3.� w a - '� x ,�` ';a �- cl I ��✓ �+Cc syr - I - 70 ! ��e'•.a ��. �.Jn A ,y 49® QUA � at' 01, ,✓ .,p C� � 9 A F A g UA,, �,� 'r•'+ ' ` '.fir-r '6 Grs.c&s 4 10 .W • 'fid: -"Fh: ` fed Frd a .aaJ'""'S _.. c Y:' Red Line Cafe 188 Essex Street, Salem, MA Red Line Cafe is a casual restaurant located on Salem's Essex Street Pedestrian Mall, in the heart of the City's downtown. It was opened in July of 2013 by Maria Veres, who is a native of Salem, and her husband Athanasios Lengas, in a vacant space that was once occupied by a lemon ice parlor. The two had recently moved to Salem from Athens Greece where they ran a cafe; hence they had a great deal of experience in the food service industry prior to this venture. The cafe serves hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, crepes, salads, and much more. Its central location along the Pedestrian Mall, friendly staff, and attentive service has quickly allowed the cafe to garner a good reputation locally and from visiting out-of-towners. As the Economic Development Planner, Andrew Shapiro provides technical assistance to business on any number of issues, whether it be navigating city services, obtaining loans or storefront improvement grant funding, or receiving proper approvals from local boards/commissions. In the case of Red Line Cafe, Mr. Shapiro worked with the business from start to finish in terms of receiving approvals for signage and an outdoor seating area. Red Line Cafe came before the City's Design Review Board and Salem Redevelopment Authority, both boards that Mr. Shapiro staffs, in order to receive approval for the following: • A building sign • A portable"a-frame" sign • Window decal signage • A seating area that includes three small tables, several chairs, and umbrellas Board decisions and materials that were submitted are enclosed. Having a vibrant cafe in the heart of Salem's downtown"urban renewal area,"which has been designated as a slum and blight district with 82, or 38.5%, of its parcels in a substandard or undesirable condition, is integral to Salem's continued revitalization of its downtown. Further, the cafe has provided needed jobs to people who had not been previously employed and who are within the "extremely low income limit." Two of these jobs have been documented and household income verification forms for them are enclosed. Business Name: I Red Line Cafe City of Salem Household Income Verification Information written on this form is confidential. The Salem Department of Planning and Community Development(DPCD) is required to ask the following questions in order to comply with federal regulations imposed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD). If you have any questions regarding this form, please contact the DPCD staff at 978 619-5685. Please note that this form is subject to verification by the local or federal government. Section 1: To be Completed by Employee and Employer Employee Name lease rint Position (i.e. service worker, manager, sales, technician, office/clerical, Professional, unskilled laborer, semi- skilled operator, skilled craft worker �Ajcn Number of Hours Full or Part Time: Worked each Week Date of Hire Was the employee unemployed prior to �Q �� takingthis position? Does this position have employer sponsored health care benefits? U-D(:) I certify under penalties of perjury that all of the information provided above is true. Signature of Employee c Date Signature of Employer �wJ/"//J ` Date qG'V Section 2: Household I come and Background Information to be Completed by ployee 1. Select the column that corresponds to your household size. 2. Circle the income range that corresponds to your total household gross income. Total Household Gross Income is your income plus other family household members' income at the time of hire. —Please circle below. FY 2014 Income Persons in Famil Limit Category 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Extremely Low 19,800 22,600 25,450 28,250 30,550 32,800 35,050 37,300 (30%) Income Limits ($) Median Income Very Low(50%) 32,950 37,650 42,350 47,050 50,850 54,600 58,350 62,150 $94,100 Income Limits $ Low(80%) Income 47,450 54,200 61,000 67,750 73,200 78,600 84,050 89,450 Limits ($) Ethnicity: Are you Hispanic or Latino? (circle) Ye