The Meeting House: Contemporary and Cozy in Downtown Rochester
The new restaurant on the corner of Third and Main opened Tuesday, and Patch was there to check it out.
The Meeting House at the corner of Main and Third is now open for business
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I don't know where you were yesterday at 4 p.m. but there was only one place my "Around Town" duties would allow me to be.
The Meeting House.
It started when I first wrote about the new restaurant last July and it has built up to nearly a fevered pitch. No matter where I go — shopping downtown, my childrens' school, Girls Night Out — everyone wants to know about The Meeting House.
So when the doors officially opened for the first time yesterday, I was there.
With all the interest, I wasn't even surprised that I wasn't the first one in the door. A party of four was in front of me, a party of two right behind me and — for a random Tuesday night in December — the stream of new and curious customers was constant.
So how was it?
The first thing I did when I left The Meeting House last night was text a friend.
"I do believe The Meeting House is going to be our new hang out," was my message.
First, the food
Owners Chris Johnson and Jason Mood spent nine years working together as chef and manager at the Beverly Hills Grill and they had a clear vision of the restaurant they wanted to establish.
It would be one built on regulars.
"Our goal is to do stuff people want to eat every day," Johnson said back in July.
The Meeting House menu — small but brilliant in its variety — makes it very easy to do just that.
"We narrowed the menu down to what people love," Johnson said.
There are seven small plates including Chicken & Pork Belly Tacos, Spiced Calamari and Guacamole. Prices range from $6 to $9.
The salad menu has a half dozen to choose from including a Crispy Calamari Fattoush that I can't wait to go back to try. Salads range from $4 for the The Meeting House salad with bacon, cheddar and poppyseed dressing to $14 for the steak salad with grilled hanger steak, corn tortilla, avocado and blue cheese dressing.
There are nine items on the main menu and each seems to have its own intriguing element to set it apart. The Smoked Chicken Breast for $18 is served on maple-basted spaghetti squash. The Littleneck Clam Linguine is served with braised fennel; it's $16. And the Fish and Chips for $18 are prepared in a Rochester Mills IPA batter.
Although I was extremely tempted by the Wok Seared Pork Udon (another next-time promise), ultimately I went with the Steak Frites for $22. The flat iron steak is served with baby spinach, garlic-parmesan fries and topped with Zip sauce. The steak was juicy and flavorful and perfectly paired with the spinach. And the fries, made in-house, are amazing. Yes, I just used the word amazing to describe french fries, but don't judge me until you've tried them.
The dinner menu — and at this stage the restaurant is only serving dinner — is rounded off with two burgers and three wood-burning oven pizzas. Burgers and pizzas range from $9 to $11.
While we're on the subject of that wood-burning oven, let's talk about the bread sticks. They are prepared continuously throughout the night in that oven and served warm in a little brown bag. Fun? Yes. Delicious? Dangerously so!
The scene
A really great restaurant is more than just the food, and clearly Johnson and Mood get that. They've created a space that invites you to come in and stay awhile.
It's contemporary while being entirely cozy.
The exposed brick and wide windows. The light wood and dark walls. The high ceiling and phenomenal lights. It's certainly come a long way in five months.
"We're thrilled with the way it turned out," Mood said.
The bar area seats 10 and serves beer, wine and five signature cocktails. Bartender Jennifer Tillery describes them as "a new spin on some classics."
I tried the Dark and Stormy cocktail with dark rum, ginger beer and a splash of lime. Delightfully light it's a bit like a liquid version of a gingerbread cookie. It's $10.
And if by any chance you've saved room for dessert, there are a half-dozen to choose from, including a seasonal fruit crisp and a warm cookie served with Ray's ice cream. The flavor changes daily.
Ray's ice cream, located in Royal Oak, is one of the eight Michigan farms and companies The Meeting House uses.
'Come on up'
In July Mood said that he and Johnson want The Meeting House to be a neighborhood place where people come and hang out.
On its first day of business it looked as if the new restaurant is already reaching that goal.
Sitting at the bar, a man got on his cell phone to call some friends.
"Hey, we're at The Meeting House, sitting at the end of the bar. You should come on up!"
The Meeting House is located at 301 Main Street. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. They are closed Monday. Call 248-759-4825 with questions. The Meeting House does not accept reservations or call-ahead seating.
It's been one day already ... have you tried The Meeting House?
Tell us in the comments.
