Three months after Pankaj Pradhan started paying rent and utility on the former Grappa space, he’s been granted a license to open his second restaurant in Watertown. Although the town’s concerns about parking prolonged the process, it’s now full-speed ahead for The Galley, which will likely open in September. Pradhan, chef/owner of Red Lentil on Mount Auburn Street, says his new venture will focus on breakfast and lunch fare that’s “multi-fusion” vegan or vegetarian.

“Obviously, we’ll have waffles, pancakes, omelets and things like that,” he says. But in addition, he promises “a very exclusive breakfast menu, not traditional American food, but very health-conscious.” The lunch menu will offer small plates. The Galley will be open every day from 6 am to 3 pm, and Pradhan plans to use the space for cooking classes in the afternoon or evening.

Meanwhile, at the recently renovated Red Lentil, Pradhan is rolling out a refreshed menu that includes gluten-free, macrobiotic and raw selections, as well as more traditionally prepared vegetarian dishes. New dishes range from oyster mushroom “calamari,” which is both vegan and gluten-free, to lotus-root chips and a more rustic version of paella.

Power Moves

Also in Watertown, The Power Cafe will take over the Lexington Street space recently vacated by Royal, which closed after four months in business. Owner Galit Schwartz, a former software engineer who became a teacher to children with Down syndrome, says she’s staffing the restaurant with people with “diverse disabilities” for two reasons: to create opportunity for a group with a high unemployment rate, and to put a public face on the potential of these workers. She’s also hoping to source coffee from roasters who employ people with disabilities. Expect a late-September opening for the Power Cafe, which will feature “fresh-baked breads, sandwiches, salads and pastries” as well as coffee, tea and smoothies. The cafe will be open Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm, and from 9 am to 3 pm for Sunday brunch.