Taunton's brand new upscale casual restaurant at airport is now open. See inside and food

TAUNTON — Non-pilots finally have a reason to go to Taunton Municipal Airport.

Aire Taunton restaurant has finally opened.

The restaurant recently had its official grand opening on May 17, but has been opened since Mothers' Day, May 12.

Owner and Head Chef Charles Hermann describes the menu as "Creative American/Continental," meaning traditional fare infused with his own perspective.

"I'm trying to make something for everyone on the menu," he said, adding he wants Aire Taunton to have the feel, casual atmosphere and reliability of a top neighborhood restaurant.

The breakfast menu

Examples of breakfast offerings include strawberry crème br?lée French toast, sourdough Belgian waffles, buttermilk pancakes with ginger syrup and blueberries, steak and eggs, and the restaurant's own takes on eggs frittata, breakfast hash, and a four-layer omelet.

Sandwiches with flare

For lunch, menu items include an assortment of sandwiches, salads and entrées.

Sandwich highlights include a smash burger, French dip, open-faced Italian and rosemary maple turkey breast.

Sides with the sandwiches include garlic parmesan fries, cucumber salad and mac and cheese crumble.

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Plenty of entrées

Entrée highlights include chicken carbonara, a brown sugar dijon salmon, jumbo garlic grilled lime shrimp, and steak frites, which is steak and garlic parmesan fries served with chimichurri.

In addition, they presently are serving a selection of assorted specialty mocktails.

The full menu is available online.

Planning for a busy summer

Hermann said the intention was to open right when warm weather came.

He said the soft opening, a brunch buffet on Mothers' Day, was a big hit.

"It was a full house," he said.

Currently, he is working on setting up an outdoor shaded patio seating area to add to the restaurant's capacity for the summer. Capacity inside is 60, with another 60 planned for outdoor seating.

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Liquor license coming soon

He said he's still in the process of obtaining a liquor license, but he anticipates this goal lining up with completion of his outdoor area, hopefully by mid-late June.

Doubles as event space

Hermann said the restaurant space can also be used, after 2 p.m. during the week for private events, like parties and corporate gatherings.

More reason to come to East Taunton

Officials at the grand opening said places like Aire Taunton are great for East Taunton as they represent needed new economic opportunities and attractions for the area.

"This is a wonderful first-class restaurant that is making Taunton Airport a destination," Mayor Shaunna O'Connell said.

State Rep. Carol Doherty, D-Taunton, said Aire Taunton is "another star on the map for East Taunton" as it represents "a wonderful new opportunity for people to come visit."

Current hours of operation

The restaurant is open: Tuesday-Friday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (reservations suggested); and closed Monday.

Coming soon: Dinner service on weekends

Hermann said when the outdoor area is complete, Aire Taunton will sta

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Upscale casual Aire Taunton restaurant opens at airport. See inside