Don Wolanchuk
7:52 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
The meeting house is a hit......I guarantee that the crowds will force the owner to expand the entire place to their upstairs....hopefully with a huge bar....The Meeting House needs it......I and my wife Cindy caught the opening night. Now I want to ask you....have you ever had fish and chips that wasn't soggy with grease??? Well the fish i had was in fact the best i ever had......The calamari appetizer was exceptional.....would have loved to see them duplicate the calamari dish served at Cafe Via. Service was impeccable....Our waitress Rose who obviously loves her work was a true professional........amazingly the speed of the kitchen and service was a testament to the experience of the owners.....they do know what they are doing. A new flagship eatery has indeed arrived on Main......Don and Cindy Wolanchuk....directors Hermitagegallery.com
Kristin Bull
3:23 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Thanks for the review, Don - I love fish and chips.
Kate
8:15 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
The Beverly Hills Grill has been our absolute favorite for years. I am so excited this restaurant has come to Rochester. As an aside, I have always commented to my husband how Jason Mood (manager) seems so on top of it, professional, and pleasant. And the chef, Chris Johnson... I have never had a meal that wasn't incredible! Can't wait to try it!
Dano
8:55 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I can't wait to try it. I already like the menu choices mentioned by Laura and Don. Great review LC (as always).
I assume this is in the previous "Mind, Body and Spirits" location ?
Laura Cassar
3:02 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Yes, Dano, it's at the old MBS location.
Meredith McCutcheon
9:16 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Sounds wonderful! Do you know if they have a kids' menu, Laura?
Laura Cassar
3:03 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Hi Meredith, A kids' menu is "in the works." Jason said it would have 4 or 5 items and they're looking to put some different and healthier options on it. I can't wait to see what they come up with!
Niki
9:41 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Sounds great! What is "Rochester Mills IPA" batter?
Diana Noone
11:41 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
IPA stands for India Pale Ale. It's essentially a beer batter..
Jen
10:06 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
http://www.themeetinghouserochester.com
You can take a peek at the menu here :)
Robert Gauthier
10:33 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
So happy for these guys..Cant wait to go there!
Sherry
11:09 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Last week during the lighting of the town, we peeked through the window and the atmosphere looked wonderfully inviting. Now hearing about the menu we are doubly excited to try it!!
Mrmayorman
11:10 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Now this place is cool. Now that tower pizza has been turned into a wierd bistro I need a new place to hang w my boys!!!
Nina Misuraca Ignaczak
11:31 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Can't wait to check it out!
Carmen Paradise
7:33 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Went for dinner last night, AMAZING! My new favorite place to dine in the Roch!
Everything is fresh and delicious, and the tunes and atmosphere is spot on!
E Rve
8:27 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I wonder if they can create a meal for someone with allergies. It's always refreshing to find somewhere new that understands how to keep people with allergies safe. Once we find somewhere that truly gets it, we tend to return time and again :-)
Kristin Bull
8:13 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
"The chef frequently contaminates the food"? I'm assuming you mean where allergies are concerned?
JK
9:37 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Had dinner last night...service was outstanding, food was amazing, the beer menu was perfect! I have told everyone about it! Perfect experience! I gather as word spreads though, the upstairs will have to be opened as well. Has anyone heard what the plans are for expansion? Is the upstairs going to be a lounge? Additional seating?
Laura Cassar
11:41 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Originally Johnson and Mood were going to wait to remodel the second floor and deck. Instead they've decided to move ahead with both now. The second floor, with a service bar, will still be for private events only. The deck will be open to diners.
The deck changes will include fresh lighting, an awning system and a floor that allows any and all types of high heel shoes.
"We're jazzing it up now so it will be ready for that first nice spring day," Johnson said.
Danielle Boes
10:34 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Had dinner at The Meeting House last night. Loved it! The food and service were excellent. A lounge is coming to the back of the restaurant which will be great. The place filled up so much by 7:00 that we moved from our table to the bar. More great service there. I think I will be becoming a regular!
l
9:32 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
We just got back from dinner, extremely disappointed. The staff was very inattentive and unprofessional in handling allergy concerns. I recommend spending money elsewhere.
Alan Stamm
8:37 am on Friday, December 7, 2012
Harsh criticisms gain have more credibility when accompanied by a name longer than one character,
Dano
9:26 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Good point Alan. Brand new eatablishment opens with good-great reviews and a 1 syllable poster "I" slams the place saying that employees (barteneder, waiter & host)
told him / her that the "chef contaminates the food" and there are limited to no options"...
