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Since the minute Sidebar closed last July, rumors have been circulating about a revival of the restaurant. Today, after months of planning, partnering and negotiations, Chef Margo Blondet and General Manager Harry Trubounis were finally able to announce that the lease is signed and the renovations are under way for the Salar Restaurant and Lounge to bring back to life the corner of Fifth and Brown Streets in the Oregon District. The name of the restaurant, Salar, is derived from a vulgar Lating slang for ” salt-encrusted,” which is so appropriate, since Chef Margot’s favorite seasoning is salt.

Featuring an exciting menu of Mediterranean-Peruvian fusion cuisine with French influences along with hand-crafted cocktails, the restaurant plans to be a reasonably priced, upscale, yet casual style restaurant. Chef Margot plans to feature an array of small plate entrees, distinctive salads, appetizers and pizzas, allowing customers to enjoy different courses should they choose to try a sampling of diverse dishes. Salar also will feature a wide selection of handmade cocktails created with house-prepared syrups, fresh fruit and juices, and only the finest spirits. Blondet will craft Salar’s menu, with entrée prices ranging from a $12 to $22 per person.

“Peruvian cuisine reflects not only the traditional dishes native to the area but also, through centuries of immigration, influences from Spain, China, Italy, West Africa and Japan,” Blondet said. “By integrating classical French techniques, our menu will consist of a fusion of influences that result in dishes that are both comfortable and unique. The outcome becomes an exciting twist, rather than a radical departure from the diners’ favorite foods.”

“This is exciting news for the Oregon District, downtown and the Dayton community,” said Dr. Michael Ervin, owner of the building in which Salar is located. “Interest in this space was extremely strong, which reflects growing interest from business owners in investing in a downtown Dayton location. I am confident everyone will love the fine food and cocktails at Salar, where they’re sure to have a dining experience like none other in the region.”

Salar also will provide on and off-site catering and carry-out dining will be available to lunch and dinner customers as well.

Saar plans to  be open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11-2 and at 4 pm. Monday through Saturday for dinner and closed on Sunday.  The dining room will be open Monday through Thursday until 10 pm, and Friday and Saturday until midnight. The bar will remain open until 2 am Thursday through Saturday.