Chef Sam Cahoon opened the doors last week to his first restaurant, Savorez, at 402 Chestnut St., the former home of Flying Pi Kitchen.
 
Cahoon, who gained a loyal following at Ceviche’s Inspired Panamanian Restaurant & Bar, said that the Latin-inspired menu is along the lines of what he cooked at Ceviche’s, but a bit more refined.
 
“I’ve really tried to find a balance between separating myself from Ceviche’s and also staying true to the food that I love to cook,” Cahoon said.
 
Savorez’s menu is small and simple, like the space itself. There’s a selection of salsas, tapas, empanadas and entrees for lunch and dinner, and brunch is served on Sunday.

Cahoon said he enjoys incorporating regional ingredients into his dishes, especially daily specials. It’s a chance for him and his staff to experiment with flavor profiles and challenge themselves creatively, he said.
 
“I believe that a good leader listens to his staff,” Cahoon said. “If someone has an idea of something they want to try, I’m open to giving it a shot and seeing how people respond. I value everyone’s input; that’s how we learn and grow and I want to give my staff the chance to shine.”
 
Cahoon hopes that the intimate 36-seat restaurant will be a welcoming gathering space for those who live and work in the area to grab lunch or meet for an after-work drink. He also hopes to eventually offer a late-night menu to serve other service industry workers when they finish their evening shifts.
 
Savorez is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday for brunch.
 
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