Sounds like a very disguntled person who didn't get hired by The Meeting Place or somone one with a vendetta against the owners.
Just Saying.
amanda
9:31 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012
I had a very similar incident happen to me when dining at the Meeting House. I do not know "L",but from my experience, I believe what they are trying to say, is that the waitstaff was very unhelpful with food allergies. A waiter also told me that the chef and waiter could not guarantee the safety of any dish, as ingredients were frequently used in each dish and the kitchen was busy.
Regardless of whether L is or is not credible, there are definitely issues with this restaurant as to handling food allergies and communicating with their patrons.
Don Wolanchuk
10:14 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012
and some have issues with everything.
amanda
1:06 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Yes, I am picky. I don't want to go into anaphylactic shock when I dine out.
Mike Reno
5:59 am on Monday, December 10, 2012
Thanks for the heads-up, Amanda. And sorry you get skewered for what is a legitimate concern.
Some places are very respectful and concerned about food allergies. You can tell almost instantly. Even if the waitstaff doesn't know, they will politely retrieve a manager to discuss it with you.
Lisa
2:23 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Just wondering if either of the people with allergy concerns asked to speak with the chef? I'm sure he is very knowledgable regarding the contents of the food and would be the best person to direct any questions or concerns to. Just a suggestion.
Patricia Kane
8:39 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
I think any new establishment that just opened needs to get "tuned" and I am sure this will happen quite fast. As far as allergies, I sympathize, but most chefs will take the time if requested to talk to you-if not, a phone call ahead at a less busy time could have garnered the information for a personal choice of dining or not. I wish the Meeting House much success and look forward to dinner there. And we can walk down and then back home-so that means desert for me!!!
Chad Bateman
10:26 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Pros: Great atmosphere, spectacular drink/beer menu, chips and cheese were fantastic, awesome decor, fair prices.
Cons: Limited main course menu with typical bar food. The grilled chicken breast tasted and looked like it was from Costco. There was also a hair in my food that wasn't mine, but the waitress apologized and got me another plate. German Chocolate cake was dry and not very appetizing.
Conclusion: Great place for drinks/appetizers/happy hour. I would skip on dinner and desserts though.
Don Wolanchuk
11:31 pm on Sunday, December 9, 2012
the warm apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream.....was perfection
Lisa
8:47 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012
Huh, I can't remember the last time I saw braised short rib or lamb shank ravioli on a "typical bar"menu. Personally, I found the menu to be an eclectic mix that was not overwhelming with options. I believe they also had some specials on the chalkboard, in case you couldn't find something on the menu that appealed to you.
kristina
4:03 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012
I'm excited to try this place out. In regards to the allergy concerns, while the safest place to eat when you have food allergies is at home, thats not always fun or possible. I like to see restaurants that are aware and knowledgeable on the topic. With food allergies ever increasing, especially among children, this will become more and more of an issue for restaurants and their patrons.
Kristin Bull
7:41 pm on Monday, December 10, 2012
Thanks to all for your observations and feedback. While I have not yet dined at The Meeting House, I have met Chris and Jason and know they are honest and hard-working restaurateurs and I personally love the fact that they brought their vision to downtown Rochester.
I think it's important to remember this restaurant has been open only one week; let's assume the owners and staff are hearing your feedback and working as hard as they can to make the food, drinks and atmosphere just right!
(As to the food allergy comments, there's a separate discussion going on on our Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/RochesterPatch) about allergy-friendly places around town. Feel free to join the conversation!)
Don Wolanchuk
7:43 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
getting to dine at the meeting house would be an accomplishment in itself.....nobody should eat there....its to crowded.........LMAO
Don Wolanchuk
7:46 am on Tuesday, December 11, 2012
The Meeting House is good for your health. Ive lost 5 pounds since they opened. Havent been able to eat much since then.....cant get in. :>)
Alan Roberts
4:36 pm on Monday, December 31, 2012
The Meeting Place was an excellent choice to watch Tech beat Mich in GLI hockey - thanks for having the game on! Good drinks, atmosphere and an attractive and attentive staff. Only complaint - some funky smell. Overall an "A" from me and we'll be in for dinner soon. Can't wait to see the remodeled deck - will be a great alternative to Mr. B's deck.