New 7Grill offers quality fare, atmosphere

DANVERS – Swampscott native and restaurateur Mark Leger is going all in on Number 7, and judging from the atmosphere and quality of food and service at his new 7Grill on Endicott Street in Danvers, it appears a winning bet.7Grill had a soft opening last month on the site of the former Uno Restaurant at 194 Endicott St., across from the Liberty Tree Mall, offering what Leger calls “casual elegant” dining, above what chain restaurants offer but not as pricey or pretentious as fine dining establishments.Leger worked for 20 years in the restaurant business in South Carolina before returning home to the North Shore last year to put his idea for a new restaurant into practice. He got that chance by partnering with the Demakes Family, owners of the former Jimmy?s Allenhurst on Route 114.?I?m beyond lucky to have teamed up with them. The family is just fantastic,” he said, noting the Demakes Family was looking for a location for a new venture and after meeting through a third party decided to develop his concept.Today he spends much of his time greeting customers at the entrance of 7Grill.He said he came up with the idea for the name because “7 is a number of significance,” representing perfection and completion in The Bible, and also luck and good fortune in most societies. But the list goes on, he said.?For instance, life operates in a cycle of 7s. Changes take place in the body every seven years. There are seven bones in the neck, seven bones in the face and seven holes in the head.”The name also works, he said, because “it?s got brevity and it?s easy for them to latch onto.?When I?m at the door I say ?Welcome to 7? not 7Grill. And when people are talking they?ll say ?I?m over at 7 or meet me at 7.”And the spacious dining area which seats 150 wraps around a large bar that seats 28 and is decorated with photos, pictures, posters and art all connected to the number 7: The Seven Year Itch, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Jack Daniels No. 7, the Seven Deadly sins, Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, President Jackson (our seventh), Pearl Harbor, etc??Everything on the walls has to do with Number 7, and the music is from the 70s,” Leger said. “Even the wines by the glass are corked with actual 7 balls from the pool table.?It gives (the restaurant) cohesiveness to the atmosphere, rather than just throwing some pictures of ships on the wall and saying we serve food.”And while the décor is striking, it?s the food that?s likely to keep patrons coming back.?What we?re doing here is keeping it simple. You don?t have to be fancy. Our menu is not even complicated,” Leger said. “What I promise here is a handsome room, great service and well-prepared food. But it?s not complicated. It?s hand cut steaks that have never been frozen; the chicken is fresh; the seafood is fresh, but you don?t need a food dictionary to figure out what the sauce is.?It?s more about fresh proteins, simply seasoned with herb, spices and grills,” he said.Leger said he intends to change the menu seasonally.Appetizers run from $7 to $12 – the Grilled Shrimp with Cusabi Sauce ($11) is amazing – while entrees range in price from $16 to $30 and include staple grill fare such as Wild King Salmon, Lamb Loin Chop, Filet Mignon, Grilled Coffee Rubbed Pork Chops in Bourbon Cream and a variety of grilled chicken.Handheld fare (sandwiches) are priced from $10-$12 and include Grilled Salmon with Citrus Aiolo, Baby Greens and Tomato, Grilled Chicken with Chipotle Aioli on Cranberry Ciabatta and Angus Prime Burger Stuffed with Bleu Cheese or Bacon Cheddar. Other popular choices include Butternut Ravioli in a brown butter sauce and Mediterranean Chicken Sauté with Feta, roasted peppers and tomato over rice.7Grill is currently open daily from 4-11 p.m. The restaurant employs a staff of 45, which Leger said he expects to expand the staff to about 60 later this year.While he said he does not like the term “chain restaurant,” he said he?s received plenty of early positive feedback and encouragement