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American History
Griswold Inn Restaurant, Essex CT.
By Brooke Cunningham
The largest naval disaster on US soil occurred in Essex Connecticut in 1814. 28 ships were burned and sunk in the Connecticut River followed by the British commander barging into the local inn demanding a “hunt breakfast” be put together to feed his victorious troops. Minus the ship burning, the tradition of hunt breakfasts still continues on the site. Every Sunday the Grizwold Inn serves a traditional hunt breakfast complete with venison, turnips, standing ribs and yorkshire pudding within the walls that saw that first event.
Sitting among remnants from a century past makes you feel involved with the stories, like part of the scenery. The naval print that was closest to our table at lunch told the of a large ship coming forward with great momentum, and a small sailboat before it with virtually no way to avoid disaster. Sitting three feet away we felt part of a very real drama. You can see each stitch in the hand sewn flags, and imagine the hand that pulled pen across paper to form the letters written by flickering lamp light which are framed on the wall. The fractious arrangement has none of the museum quality that such a collection certainly merits. The six different dining rooms that house this informal melange make you feel as if you had stepped through a secret door way in the back of your great grandmother’s closet and into another era.
The Tap Room was built as a schoolhouse in 1738. 120 years later it was dragged through town by oxen and attached to the first three story building in Connecticut becoming part of the Griswold Inn. During such lean times you really couldn’t leave anything unused. Even an abandoned covered bridge in New Hampshire was hauled to Connecticut. The Library has floor to ceiling bookshelves protecting countless thoughts, facts and reflections from the past. The Gun Room has weapons dating back to the 15th century. My favorite is a rifle that was found with a poem rolled up in the barrel. Revealed in the hand penned lines is the father’s understanding that this gun must be used for his son’s defense, honor, and manhood as the boy departs to fight for his country. The timeless right of passage is dated “7th month 7th day 1776”. The unifying feature of this assemblage of rooms is a truly amazing assortment of Currier & Ives and Endicott & co. prints depicting the life and times. Wedged within the steam ship banners, quarter panels, flags, and brass plates the old voice of the temperance posters still warns of evils in the wicked world. And through it all wafts the irrepressible aroma arising from the Kitchen of Chef William Parks.
Lunch on the Common at the Griswold Inn
The Griswold Inn is rich and authentic immersion into our American experience. There you will have time to absorb its meaning while enjoying elegantly prepared and presented cuisine. While the Sunday Hunt Breakfast explains the need for pleated pants and bustle skirts to accommodate expanded waists at the groaning board, the daily menus are as unique as the other features to be found here.
Most recently I was visiting the Griz with friends for lunch. We all ordered their Salmon and Crab Cakes with Cajun Vinaigrette. That lunch was so luscious that we found ourselves moving very slowly through it, conscious of the fact that we were stretching the flavor sensations out. Just when we were running out of excuses to stay, chef William Parks brought us a treat to round out the flavors. His Frozen White Chocolate and Raspberry Mouse Tart was so light and fresh that it had us ready to go for a stroll on the beach in the buttery afternoon sun.
Chef Parks gave me recipes, but I must offer that while the food you make will be indulgence to your palette, there is something rich and rewarding about that same indulgence in its natural environment. The Griswold in is elegance at its best; comfortable. Owners of megayachts and sawdust scented wooden shipwrights, people who know when the tide is right for harvesting mussels and those who fly oysters in from Alaska comfortably share meals and a wee dram at the Griswold Inn.
Contact Information:
The Hunt Breakfast is served every Sunday
There are also 31 guest rooms and suites for overnight accommodations
36 Main Street
Essex, Ct 06426
860.767.1776
Real Travel Adventures International Magazine
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