.jpg)
Stepping into Once Upon A Sandwich during its grand reopening was like stepping into a medieval fantasy, a tavern where knights and village people stop for food after a long day tending livestock or fighting dragons.
The tables were full of people and happy children eating, talking and enjoying their time together. Enchanted trees popped out of the walls, and a giant fireplace heralding tales of dragons – and a photo of a dragon eating a sandwich – sat at the very back of the restaurant.
According to co-owner Kari Watson, who wore a costume to match the vibe of the restaurant decorations, said they only had about a week to get ready for the opening, including painting, installing new floors and creating and installing the decorations. They worked right up until the opening at 11 a.m.
Kari shared that the realistic, enchanted trees were made by her husband and co-owner, Cameron Watson, with PVC pipe, foam board, masking tape, plaster and resin.
The couple said that the restaurant is still a bit of a work in progress as they continue decorating and working out some of the kinks.
“Even Disneyland had a few hiccups,” Cameron said. “Every time you come in here, there will be something different.”
Cameron shared that Disneyland is one of his favorite places, and he and Kari felt like Cortez could use a magical place that is focused on children and families.
Some people have even told Cameron they were excited to have a place to take their kids.
“We’re excited to keep bringing it to life,” Kari said, adding that they love have projects to work on as a couple. And the restaurant is a project that will assuredly keep them busy as they continue bringing the fairy tale to life.
The menu featured a vast variety of food with creative, themed names like The Princess and the Pea’s Garden Fresh Salad, Ratatouille’s Fried Zucchini, The Little Mermaid’s Clam Chowder and Rumpelstilskin’s Golden Mac-n-Cheese.
Cameron noted that the macaroni and cheese went through multiple phases of testing before they landed on the final recipe.
It was delicious.
To thank guests on their opening day, the restaurant provided dragon toys for kids on a first-come, first-served basis, and crocheted hearts to the adults. Kari crocheted 70 hearts for patrons.
Children 12 years old and under will also eat for free the entire month of January.
Though the menu is largely the same as it was under the original owners, Rick and Carolyn Hessom, the Watsons’ new chef Joe Goulet has added some new touches that brought an added excitement to the new atmosphere and theme.