No Race: Check one box to indicate your race. ❑ White ❑ Black/African American ❑ Asian ❑ Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander ❑American Indian or Alaskan Native Or if Multi Race: ❑ American Indian/Alaskan Native &White ❑Asian &White E]Black/African American&White El American Indian/Alaskan Native & Black/African American Ly'Other Multi-Racial I certify under penalties of perjury that all of the information provided above is true. / Signature of Employee Date S I ®) 1 q FOR DPCD USE ONL to received: VL L M H f Business Name: I Red Line Cafe City of Salem Household Income Verification Information written on this form is confidential. The Salem Department of Planning and Community Development(DPCD) is required to ask the following questions in order to comply with federal regulations imposed by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD). If you have any questions regarding this form, please contact the DPCD staff at 978 619-5685. Please note that this form is subject to verification by the local or federal government. Section 1: To be Completed by Employee and EmployerIl Employee Name Rr anrl� t y Iaf FC r �J1ui, lease print) Position (i.e. service worker, manager, r s' sales, technician, office/clerical. Professional, unskilled laborer, semi- skilled operator, skilled craft worker Number of Hours ?D Full or Part Time: P a rE �(*,e Worked each Week Date of Hire �Fvi( S'��2o1y Was the employee unemployed prior to ��5 taking thisposition? Does this position have employer n o sponsored health care benefits? I certify under penalties of per'ury that all f the nformation provided above is true. Signature of Employee Date tot Signature of Employe Date OLS Section 2: Household Income and Background Information to be Completed by gmployee 1. Select the column that corresponds to your household size. 2. Circle the income range that corresponds to your total household gross income. Total Household Gross Income is your income plus other family household members' income at the time of hire. — Please circle below. FY 2014 Income Persons in Family ? Limit Category 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 mely Lo 19,80 22,600 25,450 28,250 30,550 32,800 35,050 37,300 (S nc e Limits ($) Median Income Very Low(50%) 32,950 37,650 42,350 47,050 50,850 54,600 58,350 62,150 $94,100 Income Limits $ Low (80%) Income 47,450 54,200 61,000 67,750 73,200 78,600 84,050 89,450 Limits ($) Ethnicity: Are you Hispanic or Latino? (circle): Yes Race: Check one box to indicate your race. �❑J White ❑ Black/African American ❑ Asian ❑Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander American Indian or Alaskan Native Or if Multi Race: ❑ American Indian/Alaskan Native&White ❑ Asian &White ❑Black/African American&White ❑ American Indian/Alaskan Native& Black/African American ❑ Other Multi-Racial I certify under penalties of perjurjthat all o infor)nation provided above is true. Signature of Employee Date FOR DPCD USE ONLY Date received: VL L M H Salem Redevelopment Authority Design Review Board Proposal (q May 22, 2013 188 Essex Street (Red Line Cafe): Discussion and vote on proposed signage and outdoor seating SRA Decision At their meeting on June 12, 2013, the SRA voted to approve the May 22, 2013 DRB recommendation for the proposed signage and outdoor seating area at 188 Essex Street as revised. DRB Recommendation At its meeting on May 22, 2013, the DRB recommended approval of the proposed signage at 188 Essex Street with the following conditions: • For the applicant to work with DRB Member Glen Kennedy on final small revisions to the building and window signage The DRB recommended approval of the proposed outdoor seating area with the following conditions: • Minimum of 2 tables maximum of 3 depending on size - contingent on not blocking the door. • Round 24" table with black chairs as submitted. Maximum of 2 seats per table. • 42" clearance for sidewalk pedestrian traffic., Staff Comment for June 12 SRA Meeting The applicant worked with DRB Member Glen Kennedy to revise the fonts for both signs — building sign is all upper case and window decals will be all lower case —and to review the true proposed color for the sign, which will be a darker/burgundy red as noted