Theater complex to contain full-service restaurant for downtown

Chrystal's Catering will operate the restaurant.
By GUY D'ASTOLFO
VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- The opening of the Flad Pavilion/Ford Recital Hall will also add to the growing downtown dining scene.
Overture, a mid- to upscale restaurant, is part of the new theater complex, which opens this week. The full-service restaurant will be open Monday through Friday for lunch, and for dinner on event nights at the DeYor complex.
It will stay open late on event nights for patrons who'd like a bite or a drink after the show, said Patricia Syak, executive director of the Youngstown Symphony Society.
"The goal is to become the premier dining spot in the area," said Syak.
Chrystal's Catering of Youngstown will own and operate Overture.
"Chrystal's has catered many functions at Powers and had the best ideas," said Syak, "so the board of directors went with them."
Nora Chrystal is the owner of Overture, and her husband, Jeff Chrystal, is executive chef. Jeff worked with the architect in designing the restaurant and kitchen layout. He also traveled to other performing arts venues in the country to see how they incorporated their restaurants.
The addition of a restaurant by a performing arts theater is becoming a trend nationwide, said Syak. "It provides a full evening of entertainment in one place," she noted.
Overture will have seating for 52 and will also have seating in the separate bar area. In the warmer months, additional tables will be placed in the adjacent garden terrace for outdoor dining.
The restaurant and pavilion will also be available for private functions.
The menu
Chef Chrystal said Overture's dinner menu will change every night to take advantage of seasonal ingredients.
"We'll feature fresh seafood," said Jeff. "We also cut our meats fresh, and do all of our baking. It will be a fresh presentation."
Veal, steaks and pasta dishes will also be offered, as will wild game when available, said Jeff, who noted the menu will be fresh, but not extensive. "We'll have 10 to 12 [entrees]," he said.
The wine list will focus on American products from California and the West Coast.
Lunch service will be aimed at downtown workers. The menu will consist of fresh salads, sandwiches and daily specials. Takeout service will be available.
Overture will have its own sign, which is currently awaiting the approval of Youngstown's Design Review Committee.