Combining The Old And The New

At The Inn At Newtown

The Inn at Newtown, long a fixture on Main Street, is gearing up for a busy fall and holiday season. Proud Mary’s, the cozy lower level tavern will be reopening this weekend, offering live music on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 to midnight.

Proud Mary’s 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.

Halloween décor will be in evidence the last weekend of the month, and on October 31, when hundreds of ghosts and goblins will be wandering Main Street; there will be tricks and treats for children and adults alike at Proud Mary’s.

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

Immediately off the entry to the left, is the Tap Room with its half-height window and dark teal walls, 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 Fairchild Room, which has been recently updated, provides a space for private parties up to 70 guests. The room also has a gas fireplace and french doors that 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, and even small weddings.

The deck is also accessible from the main dining room and a popular place to take meals in the warm weather. The main dining room, which can seat about 100, is open and airy, but half walls create private nooks as well.

The Inn at Newtown offers its full menu on a takeout basis. In a response to customer’s 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.

In another response to customer desires, and general rethinking about the way business is done, the Inn at Newtown is making greater seasonal use of locally produced food — many vegetables used during the summer came from area farms, and squash soup will be sourced from local farms though November. One of The Inn’s mission’s is to “reduce the number of hands that touch the food from field to table.” Consequently, while there will always be the favorite menu staples, diners may notice a greater difference from one season to the next. The Inn is currently transitioning into its fall menu.

The Inn offers moderate-priced American fair with ethnic flairs that appeals to a variety of palates, as well as weekly specials. On Mondays, kids eat for free. On Tuesdays, owner Rob Ryder, who with his Executive Chef and partner Paul Olson, brings The Cookhouse BBQ to Newtown, featuring pulled pork and ribs. Those who enjoy wine with their meals are certain to enjoy Wine Wednesdays, when most bottles of wine are offered at a 25 percent discount.

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 to 4, Monday through Saturday, dinner from 4 to 9:30, 10 on Friday and Saturday. Sunday brunch is from 11 to 2, dinner from 2 to 9. For information or reservations, 270-1876.