Wendy Rego Delicious dining - Wendy Rego of Wen's Diner converses wither nephew, Warren Page, as he enjoys a hearty bowl of her homemade soup at her new location at the former Hot Tamale at 28 Union Street in Boothbay Harbor. (Photo Joe Orchulli II)

Have you heard the news? Wen's Diner is open. Oh, you didn't know? She moved into town where Hot Tamale was. No, I don't think she is serving tacos.

Wendy Rego has been in the restaurant business for a long time.

She worked at Everybody's in Boothbay Harbor for 15 years as well as The Carriage House and has recently re-located her business to 28 Union Street in Boothbay Harbor after spending 10 years in Boothbay.

"Wen" opened her doors at 4 p.m. this past Friday and her first customer, Nick Emberley, eagerly came in after track practice. Wen said that Emberley wanted to be the first customer…and then the regulars flowed in.

"It was fun to see what tables they would pick. On Saturday morning, the same old fellas' that would come at 5 a.m. were here as well. So many of our customers are regulars, that we know which ones like gravy and which ones don't," Rego said.

Balloons and flowers lined the counter top offered by congratulatory customers and more even stopped by to offer to help with the move from her old location.

"We still have the same menu. A lot of people thought that since I was moving downtown, that the prices would go up, but they are not."

Wen said that she has the same amount of seating that she had at her Industrial Park location inside, but in the summer, outside seating with a perfect harbor view will be available as well.

Her menu includes a full variety of breakfast items, lunch, home-style dinners, her famous fish chowder, daily specials like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, seafood with all the fixin's, and like her regulars know, then comes the dessert.

Wen always has a list of baked goods for people to choose from.

With her fish and chips dinner, a very generous portion at only $7.95, dessert is included as well as with many of her other delicious entrees.

"Often times people will ask what is for dessert before they even order the entrée." Wen also said that "fresh food and not frozen" is important to her.

Wen's Diner is open Monday-Thursday, 5 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; and on Sundays from 5 a.m-11a.m.

"We will be open more nights but I've got to work myself into it."

Wen said that she also plans to have liquor available for her customers to enjoy with their dinner.

For more information call 633-7344.