“We will be open through the month of December, but will be closing for January and returning in February to kick off the New Year,” said Aimee.
The 101 Public House has been offering Friday and Saturday Night Jazz nights and hopes that the community will join them as they look to expand the musical offerings in the future.
“We want to be the living room of the community,” said Aimee, “a place that groups can come and gather, have a meeting or hold an event.”
With the expansion of the dinning area there has been a specific focus on having enough room for live music.
“We have been working with other places like The Pitchwood, in making arrangements for bands when they come through,” said Russ, “lately there has been a lot of word of mouth between the bands letting other traveling musicians know about us and the area.”
The 101 Public House is also a member of the South Bend Revitalization Group and have been working hard with other businesses in the area to help promote the community and enhance some of the activities that are already a mainstay of the county.
“We will be part of the annual boat parade and tree lighting ceremony in Dec., that will be at 6 p.m. on 12/12 with Santa arriving and the tree lighting,” said Russ.
“This is a great place to come watch the flotilla of lighted boats with the great view of the dock here in the dining room. We will be running a special on that day as well,” added Aimee.
“People who are interested in entering a boat can still register for the parade. Just drop by the 101 Public House, give us a call at (360) 487-0416 or contact us at www.101publichouse.com,” continued Aimee.
With the hours of operation running 12 – 8 p.m. Wed. – Thurs., an hour later on Friday and Saturday, the restaurant also offers a Sunday Brunch that runs 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
The inviting hardwood floors, re-purposed from a 100-year old barn from Menlo, the eclectic collection of tables able to accommodate 36 with a few seats on an exterior balcony, the 101 Public House is already creating a fan base around one of their offerings.
“People are really digging our half pound hamburgers with home made coleslaw and roasted red potatoes,” said Aimee.
On the 101 Public House menus you will find many seasonal items but never anything fried. Based with an organic and fresh menu, the restaurant strives to be a one of a kind eatery. From seafood, when available, the summer clams and a kids menu, the 101 can fill you up and even provide you the extra eye candy with their display from local artist and gift shop.
“I have been brining in many unique and special items for kids. I take a lot of time to offer educational and safe toys for the children,” said Aimee.
Walking into the Gift Shop one is quickly amazed at the variety of items that are offered. Not only is there plenty of thought provoking puzzles and toys for kids, there are also cards, games, jewelry, and vintage clothing.
“When we get the suites finished upstairs, and the bunkhouse, people can stop by for a night, come have a cup of coffee and go visit the surrounding area,” said Russ.
The Bunk House, which will have accommodations for six per room, will serve more like a hostel with a common bathroom and a private cubby for each patron.
“We do see a fair amount of bicycle traffic, and we want to be a place that the riders can get a quick refresher and then continue on their trip,” said Russ.
The hopes are that when the gift shop and restaurant re-open in February, that the rooms will be ready for the spring and summer travelers.
“We not only look to be a place for people on vacation, but a place the community will wish to use as well,” said Aimee.
“We already have a few groups that stop in and are open to any type of event that people would like to try here. We only charge a small fee if they are charging for their event, otherwise all they have to do is contact use to make sure we have availability.”
One additional feature is the underground community vinyl project.
“You can pick out a record from or collection, and with a quick lesson, you can here something from our growing vinyl collection,” Aimee chuckles, “it is kind of turning into a community vinyl project. We have some of our own records, but people have brought in more. Anyone is welcome to contribute to our collection to share with the community.”
Even with closing for a month in January, the Elixir espresso stand will remain open.
When the 101 Public House re-opens in February, the offering of music will continue and will be started with the appearance of a band from Bremerton Brer’ Rabbit on Feb. 5.