Balena Shooting to Open February 26

It was listed as one of the most anticipated restaurants to open last fall, but as restaurant openings go, it slipped. So now Balena is one of the most watched spots to open this winter. Over the last couple of months, the team has been sending out teaser videos with chef Chris Pandel delivering pizza and mixologist Debbi Peek creating drinks to keep buzz going. And while it'll still be a few more weeks, the opening is finally getting closer.

The restaurant is shooting for a Feb. 26 opening date, assuming everything stays on track. The Boka Restaurant Group and Bristol teams, known for their attention to detail, will kick off staff training this week to prepare for the opening while final construction and design work gets completed. While the date could move based on training and preview dinners, watch for Balena to open at the end of February.

[Photo: Chris Pandel]