With spring in the air across southwest Michigan, the local trees aren’t the only things turning over a new leaf.
South Haven’s Taste unveiled a two-month interior renovation with a “soft” opening in April, and Owners Heidi Gesiakowski and Chef Joel Gesiakowski are ready to show off the restaurant’s new look ahead of its 10-year anniversary May 15.
“The opening was not soft,” Heidi said. “We opened the doors and the floodgates opened. The customer’s reactions were just outstanding.”
From a more open floorplan and accessible entrance to new booths and expanded bar seating, the Gesiakowskis said with the anniversary coming up, they knew they wanted to make a change to their restaurant at the corner of Kalamazoo and Phoenix Streets.
“We decided to put our twist on it and make it our own,” said Joel, who first met Heidi while she was bartending at Harborside Bistro in the mid-2000’s. “It’s not like we were boring after 10 years, but it just kind of re-excited me about the whole thing. It’s like running or opening the brand new restaurant without moving locations. It’s like a rebirth.”
The new half moon-shaped booths seat tables of up to six or seven, according to Heidi and Joel, and were custom built in Detroit.
” I’ve never actually sat in a more comfortable booth in my life,” Joel said. “So, we’re really happy with that.”
There is also a new private dining room featuring a 10 foot long live edge Red Oak table that seats up to 12 people.
“It’s definitely a showstopper,” Joel said. “It took six grown men to lift this piece of wood into the restaurant.”
During summer months, it will used as private dining for groups, and in the offseason, Chef Joel will be creating intimate cooking experiences.
“A three-course meal with a drink to match every course,” Joel said. “We haven’t hashed out all the details yet, but I’m thinking about running a menu for a whole month and doing it maybe two to four times.”
In addition to the physical changes, Joel said there are a couple of menu changes, including a seafood dip with shrimp, crab, lobster and cream cheese served with toasted pita. They’ve also added a new “seafood Rangoon” sushi roll. Both items are already a hit, according to Joel.
Some other changes include the ability for patrons to be able to make reservations through the restaurant’s website, tastesouthhaven.com. The Gesiakowskis said they also plan to celebrate their 10-year anniversary with a special deal for their customers. For updates, or to see current hours as the summer season approaches, follow the restaurant’s Facebook page.
