MEMPHIS, TN (WMC) - It was down to Boston versus Memphis.

Marialys Gonzalez and Pedro Pena ran their Cuban restaurant for two decades in Puerto Rico until they decided it was time to move it to the mainland.

"We had friends in both cities, but it was the weather that brought us to Memphis (in May 2013)," Pena said.

A year and a half later, their restaurant, Havana's Pilon Authentic Cuban Cuisine, 143 Madison Ave., is our High Score of the Week with a near-perfect 99 on its Sept. 26 health inspection.

"She's very jealous with the kitchen," Pena said. "She only allows me to wash dishes, French fries ... she only allows me to do that!"

"It's called 'shredded clothes.' That's what it translates to," said customer Ian Read of Byhalia, MS. The Ropa Vieja is shredded beef with olives, carrots, brown rice and black beans -- with a flavorful Cuban marinade. "They have a marinade called 'mojo,' and it's garlic and olive oil ... it really adds flavor to it."

Add a side of yucca (think sweet and smooth potato with onions and garlic) and the strongest, tastiest coffee this side of Havana, and you have a Cuban's favorite Memphis Cuban restaurant.

WHAT ANDY LIKES: Cuban Cafe (coffee), Ropa Vieja, Cuban Sandwich, Fried Marinated Red Snapper, Guava & Cheese Empanada

OTHER SCORES OF THE WEEK:

T.G.'s, 3870 Macon Rd., Gaisman Park/East Memphis, 98 on Oct. 1

Go here to read the rest:
Andy's Restaurant Scorecard: Havana's Pilon, plus scores

Attracting $2.5 billion of foreign investment during the first half of this year alone, Cambodias construction sector has been repeatedly flagged as the next growth engine for the Kingdoms economy.

However the boom has fuelled fears of a construction bubble and investment volatility. Thierry Loustau is the managing director of construction firm LBL International. With 250 projects completed over the past 22 years, Loustau is well aware of the challenges facing the sector.

Is construction Cambodias next big engine for growth? It is definitely true. We have seen, after 22 years, all the ups and downs that have happened in this country. Over the past five or six years, however, construction has really boomed and I do not see any reason that it wont continue for at least a couple more years. Mainly, this growth is clearly seen in Phnom Penh. This city is growing in a vertical way, and I cannot decide whether this is good or not, but it is certainly the trend.

What then is your ideal vision for Phnom Penh? I guess it would be to keep the historical parts of Phnom Penh I really think it is a jewel of Asia. Equally, I think the infrastructure has not yet been done to support this kind of high-rise development. I would prefer that the historical parts stay the way they are and new developments, instead, sit just outside of the central area.

In Bangkok, for example, the financial district has been built outside of the historical parts of the city. And that was really pushed forward by the citys development of infrastructure and public transport. I think that would be a nice solution for Phnom Penh instead of this congested historical centre.

Do you fear a bubble is looming for Cambodias construction industry? I dont foresee any bubble. What Phnom Penh is seeing is a normal trend for any Asian city and we are so, so late to start moving on construction that there will be room for more development for a while to come. We have talked about this bubble for a very long time years even. I remember several years ago when many people were building Chinese-style townhouses everywhere, people were saying, Oh this will cause a bubble. Who will be living in all these places? But today we discover everything is full.

Today, yes, sure, we can see some projects are struggling as everything builds up. But I must say that if something is done well, it will do well. It is like the restaurant industry if it is a good restaurant, it will survive.

Where is all the money for this construction coming from? In the beginning we were working mainly with foreign investors. After 1998-2000 there were a lot more local developers. But today, I would say conservatively that we work with an equal share of both local and foreign developers. The majority of foreign developers are regional players of course, we are in Southeast Asia so it is quite normal that most of the investment comes from China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore.

It is important to have good, reliable companies coming in. Investors today, compared to six years ago, are big, publicly-listed and experienced firms like Oxley, Hong Kong Land or Parkson. These are serious people who are here for the long term.

Is there a shortage of skilled workers in construction? There are two elements to this discussion; the engineers and architects, and then the wider labour force. I must say that at the level of engineers and architects, I have never had a problem finding qualified staff here in Cambodia.

