The Bog restaurant and tavern, formally known as Foggy Notions, re-opened in my town of Cambridge last week, and I learned today that Kelly Nolan, whose smile drew me into portraiture was back working on Friday nights.

The tavern owner died about six months ago, and the new owner has been  renovating it all winter. He did a good job, he was respectful of the old feeling while recognizing some need for change.

Kelly had gone to work the desk and phones in a local auto maintenance and repair shop, the liked the regular hours and the time she could be with her daughter. She agreed to come back on Friday nights only, and I rushed over there to catch her “strong woman” smile.

Kelly is one of those woman who look at the camera and practically dare you to take the picture. She is at ease with herself.

Her smile is radiant, a think of genuine beauty. Tonight, the Bog was jammed, the parking lot was full, cars were lined up outside for a quarter-mile. We had no chance of getting a table.

It’s the perfect restaurant for my town, a family place now brightened up with new wall paneling and lights. The old wood stove is gone and people were stacked ten deep waiting for a table. Maria and I took one look and fled, but not before I tracked Kelly down in the kitchen and got her to stand still for a  smile photo.

It was a sweet re-union.

The new owner was wise to adopt the informal name for the place – “the Bog” – otherwise it pretty much has the same food, some of the same staffers and the same comfortable, unpretentious, but trustworthy vibe.

The renovation was smart, it preserved the atmosphere of the old place while cleaning  it up. I was very happy to see Kelly again, even if only for a second.

We’ll go back on a weekly night this week when the place calms down. I think it will be a big hit. Some restaurants just perfectly reflect where they are, this one does that.

The people standing in line were thrilled to see the Bog  re-open, it is a delicious combination of bikers, bar people, farmers and local families with kids.

I always feel comfortable there, it is very much what our town wants and needs.