Here’s What You Can Expect at Buckley’s Market & Cafe in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Chef Michael Buckley (not pictured here, by the way... more on this guy in a minute) has opened up another Buckley's Market and Cafe in Portsmouth and I couldn't wait to check it out.  Here's what I discovered.

Remember when Hearth Market opened up in Portsmouth at 60 Penhallow Street?  Not long after they opened, maybe two years, I'm guessing... they announced that they were closing their doors on their Facebook page. 

Enter Chef Michael Buckley who became the new owner at pretty much the same time that he took over the Rosa and Martingale Wharf in Portsmouth and CR's in Hampton which is now Buckley's Burgers and Steaks.  He already owned Surf in Portsmouth, so he already knows the clientele.

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The Layout Has Changed, But Not That Much

When my husband and I walked in, the first thing I noticed was that they layout was similar to what Hearth Eatery had, except the furnishings were different, the paint and decor was different, but basically, the layout was the same.

Saturdays are Demo Days at Buckley's Bakery & Cafe

Then what did I spy with my little eye?  A Chef getting ready for a demonstration.  That chef turned out to be Chef Dylan Mason, the Corporate Executive Chef for MT Dining Group.  The guy in the picture.  He's pretty much my best friend now.

I asked Chef Mason if he was the man responsible for the two things on the menu at Surf that I can not get away from, the Umami Veggie sushi and the Korean BBQ Scallops and he said that yes, he was.  I almost kissed him right then and there.

Chef Mason told me that on Saturdays, he will shop the market, come back to the cooking area, put whatever dish he has in mind together and give out samples.  If people like it, then they can go get the ingredients to make it themselves at home.

While we were waiting for the demonstration, we split one of their signature foods, chicken pot pie. Yes, the crust was as buttery and flakey as you can imagine.

The Market has only the best ingredients for whatever you want to make.  The cafe has savory and sweet choices for you to eat there or take to bring home.  They also kept the pizza oven and offer that too for lovers of the 'zza.

Chef Mason also told me that Martingale Wharf isn't open yet, but I can't wait to try that place after they get their hands on it.  I always liked the view in that place before, but the food was just ... ok.  I expect my opinion will change once Chef Buckley and Chef Mason get in there.