Coffee-crusted steak, caffeine and cocktails shine at new Richland eatery
When managing partner Justin Bazinet, of new restaurant Phoenix & Folly, was asked in elementary school what he wanted to be when he grew up, his response was “I’m going to be the guy who turns the dining room lights on at the restaurant.” Instead, his career took him into the tech world, where he does IT support all over the country. During COVID, he felt like he was called back to the hospitality industry. After working as support staff for other restaurants around town, like The Peacock, Bazinet is finally opening a restaurant of his own, with his wife, India, and Thomas Kalmbach, who formerly owned The Peacock. Phoenix & Folly is set to open on Friday, Nov. 13, after a handful of delays. Every meal, five days a week Phoenix & Folly has a table with your name on it Tuesday-Saturday from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. The former Salud building has a lounge-like feel, with a mix of tables, high tops and couches. Whether stopping by for a bite of breakfast or a late night meal, the menu has both traditional eats and creative twists. One item Justin expects to be a stand-out is the coffee-crusted New York strip,
