**NEW Restaurant** Birch & Vine, Tuftonboro
A new restaurant will be opening in Melvin Village (Tuftonboro) on Friday, July 15 at 4:00 pm.
It will be called Birch & Vine and run by Patti (former Manager of O Bistro in Wolfeboro). For those of you wondering where this is, the location used to be called "Pine Cone" and is located on Route 109 in Melvin Village. I believe they have the only liquor pour license in Tuftonboro and I think they will be very successful in their new venture. |
I was wondering what was happening there—we passed by the other day, and there was no sign up.
Any idea what the menu will look like? The name implies higher-end, but I'm wondering if that area can sustain something like that. Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Tapatalk |
Patti is amazing. This place is bound to be great.
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Too bad they choose to take it upscale. The old Pine Cone was loved by so many locals. Now it's just another expensive restaurant just like all the others.
Rest in Peace Pine Cone. You will be sorely missed. |
is it walkable from the Town Docks? Not that I've actually docked over there, but I'm always looking for other locations to take the boat
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I'm not sure how many available docks are here, though, or if there's a time limit. Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Tapatalk |
Have you seen a menu, knowit?
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Let's give the new guys a chance :) |
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pine cone was great the way it was. great food and drinks. hope it doesnt get all stuffy
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It looks very nice inside, the decor is more upscale, lighter, etc. The food they served for their meet and greet was artfully done and completely different than Pine Cone Cafe menus.
I think it will be a successful place, as the new owner has her team from O'Bistro there and they work well together. Wish them well. |
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I am probably one of very few people that don't have Facebook or Instagram, so thank you for the info. |
It looks nice, but very few tables now? Maybe because of the outdoor dining? Or did they put tables in the store area?
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Honestly, that just looks like every other restaurant in the area now. I really loved how the Pine Cone was old-fashioned country-store NH as there aren't many places left like that.
*sigh* Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Tapatalk |
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It's really too bad she felt the need to go all fine dining and crap. This is NOT downtown Wolfeboro. A smart business owner would research their demographics and cater a restaurant to that. She has completely alienated all the folks that kept the Pine Cone as it was successful for 19 years.
Unfortunately this whole area is becoming the Lake Tahoe of the east. PS I really liked O Bistro, but I would only go there couples times a year as it was pricey. I was at the Cone much more than that. |
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Who knows, maybe she'll have fried mozzarella instead of mozzarella sticks, an Italian sampler instead of straight chicken parm, and bread pudding instead of a straight ice cream sundae? All that sounds delish to me! Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Tapatalk |
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Who cares . If the people who want to go to pine cone its gone. If you dont want to go fine. Its a business if it doesnt work she will close
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Ditto with Mario's in Lexington, MA; the Olympia in Lowell; Benedetti's in Haverhill; etc. I would KILL to have any of those places in town. There's enough natural change to always have newness while keeping some places holy. Obviously, if the Pine Cone was failing, it's a different equation. Good luck to the new owners—we'll certainly give them a go—but *sigh*. Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Tapatalk |
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Opening reviews
The initial reviews are in and they are very good !
Great to see a new semi upscale restaurant with reasonable prices take over . The previous business went under so obviously that business model no longer worked and it was time for a change. |
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It was sold to a local Investor who is leasing the Restaurant out. The former owners have retired from the restaurant business after many successful years. |
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My only complaint about the Pine Cone is that it was TOO successful! Regularly packed to the gills...45 minute wait for a table or a pizza to go...phone lines jammed...How is this possible in the middle of nowhere? :eek:
I'm excited to try the new place, but I don't think this should be some sort of competition or grudge match. |
Come on grumpies!
Not every restaurant that changes hands and reopens is the same, or even that close.
Good lord people (a few of you). *she brought much of the same staff from O Bistro, so she has a loyal group of employees *she had hundreds show up in the first few days, so she has many loyal customers *the new place is upscale, yes, but it’s much like O Bistro price-wise *did you ever go in the Pine Cone bathrooms? Did you want to eat after that? Yeah, Pine Cone was fine for what it was, but come on. New owner is a great lady and is an employer. Wish her well. I just got back from a great meal. You want a cheaper meal, go elsewhere. This is a great place, based on what I saw tonight. I really don’t know her well, but she is a gem. Sheesh. |
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Is this planned to be a seasonal or year round operation?
