Combining The Old And The New At

The Inn At Newtown

 

Since the landmark white clapboard building with green shutters and green awning began its life as the home of town benefactress Mary Hawley, it has retained many homey qualities, including a welcoming waiting area with seating around a gas fireplace. The main floor rooms have been configured to offer different dining environments while serving the same menu, under the direction of Chef Geoff Moore.

Immediately off the entry to the left is the Tap Room with its half-height window and burgundy walls, and dark wood accents. A bar with about 15 chair stools fills one wall of the room.

Moving beyond the host area, a hallway leads to the Fairchild Room (the private function room) and the main dining room. The main dining room, which can seat about 100, is open and airy, but half walls create private nooks as well.

The Fairchild Room, which has been recently updated, provides a space for private parties up to 70 guests. French doors open onto a large deck that can accommodate another 50. The room is popular for company functions as well intimate, relaxed events such as wedding rehearsal dinners, graduation or birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, and even small weddings. The deck is also accessible from the main dining room and is a popular place to take meals in the warm weather.

On the lower level, with its entrance off of the large parking lot, Proud Mary’s tavern boasts both a large bar area and a living room-type seating area adjacent to a large, stonewall fireplace highlighted by a bell that hangs from the ceiling. The living roomlike setting with its stained glass decorative windows and large French lithographs is proving to be a popular place for adults to have birthday parties, generally around a cocktail party theme, or to enjoy a full buffet.

In addition to the comfortable atmosphere, where dressy casual attire is the norm, regular customers appreciate the changing seasonal menus and innovative recipes. Diners will find classic American fare such as prime rib, rack of lamb, and hamburgers alongside meals with a new flair, such as the Chef Geoff’s lasagna, and pan-seared salmon with a green pea and mussel risotto. The Inn is noted especially for its lobster corn chowder, on the menu 12 months of the year.

The Inn at Newtown offers its full menu on a takeout basis. In a response to customers who wish to entertain at home, many items are available in half- and full-tray quantities. In-home catering is a growing part of the Inn’s business, and drop-off catering, for a charge, is also now available to customers within a 15-mile radius. The Inn can provide banquet managers, servers, and can supply a chef for parties in the home, with advance notice.

On Mondays, kids eat for free. Tuesday and Thursday evenings feature “Dinner For Two” for just $29.99. This special includes an entrée, salad, and a glass of house wine. Those who enjoy wine with their meals are also certain to enjoy Wine Wednesdays, when most bottles of wine are offered at a 50 percent discount. Friday and Saturday evenings feature the chef’s choice specials — then head downstairs for some live music at Proud Mary’s to end the evening.

More information about The Inn, its menus, and special event can be found on its website, www.theinnatnewtown.com.

The Inn at Newtown, 19 Main Street, is open seven days a week year-round; closed Christmas and New Year’s Day. Lunch is served from 11:30 am to 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, dinner from 4 to 9:30 pm, and until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. Sunday brunch buffet is served from 11 am to 2 pm, dinner from 2 to 9 pm. From 5 to 9 pm on Sunday, a prime rib special is offered for $16.95. For information or reservations, call 203-270-1876.