by the swatch provided. The applicant has revised the proposal for outdoor seating to conform to the DRB conditions. Proposal for May 22 DRB Meeting The applicant seeks to install a 72" x 12" aluminum sign painted red, with 9" high white vinyl lettering spelling "Red Line Cafe." The font would be "Possum Sattare." Salem Redevelopment Authority The applicant would also like to place 3" high lettering scattered along the bottom halves of the three storefront windows. The total proposed lettering would rise no higher than 28". The applicant also seeks to have an outdoor seating area with five (5) 24" round top tables that are 28.5" high and 10 chairs. Both the table and chairs will have zinc (in black) frame finish. The tables and chairs will be aligned in a row, two chairs per table, 5' from the storefront's windows. Staff Comment Although the applicant submitted a drawing, they have not submitted a plan to scale that outlines their proposed seating area. It is difficult to verify whether enough clearance is available to pedestrians with the seating placed 5' from the building. Note that the round of improvements currently being implemented on the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall calls for removal of the planter bed in front of this storefront. v RED LINE CAFE Owners: Athanasios Lengas Maria Veres Location: 188 Essex Street Contact: 978-766-6275 mariaveres84@gmail.com To whom it may concern, My name is Maria Veres and my husband Athanasios Lengas and I are planning to open a cafe on 188 Essex Street in Salem, MA named, "Red Line Cafe°°. We would like to have outdoor seating because the concept of the cafe is COFFEE,all types of coffee.The outdoor seating will give it the joyful atmosphere like you are somewhere in Europe drinking an espresso. We would like to have two to three tables outdoors with three chairs to a table. Our chairs will be black zinc plated which match with the Salem,MA outdoor seating concept. The tables will also be zinc plated black. Essex Street is a beautiful street where tourists,residents,and students walk and spend their day. We would like our cliental in Salem,MA to be able to stop by the Red Line Cafe,to be able to take a short break from their busy life style they all have these days, and be able to socialize with their friends and family while sitting down and having their favorite coffee blend.They will be able to relax and dream that they are in Italy and having an espresso! Outdoor seating is very important to the concept of the business because we want our Italian based coffee to succeed.During the warm months of the year we would like our customers to be able to experience the outdoor life-style of a cafd. The sign that I would like to use will be a dark red with white lettering reading,"Red Line Cafe". This sign will be placed exactly where the previous sign was located in front of our space in the Museum Place Mall. We would also like to write on the bottom of the three windows,EAT, DRINK, INDULGE which is our menu. Men, women,and children walking by 188 Essex Street will know the concept of our cafe. My husband and I are very excited about our new business and we hope our passion for food and coffee can be shared with you. We believe the Red Line Cafe will be a great concept that will bring joy and happiness to our beloved city of Salem.Thank you for your time. Best Regards, Maria Veres 4,--e llllee�r4J Athanasios Lengas a zq Cn q c .�FrtiS S� M1y T Y.` .lga ♦ � 1 a N Tex ,a._. � a x " 4'u�'' _ '•�*4,�t,f grt� x Salem LU IT Redevelopment Authority 0 0 0 app�C�dC�D Salem Redevelopment Authority Decision May 14, 2014 188 Essex Street (Red Line Cafe): Discussion and vote on proposed umbrellas for outdoor seating area and A-Frame sign. SRA Decision At its meeting on May 14, 2014, the SRA voted 3-0 to approve an April 26, 2014 DRB recommendation to approve the applicant's proposal for red canvas umbrellas (no advertisements) for the outdoor seating area, as well as one A- Frame sign (black metal frame and black dry erase board) to be placed at the end of the seating area furthest from the door as noted on the presented plans, at 188 Essex Street Red Line Cafe). DRB Recommendation On April 26, 2014 the Design Review Board