The much-anticipated, official reopening of Kowaliga Restaurant was little more than a week ago, and was met with great public excitement. Many who've spent their lives on Lake Martin have a soft spot for the long-time community gathering place. It seems everyone has a memory to share — of their childhood, putt-putt golf or taking pictures with Kaw-liga, the wooden Indian.
Just opened on April 24, the restaurant had only a few "light" weekdays to find it's rhythm before the peak traffic of the weekend. The vast majority of reviews seem to be very positive about the food, the refreshed atmosphere and having the establishment alive once again. The Kowaliga Restaurant page on Facebook, only weeks old, already has nearly 2,500 followers. Some of the diners posted comments such as...
"Had lunch there today. Food was delicious and our waitress, Rhonda, was great. Best banana pudding."
"Everyone remembers Kowaliga Bites — tasty pieces of fried fish. Chef Russ has taken it up a notch with his Kowaliga Trio: catfish, shrimp and oysters. Yeah, baby!"
"Lunch was delicious, glad to have Kowaliga Restaurant back!"
"The Catfish Taco. Give me a cold cerveza and a couple of these babies. They're delicious! Do not pass up that grilled jalapeno on the side."
Arguably the best lakeside dining setting on Lake Martin with it's panoramic views of Kowaliga Bay, the restaurant greeted patrons who arrived by boat and by car, with smiles, to enjoy the food and happy to have the local landmark back in operation.
Rob McDaniel, General Manager, said it well. "The first week at Kowaliga was GREAT!! We are, for all intents and purposes, opening a new restaurant, but trying to resurrect a nostalgia of the old days of Cecil's on the Lake and the original Kowaliga." But always concerned about the customer, he added, "As with all new restaurants, we will continue to tweak our procedures in order to provide the best experience possible."
Russell Lands management is no less pleased with the opening. Roger Holliday, Vice President, expressed that in saying, "We are excited about re-establishing a fun, family place where folks can get a great meal at reasonable prices."
Kowaliga Restaurant is indeed part of the fabric of Lake Martin. So, come on by and experience the rebirth of an "old friend" on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, 11am to 10pm, and 11am to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Holliday praised the folks making it happen with, "We are proud and pleased with our team at Kowaliga. Rob’s oversight and authenticity, Russ’ “git-er’-done” attitude, and Stacey, of course, already knows most of our customers when they walk in the door!"
Download the menu >
Visit the website (in progress) >
05.2013
