Terry Harwood, owner of the Vine Street Café on Shelter Island, has taken over the former on Third Street in Greenport and is calling the place the Blue Canoe Oyster Bar.
But aside from updating the intimate 1970s structure with an unbeatable view of Greenport Harbor and the , he said that not much is changing as far as atmosphere goes.
“We’re keeping the booths and bar where they are, so at first glance it’ll look the same,” Harwood said. “ We’re resurfacing things, replacing fixtures, painting.”
A Greenport establishment for 32 years, Chowder Pot Pub’s former owners Dean Eichorn and Jim Dubovick offered diners a varied menu, from signature chowders to burgers and steaks to local seafood, in a casual atmosphere. Harwood, who has owned the upscale Vine Street for 10 years and began renovations on the Chowder Pot three weeks ago, said he hopes to upgrade menu items.
“We want to serve updated seafood classics and add a raw bar,” he said. “Entrees will start at about 12 dollars for say a burger up to about 46 — we're planning on top-notch food.”
Harwood says he will use as much local produce and seafood as possible, as many local restaurants are doing. He and his wife, co-owner Lisa, came to the North Fork 15 years ago from New York City when he took a job at a hotel corporation. They are now Shelter Islanders and plan to be for quite some time.
“I never knew too much about the North Fork but when you’re here, you fall in love,” he said.
Blue Canoe Oyster Bar is set for a tentative opening on Father’s Day in June.
