Well after having spent the last several weeks pushing the boundary between demolition (for which we had a permit) and construction (for which we did not) we no longer have to use any Clintonian definition standards. Is is really is and we have a full construction permit, albeit significantly later than we had hoped to have one.
Work is now in full swing with my brother-in-law Peter Kells managing the project. After going literally back and forth in regards to the location of the bar vs. the kitchen we have finally settled on a plan that will put the bar back approximately where it was when part of the space was the infamous Iguana (don’t deny it – you danced on the bar, or watched others dance on the bar).
One big challenge we have been working on is SOUND. That is, how not to have too much of it. With brick walls and wood floors we are up against it from the beginning, but we have some ideas that will hopefully also be attractive design features.
However, things have been all electronic for me with my partner in crime, Cassady Pappas on site because Deirdre, Zoe, myself and our newest addition, Juno, have been busy sampling Mexican food including Cochinita Pibil, a Yucatan specialty of pulled pork and achiote. Great stuff! We are here in Tulum again for the month and will return March 15th with fresh ideas and hopefully a partially completed restaurant. From there on it is Portland all the time – Deirdre and I have rented a house on Danforth Street.
More soon
Michael Boland
