Joyce Transue’s clientele have discovered the greater Houlton area’s unique beauty and the Courtyard Café’s culinary delights.
Transue pushes her culinary talents into high gear with her harmonious and unforgettable flavors expressed in her signature dishes like sautéed sesame seed scallops with spicy Thai dipping sauce, grilled and seasoned rib-eye steak and fresh Maine crab quiche. And each Wednesday and Thursday is Gourmet Pizza Night.
In May, the Courtyard Café is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
PREP — Joyce Transue makes the magic for her customers happen in her kitchen.
Transue had never anticipated operating her own restaurant.
“Originally, I just planned to just do gourmet take-out,” she said. “Then, we expanded to two rooms and continued with the catering end of the business. And now, we’ve built a 24-foot bar to give the [Garden Cafe room] a whole new look.”
Owning and operating the cafe has involved its share of tough times, but the people who patronize the Market Square business make it all worthwhile, Transue explained.
“It is a very stressful business, but it has its rewards,” she said. “And I really do appreciate the support of our regular customers and welcome new ones all the time.”
The Courtyard Cafe offers dinner and supper during regular hours: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.
Reservations are accepted, but not required, and special requests are always welcome.
TASTY — Joyce Transue cuts a moist pork loin fresh out of the oven. She continues to create tantalizing appetizers and dinners in the Market Square location.
“If there’s something you don’t see, please ask. We are more than willing to do whatever we can to accommodate people’s needs,” Transue said. “I enjoy cooking and being creative, and I really enjoy making people happy.”
For more information, visit the Courtyard Cafe at 61 Main Street in the Main Street Emporium (the Fishman Mall) or call them at 532-0787.
New ideas are being created every day! So, check out the Courtyard Café for your dining needs.