See the original post here:
Construction boom not a bubble

MONTEREY >> Construction is set to begin in the conversion of a once problem-riddled nightclub into 22 luxury apartments in downtown Monterey.

In 2013, the City Council approved the conversion of the second- and third-floors of the Paseo Del Alvarado Building at Alvarado Street and Del Monte Boulevard to 22 apartments.

The building, which houses Cibo Ristorante, Taco Bell, and other businesses on the ground floor, has been home to upper-story offices and nightclubs since it was built in the 1970s as part of the city's first urban renewal push.

The building's upper floors previously housed the Hippodrome nightclub, which was shut down by state alcohol control officials after fights and reports of public drunkenness.

The apartment conversion was embraced by police, downtown business groups and the public when the council approved the change.

The combination of retail and residential uses in the building fits with the city general plan encouraging such mixes. It also dovetails with city plans to revitalize downtown by encouraging more people to live in the city center, Chip Rerig, planning chief for Monterey, said at the time.

Cibo Ristorante issued a press release Thursday saying construction will span 10 months. Part of the makeover by Paseo de Alvarado Partners and San Jose Construction will include adding outdoor seating to the restaurant.

The new apartments will be soundproofed so the restaurant's music won't disturb tenants, the statement said.

Businesses will likely remain open throughout the construction, and Cibo's statement said there will be no construction noise during the restaurant's business hours of 4 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

The statement said the renovations were a "multi-million dollar" project that includes a "full exterior face-lift."

Read more here:
Construction starting on 22 new apartments in Monterey

WAUWATOSA (WITI) Pizza Man has announced it has signed a lease for The Mayfair Collection, the new mixed-use retail, residential, restaurant and hotel development in Wauwatosa. This marks the first time that the iconic Milwaukee restaurant will be expanding beyond its flagship location at 2597 North Downer Avenue, which re-opened in July 2013 after the original location was destroyed by fire.

This second Pizza Man location will be part of Phase I of HSA Commercial Real Estates Mayfair Collection project which is anchored by Nordstrom Rack. Construction on the interior is planned to start in November with a grand opening scheduled for spring 2015. The 5,600 square-feet restaurant will be located east of the Corner Bakery Caf. The restaurant will seat 200 diners and will include an outdoor patio, similar to the east side location.

The new location was desirable because it is highly accessible with direct access from Burleigh Street to U.S. Highway 45 inclose proximity to Interstate 94, as well as positioned in a developing area near a number of new neighboring businesses. In addition, the location was a favorable site for the new restaurant since it is a blank canvas that allows for the ability to recreate the same Pizza Man experience that diners have come to enjoy.

The new location will be designed by Rinka Chung Architecture, Inc. and reflect the charm and authenticity of the Milwaukee icon established at the northeast corner of East North and North Oakland avenues more than forty years ago. Rinka Chung Architecture also designed the flagship location which re-opened last year. The new location will include the same rustic but modern look and feel, such as exposed brick and dark wooden booths that diners have come to enjoy at the east side location.

The menu at the new location will be similar to the flagship location, with some modifications. Executive Chef Zachary Baker will oversee the menu at both locations, so diners can count on getting the same pizza they have enjoyed for more than forty years at the new location.

Restaurant owner Mike Amidzich will be involved in both Pizza Man locations with backing from the original local investment group that re-opened Pizza Man in July 2013. General Manager Sarah Baker will manage both restaurants.

Go here to see the original:
Second Pizza Man location to open at Mayfair Collection in Wauwatosa

Neither rain nor sleet nor even the repaving of Ferree Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues in Coraopolis will keep the landmark Reas Restaurant from closing, unless of course its Monday, the only day the diner is closed.

The paving project, which is entering its fourth week, is expected to continue through the end of the month, but what makes this a headache to Joanna Rea and her mother, Connie, who have owned the Coraopolis diner since 1991, is the inconvenience it causes for her customers, some of whom have eaten there twice a day, six days a week.

