Now that construction has begun on Bill Atwood’s Waterhouse project on Water Street, which demolished the building that formerly housed Sidetracks and Balkan Bakery, we’re wondering: Is it curtains for the southeastern European eatery?
|
Anja Cetic will open The Roof within the next month. The restaurant, which is located on West Main in the building that once housed Under the Roof, will offer traditional Western foods “with a personal touch.” |
We’re not the only ones furrowing our brows. In fact, when Restaurantarama contacted Anja Cetic (whose parents, Bozana and Panto, own the bakery), she said, “I thought you were one more worried customer asking for an order of baklava and a meat pie.”
Turns out, we won’t have to worry much longer. Cetic and her husband, Jozo Andelic, plan to open a new iteration of the Balkan Bakery theme within the next month. Tentatively named The Roof, the restaurant will be located on West Main Street in the building that once housed Under the Roof. It will take inspiration from Balkan, but will expand on its menu. Cetic says they plan to offer some of her favorites, like potato-stuffed peppers and homemade sausages, and also some Western staples like mac and cheese and chicken wings. But, she promises, “We are going to keep all of Mom’s desserts [and] all of Dad’s meat dishes.” Balkan Bakery as we know it will remain at the City Market, where it originated.
She says the new restaurant will be a “bigger picture of our success and appreciation for being able to do what we love to do.”
Hey, old Chaps
Downtown mainstay Chaps is getting an upgrade. Restaurantarama stopped in last week, just in time to spot Crutchfield employees installing five flat-screen TVs. The sets, located in the front window, above the front door, on the back wall and above the counter, will regularly play old movies and TV shows—like “The Little Rascals” and “Who’s On First?”—and, on game days, UVA football and basketball games. Owner Tony LaBua says this technology invasion has been 25 years in the making. “It’ll make Chaps more fun than it already is,” he says.
Beer up
Here’s what’s new in brew: Mellow Mushroom has applied for an off-premises ABC license. The West Main pizza joint has plans to start selling kegs.
Over in Gordonsville, The Gordonsville Deli on North Main Street now serves beer and wine. Plus, it’s extended its patio hours to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays. While we’re on the topic of Gordonsville, other restaurant news is on its way from there. Check back next week for more.