unanimously approved the proposal for umbrellas and an A-Frame sign at 188 Essex Street (Red Line Cafe) on the condition that the sign be placed at the end of the seating area furthest from the cafe entrance. Staff Comment The applicant has agreed to place the a-frame sign at the end of the seating area that is furthest from their entrance. The proposal is in compliance with the City's sign ordinance. Proposal for April 26, 2014 DRB Meeting Enclosed is a picture of the proposed A-Frame sign, a sample picture of the proposed umbrellas, and drawings. With respect to the umbrellas, there will be three (one for each table)`, each with a 4'11" diameter. The color proposed is red. With respect to the A-Frame sign, it will be all black with a "dry erase" face and metal frame. Com lies? Portable Sign Requirements Y N ? Dimensional Requirements: X - less than orequal to 6 square feet X - no more than 24"wide X - within 10' of entrance door X - minimum of 5' 42" absolute clearance from obstruction Salem Redevelopment Authority Y N ? Other Requirements: X - zoning: must be B1, B2, B4, or B5 X - no trademarks other than establishment's X - prices, telephone numbers, and Internet addresses shall not be greater than four inches tall X - no changeable letters, animation, movement, or sound X - only one sin permitted per entrance X - cannot be located in front of handicap walkways, or block building entrances, exits, and fire escapes X - design (color, fixed lettering style, symbols and material)complements and is compatible with the design of the establishment's primary sign(s),abutting properties, and the general streetscape in the immediate vicinity of the establishment X - must be made of durable, rigid material such as, but not limited to, wood, plastic or metal, in an A-frame style X - must be internally weighted so that it is stable and windproof. X - must have$1,000,000 liability insurance including naming the City and the SRA NA - if a shared entrance, must share sign with other business es 'Outdoor seating area was previously approved. Staff Comment I will be requesting some additional information from the applicant in regards to the material of the proposed umbrellas. The proposed placement of the A-Frame sign may need to be adjusted given access to the door. � •�� „ ,rVl�f{�w{� r��Y Irl ���4j IIIIS� y3' w ti r< + z � ) I w� I ry� YY eFl yp .� r L�. � ♦ di � E ♦ 1�. c 4 l Or s .� mu .. 17 F 112 OX a bus" c ei' APPLICATION FOR PERMIT TO ERECT A SIGN NOTE:BUILDING PERMrr MUST BE OBTAINED BEFORE SIGN IS ERECTED J- Location, Ownership and Detail Must Be Correct, Complete,and Legible Satem.Massachusetts % "I) . . To the Building Inspector: The undersigned hereby applies for a permit to o Erect, o Alter, o Repair a sign on the following described buildings: Street •istrict Q • \ o Urban Renewal Area o Entrance Corridor U o Historic District o None • - . Telephone _ 1 door ft• floor Address — T-floor-Telephone 4' Li --2-1 _ 4!n floor E-nom C+' How many businesses are in the building? Ha corporate body,name of responsible officer - Building linea7feet Co strurbon Suds License No Applicant's Space(d multi-tenanQ lineaAddress Property linear Telephone Mail Sign Permit to E-mad o Sign Owner o Sign Erector o Other. Proposed Signsdfnjor� Sign 1 Si n 2 Sign 3 o Surface o Surface o Surface o Right Angle to Building o Right Angle to Building o Right Angle to Building o Free Standing o Free Standing o Free Standing o Awning o Awning o Awning gf Portable(A-Frame) o Portable(A-Frame) o Portable(A-Frame) o Other(specify) o Other(specify) o Other(specify) S4Qh 60Wrialls Sign Materials Sign Materials 44 Sign Dilnensionsir Sign Dimensions. Sign Dimensions Sign Area 1Sign Area Sign Area ft ft s ft Sign Height(d free Stan r g) Sign Height(d free standing) Sign Height(d free standing) Estimated Cost of Net Work Type Sign Area To Be Removed? SSer'siathortz o Surface sqft o yes o no o Right Angle to Building sqft ❑yes o no ❑Free Standing sq ft ❑yes ❑no ed Representative o Awning sq ft o yes o no ❑Other(specify) sq ft o yes o no Property Owner Internal Review 18 llk4u_ ing&Community-WielopmerriF Deparhnent Historical Commission Building Inspector OM4/10 m (1( nr 1'. Salem , �v !!Redevelopment Z. DI Authority Salem