On the corner of the bustling Sandy Hook Center intersection of Church Hill, Glen, and Riverside Roads and Washington Avenue stands a sturdy 150-year-old red brick building overlooking the picturesque Pootatuck River. It only took Christopher Bruno ten minutes of viewing the property to decide this was where he wanted to start his restaurant, Foundry Kitchen and Tavern.

Since 2013, the Foundry has been serving Newtown and the greater Danbury area progressive American cuisine and elevated pub fare. As both the owner and chef, Mr Bruno takes great care in crafting the menu and creating new dishes.

In order to use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients in season, the Foundry proudly supports a number of local farms. When different ingredients become available, the menu evolves to include those new products. Changes to the menu can be made overnight and are executed impeccably because of the Foundry's skilled staff, like Chef Jose Aguilar, who has been working with Mr Bruno for eight years.

"The food is beaming with freshness," said Mr Bruno.

Many of the drinks are sourced locally as well, and the Foundry takes the time to infuse its own organic vodkas.

In addition, all the meat and fish served are humanely raised hormone and antibiotic free.

The same attention to detail that is put into the quality of food is also put into the decor and aesthetics of the restaurant. Described as "rustic hip," the Foundry honors the building's history while putting a modern spin on it.

The original hardwood floors and the interior brick walls are showcased, along with a variety of eclectic antiques. Aged items including wheels, rolling pins, measuring cups, lanterns, and harps hang from the walls and tin ceiling in the main dining area. Each table was handmade from old wood pallets. The bar's taps attract attention because they have been made from refurbished kitchen tools instead of using conventional handles.

With the patio closing for the season, the upstairs level has been newly renovated and opened for a more formal dining experience. Designed for the night, there are candles decorating the room along with different soothing elements like a piano, sofas, and tables made from wine boxes.

The Foundry continues to evolve and improve its food, style, and décor, because Mr Bruno treats every day as if it is opening day. "We are really here for our passion," he said. "It's about guests coming in and exceeding their expectations."

A Sample of the Menu

Appetizers: Some appetizer highlights include the pretzel crusted tuna with kimchee oil and scallions, the house cured bacon and eggs, and Today's New England Cheeses.

Salad: Among the different salads, "The Farm" beet salad is a standout. It consists of Tuscan kale, sunflower seeds, "midnight moon" shredded goat cheese, Blue Jay Orchard honey vinaigrette, and maldon sea salt for $13.

Seafood:

The Foundry offers organic salmon with red miso mango glaze, ginger broth, and sticky rice for $27.Sandwiches: "House 24" Bison Burger is made with a secret 24-hour cure, kecap manis (sweet soy sauce), crispy shiitake mushrooms, and fermented black garlic aioli, $22.

Brunch: A bestselling brunch item is the lobster scrambled eggs with truffle cream and home fries. Sunday brunch also includes upbeat live music and Bloody Marys for just $3.

Entrees: The most popular dish is the Mexican fish taco with mango salsa, avocado, Mexican crema, pickled onion, tomato, and jalapeno. It is served with warm or cool yucca fries.

Kids Menu: Some brand-new dishes hitting the menu include steak with vegetables and a turkey burger option.

The full bar service includes a wide variety of bottled and draft beer, as well as red and white wines. The Foundry is proud to announce it is transitioning its sodas over to all natural ingredients like cane sugar instead of corn syrup.Drinks:

The Foundry Kitchen and Tavern, 1 Glen Road in Sandy Hook, is open seven days a week. Lunch is Monday through Saturday, from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm. Sunday brunch is from 11 am to 3 pm. Dinner is Monday through Saturday, from 4:30 pm to 1 am, and Sunday from 3 pm to 1 am. Takeout and seating reservations are accepted by calling 203-491-2030. The Foundry does not do catering. For more information, visit foundrykitchenandtavern.com or the Facebook page, facebook.com/FoundryKitchenTavern.

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