Royal Could Open in Watertown Next Month

Royal, a "local eatery" that features "farm-to-table, local, organic foods," is aiming to open at 45 Lexington Street in Watertown, possibly next month. The team behind it, Melanie Nye and Rachid Kourda, have launched a Kickstarter campaign in hopes of raising $23,000 to help cover some of the final renovations of the space, including some new kitchen equipment that will be necessary in order to get up to code.

Kourda, who attended culinary school in France, has worked locally at Harvard Gardens and 404 Tapas Lounge. Most recently, he has been working at ALBA Restaurant in Quincy as well as hosting "underground" dining events, according to his Facebook page.

Royal, which will have 48 seats, will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the concept is "New American/French cuisine," according to the Kickstarter page. (Kourda apparently describes each of his dishes as a "sexy plate," so prepare to be seduced.) Breakfast options will include both "Royal on the Go" express service and a "sit-down, fancy breakfast which won't break your bank."

As for the ambiance, it is meant to be "very quaint and cozy with a vintage feel" but also a "lounge vibe." There are lots of leather seats and bright red walls.

The Kickstarter campaign lasts until December 22, and donors can receive rewards like a dinner for two, the chance to spend the day at the restaurant watching how everything works ("great for foodies or aspiring young chefs"), a private party, and more. Nye and Kourda are hoping to open on January 1 or January 15.