Creativity Puts A Twist On Classic Cuisine At The Inn At Newtown

“Newtown is my home and I want our guests to feel like they are spending a special time with friendly neighbors. Our guests come for a drink after work with friends. They enjoy a quick lunch or quiet, leisurely dinners. They celebrate holidays and special occasions with us. They have parties and events and meetings with us. Every visit, by every guest, is special to us, and we work very hard to make it perfect,” says Robert Ryder, owner and innkeeper at The Inn at Newtown, located at the geographic center of the town.

The historic landmark building, once the home of Newtown benefactress Mary Elizabeth Hawley, is a place to celebrate special occasions or hold meetings, in any of the comfortable dining environments.

Diners can expect a warm welcome and thoughtful, professional service as they enjoy good food, fine wines, or contemporary cocktails, all in a wide range of choices. The Inn at Newtown is happy to provide guests with just what he or she desires: homemade soups, inspired salads and sandwiches; or dinners with steaks, fresh seafood, or pastas, all prepared with thought and creativity.

“We want them to expect their food to be made with fresh, local ingredients,” said executive chef Geoff Moore, who creates and implements innovative seasonal menus, using native products in a fresh and exciting manner. The kitchen is pleased to partner with local businesses The Butcher’s Best, for cured meats and homemade sausages; Sandy Hook’s Sepe Farm for all natural lamb; and Cherry Grove Farm in Newtown and Shortts Farm in Sandy Hook for organic produce.

The Tavern, located at the front of the building, is the center of activity at The Inn at Newtown, and a place to see and be seen, with window side diners looking out onto the Main Street of town and across to buildings as rich in history as The Inn. It bustles with lunch and dinner every day, and the adjacent bar is filled early and late. The Tavern offers a great place to gather with friends for a cocktail or for a casual, reasonably priced lunch or dinner.

Zagat Survey describes the main dining room as a fabulous setting, and “a lovely room with soft lighting, multiple level floors and ceilings and stunning artwork on the walls. This is your place for a quiet romantic dinner or a wonderful special occasion with great food and wine.”

That great food includes a lobster corn chowder that is so popular it is on the menu 12 months of the year. Other appetizer temptations include a zucchini pizette with Boursin cheese, Chesapeake Bay crab cakes, and hard-shelled clams.

Patrons are pleased by dinner entrées such as the braised lamb shank, pan-seared Atlantic salmon, or herb roasted organic chicken with creamy mashed potatoes. A salmon BLT on toasted sourdough bread or a charbroiled Angus chuck burger is just the ticket for lighter fare.

Smaller plates are for smaller appetites, but there is no skimping on the quality. Lobster macaroni and cheese, Kobe beef sliders, and a Greek sampler that includes hummus and stuffed grape leaves are just a few of the delicious choices.

Indulge in a dessert like the seasonal sorbet or ice cream with berries, or blueberry bread pudding.

The Inn at Newtown is also pleased to present regular specials. Sunday features a brunch buffet for $19.95, and a prime rib special at dinner time for $16.95. Monday, children eat free when dining with an adult. Tuesday and Thursday is the Dinner for Two Special: salad, entrée, and a glass of wine for $29.99 for two. Half Price Wine Night is on Wednesday, with any wine, except reserve list, available for 50 percent off.

Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, from 4 to 6 pm, featuring half price appetizers, well drinks, house wines, and domestic beers.

The Inn boasts one of the finest wine cellars in the state, with two areas of focus: sensational inexpensive wines and older vintages of great California Cabernets, Bordeaux, and Rhones. More than 50 wines, priced at under $30 a bottle, are on the wine list. Guests are welcome to bring private vintages, for a small corkage fee.

Wine Dinners, pairing wines of the world with creative cuisine, are offered periodically at The Inn.

On Friday and Saturday evenings, stop by Proud Mary’s on the lower level of The Inn, for live entertainment. Proud Mary’s is the original site of one of the oldest roadhouses in New England. It is intimate and romantic, and the perfect venue for small private parties.

Proud Mary’s is open Friday and Saturday nights only, and features great drinks, wines, and food. The Inn’s entire menu can be relished in the comfort of Proud Mary’s. Meet friends for a drink before dinner or to finish a special evening.

The Inn at Newtown can easily accommodate any special occasion or business meeting, in a serene and professional atmosphere. The setup, menu planning, and execution of any event are tailored to individual needs by an eager and competent staff.

Corporate or association outings, team-building events, and business dinners are just a few of the specialties of The Inn at Newtown. Advanced technology and WiFi is available throughout the building. The expert staff is able to design every element of a meeting to accommodate any needs.

The Inn at Newtown perfectly executes virtually any type of event, including weddings, birthday, reunions, anniversaries, team dinners, graduations, bereavement evenings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, company dinners, or bridal and baby showers. Many are hosted in the elegant Fairchild Room, a large, lovely room with a huge fireplace off of the main dining. It is surrounded by windows and filled with exquisite art. Double French doors connect the room to a spacious outdoor deck.

“We always strive for value and quality at a reasonable price. The emphasis on value will also be seen in our wine and beverage services,” says Mr Ryder. “Our Promise: We want our guests to know that if we ever disappoint them, we will make it right.”

For more information about The Inn at Newtown, its menus, and special events, visit www.theinnatnewtown.com.

The Inn at Newtown, 19 Main Street, is open seven days a week, year around; 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. Dress is business casual, with an emphasis on guests’ comfort. The Inn at Newtown will be opening at 8 am on Easter morning for a breakfast-brunch buffet. For reservations, call 203-270-1876.