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(rshsdepot) Somersworth, NH
From today's Foster's Daily Democrat.
Bernie Wagenblast
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Somersworth bistro plays on railroad's glory days
SOMERSWORTH — The passengers of the Boston and Maine Railroad in the 1800s
who came through the then-booming train station on Main Street would never
believe their eyes today.
The train station, which was used as many different restaurants and bars
over the years, has reclaimed some of its history with the recent opening of the
How Sweet It Is Bistro. The restaurant replicas some of the charm and
history of the Boston and Maine Railroad in its decor.
Aside from the two large leather chairs facing a cozy fireplace, the walls
are adorned with old-time photos of the railroad taken during a time when
travelers swarmed the Main Street platform, luggage in hand and children in tow.
The large window at the back lets in light during the day and provides a
view, at times, of the train going by. While it is no longer a passenger train,
the loud horn and clanking of the wheels on the tracks may just bring those
dining back to a time when the spot was a hubbub of traffic and travel in
Somersworth.
Many may be familiar with the How Sweet It Is Bakery, located just down the
street. The Rousseau family of father Jim, mother Pattie and son Matt own the
bakery and recently decided to expand with the bistro.
Daughter Nicole helps out at both the bakery and the bistro, and said
business has been picking up at the bistro since it opened.
"We haven't done much advertising but things are going pretty good," said
Jim a week after the bistro's Dec. 14 opening.
The restaurant, which features a bar with beer and specialty drinks and
romantic tables along the perimeter of the room, has a cycle of patrons
throughout the day that increases at night.
As Berwick residents Wayne Gagnon and his wife Paula sipped beers at the
bar, he boasted they have visited the location every day since it opened.
Munching on the salty bar snacks provided to patrons, Wayne said, "I enjoy
it here. It's more of a family atmosphere, it's more laid back and the beer is
good."
The menu offers a large selection of pizzas that have train-related names.
To name a few, the "Train Trax" is a supreme pizza with chorizo sausage,
hickory smoked bacon, green bell peppers, red onions and mushrooms. The
"Conductor's Special" has feta cheese, artichoke, bacon and tomato. The appropriately
named "Boston and Maine" features lobster and chorizo sausage with a garlic
butter sauce.
With other pizza toppings ranging from the classic cheese or pepperoni to
pineapple and more, there seems to be something for everyone. Sandwiches and
chicken wings are also offered and Jim said the menu will be expanding as the
clientele grows.
"It's just delicious," Paula Gagnon said of the food.
Jim said they will also be adding old-time music and playing old movies on
the large, flat-screen television above the bar. They will have sports on
whenever there is a big game.
The bistro is currently open from 11 a.m. to about 10 p.m. and is closed on
Mondays. Jim said if business goes well, they may extend the hours. They have
already hired some additional help, including bartender Chris Drew.
"This is fun, I like it," Drew said as he filled beer glasses and talked
with customers. "It's pretty easygoing."
Matt Rousseau said adding they have been talking about live music and doing
more with the decor. So far though, he is happy the bistro turned out as
successfully as it has.
"It brings a new taste to Somersworth," he said.
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