The Masters are on the move.
Mel’s in Greenwood Village (at 5970 South Holly Street) had a couple of parties (one for friends, and then a knock-down, drag-out staff bash) over the weekend, and is closing today for remodeling. The hostess I talked to last night said that the staff had been told to expect about a ten-day vacation before the joint will reopen, under the same name but possibly under new management, with Mel Master holding court as a kind of “partner emeritus,” in his words.
Next door, Agave Grill is still up and running -- but Mel and Jane Master plan to sell it off soon. A buyer has been found, but negotiations are ongoing. So if you want a damn fine jumped-up tamale from Chad Clevenger? Better make your reservations now.
Over at 1120 East Sixth Avenue, Mel’s Bistro has already become Mel’s Anti-Bistro -- at least in the heart and mind of son Charlie Master, who's taken over the address and already changed the answering-machine message to reflect his new and enlightened reign, recorded in such a charmingly spotty English accent that I figure he must’ve been drunk when he did it.
This Mel's shut down on July 4 and reopens today, July 8. Young Master Charles apparently needed a little time to hip up the place and revamp the menu. Also, closing over the long holiday weekend allowed him to avoid the restaurant doldrums that tend to surround any holiday involving backyard grilling and black-market explosives (Fourth of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Arbor Day if you’re celebrating things right…).
Meanwhile, Barron’s (top photo) is now open in Charlie’s old Brix space at 3000 East Third Avenue -- operated by some ex-Brix loyalists who just couldn’t stand to see the old address go. And for more on the original Mel's? See the upcoming Bite Me. -- Jason Sheehan