Ms. Rea knows the road project is needed and said she will tough it out even though business has dropped off 15 percent to 20 percent in the past four weeks.

A lot of councilmen come in, so I knew what was going on, said Ms. Rea, who had to jump up several times during a recent interview to ring up customers.

This work was needed, she said. Everyone was complaining how bumpy the road was.

Thanks to the owners of Waynes Lounge, which is across the street, Reas diners can park in the taverns parking lot. Reas has a giant red banner at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Ferree that lets motorists coming off the Coraopolis-Neville Island Bridge know it is open during construction.

Even though Ms. Rea said business has dropped off since the closure of Ferree, it wasnt really evident during a recent Thursday afternoon visit to the diner. Despite the fact the diner was going to close in an hour, several tables were occupied, and all five of Ms. Reas employees were in constant motion.

Donna and George Lokey of Robinson just finished their tuna salad sandwiches and stopped to chat a minute with Ms. Rea. The Lokeys, who eat at the diner at least three times a month, said their favorite thing to eat there is breakfast that includes hot sausage. The Lokeys daughter, Patty, used to be a waitress at the diner.

Joe Rubino, another diner regular, said he eats at the restaurant five days a week. The Coraopolis resident said he is such a regular that he will help Ms. Rea and her staff with deliveries. In return, Mr. Rubino says, he gets his coffee half price.

The food is fantastic, said Mr. Rubino, who said he is such a regular that he has his own stool at the breakfast and lunch counter.

Originally posted here:
Road work affects Coraopolis diner, but customers dig in

Commissioners in Upper St. Clair gave final approval for a new restaurant and office park on Boyce Road Monday, over the objections of a neighboring property owner who is concerned about worsening stormwater damage.

Our view is that the plan shouldnt be approved tonight, said lawyer Scott Cessar, representing BR Associates. The plan is defective.

But commissioners said they could no longer delay a decision on the development and voted 4-0 to approve it, with Commissioners Nicholas Seitanakis and Mark Christie abstaining due to business relationships with lawyers representing the parties. Commissioners Russell Del Re, Daniel Paoly, Glenn Dandoy and Rex Waller voted in favor. Commissioner Robert Orchowski was absent.

The issue was discussed for more than a year and a public hearing into the request was delayed last month to give neighbors time to view the plan.

Where were you a year ago? Mr. Del Re asked Mr. Cessar. Im confused.

At issue is a plan to expand Ardolinos Pizza into a 4,000-square-foot restaurant with a business park to be operated separately on the property. BR Associaties, owners of the neighboring St. Clair Plaza, object to the expansion due to ongoing concerns about flooding during storms.

Weve experienced significant stormwater damage, including $500,000 in uninsured damages that wiped out 32 tenants, Mr. Cessar told commissioners.[The new development] is going to add to the problem.

No, it wont, said Mr. Del Re, who cited an engineers report indicating that the development of the property would lessen the stormwater damage in the area due to underground water detention facilities and new infrastructure.

But Mr. Cessar said BR Associates hired an independent engineer who cast doubt on that assertion.

It is creating more impervious surface that will increase water runoff, Mr. Cessar said. His engineer said stormwater could back up in the new system during a major storm, creating more flooding and hazards than currently exist.

Link:
Over neighbors' objection, Boyce Road construction approved in Upper St. Clair

Medford, Ore. -- In-N-Out's Vice President released a statement Wednesday on their intent to open a restaurant in Medford.

The Vice President of Planning and Development, Carl Van Fleet, said they're enthusiastic about the opportunities in Medford, but the project is still in the very early stages and there's no telling when the restaurant could open.

"Once we begin construction on a new restaurant it usually takes us four to five months to open for business, but we still have a great deal of work to do before we can even project a construction start date," Van Fleet said.

The statement also said at this point nothing is finalized.

The talk of the popular burger chain coming to Medford has mouths watering all over the Rogue Valley, but local burger joints said they're not sweating the competition.

In-N-Out submitted a pre-application to the Medford Planning Department on Monday. It's one of the first steps toward opening a new restaurant in the city. Their location of interest is the Shell gas station at the Rogue Valley Mall on Highway 62, less than a mile from Jaspers Cafe.

