Statuesque Sustenance

The dinner-and-a-movie trend has hit Williston. Next month, Oscar’s, a full-service restaurant and bar, will open at the Majestic 10 [1]. The open space near the ticket counter that was once filled with chairs will house a bar and room for about 50 diners, says Harold Blank [2] who co-owns the Majestic with the Merrill Jarvis family. If all goes well, the eatery will open on May 13, and no later than May 20, promises Blank.

Last week, Blank hired Todd Houston as chef. The New England Culinary Institute [3] grad will be fresh from the line at Farmhouse Tap & Grill [4].

Blank says to expect local ingredients in Oscar’s American cuisine, but he’s quick to clarify, “We’re not going to be the Farmhouse, though I wouldn’t mind being the Farmhouse.”

The bar will offer beer and wine, and Blank says to expect a late-night menu. To fill the wee-hours entertainment gap in Williston, after the last picture show, Blank plans to schedule live comedy, jazz and possibly trivia nights at Oscar’s on weekend nights.

Food and drink won’t be served in the theaters, but Blank says he and Houston are working on creating desserts that can be enjoyed in front of the big screen. He also hopes portable bento-style boxes with items such as chicken skewers and fries will make it onto the menu.

Blank’s future goals include redesigning some of the screening rooms to allow for balcony dining. Before that, he says, some late shows in one of the smaller cinemas may be designated 21-and-over so folks can imbibe alcohol with the flick.

One thing is for sure, says Blank: Rather than rushing from dessert to the theater, diners at Oscar’s will be able to reserve seats, so they’ll be guaranteed both a full stomach and a good view.