Redevelopment Authority Decision May 14, 2014 188 Essex Street (Red Line Cafe): Discussion and vote on proposed umbrellas for outdoor seating area and A-Frame sign. SRA Decision At its meeting on May 14, 2014, the SRA voted 3-0 to approve an April 26, 2014 DRB recommendation to approve the applicant's proposal for red canvas umbrellas (no advertisements) for the outdoor seating area, as well as one A- Frame sign (black metal frame and black dry erase board) to be placed at the end of the seating area furthest from the door as noted on the presented plans, at 188 Essex Street Red Line Cafe). DRB Recommendation On April 26, 2014 the Design Review Board unanimously approved the proposal for umbrellas and an A-Frame sign at 188 Essex Street (Red Line Cafe) on the condition that the sign be placed at the end of the seating area furthest from the cafe entrance. Staff Comment The applicant has agreed to place the a-frame sign at the end of the seating area that is furthest from their entrance. The proposal is in compliance with the City's sign ordinance. Proposal for April 26, 2014 DRB Meeting Enclosed is a picture of the proposed A-Frame sign, a sample picture of the proposed umbrellas, and drawings. With respect to the umbrellas, there will be three (one for each table)`, each with a 4'11" diameter. The color proposed is red. With respect to the A-Frame sign, it will be all black with a "dry erase" face and metal frame. Com lies? Portable Sign Requirements Y N I ? Dimensional Requirements: X - less than orequal to 6 square feet X - no more than 24"wide X within 10' of entrance door X minimum of 5' (42"absolute clearance from obstruction Salem ffM Redevelopment Authority Y N ? Other Requirements: X - zoning: must be 61, B2, B4, or B5 X - no trademarks other than establishment's X - prices, telephone numbers, and Internet addresses shall not be greater than four inches tall X - no changeable letters, animation, movement, or sound X - only one sin permitted per entrance X - cannot be located in front of handicap walkways, or block building entrances, exits, and fire escapes X - design (color, fixed lettering style, symbols and material)complements and is compatible with the design of the establishment's primary sign(s), abutting properties, and the general streetscape in the immediate vicinity of the establishment X - must be made of durable, rigid material such as, but not limited to, wood, plastic or metal, in an A-framestyle X - must be internally weighted so that it is stable and windproof. X - must have$1,000,000 liability insurance including naming the City and the SRA NA - if a shared entrance, must share sign with other business es "Outdoor seating area was previously approved. Staff Comment I will be requesting some additional information from the applicant in regards to the material of the proposed umbrellas. The proposed placement of the A-Frame sign may need to be adjusted given access to the door. y n � yvtr R R�9 /si lam`Y � 04 q'it yrs . C) c) � • 5 O\co CXAL7 As t . s iii t } 4 .L. . s } (f1_________ __________________________ __ ____ __ ______________________ S P 1 h r e 4 R Y 1 f l } 8'-4�"'s�d )< r4.- Ar z k d � i �3� Commonwealth of Massachusetts { City of Salem 9 . aq rM 120 Washington St,3b Floor Salem,MA 01970(976)745-9595x5641 HY.9 S Realm card to Building Division for Certificate of Occupancy Permit B-14-939 FEE PAID:: $0.00 p E RM IT T O B U L L D $0 DATE ISSUED: 5/23/2014 This certifies that MARTA VERES has permission to erect, alter, or demolish a building 2 EAST INDIA SQUARE Map/Lot: 350604.0 as follows: Signs SIGN PERMIT AS APPROVED FOR AN A-FRAMEFOR RED LINE CAFE (HAS SRA APPROVAL) Contractor Name: DBA: Contractor License No: 5/23/2014 Building Official Date This permit shall be deemed abandoned and invalid unless the work authorized by this permit is commenced wdhm�six months after issuance.The Building Official may gran[one or more extensions not to exceed six months each upon written request. aZi71 .....h:.; . . . : .. All work authorized by this permit shall conform to the approved application and the approved censtnrction dm ocuents for which this permit has been granted. All construction,aerations and changes of use of any building and structures shall be in compliance with the local zoning by-laws and codes. This permit shall be displayed in a location clearly visible fromaccess street or road and shall be maintained open,fa publlc inspection for the entire duration of the work unfit the completion of the same. The Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued until all applicable signatures by the Building and Fire Officials"provided on this permit _ _ HIC#: "Persons contracting with unregistered contractors tlo not have access to the guaranty fund".