Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Pavone.
Michael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Soaring ceilings, exposed ductwork, stone walls and a half-moon shaped bar with comfortable leather stools are just a few things guests notice when they enter Station Eight in Marshfield. Ever since the restaurant opened its doors in September of 2016, the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere and expertly executed cuisine have made it a popular dining destination.
Whether you visit on a weekday for lunch or dinner or stop by for the popular weekend brunch, the massive 6,300-square-foot restaurant, located in the former Papa Gino’s space at The Shops at Ocean’s Gate, has something for everybody. The restaurant’s name pays homage to a train depot that operated in town during the 1940s. The train served as a boost to the town’s economy and offered city residents a peaceful seaside getaway.
At the bar, a wall of Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrels serves as a chic focal point, and you’ll find an abundance of Massachusetts-based craft brews on draught, such as Castle Island Candlepin, Newburyport Green Head, Jack’s Abby Sunny Ridge or Harpoon Camp Wannamango. For something a little stronger, the cocktail list features creative concoctions like a hibiscus margarita, chocolate Negroni and the perfect summer cocktail, a Category 8 coconut-rum Hurricane.
When it comes to food, start with a sampling of crisp lobster rangoons filled with fluffy cream cheese and fresh lobster and the signature lollipop chicken wings. Thai sweet chili, honey barbecue and traditional buffalo-style wings are available. The meat is conveniently pushed all the way to the end of the wing so you can easily devour in just a few bites. Other standout starters include garlicky mussels Bianco served with grilled Tuscan bread and gooey mozzarella bites accompanied by a side of tangy marinara sauce and the lemon-poached shrimp cocktail with a side of cocktail sauce.
There is a nice selection of salads on the menu, including a few festive options like strawberry feta with candied walnuts, and a popular beet and arugula salad made with imported gorgonzola cheese and dried cherries and comes tossed in an orange vinaigrette. For flatbreads, the Station Eight Specialty is topped with Genoa salami, crisp bacon and pepperoni; Fig Rustico is made with prosciutto, baby spinach, roasted red peppers, goat cheese, walnuts and fig jam.
For entrees, the panko-crusted chicken parmesan arrives with a generous portion of chicken perfectly crisped on the outside and juicy on the inside, topped with marinara sauce and served with a side of fresh linguine. The shrimp and scallop capellini is flavorful and the grilled steak tips come with a choice of two sides (the creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus are hard to pass up). Other entrees on the menu include fried scallops, creamy lobster mac and cheese, layered spinach and eggplant napoleon and chicken picatta.
Live music is offered almost every night of the week, with acts ranging from acapella singers to country bands. Be sure to check the website for the updated calendar of events. By the restaurant’s popularity with the locals, the business is clearly off to a great start and in the right direction.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Staffing has been the only real bump in the road. Due to the fact of being in downtown Boston there is a larger pool of experience too choose from.
Station Eight – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
New American Cuisine style, 4 lifelong residents of Marshfield who grew up with each other and started a restaurant together.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
30 years of mistakes and I am still learning. Which keeps it challenging.
Pricing:
- Charcuterie Board / Wine combo great value of $72 for only $50
Contact Info:
- Address: 1899 Ocean street, Unit A
- Website: www.stationeight-marshfield.com
- Phone: 7818376637
- Email: michael@stationeight-marshfield.com
- Instagram: station_eight
- Facebook: @stationeightrestaurant
- Twitter: @station_eight
Image Credit:
Michael Pavone
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