Next Generation Eateries Creating a Tasty Fresh Hub for North Conway Village

By Andrew Schuyler

 

While Boston has long been known as the Hub of the Universe, the recently renovated Norcross Place–which houses Sap House Meadery, Saco River Brewing Taphaus, and Cheese Louise–is quickly becoming the Hub of North Conway. Locals and visitors are finding a variety of eclectic culinary and beverage options in the unique space located in the heart of North Conway Village, at the intersection of Route 16 and Kearsarge Road.

Sap House Meadery, Saco River Brewing Taphaus, and Cheese Louise are providing an essential anchor to an area that hosts such icons as Zeb’s General Store, the Conway Scenic Railway, and Horsefeathers. Patrons will, no doubt, want to soak up the views of the Moat Mountains, Schouler Park, and Cranmore from the building’s roof decks and streetside patio offerings, particularly as daylight extends and the weather warms. These three businesses cherish their New Hampshire roots, engage with community organizations, and are bolstering the economic sustainability of North Conway Village.

Cheese Louise @eatcheeselouise

cheese louise

 

In many ways, Cheese Louise is a reflection of the gracefully transformed space it occupies; it takes the basic concept of a grilled cheese sandwich and makes it decadent. Adorned with multiple garage doors that open to the patio and vibrant artwork, the restaurant creates a lively, open, and inviting atmosphere.

Jasmine Schmidt, who manages the North Conway location, says that since opening last June, the community has shown “overwhelming support and just a genuinely warm reception.”

Noting that she and the founders all graduated from Kennett High School, Schmidt says that a permanent North Conway location had been a long-term goal.

“Our newest location is in the most central part of North Conway—and really, the Valley—and gets great foot traffic,” Schmidt says. “We had our eye on this location for a few years and didn’t want to settle for something that wasn’t perfect.”

From artisan sandwiches such as The Godmother (tomatoes, basil, pesto, balsamic glaze, and mozzarella on Tuscan pane) and The Baconator (cheddar, muenster, and bacon on Tuscan pane), to soups and salads, Cheese Louise caters to a range of tastes and ages. It also offers local beer and cocktails.

The location is becoming a community resource. In addition to hosting live music and open mic nights, it provides space for activities such as swing dancing lessons, writing workshops, and a nonpartisan political forum called Democracy on Tap.

The company has seasonal locations in Settlers Green and on the Kancamagus Highway, as well as permanent locations in Portland and Portsmouth. Its Cheesin’ For a Reason philanthropic program contributes a portion of certain sales to a local non-profit, with the North Conway-based Kismet Rock Foundation being the beneficiary this year.

With North Conway being named (yet again!) the best ski town in North America by USA TODAY, it’s perhaps fitting that Sap House Meadery, Saco River Brewing Taphaus, and Cheese Louise have settled into the former home of the legendary Carroll Reed Ski Shop. Much like members of a successful ski team, the three enterprises fully support each other—they even have a large, shared restroom facility inside the rear of the building—and recognize the truism that a rising tide floats all boats.

Saco River Brewing Taphaus @sacoriverbrewing

saco river brewery

When asked why he chose Norcross Place, Saco River Brewing’s founder and head brewer Mason Irish is direct—and enthusiastic—in his response.

“It’s the premier location in North Conway Village, with a rooftop deck that overlooks everything,” says Irish, who has lived in Center Conway for several decades. “When you put your finger on the absolute nucleus of downtown North Conway, this is the place.”

Saco River Brewing Taphaus opened in February to widespread community anticipation. “There was real excitement about the project and the response has been awesome. People were anxious, including me, because it took a long time to get to where we are, but everyone seems to think it’s turned out great,” says Irish. With its main brewery operation just over the border in Fryeburg, the Saco River Brewing Taphaus is boosting North Conway’s craft beer scene by offering a wide selection of IPAs, ales, lagers, porters, hard seltzer, and barrel-aged varieties. The brewery’s tagline is “Great Water Makes Great Beer!” Irish passionately believes this, adding, “Fryeburg has the best water in the state of Maine.”

Patrons can enjoy beer selections at multi-level bars, accompanied with sandwiches, salads, and pizza. They can also purchase four-packs of cans to carry out. (Tip: try the Hornet’s Nest Double IPA, but be warned that a pint brings a sting at 8% ABV!)

Saco River Brewing Taphaus is following the lead of its parent enterprise by supporting local non-profits, such as land trusts, recreational outfits, and educational groups through fundraisers and other events. Indeed, this spring the brewery will release its Round Pond Pilsner, a collaboration with the Fryeburg Water District, which works to protect regional water quality.

Sap House Meadery @saphousemeadery

Having blossomed beyond its original tasting room in Ossipee, Sap House Meadery offers both a robust selection of meads, along with a full-service restaurant. For readers unfamiliar with honey’s versatility, mead is an alcoholic beverage with a long history—it predates wine and beer—that is created by fermenting honey with water.

“I feel like I’ve spent my entire life educating people about meads,” jokes Matt Trahan, owner and co-founder of Sap House Meadery and North Conway resident.

Meads are extremely adaptable and can be fused with a range of flavors, such as raspberry, blueberry, or maple, to create almost any style of alcoholic beverage. Trahan stresses that a common misconception about meads is that they are all sweet. In fact, they can be made to satisfy drier tastes.

The company was founded in 2011 and, according to Trahan, strongly encourages employees to be curious and creative, but “never pretentious.” And, in an effort to be approachable and accessible to all tastes and ages, Sap House Meadery offers an array of non-mead-based beers, cocktails, and mocktails.

In terms of cuisine, Sap House Meadery has a number of appetizers, shareables, and entrées that use many local or regional products. The menu includes a variety of appealing options, from seared scallops and a smash burger, to a Mediterranean veggie pocket and a warm spinach and walnut salad.

Having opened in February, Trahan believes that the location he shares with Saco River Brewing Taphaus and Cheese Louise will help “revamp North Conway Village into more of an experiential place and add a spark to the nightlife.”

Additionally, Sap House Meadery plans to engage with the community through such ventures as its partnership with the Mt. Washington Valley Arts Association by prominently showcasing local artists’ work and offering it for sale.

AND THEN THERE’S BREETOS!

Breetos

Directly across from Norcross Circle is another newcomer to downtown, Breetos. Owned and operated by Brein Matturro, Breetos offer fresh rolled “walking” burritos. Maximizing the small space, Breetos cooks everything in-house with the freshest ingredients and unique menu items. While serving a variety of pulled meats—spiced to your liking— they also cater to the vegan and gluten-free crowd. This summer, Breetos will have soft-serve ice cream, nachos, and pre-rolled burritos, for quick grab and go service. Stop by and try a burrito or check out the menu at www.breetos.com. Brein is pictured here with her husband, and former Ben & Jerry’s store owner, Vinnie Matturro.

As spring and mud season take hold, these businesses are enhancing the vibrancy of North Conway Village and the greater Mt. Washington Valley.