(as set forth in MGI.c.142A). Restrictions: Building plans are to be available on site. All Permit Cards are the property of the PROPERTY OWNER. A culinary capital)> SalemNews.com, Salem,MA http://www.saleninews.com/local/xl442579401/A-culinary-capital/print rt SalemNews.com, Salem, MA October 7, 2013 A culinary capital Downtown Salem relishes its growing food scene BY TOM DALTON STAFF WRITER ---- —SALEM—The tourist from Cleveland walked through the door of Melita Fiore Patisserie on Washington Street,went straight to a glass case filled with macaroons, cupcakes, tortes and croissants, and took out his smartphone. "I'd like to eat it all, but I can't, so I take pictures," said Dan Drescher, 63. His wife, Sharilene, didn't show the same restraint, ordering raspberry white chocolate mousse. The French bakery,which opened last month a few doors down from City Hall,is the latest happening in a downtown fast becoming the culinary capital of the North Shore. A lot of eyes are peeking around the corner to Church Street, eagerly anticipating the arrival of Turner's Seafood,which will open this fall where the Lyceum restaurant used to be. "We're getting close," said Jim Turner. "For business reasons,we thought it was best to kind of let October pass, do our training and try to open around the middle of November." Aware that their 43 Church St. building is steeped in history, the family will pay homage to the site by calling itself Turner's Seafood at Lyceum Hall. Turner's will have more than 150 seats, a fish market and an oyster bar.The popular bar from the Lyceum restaurant days is being restored. Across Washington Street,a new Italian restaurant, Firenze Trattoria, opened a few weeks ago at 2 Lynde St. "When people come and dine,it's just like in Italy but without paying for the flight," said Zamir Kociaj, owner-chef of the 30-seat resiaurant A native of Albania,Kociaj grew up in Tuscany,where he learned the restaurant trade. He ran his own restaurant in Boston for several years before moving to Salem. Firenze Trattoria has several specialties, including gnocchi gorgonzola and toasted walnuts,and rigatoni with homemade sausage. This summer, the Matera brothers made the official transition from the Hungry Whale, their sandwich shop on Wharf Street, to a full-scale restaurant,Longboards. 1 of 2 6/26/2014 6:31 PM A culinary capital » SalemNews.com, Salem,MA http://www.salemnews.com/local/xl442579401/A-culinary-capital/print ,r Longboards is actually the best of both worlds on Pickering Wharf,Matt Matera said,with a front section serving take-out items and the rear bar and restaurant featuring flatbread pizza,lobster rolls and sandwiches,including some named after local beaches —like The Collins Cove (roasted turkey,bacon and chipotle lime aioli). Athanasios "Sakis" Lengas and his wife,Maria Vexes, a Salem native, opened the Red Line Cafe a few months ago on the Essex Street pedestrian mall. It serves American and Mediterranean cuisine and is modeled on a cafe Lengas had in Athens. The Red Line has an extensive list of coffees,including freddo cappuccino, a cold version of cappuccino that is popular in Greece and Italy, and crepes for main courses and dessert.The Bistro,one of the "savory crepes,"is made of roasted turkey, arugula,Brie cheese and fig marmalade. In other developments, a Japanese restaurant,Koto,will open on Washington Street where Bangkok Paradise was for several decades;and Red Lulu on Lafayette Street will move downtown after Halloween and reopen as Lolita Cocina and Tequila Bar at 118 Washington St., the current home of Fresh Taste of Asia. Of all these new openings, the most anticipated had to be Melita Fiore, the French bakery,which had so much business it had to close