Getting Used to the New Digs

Well, it's been a month since our re-opening of the Inn and its new dining room. Its still hard to believe that after years of imagining this dream that its finally a reality. We couldn't be happier with the results.

We hope you all like it as well.  Everyone knows that change can be hard to get used to, but in many cases, its for the best. Many people have asked, "Where did you put those salt & pepper shakers?" "Are you ever bringing them back?" The answer: For now they have been put into storage with the others. We may have an idea for the future and building some more cases to put in the Kohler Room, but for now, we'll concentrate on the new dining room changes.

For those of you that don't know, our collection is much larger than what was displayed. Our front lobby still has part of the collection, however in our storage area we have maybe 40-50 more boxes filled with them. Are we still collecting? Well the answer is yes and no. We haven't actively added to our collection in years, but from time to time we still have friends and customers wanting to add some of their family collection to ours. How can we say no to that? They are very gracious and generous.

 So what else is new? Maybe you've wondered about the giant cow that's been parked next to our building. You know the one I'm talking about...

It's Sparkle, the Hereford Steer. No, he isn't there permanently. In fact he has already made his way to the State Fair. Did it get your attention though? Sparkle was with us to help promote our new line of steaks featured on our menu. Certified Hereford Beef. We now carry a very exclusive line, the 1881 Certified Hereford Beef, that is of the top 2% of Hereford available. Its the way beef used to taste: flavorful, tender, juicy. We also upgraded to a new broiler/grill in the kitchen, just to cook these steaks perfectly.

This was a little heavier than they thought. Good thing it was on wheels! Although with how hot is was that day and how heavy that equipment was, those wheels actually sunk into the blacktop!

 Well, enjoy the rest of your summer. This break from the extreme hot weather has been wonderful! Stay tuned for more information about our first Champagne Dinner coming September 20th! 

Staining Stinks

Things have slowed down a bit here. The construction crew finished their portion and the floor guys quickly moved in. Never thought hard wood floors would be so time consuming. They have to lay and glue each one down, sand the entire surface at least a couple of times, which brought a very thick dust everywhere. Then they had to stain the wood in 4 separate layers. Once Friday, twice Saturday, and one last one on Sunday. That stain stinks. Good thing we aren't going in there till Monday. Needless to say the look beautiful so far; excited to see a finished floor. 

In the meantime, our staff has been busy cleaning tile and ovens and freezers and pretty much everything else you can clean in a restaurant. Being shut down allows us to get all things we need to get done easy since we don't have to worry about cooking food.

No one can say the John the owner doesn't work hard. This tile was stuck on pretty tight. Looks like a messy job!

Jose and Sergio were hard at work too They cleaned out three walk-in coolers. Scruba-dub-dub. 

Erik had the task of reorganizing the wine room. Gee, I hope one didn't accidentally uncork, therefore had to drink? Actually, he was relabeling the number system we had. About halfway through his label-maker broke!
Soon there will be a finished product out in the dining room. Monday the booths and tables will be delivered and then the room will really start coming together. Until then.....

Just as all the fun and excitement has begun in the inside of the restaurant, we can't forget that the outside isn't finished yet. Leave it to John's son Hunter to paint the whole exterior! Shouldn't be that hard, it's only been like 99 degrees for the past week..... :-)

There are officially 5 new windows. The 3 in the front of the building and two that look into the bar from the dining room. Soon the stained glass windows will be put in and it will look beautiful!

Gordy's project this week was the limestone rock wall. Once he got the hang of it, the project really moved along. He finished in just a few hours. This is one of my favorite parts. It looks so much better

 in person. Trust me!








Well, that's it for today. Stay tuned... the crew finishes the walls, floors, lights and a beautiful dining room emerges! Can't Wait!