‘WE’RE BACK’: Restaurant owner announces plans to reopen 8 months after devastating fire

Salar owner : “We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us rejoin Dayton’s culinary scene.”

Credit: Amelia Robinson

Credit: Amelia Robinson

The owner of one of the Oregon District’s most celebrated eateries has just announced her business’ rampant return.

>> Restaurant owner vows to reopen after devastating fire

"We are so grateful to everyone who has helped us rejoin Dayton's culinary scene," Margot Blondet, owner and executive chef of Salar Restaurant and Lounge, said as a part of a press release.

“Everyone involved in reopening this labor of love has worked extremely hard to get us cooking again. We’re back with renewed energy and creativity as we provide the city’s residents and visitors a beautiful restaurant to gather with family, friends and colleagues to create new memories.”

>> PHOTOS: Progress inside of Salar after fire 

The restaurant located at 400 E. Fifth St. will begin its three-day soft opening this Thursday, Sept. 27 with special ticketed events.

A grand opening party is slated for  5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 and regular service  begins Oct. 1.

Salar will be open seven days a week, with the bar opening at 4 p.m. and the kitchen opening at 5 p.m. daily.

Blondet and her staffers have been working to reopen Salar since a devastating New Year’s Eve weekend fire.

Salar and a half-dozen other nearby businesses received major smoke damage when fire broke out at the restaurant early Friday, Dec. 29, 2017.

>> Oregon District businesses are bouncing back after devastating blaze 

SOFT OPENING EVENTS

The soft opening dates will serve as fundraisers for Dayton Children’s Hospital’s Burn Program to help provide burn kits to families in-need that financially cannot afford to purchase the necessary medical supplies to treat injuries, the restaurant said.

Tickets are $10 each and do not include food, beverage, tax or gratuity. Reservations can be made at salarrestaurant.com/event-tickets.

A selection of fan-favorite dishes curated by Blondet will be served during the soft opening events.

Tickets are also required for the grand opening party.

They likewise can be purchased at salarrestaurant.com/event-tickets and are $10 each.

Complimentary food, beverages and live entertainment is included.

Salar will remain open that evening until 9:30 p.m. and sell fan-favorite dishes and cocktails.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT NEW SALAR

Diners can expect an entire new look to the restaurant Blondet, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Lima, Peru, opened Salar in 2013 at the former site of Sidebar.

>> 10 restaurants that opened locally in 2013

Blondet was Sidebar’s executive chef.

The restaurant has been completely redesigned by industrial designer Mitch Perry . It has a new, lighter and softer look.

There is also be a larger back patio dining area to enhance the experience for customers who want an al fresco ambiance.

The restaurant will have an expanded spirits and wine menu.

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