The owner of Jaspers, John Lenz, said with their adventurous menu that includes kangaroo patties and jalapeno poppers as a topping the two restaurants can't be compared.

"They're using fast food concept in regards to rolling the food out," Lenz said.

Less than a mile southeast in the other direction Denis Poletto manages Wayback Burgers on East McAndrews.

Poletto admits more patties means more competition, but said he's not worried.

The rest is here:
In-N-Out issues statement as local burger restaurants react to news

Restaurant Construction, Engineering and Design, is one of the most complex small commercial building types. The field requires considerable experience and coordination of multi-disciplined design and construction teams. To guarantee the successful development of a restaurant facility, it is imperative that you surround yourself with an experienced development team. All County Construction has a wealth of experience in successfully designing facilities, as well as prototypical building projects of clients with widely differing tastes.

All County Construction is a specialist in the use of exotic materials and is known for the superior quality of its millwork and of each key component in successful restaurant construction. All County Construction credits its quality, on-time results as being engineered by experienced people using proven methods. Whether launching a project from the ground up or undertaking a meticulous renovation, we work with you to assemble a selection of services that matches your objectives exactly.

For some of our customers we have also laid out entire kitchens for speed of service and provided custom made equipment from the controls up. We hold various patents that our customers can take advantage of with speed of service, energy savings, EMS, food safety, and zero defect equipment where the equipment is globally networked.

All County Construction can ensure a simplified functional facility for the restaurant's staff with the latest technologies, methods, and materials, merged to create a superlative dining atmosphere experience for its patrons.

This is our recipe for success.

Read more:
RESTAURANT CONSTRUCTION, Restaurant contractor, food ...

Magnan Tavern, considered an institution among Montreal eateries, will close its doors for good on Dec. 21 after 82 years.

The restaurant, best known for its roast beef and prime rib steaks, has about 65 employees, including some who have worked at the family-owned business for more than 20 years.

Company president Alain Gauthier blamed never-ending construction work in the area, tough competition and the high cost of beef as factors in the decision to shut down.

The restaurant has seen business slow down over the last decade.

It has also been difficult to recruit staff, often because of taxes and tip-related issues.

Mr. Gauthier said chain restaurants pose a challenge with their ability to buy in bulk and offer lower prices to customers.

Ive seen people in a better mood at Magnan, Mr. Gauthier said Tuesday. People found it [the announcement] difficult but theyve seen that the number of customers just wasnt the same.

He said the rising cost of beef would have forced the restaurant to compromise the quality of its cuts, which was out of the question.

Right in March, we had an increase of 35 per cent in the space of a month, said Mr. Gauthier. Beef is our star product. We cant ask our customers to absorb such an increase in such a short time.

The surge in prices has put restaurateurs in a difficult spot. Some have decided to absorb the costs, while others have reduced their portions or passed the hike along to clients.

See the article here:
Famed Montreal tavern Magnan to close as business falls, beef prices rise

by Catherine Holland

Video report by Jill Galus

Posted on October 7, 2014 at 6:28 AM

Updated yesterday at 7:35 AM

CHANDLER, Ariz. -- The owner of a popular Chandler restaurant says he hopes to be open by late Tuesday afternoon, a little more than 12 hours after a gas-fed fire damaged his building.

Fire crews arrived at Chop Chandler at Queen Creek and Dobson roads within four minutes of receiving the call at about 2:30 a.m.

Flames were shooting from the back patio. Firefighters kept those flames from spreading while Southwest Gas was contacted to shut off the gas to the building. Once the gas flow was turned off, the fire went out quickly.

Restaurant owner Spike Lawrence said there is no damage inside the restaurant. It was contained to an exterior wall at the back of the building.

"It should be, hopefully, business as usual once we repaint the building," he said. "It's a good advertisement for block construction instead of wood frame."

Lawrence said he hoped to be open for business by 4 p.m. If that does not happen, he said Chop will be open Wednesday.

Link:
Gas-fed fire at Chandler restaurant under investigation