There is a welcoming feel to the new restaurant at Suffield Country Club.
By the time this edition of the Observer goes to press, the new restaurant at the Suffield Country Club will be open to the public–and what a treat that is going to be! Its new name, the Suffield Country Club Tavern 1927, derives from the date of the founding of the country club, 1927. The space, which so many of us remember fondly from the good old days, has been beautifully renovated, in a casual but elegant style. The beautiful view that we have always enjoyed is now matched with handsome interior spaces, one of which houses the magnificent Ahrens fireplace, newly brought to life. The muted color scheme of beige and soft green is augmented by new paneling and wall coverings; new lighting fixtures, including battery-operated table lights, provide a soft glow; fresh white tablecloths cover each table; and we are told that the kitchen and even the bathrooms have been updated.
The owners of the new restaurant are a partnership of three: Dan Perakes and Robert Johnson, both local residents, and their colleague Erik Roberts.
It is impressive and heartwarming to know that Dan and Robert have done much of the renovation work themselves, in both the dining rooms and the bar. For several months they have been slaving away, and frequent visitors to the site have been admiring their progress. The excitement has been building, and for good reason.
The menu is what the two refer to as “classical American fare with a twist:” intriguing! The new chef is a young man with previous experience at Carbone’s and the Capital Grill. He has already produced a stellar and festive dinner for the Club’s Board of Directors, and at first served Club members only, providing important time for the new staff to become acclimated. By May 29, including the Memorial Day weekend, the restaurant will be open to the public. Although the space can accommodate a total of 180 guests, the capacity will be capped at 60 for the first few weeks.
The phone number for making reservations at the Tavern 1927 will remain the same: 860-668-7773. The restaurant will be able to provide service for receptions, parties, showers, and events such as post-funeral gatherings; a few weeks’ lead time will be required for such arrangements, of course. In fact, there have already been quite a number of inquiries about rentals, and some are already scheduled. The kitchen will be open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; there may be member-related events on Tuesdays, but the restaurant will be closed on Mondays.
Dan and Robert have been careful to preserve or bring back the ambiance that local residents once enjoyed at the Club’s restaurant, while adding significant new features. They intend to put an end to the rapid turnover of chefs and managers that the place has suffered over the last few years. Their goals are ambitious: to give back to the town a center of relaxed dining and in addition, a community resource for many kinds of activities. Based on the excitement that has been building over the last few months, it looks like the Tavern 1927 is going to be a happening place; let’s get in line!