TRR photo by Chris Conroy The ribbon is cut and everyone is welcome in to Tolliver and Poe. Pictured are, from left, Village of Monticello Manager Richard Sush, Mayor Gary Sommers, Jonathan Sunshine and Patti Greco. (Click for larger image)

Tolliver and Poe, open for business

BY CHRIS CONROY

MONTICELLO — Although Tolliver and Poe opened about a month ago and has been serving up lunch and dinner to a steadily growing crowd, the business made it official on May 25, with a symbolic ribbon cutting.

The restaurant is named for two men from Cahoonzie, Randolph Tolliver and Alexander Poe, who in 1897 embarked on an epicurean adventure that culminated in the opening of their own restaurant in Chicago. Owners Jonathan Sunshine and his partner Patti Greco hope to follow in the tradition of their namesakes.

“We want people to come here and feel like it’s their ‘Cheers,’” Greco, a singer by trade, said as she paused briefly from showing guests to their tables.

Tolliver and Poe is more than just a “Cheers” type bar. Situated at 358 East Broadway in Monticello (the same space that once housed Scalawags), it is a full restaurant, complete with a 200-seat banquet room in the back and a cigar room tucked away in the front corner. In it’s new incarnation, the restaurant has been remodeled, aiming for a classy and clean approach.

Still not quite completely decorated, Greco said there are plans for the work of local artists on the now plain walls.

Serving lunch and dinner, with a Friday bar buffet, the menu runs the gamut from a hot roast beef sandwich (on the lunch menu) to Asian barbecue salmon (on the dinner menu). “We want to keep a diverse menu,” Greco said.

At the bar, Monday night is ladies night and Wednesdays will feature a Jazz Jam with the Joe Mantia Trio.

Sunshine, who spends most of his time in the kitchen, is no stranger to the restaurant business. In the 1970’s and 80’s his family owned the Twin Bridge Junction restaurant in Ferndale.

For more information about Tolliver and Poe, including reservations and special events, call 845/794-1822.