City toasts the new normal with a long awaited return to its restaurants, taverns

From left, Lisa Couture,Gary Bailey and birthday girl Tracy Metivier, all of Rochester, celebrate both Metivier's birthday and a baby step toward normalcy in uncharted times.(Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - A fiesta like atmosphere was in the air on Monday as Rochester eateries opened for the first time in more than two months for outside onsite dining.

At the Governor's Inn, diners enjoying food and drink on the front lawn were recognized with honking horns and whoops of delight by cars going by.

"We're working harder than ever," said Anthony Ejarque, a co-owner of the Inn. "But it's something, it's good to be open again."

Social distancing was strictly observed at the Governor's Inn on Monday as they opened for the first time with onsite dining after a two-month hiatus due to COVID-19.

Waitstaff all had masks on as per Gov. Sununu's alfresco dining guidelines, and social distancing was strictly observed.

It was especially a day of joy and celebration for several marking their birthdays, including Tracy Metivier of Rochester, who was toasted by friends Lisa Couture and Gary Bailey as they sat out in the covered pavilion outside the inn's main ballroom.

Meanwhile over on North Main, Bob Benoit of Mitchell Hill Barbecue and Brew was putting the finishing touches on his outdoor seating venue to get ready for Wednesday's opening.

WORD ON THE STREET IS HE'S OPEN WEDNESDAY: Mitchell Hill Barbecue owner Bob Benoit said he never thought there'd come a day when he'd be building a diningroom on the street, but there he was on Monday.

"I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd be doing this," he said as he drilled screws building an attractive wooden wall inside which booths and tables will be set up.

Late last week the city brought in Jersey Barriers, blocking off several parking places so Benoit can seat patrons and begin to rebound from two months of having his newly opened restaurant limited to just takeout and delivery.

Benoit said he'd be bringing in plenty of fresh greenery to add to the ambiance of his streetside dining experience.

Other downtown restaurants expected to open later this week include Revolution, which has a seating area on Factory Court; Radloff's Cigar Bar and The Fallen Leaf, who will share several North Main Street parking lot spaces just south of Mitchell Hill and The Laughing Duck, which will have tables behind the restaurant in the Union Street Parking Lot.