MUNCY-The proprietors of an eatery new to the area are tossing their toque-Blanche into the restaurant arena by offering meal service kits next month.

Brooke Bishop and Greg Stine, the gourmet chefs and business minds behind the service purchased 213 North Main Street last October, buying out the former Tommy’s bar-the building was originally the Paul Geringer Fire Hall, next to Unity Mart.

The husband-and-wife business partners, originally from the area, had established B. Gourmet Catering company in Charleston, SC eight years ago, but returned to the area to be closer to Brooke’s family, she said.

“Eventually, we’ll have two restaurant and bar concepts operating out of our location,” Brooke said. Basil Wood Fired Kitchen and Lounge is a farm-to-table concept featuring wood fired pizzas and local seasonal cuisine with a family friendly atmosphere, she said. “The Lucky Lure is a vintage fishing-themed bar featuring scratch-made bar cuisine and a fun atmosphere,” she said, adding, “We have hopes of opening in late summer or early fall.”

In the meantime, starting with Cinco de Mayo on May 5, the meal kits will be available, followed by a special Mother’s day menu on Sunday, May 10. “After that, we’ll have weekly curbside family meal pick-ups,” Brooke said.

It’s not often that Cinco de Mayo on May 5 lands on Taco Tuesday, and to commemorate the two observances, the kitchen is providing chef-crafted gourmet taco meal kits that require little effort from the customer–just heat, serve and eat.

The family meal includes flour tortillas, Cerveza braised carnitas chicken, beef Americano, and tequila lime shrimp. Gluten-free tortillas are available upon request at an additional charge. And what’s a taco without toppings of cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, red cabbage cilantro lime slaw, Baja sauce, avocado cream, pickled onion, and hot sauce?

Fresh salsa and tortilla chips for dipping, Spanish black beans, and rice and margarita bars round out the sumptuous meal, which can feed either two or four people.

Additionally, the business has partnered with the Son-Light House of Muncy; for every family meal purchased, a meal will be donated to a family in need.

The kits are nicely packaged with step-by-step heating instructions, Brooke said. Deadline for ordering is Sunday, May 3, as quantities are limited. Pre-orders and payment can be made by calling 570-757-7216, by e-mailing brooke@basilwoodfired.com, or ordering on their website, www.basilwoodfired.com.

Residing in the Low-country and experiencing all the unique flavors Charleston offers left an undeniable impression on the duo. “We will definitely feature some Low-country classics and are toying with a Southern Sunday-themed menu,” she said.