By Rick Winterson

     George and Cathy Spiropoulos are two of the nicest things that have ever happened to Jim Stavis.  Jim is the owner of North Coast, a seafood company that occupies the first large building to the right along Dry Dock Avenue.

     Early in the century – that has a nice sound, doesn’t it? – George and Cathy approached Jim.  They asked him if they could set up their own restaurant in the atrium lobby of Jim’s North Coast building at 7 Dry Dock Avenue.  After the usual business discussions and negotiations, Jim readily agreed.

     In 2001, George and Cathy Spiropoulos opened the doors of the Dry Dock Café.  Initially, the intent was serving early breakfast and quick lunches to employees of North Coast and other businesses along Dry Dock Avenue.  The Café’s hours started at 5 a.m. – seafood workers start their days early and hungry.

     Pretty soon, the word spread, and other businesses in the area, including many from the Design Center, began patronizing the Dry Dock.  The breakfast offerings included some items in the “stick-to-your-ribs” category – a three-egg fisherman’s breakfast, a smoked salmon platter, and that perennial favorite, steak and eggs.  The hours extended from 5 a.m. till 4 p.m. on weekdays, and full lunches were served.

     The reputation of the Dry Dock Café began to spread.  It enjoys an advantage in obtaining seafood, for sure.  On the other side of the atrium wall is an enormous supply of seafood from North Coast that is fresh right to the minute.  In fact, a patron who lives in Scituate made a special trip to the Cafe with his friends one day, because he wanted them to taste some “real fried clams”.

     For the summertime, George and Cathy assembled a roster of salads and chicken dishes, including scratch-made chicken parm.  Politicians who wanted to dine anonymously began patronizing the Dry Dock Café.  Ship owners and chefs from other establishments ate there – George’s and Cathy’s clientele became quite eclectic.  They were asked to cater events from Christmas parties to baby showers.

As a result, they expanded their operations this fall.  They are now open on Thursday and Friday evenings until 9 p.m.  Check the photograph above and visualize it at dusk, adorned with tablecloths, flowers, and candles.  Add in dinner entrees, such as buffalo shrimp followed by pan-seared talapia.  And remember, parking is free and available in front of the Dry Dock Café.  That’s not such a bad way to dine, now is it?

     On Sunday morning (7 to 1), George and Cathy serve their “breakfast extravaganza” to the brunch crowd.  Keep that in mind as well, when you are thinking about where to start your Sundays.

Saturdays at the Dry Dock Café are reserved for events and celebrations requested by the Dry Dock’s customers.  George and Cathy offer a full menu of multi-course meals, for both private and corporate customers.  The choices and combinations of appetizers, main courses, and desserts are essentially unlimited.

     Cast an eye on the marine paintings by Stephen Griffin when you visit the Dry Dock Café.  The brushwork is extremely vigorous, especially on the spars and shrouds of the sailing vessels he paints.

On the personal side, George originally comes from Greece - the small town of Vasara outside of Sparta.  He came to America 45 years ago.  It has become a bit of a stereotype, but just think of all the people of Greek ancestry who have graced Boston’s restaurant scene over the years.

     Cathy is a member of Brighton’s Anthony family.  Her father owned the Model Café.  She went to Newman Prep.

     George and Cathy have been married 31 years, after falling in love at first sight.  They live in Canton and have two daughters – Alycia, who works for Channel Seven, and Dina, an eighth grade teacher in Dedham.

(NOTE:  Stop in at 7 Dry Dock Avenue, or give the Dry Dock Café a call at (617)951-2999.)