According to Morgans owner Barclay Graebner, the target opening date is August 1. That assumes all the required permitting and transfer of ownership goes through.
Graebner said the space has been slightly renovated and updated with new furnishings, light fixtures, and a generally cleaner look. Gone, too, are the monkey lamps flanking the bar space.
Fans of Joe Allen will feel at home at the new Morgans because some key elements of what made Joe Allen special have been retained -- namely the workers. "We've asked the old staff and managers to come back. The staff are the best on the Beach," Graebner said. Also staying are some key menu items, such as the La Scala salad and Rice Krispies Treats dessert.
Graebner was quick to tell us that Morgans' Beach location is not Joe Allen, though the concept is the same. One change, for instance, is that wine will be served in glasses, not the little decanters Joe Allen was fond of using. "I'm not trying to be Joe Allen," Graebner said.
Which is fine by us. We think the melding of Joe Allen's excellent service with Morgans' food (and brunch) will make a fine addition to the Beach. With or without monkey lamps. Or wine decanters.
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