after a few days to train more staff. It has since reopened and plans to stay open late Friday and Saturday nights for the dessert crowd in search of decadent offerings like Delice, which has layers of cake and mousse topped with a dark chocolate glaze. The owner,Melita Fiore, trained under master French pastry chef Delphin Gomes of Marblehead and also worked with the executive pastry chef in the Imperial Palace Hotel in Tokyo. "It's very much a French pastry shop," she said, "but we pick out our favorite things from other parts of the world. (My sister) wouldn't let the shop open up without cupcakes." Tom Dalton can be reached at tdalton@salemnews.com. 2 of 2 6/26/2014 6:31 PM i Flavors of Greece at Red Line Cafe in Salem-North-The Boston Globe http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/nordV2013/10/12/flavor... fThe Boston Globe Book Club has announced its first pick. Click hereto see what was chosen and to sign up for the newsletter. theoston�lobe North DINING OUT Marriage of Greece and Salem spawns a popular Essex St. cafe By Penny Schwartz I GLOBE CORRESPONDENT OCTOBER 13, 2013 µ. I Wim. y qf L. S n a a < f i The RL Club turkey sandwich,served with potato chips. The Red Line Cafe brings the aromas and flavors of Greece to diners on the North Shore. The Salem cafe's friendly owners are eager to please, extending a warm welcome and attentive service. Named for its location along the city's popular Heritage Trail, marked by a painted red line, the cafe is accessible from Essex Street's brick-and-cobblestone pedestrian walkway and from the Museum Place Mall. 1 of 3 6/26/2014 6:31 PM Flavors of Greece at Red Line Cafe in Salem-North-The Boston Globe http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2013/10/12/flavor... ✓ CONTINUE READING BELOW The menu, handwritten on a large chalkboard above a counter,boasts more than a dozen Greek-style espresso coffee drinks, other coffee and tea varieties,fresh fruit smoothies, an array of salads, crepes, and more than a dozen sandwiches and wraps. All of the recipes are created b chef Athanasios Lengas, co-owner of the cafe with his P Y g , wife, Maria Veres, who was born and raised in Salem.Veres and Lengas met in Athens, where he owned and ran a cafe that is the inspiration for their joint venture. The spacious storefront, once home to one of Salem's beloved ice cream shops, offers a relaxed atmosphere,where patrons order at a counter displaying muffins (baked daily by Lengas), sticky buns, and bagels (delivered daily from Iggy's Bread of the World in Watertown). Gluten-free bread is available, and Lengas will soon offer homemade gluten-free muffins. The cafe, which offers free Wi-Fi, seats 53,with a choice of tables or wood counters, including one in front of the cafe's large plate-glass windows, perfect for people-gazing. Weather permitting, there are also several outdoor tables. On a hot summer afternoon, a friend and I stopped in for a cold drink and small bite to eat following a visit to the Peabody Essex Museum,just a minute's stroll from the cafe.A tall glass of freshly brewed ice tea hit the mark. CONTINUE READING BELOW Lengas prepares his version of spanikopita, Greek spinach pie ($5),by folding paper-thin phyllo dough around a filling of fresh spinach, onion, egg, and feta cheese. Formed into a triangle and served hot, it was a perfect balance between the flaky golden baked phyllo and an exceptionally light filling that is not greasy. A complimentary sample of homemade baklava, the sweet Greek pastry of phyllo dough layered with a mixture of nuts, honey, sugar, and a little lemon zest,was outstanding, and not overly sweet or syrupy. On a return visit on a recent Sunday morning,the cafe began to fill up by u'. The owners recommended the freddo cappuccino, ($4.io), an iced espresso drink that is the go-to summer drink in Athens,they said. The Red Line version,becoming their signature drink, is a rich dark brown espresso,topped by several inches of frothy steamed milk. Served in a tapered glass, the elegant drink, cooled with a light touch of ice,was 2 of 3 6/26/2014 6:31 PM L Flavors of Greece at Red Line Cafe in Salem-North-The Boston Globe http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2013/10/12/flavor... richly