Any menu available online?? If its a year round offering then I think there is an argument for the more basic predictable previous menu and prices. If however its seasonal, then I think there is plenty of business in the "season" to keep anywhere open that offers good food and good service at almost any price. Either way, its always worth a try when any restaurant comes under new management. You never know what gem you will find, and if you dont like it, you just do go back. Personally I terribly miss the old Sandy Point weekend brunch or boat up and pick up burgers and eat on the water. Same for the very old Dots,,, And dont even get me started on the old Baileys Restaurants "gritty" hot fudge on its ice cream,,, Its was THE Best! As much as many of us wish to chain ourselves to the past, its a loosing battle. And sometimes there are pleasant surprises with change. Not too often, but sometimes. ;-) |
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Sat at a 12 foot (?) high top which was a beautiful butternut wood rough cut board. A fabulous work of wooden art. Had a beautiful view down the hill of the lake as we ate. Server was Matt and he is fantastic and hilarious. Bathrooms are pristine and the decor is bright and modern. Windows appear new. There was awnings on the front of the Pine Cone which obscured the view…they are gone. We will be back for sure. It is not a seasonal place. No idea if the non-summer menu will change. |
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Definitely a much different experience than the PC, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. Let's hope others do as well—though it no longer sounds like a place I'll be visiting, I'm always rooting for mom-and-pops to thrive. Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Tapatalk |
84 doesn't seem high with two seafood meals and four drinks
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Its not a place I would regularly visit even if it were on the Walmart side. Looks like it could be good for a special event/anniversary/etc meal, but its not in my price range for a regular pit stop. But I'm a working guy with 2 kids I'm still supporting for a while and not really a connoisseur of fine dining, so I guess Ill more likely be found at the Dockside/Sawyers/Pops/Gringos/Shibleys at the pier ;-) That said, in season Im sure there are plenty of folks that wouldn't blink an eye at these prices, they are certainly not off the charts, just a tad more than I tend to do. Off season might be a bit slower, but again the area is evolving and I see lots of really expensive cars and boats and I suspect there will be enough business to keep them going. Clearly the area is changing and this is but one of the tell tail signs of whats to come. There is no going back to the days of the past, where you got a good breakfast at Johns in Alton for really short money, or a blowout buffet at B-Mays for a very reasonable price, and something right in the middle at the Wolfeboro Inn Tarvern. Just watch all the private jets coming in and out of the Laconia airport and you will see the money pouring into the area. Its fun to sit at Sawyers and try to imagine what its like to have that kind of money, but still be able to enjoy your basic burger and coffee frappe at the picnic tables and know you were able to pay that bill and not worry about it ;-) |
I went for dinner this evening with my wife to Birch and Vine. We entered the restaurant and the owner met us. She is extremely pleasant and the interior of the restaurant has been cleaned up and vastly improved. They have eliminated the dead space between the old restaurant and the store and added a dining area. It is a big improvement. We opted to eat outside which was nice. The sun was still intense because it was early but there were umbrellas to create shade. We were served by Casey who was very attentive and pleasant. There has definitely been a major upgrade in the service and attitude of the staff. I had a salad and ahi tuna. My wife had the calamari and salmon. We had a few drinks one of which was a nicely put together martini. The bill was about $116.00 pre tip. Certainly higher than the pine cone days but then again prices have skyrocketed everywhere, the service was light years ahead of the Pinecone and the food was in a different league. I enjoyed the Pine Cone but thought their food sucked to put it bluntly. I was disappointed to learn there isn’t a lunch any longer but I think that has to do with staffing issues that are prevalent in the industry more than anything else. This is a very good and well run restaurant and worth the higher prices. The challenge will be the winter months. Hopefully, they will be able to attract sufficient diners to make it work. Overall score 93.75%/100%.
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Our experience there was very good. Yes, greeted pleasantly by the owner. Good staffing. Bar a bit slow. What I noticed is that there are dinners that are reasonably priced and on up depending on what you want. We recommend that you give it a try.
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Pine Cone
My wife and I actually liked the food at the Pine Cone.
I guess everyone's tastes are different. It used to be nice to go out for food in the lakes region with the wife and spend less than $100. |
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I took one look at the menu and it has zero appeal. I won’t even try it. Overpriced and not much that I would even want eat except the steak and that’s like $40. It kinda sucks losing the pine cone, especially being able to get lunch too, food was great. This a blue collar area and I think it’s going to be a tough winter for them. Good luck I say.
