Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Delicious Lunch at the Elegant Red Lion Inn

                         (The dining room of the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts)


Stockbridge, Massachusetts, is the quintessential New England town.

Its Main Street has been immortalized in paintings by the late Normal Rockwell, a well loved and internationally known New England artist.

Another very familiar landmark in Stockbridge is the Red Lion Inn, a mammoth and majestic building that has been in existence since the 1800s.

(This is a sketch from a place mat.)
This month, during a lunch in the dining room of this historic inn, one could glimpse through the window and see the kissing balls still out on the porch. They are now hanging against long icicles.


Inside the dining room, garlands with red ribbons still adorn the doorways. A total of 21 teapots line the ledge above the entrance doors. 


Two magnificent chandeliers hung from the ceiling, sparkling and intricate with all their fancy prisms.




All of the food we had that day tasted fresh and delicious.  The succulent burger came with melted cheddar cheese, salad, and light golden French fries.  A broccoli chevre (goat cheese) quiche with a mushroom crust also came accompanied by salad.










My dining partner and I also had cups of butternut squash soup. One could taste the tang of apple! 

A small vase with fresh flowers graced our table, adding to the ambiance of the occasion which was simply a long winter's day turned into an adventure.



Every once in awhile, it's nice to experience a touch of elegance.


DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL RESTAURANT YOU LOVE TO GO TO? WHAT IS IT LIKE?

Note to readers:  By the way, did you know that if you click on any photo you can enlarge it? That way, you can see any details you may wish to see!
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14 comments:

  1. Tammy@T's Daily TreasuresFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:22 AM

    Such a lovely ambience. And the soup, quiche and salad sound absolutely divine!

    You know, I often wonder who lives behind that white picket fence. I really don't notice much about the house because it is so sheltered by bushes and trees. Only Kuwaitis can own homes here. Most folks get a plot of land and build right up the boundaries, not caring about plants or grass or trees. So the little house with the white picket fence is quite fascinating to me. Definitely out of the norm in this country.

    Have a great day Susan! Blessings, Tammy

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  2. From Beyond My Kitchen WindowFebruary 1, 2011 at 5:18 AM

    I might just plan a field trip to the Inn in the Spring. Looks beautiful!!!

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  3. ClausFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:22 AM

    One? there a whole bunch! but not as fancy as the Red Lion. Those I visit are more on the casual and simple line. I once went with my friends to a fancy Italian restaurant. We were young at the time, but already working, so we have our "means" to go there as a treat. The Maitre'D (they had one of those!) saw us weirdly, but waited on us still. The food was delicious!, and the ambiance one of a kind. Never did I go to another fancy restaurant like that.

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  4. Ocean Breezes and Country SneezesFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Look like my kind of luncheon destination, I love to be pampered! LOL!!! Looks like you had a great time!

    Mary

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  5. RebeccaFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    I've read of the Red Lion in magazines, etc. (Maybe on your blog before, too????)

    What a beautiful spot for such a fine meal! We enjoy occasional meals at The Factory. The ambiance is nice & the wait staff very helpful. Black cloth napkins add to the feeling of elegance. (It's NOTHING like the Red Lion though). We also had a favorite Italian restaurant. It was the first of several of the Casas in our city. It was located in not-the-best part of town and recently closed. It was by far the most beautiful though--classical paintings on the wall, bookshelves with leather books and classy accessories, etc. The ones left are more modern in their decor.

    Re your question: It's 1:00 pm and the blizzard warning has officially kicked in. We're to have up to 15" total, they say. We'll see.

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  6. DebbiedoosFebruary 1, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Looks like a wonderful luncheoun Susan. I am so glad you enjoyed the post from Cindy....I sure did too! Have a great day.

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  7. BookieFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:23 PM

    Everything is pretty, but the food is extra inviting. Would love to taste the butternut soup!

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  8. Chatty CroneFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Looks beautiful and I bet the food is delish - wish I could go there. Sandie

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  9. La Tea DahFebruary 1, 2011 at 2:52 PM

    We have a Red Lion Inn as well, but it is nowhere as near quaint, gracious, and serene as yours. Yum, what great looking food!

    Enjoy!

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  10. diane stetsonFebruary 1, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    I liked the harpist at the Red Lion when I was there...food was good too. There are many gorgeous restaurants where I live but I hardly ever eat out....nice pics Susan.

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  11. Susan J. ReinhardtFebruary 1, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    I kept thinking this would be a lovely place for a wedding. Thanks for the beautiful pics.

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  12. Victorian1885February 1, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    Beautiful place..your lunch looks delicious!

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  13. The Old ParsonageFebruary 1, 2011 at 6:49 PM

    Oh what a fun and elegant place to dine - the food looks fab!

    Stay warm and safe my friend!
    Leann

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  14. Barb HodgesFebruary 1, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Your photographs are beautiful. Thanks for sharing. This is probably the closest I will ever get to the Red Lion.

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