**UPDATE 9/6/16: Boheme has decided to transition to an event venue and catering space only**
Off to the side of the hustle and bustle of 15/501 and shopping center chaos is a hidden oasis many Durhamites used to know as Straw Valley Cafe. It was a cool funky place to escape to read or work while sipping a coffee or chai. Since then, the property has had a couple different incarnations, but it seems well suited for its latest life – Boheme, which plans to open at the end of May, will be a restaurant/kitchen, bar, event space, garden, and on occasion, open air market.
Today, we have the pleasure of sharing our Q&A with owner Giorgios Bakatsias who’s restaurant group (Giorgios Group) owns many successful restaurants in the Triangle. Learn all about his exciting plans for this unique hidden Durham hideaway.
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BBC: What is your connection and history with the space?
Boheme: Many years ago, I had the great pleasure of visiting the residence of artists Ormond Sanderson and Robert Black. As I entered the gate of this sanctuary, I was overcome with the zen space and the intersection of art and daily life. My passion for discovering beautiful places and sharing those experiences with the community has led me to this secret garden once again.
In time, this neighborhood paradise, which was once home to dear friends, evolved into a restaurant, café and antiques destination. The soothing energy of these homes and gardens continued to draw me in and serve as an escape from the stresses of my day. Even back then, I contemplated all the potential of this little slice of Triangle life.
BBC: How did the restaurant concept come about and how will you decide on the focus of the cuisine? Will there be a seasonal focus?
Boheme: The concept is based around the historic house itself, which emits a nourishing zen feeling. The space possesses the ability to help guests leave the personal world we all live in (running through daily life, caught up in stressful thoughts) behind to allow guests to embrace the moment. This cuisine is about nourishing in the moment, cooking in the moment, whatever the best produce will be that day will be on your table.
When my mother cooked, she did it with all the love she had. She believed, and I still believe, that there is no other way to do it. Boheme’s culinary inspiration will stem from the enthusiasm of existence, revolving around the question: What is in the mystery basket of the day? That is how I create my menu. It is an old tradition: cooking from the heart, in the moment. It’s not about giving 100 choices, but delivering and elevating the best quality product available on any given day.
BBC: How will Boheme be similar or different from other Giorgio’s restaurant properties in the area?
Boheme: Our leaders, team, and staff all share a passion for quality service and hospitality. Our love for what we do is the common denominator, and it becomes a way of life for our new concepts and combinations. What makes each of our locations unique comes from the culture of the menus and the style of service. The ever-changing style of the menu and the energy of the space is what will set Boheme apart. Here, the space is telling us what it wants to be and we are making that happen.
BBC: What will be some of the restaurant’s signature dishes?
Boheme: The signature dishes will be created in the moment. We will be using North Carolina seafood and local farmers, so the signature dishes will evolve in the magic of cooking each day. We will have a variety of craft cocktails and an edited version of a wine list.
BBC: What will be the restaurant’s style/atmosphere?
Boheme: Boheme will be a relaxed dining experience with different dining rooms and gardens to explore. It is where food, art, music, and culture will come together to relax and nourish. Our goal is to offer guests refined, purposeful service, not upscale formal.
BBC: How do you plan to utilize all the different buildings and areas of the property?
Boheme: We are listening to the space, honoring it as it is, and allowing the space to tell us what it wants to be. We are using the main house and front garden as the restaurant, and various intimate areas that can be selected to enjoy will become spaces for private rooms and corporate events. The large bamboo garden will be social, cultural, and venue space for special events such as weddings, festivals, or open markets: A place for the community to gather and enjoy a free bohemian lifestyle. The space is very much an adventure to explore, offering lots of different feelings, flavors, and atmospheres to discover.
BBC: Tell us a little more about what you have planned for the “Boheme Bazaar?”
Boheme: Boheme Bazaar is a platform for artists, musicians, outdoor theatre, and specially curated events to have a space to thrive. These events will evolve overtime in our large garden spaces. In addition, this space will also be open for private events and rentals for hosting celebrations. Guests can stay tuned in online where we will soon have a calendar for everyone to check out what we have going on.
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Boheme will open May 27, 2016 and serving dinner Tuesday through Sunday as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday. They are also currently booking ahead for private events and catering services. It is located at 5420 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd…not exactly the most “zen” part of town, but that’s exactly why people should look forward to seeking out this serene sanctuary. The property’s past and present are finally coming together and we’re so intrigued by everything they have in store.
Photos courtesy of Boheme
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