flavored, smooth and delicious. The cafe uses Lavazza coffee, an Italian coffee company, for its regularly brewed and espresso coffees. The Greek coffee and a Greek frappe, served hot or iced, is made from Nescafe, imported from Greece. Diners gathered at the counter to watch Lengas prepare crepes, pouring his homemade batter onto one of two hot crepe griddles. The Bistro crepe ($1.0.25),filled with roasted turkey, arugula,brie, and homemade fig marmalade, is a tasty contrast of flavors and textures with small forkfuls of filling in every bite of the slightly fluffy pancake. The Farm House ($8.25) is the most popular savory crepe,they said,with baby spinach, goat cheese, garlic, mushrooms, heirloom tomatoes, and the unusual addition of pickles. The most popular sweet variety is Bella Nutella ($7.50), filled with the hazelnut-cocoa spread,whipped cream, and fresh strawberries and topped with a drizzle of the spread. A"Rocket" salad ($8.5o) bursts with flavors of crisp arugula, creamy pieces of ricotta salata, thin slices of figs, almonds, and slices of roast chicken, instead of prosciutto, as listed on the menu. The sherry-vanilla vinaigrette is light and not overly sweet. Diners are encouraged to customize any order. A pumpkin muffin, ordered to go,won the endorsement of my husband, who said it was light, not greasy, and packed with the seasonal flavors of pumpkin, nuts, and cinnamon. Veres,who to used to imagine owning a cafe with her sister, said she is thrilled that she and her husband were able to open a cafe on Essex Street,where she used to spend time as a teen. "I grew up here and want to give back to this community," she said. One measure of their customer appreciation is that on days when Lengas bakes baklava, usually once a week, they continue to offer patrons samples of the delicious dessert. Penny Schwartz can be reached at i2enschwartz(&earthlink.net. ©2014 BOSTON GLOBE MEDIA PARTNERS, LLC 3 of 3 6/26/2014 6:31 PM Local'Woman Opening The Red Line Cafe-Business- Salem,MA Patch http://salem.patch.com/groups/business-news/p/red-line-cafe-will-sell... Salem i 64' 1 Nearby Get the newsletter Join Sign In Home News Blogs Conversations Events Real Estate Buy/Sell/Trade Weekender lobs i Business Listings t t Search Advertise on Patch News I Business ALchoims t: Boards More» Local Woman Opening The Red Got a question?Something on Line Cafe your mind?Talk to your community,directly. The Red Line Cafe is expected to open next month on Essex Post something - Street in Salem. --- --- -— — ---- Posted by Owen Boss(Editor),lune 20,2013 at 12:46 AM - Post More Buy I Sell I Trade Comment;�6 a Hugh Yard sale Business Updates ! Ann Marie Borgesi loins ' Children's Friend... � _•.< ... _. .. Speak Out I Plastic Bag Challenge j Town Square Musical Theatre Audition Intensive-Apply... d — -� Speak Out Maria Veres and her husband, ENERGY CRISIS SOLVED Athanasios Lengas,expect to open Trending Now on Patch _ r up The Red Line Cafe on Essex ' Graduation Ceremony Street in Salem sometime next Interrupted By Amazing Town Square month. Surprise Summer Etiquette Classes for Children! Veres appeared before the Salem • Poll Results: Country LicensingBoard Tuesday night and Split on Obama's Iraq Y 9 Town Square was unanimous) ranted a Policy Y 9 BSA Troop 24-Great common victualler's license to • Should States Allow Salem Fire of 1914 operate at 188 Essex St. Vaccine Exemptions for Religious Reasons? Veres was born in Salem and Town Square attended Salem High School before ' Supreme Court: No Cell Troop 24 at Wesley graduating from Suffolk University. Phone Searches Without Church Lengas is from Athens, Greece. a Warrant The Red Line Cafe will have a full Town Square espresso bar and offer sandwiches, wraps,salads,crepes and NOW SCREENING,HERITAGE Small Business Voices See more fresh smoothies.Veres said she also plans on serving bagels, FILMS AT HOLLYWOOD... • How to Build a Stand-out Brand muffins,cookies,spinach pie and cheese pie. Town Square • Enter To Win$25,000 The 64-seat cafe will have a rustic contemporary look and will offer free Wifi,Veres said. Experiential Outdoor • Great Crowdfunding Sites to Help Launch Event for Local... Make an Idea Into a Business 1 of 3 6/26/2014 6:31 PM