I just got off the phone with the Mayflower Inn in Washington, CT. You really should see this place. It has to be one of the nicest we’ve been to.
I did notice that their prices have risen and their menu has shrunken. I actually had the fellow I spoke with over the phone email me the Christmas menu. I want to make sure there are enough “meatless” items to choose from. I just received it and from what I am seeing, we need to talk.
One year, a long time ago, I took Laura to the Old Drovers Inn in Dover Plains, NY (please see comments below) for New Years dinner. It’s a very nice restaurant and while I was making the reservation, I was assured that the chef was very accommodating to vegetarians. Well, I must confess, we sat there for much of the evening staring at very large plates with a few small items on them. Their definition of “accommodating” was, “Sure, we’ll slide the steak off the plate and leave the pea.” Of course I am exaggerating…well, actually I’m not. To me, “accommodating” means making butternut squash soup with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. That’s accommodating. If they are offering bacon vinegarette, offer me another dressing without the bacon.
I am quite excited about this dinner. I do love the Mayflower Inn and really like the various rooms one can hide in after eating. This year, I am going to carry a nice glass of scotch into the library, turn off the lights, sit down and look out the window. With any luck, we’ll have some snow.
Dear Mr. G,
While searching the web, I came across this post regarding your experience at Old Drovers Inn.
I am saddened to read of your experience, and I sympathize with you in regards to your opinion of what “accomodating” means.
Since March of 2008, our historic establishment has been under new ownership and management, and it is my belief that accomodation should mean taking care of each customer in a very personal, very authentic way. Our chef, Mr. Andrew White, is an incredible talent in the kitchen, and he also sees it as his privelage to give each patron the attention and gourmet cuisine that he or she requests – regardless if it is on the menu or not.
I don’t know how long it has been since you have visited Old Drovers Inn, but I can promise you that this sort of negligence will not happen again under the current management.
Let me extend to you a personal invitation to re-experience Old Drovers In as it is meant to be experienced – with cordial service, gracious hosts, ample portions, and “accomodating” cuisine that caters to your personal desires.
Please reach out to me so that I can right this past wrong. It will be my pleasure to personally ensure a memorable night here at this classic American landmark inn.
Best wishes, and Happy Holidays,
Ryan Judson
Tap Room Manager
Old Drovers Inn
845-832-9311
[email protected]
Hi Ryan,
I very much appreciate your comment and we certainly will take you up to visit the restaurant again.
The visit I was referring to was about 10 years ago, so I am pleased to hear about the changes you have put in place. All of my previous visits to the restaurant went without a hitch; it was just until the “meatless” eating came about.
Let me say this…visiting and eating at The Old Drovers Inn really is an experience, especially while having dinner downstairs. I am excited that you wrote this comment because Drovers was on my short list of favorite restaurants.
See you soon,
Jay