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Viewing their website I get the impression they value quality and plating. |
I went there about 3 weeks ago - here is how I feel about the place.
The food was excellent, but a bit pricy for sure. The drinks were good. The service was excellent. The atmosphere was not the same as the old Pine Cone. This place is definitely not "happy hour" friendly to the locals. This is just my opinion. |
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Right where we were pre Pine Cone.
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From what I have heard - Patti is not the owner, she leases the restaurant.
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She leases the space, she owns the business.
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Birch and vine new friends.. old friends lost
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The Pine cone had the best pizza period! It was one of their speciality offerings. We wanted to try the new B&V pizza. The person on the phone is taking our order and says something about the cheese. Well we had their large pizza and the cheese was like chewing gum. The price for 4 toppings came to $33. If this doesn't change we won't be going there. It use to be our favorite place to go get steak tips, a burger or even a bowl of chilli. Guess we also will be looking for another place. That is too bad. Wish that was not the case. I want to help anyone to start a new business to be successful. But the feedback in this case it is what it is... And that is the direction the new owner wants to go. Wishing her the best of luck. |
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I don’t know the Town but this may address the docks in question?
https://www.tuftonboronh.gov/sites/g...ted_7-2-18.pdf |
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I know prices are up everywhere but a $33.00 pizza won't cut it with my husband, that I am sure of. Maybe I'll try it with some gal friends one night after summer is over and give it a shot. |
The ramp and wall are town property. The docks are private.
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What was it? Wagyu beef? |
Enough of the "sour grapes" comments about PC being no more.
Gotta get over it, same as when Waldo Peppers closed. It ain't the end of the world, it just feels like it. |
Just moved to Melvin Village this past winter and my first night went to Pinecone with live music playing Alice in Chains and some awesome pizza to put in my empty fridge. I was hooked. Was happy to walk there with visiting friends and family during snow storms or just to shoot the **** with the locals after work. Very casual atmosphere and awesome staff.
I don't have the same history as others with the Pinecone but nonetheless will miss it. Especially as this upcoming winter approaches. (cue "You don't know what you got till its gone") Am seriously considering converting my house to a tavern if anyone else is interested |
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Not sure about the attendance but they have a facebook page with menu photos, here. FYI their most expensive large pizza is $23 (if the page is up to date), which seems well within the norm these days.
It's an hour round trip drive for me so I haven't gotten over there to check it out. |
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It also seems, from the responses to those reviews, that ownership is keen on connecting with their customers which may build a new loyalty such that Pine Cone had. Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Tapatalk |
Wondering if they will be welcoming snowmobilers like the Pine Cone did. Or maybe since they went "high end" you will have to drive a 2020 or newer sled. Maybe old sleds and old customers are not welcomed.
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Had a pizza for lunch on Friday- same as the old Pine Cone was, fortunately one of my favorites. They did mention that is now an all day offering, eat in or take out.
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**NEW Restaurant**Birch & Vine
The new restaurant, Birch & Vine, is trying very hard to make a go of it, but, in my opinion, they will never replace the Pine Cone. Sad to say, but the Pine Cone is gone- gone in all ways, ambience, food style, staff, clientele.
Buying an arguably successful restaurant, and immediately making significant changes, is not a particularly wise way to enter the restaurant field. With all due respect, Pine Cone was not, and did not aspire to be, an upscale restaurant. There is one of those down the road (Woodshed) for those who need that style of dining. Pine Cone served great food at favorable prices, attracted a wide-range of patrons, and everyone was happy when the meal was finished. Happy in that they were satisfied, not that the mean was over! I hope Birch & Vine will eventually come to the realization that they can't survive unless they make a conscious effort to meet the needs of the local patrons. And I hope they come to this realization before it is too late. |
To further Camp Guy's point, it is difficult to succeed even if you try to replicate the old place. Look at Sandy Point. The new owners essentially copied the menu, with a few very minor changes, and could not make a go of it. People focused on the things that were different. Such a shame - we had so many great meals at Sandy Point. William Tell too.
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Sandy Point
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My understand with Sandy Point was the new owners did not buy the recipe for the lobster stuffing so they made their and it was disappointing . The stuffing was the main different from everyone else. Little details can make a difference
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B & Whine
I understand, the close knit, melting pot (perfect example of locals interacting with tourists in a cohesive way) that was the Pine Cone isn’t coming back. I don’t intend for the Pine Cone to come back, I don’t.
