the signs they are a’ changin’

Folks driving or strolling in and around Market Square recently may have noticed a couple of restaurant name changes. On Feb 21, Tequilla Jack’s, located at 54 Daniel St., became TJ’s, and on Feb. 22, Sakura, located at 40 Pleasant Street, became Sakurabana.

TJ’s owner Bethany Hayes says the new name was partly inspired by the fact that regular clientele have been referring to it as such for years. “People always say, ‘we’re going to TJ’s,’” says Hayes, but she says the change also reflects a slight shift in the menu. “We’re getting a little bit away from the Mexican theme and focusing on comfortable food—nothing too intimidating, an emphasis on things you can share, with healthier portions and healthier ingredients so you won’t walk away feeling greasy all day.” She says they won’t eliminate the Mexican theme completely and promises to keep a few long-time favorites on the menu. Tequilla Jack’s opened in 1999 and Hayes has been owner since November 2005.

Sakurabana general manager Samson Tokuno says their new direction reflects the restaurant’s affiliation with its like-named sister restaurants in Boston, Mass. and Burlington, Vt. In addition to the name change, the lunch menu has shifted from a previously all-Japanese theme to a Pacific Rim theme featuring South Korean, Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Tokuno says sushi is still the priority, and he will continue to offer a variety of traditional Japanese noodle selections, but pad thai and Vietnamese pho are also being featured. While Sakurabana is corporate owned, Tokuno says he is given plenty of autonomy at the Portsmouth location, which he has managed for two years.

“We share a logo, and there is some shared purchasing, but with the menu we try to keep it as much local as we can in terms of produce, and I encourage my chefs to be challenged to reflect local tastes,” he says.

Next year Sakura—er, Sakurabana—will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Portsmouth.

A more significant change is taking place at Molly Malone’s, where Andrew Corbin is settling in after assuming ownership seven weeks ago. The downstairs dining room is closed and undergoing renovation, and it will reopen as Mint on March 21. Although there will still be some straight-up Irish dishes on the menu, Corbin is introducing what he believes is the first instance of Irish-Asian fusion cuisine in the country. He says he will be incorporating lemon grass infusions, coriander rubs and Kobe beef into Irish American classics.

He’s already introduced a new martini menu with concoctions like the American Beauty martini, which combines Shakers Rose Vodka, rose petals and orange liqueur, and the Bloody Himiko, which combines a bloody Mary base with Guinness and wasabi. 

Corbin previously owned eateries in Exeter, in Seabrook and in Lexington, Mass., and moved to Portsmouth three years ago in the hopes of purchasing a restaurant here. Mint will be his sole endeavor for the time being. He boasts degrees in environmental philosophy, environmental conservation, and environmental education and he says organic, local and seasonal food will be a priority.

Corbin does not plan to change the name or the concept of the upstairs pub and says “other than rejuvenating it, you know, a fresh coat of paint and so forth, it will remain exactly the same.” He adds, “Molly Malone’s has been an icon for many, many years.”

fabulous kitchens
The 15th anniversary Music Hall Kitchen Tour will be held on Saturday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s tour will focus on nine New Castle kitchens that range in decor from sleek and contemporary to cozy and traditional. The tour includes a kitchen in a 1930s cape designed by award-winning interior designer Michele Grennon, featuring distressed cabinets and a honed black granite countertop.

The tour is self-guided with an easy-to-follow map, and participants can start and finish anywhere they like. The craftsmen, artisans, designers and architects involved in the kitchens are noted in the tour’s guidebook, along with detailed descriptions of the kitchens. 

For those who want to make a day of it, The Music Hall has partnered with The Wentworth by the Sea Marriott Hotel & Spa, where tickets can be purchased on the day of the event. Event co-chair Megan Davis says the hotel will be offering a special Music Hall Kitchen Tour luncheon menu.

Tickets are $15 for Music Hall members and $18 for non-members in advance and $20 for everyone on the day of the event. Tickets can be purchased in advance at The Music Hall, 28 Chestnut St., Portsmouth, or by calling 603-436-2400. Tickets may also be purchased in advance at Artichokes, Attrezzi, City & Country, the Cranberry Bog, Dovetailed Kitchens, The Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce and The Lollipop Tree. Day-of-event tickets can be purchased at The Wentworth by the Sea Marriot Hotel & Spa.

The Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce Kitchen Tour is also coming up, on Saturday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. This year’s tour will feature 10 homes in the Exet er area with a variety of new and redesigned kitchens. One highlight will be a kitchen designed by Dovetailed Kitchens. The tour is self-guided with a map and information guide.

Ticket holders only are also invited to a free informational workshop presented by Scott Purswell of Dovetailed Kitchens. The workshop, which takes place just prior to the tour, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., provides attendees a basic overview and helpful information in the planning of your kitchen design. Bring your kitchen plans with you if you would like to receive advice from this award-winning kitchen designer.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. To purchase tickets or to pre-register for the free workshop (required), contact Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce at 603-772-2411 or visit www.exeterarea.org. Proceeds benefit Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce Community Projects.

barefoot in the kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen has announced the launch of Barefoot Contessa Pantry, a new product line created especially for Ina Garten, nationally syndicated Food Network host and best-selling author. The new line includes preserves, baking mixes, savory and dessert sauces and more. Products are available nationwide in specialty food stores and gift shops, and through Stonewall Kitchen’s Company Stores and Web site at www.stonewallkitchen.com.

can you taste the love?
The Share Your Love for Humanity dinner sponsored by Share Our Strength Seacoast on Feb. 16 raised $10,000 to benefit Operation Frontline, a nutrition education program that fights childhood hunger by teaching low-income families how to make healthy and budget-wise food choices. Proceeds from fund-raisers like the Share Your Love for Humanity dinner go toward the purchase of supplies and educational literature for class participants, who, in addition to preparing and tasting healthy foods throughout each six-to-eight-week course, receive a complete selection of ingredients from each lesson.