PHOTO FEATURE: The Dutch Eatery & Refuge (Grand Opening June 9 – 11)

Main Gate Square restaurant Wilko has passed the torch to the Dutch Eatery & Refuge, even though some Wilko signs are still up.

The restaurant maintains its light and airy feel, but has a new menu thanks to co-owner and executive chef Marcus van Winden. Guests can expect New American-style cuisine alongside classic Dutch dishes.

Although the Dutch is open now, they’re hosting an official grand opening from June 9 – 11 with happy hour specials all day long and bitterballen, a popular Dutch bar snack of beef or veal croquettes.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of their new menu items.

French Toast ($9, brunch)

The brûléed crust provides a caramel complexity with a brittle crisp. Real maple syrup, vanilla macerated berries, and candied almonds provide additional layers of sweetness without being overbearing.

Bleu Cheese Brunch Burger ($14, lunch)

This thick half-pound burger has a seared crust and medium-rare center with thick bacon on top. The sharpness of the blue cheese is balanced by the sweet caramelized onions and slightly bitter arugula.

Breakfast Flatbread

Pillowy soft flatbread and herbed cheese make a convenient base for the smoked salmon and avocado. The runny egg yolk makes a finger-lickin’-good mess.

Patat Oorlog (War Fries)

Crispy fries are topped with a peanut sambal sauce, mayonnaise, and diced onion. It’s a simple hearty snack that goes great with cocktails.

Heluka Pork Chop

The juicy pork chop is topped with a creamy apple slaw on top of a bed of mashed purple potatoes and mustard sauce.

The Dutch Eatery & Refuge is located at 943 E. University Blvd. and can be reached at (520) 792-6684. Brunch is 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Happy hour is 3 – 6 p.m. daily. Keep up with the Dutch Eatery & Refuge on Facebook. For more information, visit thedutchtucson.com.