L’Espalier’s Frank McClelland Debuts His New Essex Restaurant Today

It’s opening night for Riversbend at the Essex Marina (35 Dodge St.), according to a Facebook post from the restaurant; dinner begins at 5 p.m. Riversbend is owned by Frank McClelland, who owns L’Espalier in Boston’s Back Bay. He lives in Essex.

As previously reported, the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner, and it will feature a casual menu of "farm-to-fork," wood-fired cuisine that is "inspired by nature, New England, and the bounty of local farmers." There’s a garden, wood oven, rotisserie, and fire pit. Keep an eye out for pizzas with locally sourced toppings.

Located up on a bluff, the 100-seat restaurant provides views of the Essex River. As McClelland told the Globe last year, Riversbend is meant to be "a family affair with lots of experimentation and fun" — his wife, children, and various L’Espalier colleagues will be working there.

Correction: This piece has been updated to reflect that while McClelland does still live in Essex, he no longer resides at or operates Apple Street Farm.

• Riversbend [Official Site]
• Riversbend Coverage on Eater [EBOS]