The rumors have been confirmed. Scott Anderson—executive chef of both restaurants and co-owner of both with Stephen Distler—will not have to shuttle a mile or so between Elements at 163 Bayard Lane and Mistral at 66 Witherspoon Street.
Anderson and Distler own the two-story building that houses Mistral. The space has been emptying out. When the last tenant, UPS, leaves, Elements will move in, assuming the necessary approvals are received.
Mistral is on the first floor. Elements will occupy the second floor. The magic of the move is simple: It will allow the two restaurants to share the liquor license presently held by Elements alone. Elements will have a smaller dining space, larger private dining area and perhaps some menu changes. The menu at Mistral is expected to stay the same.
Construction is already underway to turn Mistral’s patio into a pavilion style structure with a roof, four sides and a fireplace. Though it will be semi-open to the weather, the pavilion is expected to be usable 9 or 10 months a year. When it is open, it effectively doubles Mistral’s seating capacity.