Local Flavor: Apéro

Apéro opened in Biddeford last week, bringing a chic yet comfortable cocktail lounge to downtown Biddeford.

Sisters Sophia Normantas and Marie Grasser have created a carefully curated menu for the bar, located at 20 Alfred St. The vibe of the tasteful and elegant establishment, along with the menu brings about the spirit of the lounge’s namesake.  Apéro, short for apéritif in French, is the custom of having a drink and light snacks with friends before dinner.

Normantas, who has a background in the hospitality industry, drew on her experience to develop a menu of “approachable drinks” with recognizable ingredients that go well together and create a balanced beverage that tastes good.

She said the most popular drink has been “I’m just a Traveller,” made with Buffalo Trace Traveller whiskey, lime, spiced apple cider, cinnamon simple syrup and regatta ginger beer. The drink menu also includes mocktails, coffee, wine and beer.

Grasser, owner of Charcutemarie, has assembled charcuterie selections using ingredients that are well-liked by customers and will pair well with drinks. In addition to charcuterie, Apéro also offers bakery items and other snacks.

The sisters said it was the “coolest thing” to get to work together and to combine their talents and passions, and the experience has brought them closer together.

 

The opening of Apéro in Biddeford was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Thursday. PHOTO BY LIZ GOTTHELF

Grasser and Normantas were joined by friends, family, public officials and community members at a ribbon cutting by the Biddeford + Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry on Thursday.

“We’re so excited to have the support of this city to show up and cheer us on,” said Grasser.

She said that she and her sister are from Biddeford, and they were happy for the opportunity to open their business in their home town. She thanked everyone who rallied for them throughout the process of opening the lounge, especially during the tough moments.

Opening night was Dec. 13, and despite some first night jitters, everything went well and the lounge has already created a buzz.

“It couldn’t have gone more smoothly,” said Normantas. “We’ve been so warmly received by the community.”

Apéro is open Wednesday and Thursday 4 – 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4 - 11 p.m. and Sunday 4 – 7 p.m.

Liz Gotthelf is the publisher of Saco Bay News. She also loves to eat – and support local businesses. If you have any local restaurant or food news, she’d love to hear from you. Send her an email at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.