Tuftonboro was one of the last cozy corners on Winnipesaukee, one of the last to fall to developers from down south. The man who bought the property and leased it to Patti has a history of transforming blue collar areas, gentrification, etc… http://winthroptranscript.com/2014/0...s-development/ Bob’s vision will push out the people we treasure in this area and invite the people we most despise in this area. Long gone are the summer breaks where traffic calms down and subsides. Massachusetts is moving north, rapidly. I’m from there, but came to this region 20 something years ago specifically because NH is the antithesis of MA. It’s quiet and polite, the exact opposite of MA. I visit my family back in North Reading, Tewksbury, Burlington and can’t wait to get home. Now that all that is out of the way, Patti and her motives were given this opportunity under the guise of establishing Tuftonboro as the new Winthrop, MA. Local employees quitting one by one, local patrons abandoning the BWhine once they realized that Patti isn’t here to create an eatery for all. A customer of mine (founder of Stoneyfield) recently went there with his family and was treated with so much disrespect, they all left. Apparently, they tried to seat themselves in an empty restaurant and got the finger wave. God forbid. Dave and Sheila didn’t make the best food, but they understood the culture and community, Patti’s betting on Bob and this area becoming the next Winthrop, and I will never support that…..no matter what the food tastes like. She’s made her stance on who she wants coming to her establishment. The difference is, the Pine Cone had all people from all walks of life enjoying Tuftonboro together, whereas the BWhine doesn’t. {Private voicemail removed} I’ve also outed several of BW’s successful reviews as bots and they’ve been removed from google/yelp/yahoo. Ask around, but she’s “not on social media” �� |
MPowers,
I am in agreement with you on how the employees as well as the original owners were told one thing but that changed into another. Have met up with several long time Pine Cone employees that left. She promised the owners she'd carry on their legacy and not change things too much, but it's evident that isn't the case now. There were many Pine Cone customers that were there 3 times a day, early morning for the store, lunch time, and then happy hour or dinner. She lost all of those people. Their pizza this summer started at 18.00 for a small plain and went to $33.00 for one with toppings. The reviews for Birch show more than half are from reviewers who had under 3 reviews, always a suspicious number, especially for a new restaurant... I'm hoping the man you mentioned who has bought up all of the surrounding property to Pine Cone (and across the street lakeside) very recently does NOT change this town into Winthrop, but time will tell. What a shame if that happens. |
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I am not happy about the Pine Cone's demise either--I was a weekly summer diner and have not eaten at B&V yet. But anybody deserves more than innuendo. Winthrop has been densely populated for decades (centuries?) --there is no comparison to T'boro. I listened to the SoundCloud--I did not hear anything that I understood to be a lie. Please post specific lies, and back them up, or just leave her alone... |
I don't know if the positive Yelp reviews are fake or not, but the negative reviews all sound like they were written by the same person.
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I don’t see any negative reviews, only moderate ones…..
EDIT: never mind, found them They sound like similar experiences as opposed to similar vernacular. |
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I can see that a little, but I personally know two of the reviewers. The Gary H one is definitely real, heard about it around town.
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Sheesh. This is taking on some scary vibes.
This is a restaurant. If you don’t like the food, their approach, the cost, or the owner…don’t patronize them. I am still kind of shocked at some of the vitriol here. |
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From what I’ve read here this isn’t about restaurants or food or service it’s personalities !
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Seaplane guy bringing up seaplane saga…..classic. ‘That’s a bold move cotton’ |
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Scary vibes, no. Not in my arsenal. I speak loud and sometimes well….just using a forum for what it’s for…..discussion. I think that as many, if not more, people who support the BWhine may also agree with me, but just don’t own a megaphone nor the (searching for metaphor for balls) audacity to address it publicly. If that truly frightened you, I sincerely apologize. |
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Patti; keep your focus and apply your passion to bring your dreams to reality. The easiest part of restaurant ownership is getting open. Don’t forget what Carnegie said; “I don’t care what the are saying as long as they a talking about me” |
Snowmobilers welcome?
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She didn't say if they would have their own menu of casual/comfort food for example. And will they be allowed to go to the bar. Nice gesture by her and we will see how that all works out. We certainly won't go there like we use to but we love their pizza (the same ingredients as the Pine Cone) and we have used their delivery services. We wish them well. It could be worst with no restaurant at all in the area. |
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