New Restaurants: Sam's Opens; Next Month, Oye's

Welcome to the first edition of The Reading Foodie! Every month, you'll find news about Reading's food and dining community—openings, monthly specials, menu changes, and more. As the holidays approach, I also hope to give you tips to make entertaining easier.

New in town is Sam's Bistro, which opened July 6 at 107 Main St. Michael Palmer and his wife, Amy, own the restaurant, which Palmer described as "an upscale family steak house with classic décor—lots of mahogany stained wood, soft lighting, big leather booths and banquettes." He chose Reading because "it seemed as though the town needed it."

The menu features seafood and steak that is USDA choice or better. There are about a dozen appetizers and 18 entrees, which range from $18 to $30 and come with fresh bread, dinner salad, a starch, and a vegetable. The restaurant also has a full liquor license.

"Everything we cook is fresh and customers can modify their meal," he said. "We can do vegetarian or gluten-free and we allow substitutions."

Besides the enthusiasm that comes with opening up a new restaurant, Palmer brings 12 years' experience as a restaurateur. He also owns Stearns & Hill's Bistro in Melrose, and opened Tanner Tavern in Woburn and Swanton Street Diner and Pastazza in Winchester.

"When people eat out, they want to feel like they've gotten their money's worth. At Sam's Bistro, we give them the atmosphere, the service, and great food. "

Business hours are Monday to Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Take-out is available. Reservations are not accepted. Phone 781-944-7267.

COMING SOON

Oye's Restaurant expects to open in August at 26 Walker Brook Dr. Hours will be Monday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight; Sundays, from noon to 10 p.m. Lunch will be served until 3 p.m.; dinner begins at 3 p.m. The menu will feature Chinese and Japanese cuisine. A gluten-free menu will be available and a family menu will be offered Sundays. Oye's will have a full liquor license.

CASUAL SPOTS

Christopher's, 580 Main St., is continuing its tropical Asian salad with fried or grilled chicken, chipotle chicken wrap, and three flavors of sparkling lemonade. Phone 781-944-3663.

Hot Spot Café, 85 Haven St., is closed Saturdays and Sundays in August. Phone 781-942-5777.

ITALIAN RESTAURANTS

Ristorante Pavarotti, 601 Main St., will have full bar service beginning in early August. Phone 781-670-9050.

ASIAN RESTAURANTS

Mandarin Reading Restaurant, 296 Salem St., is giving every dinner customer a free Oreo coffee mousse dessert through September. Sundays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the restaurant serves a dinner buffet featuring lobster. Adults pay $17.95. Phone 781-942-8200.

SPECIALTY FOOD

The Chocolate Truffle, 494 Main St., was named a finalist for Specialty Retailer of the Year, according to the National Specialty Food Trade Magazine. The Glamour Girl Cocktail Truffle, created for the release of Sex and the City 2, will be available through August. Same-day delivery service to businesses, homes, hospitals, and colleges within Route 495 to downtown Boston is available. Call 1-877-335-3630 for information. Phone 781-944-7155.

Swiss Bake Express, 32 Lincoln St., will be hiring trained bakers and sales personnel in August for farmers' markets and the Reading shop. An application is posted at www.swissbakers.com. A new three-minute video about Swiss Bakers is posted at www.YouTube.com/Swissbakers. Phone 781-354-1155.

TAKE OUT

Green Tomato, 42 High St., offers a line of lower prices and smaller portions called "The Meal Deal." Place your order at 781-942-0538; 24 hours' notice is required. Menus are available at the restaurant, which is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Phone 781-942-0540.

BOOKS FOR THE HOME COOK

The Best Simple Recipes (America's Test Kitchen, 2010; $26.95) features 200 recipes that can be on the table in 30 minutes or less. Each recipe has years of experience and hundreds of tests behind it. Whether you fix Oven-Grilled Reuben Sandwiches or Chicken and Spinach Farfalle, you'll find that recipe shortcuts never mean short-changing flavor. Convenience products worth using are noted in "Smart Shopping" sidebars. Creative sides are included with recipes that aren't complete meals.