By ROD LEE

Lisa Moon has no previous experience in the food industry, but this would not be apparent from the strong start The Neighborhood Kitchen is enjoying on Church Street in downtown Whitinsville.

Open since January 5th, The Neighborhood Kitchen is building a clientele for dine-in or takeout on a menu of “American comfort food” for lunch or dinner.

The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays. 

From such “Starters” as onion strings, clam cakes and buffalo chicken tenders to an array of noon-hour sandwiches (served all day) to Entrees like Pasta and Meatballs, Shepherd’s Pie, Turkey Dinner, American Chop Suey, Meatloaf and Haddock and Hand-Cut Fries (Thursdays and Fridays only), the restaurant is “where family and friends gather to eat,” Ms. Moon said on November 17th.

She even has a kiosk at her husband Mark Moon’s nearby Sparetime Recreation so that bowlers can order food.

Arrangements with Door Dash, Uber Eats and Grub Hub and “an amazing cook staff” are leading the way in establishing The Neighborhood Kitchen as the town’s most promising new restaurant.

The menu is complemented by several exotic “shakes.” Fruity Pebbles, Orange Dreamsicle, Cotton Candy Unicorn and Cup of Dirt—for example.

The interior of what was previously mostly a pizza place has been completely renovated and upgraded with tables crafted by Mr. Moon and a neighborhood-themed mural spray painted on one of the long interior walls. Ryan Gardell, an artist, did the honors and the mural is impressive.

Ms. Moon has set an ambitious tone that even included “breakfast and pre-order your dinner go to for Thanksgiving, with a meal featuring fresh-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, corn, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy and a roll-for $14.95.

She is more than willing to take on any job necessary.

“I cook, wash dishes, clean, wait on tables. That’s what I think an owner should do,” she says.

Contact Rod Lee at [email protected] or 774-232-2999.