New Ownership at Dovegate Inn

SCHUYLERVILLE — A new chapter has begun in the story of the Dovegate Inn in Schuylerville. The chef of its attached Kitchen at the Inn restaurant has recently purchased the bed and breakfast and is planning some changes while maintaining the fresh and cheerful décor of the charming getaway. Built in the late 1800’s, it was renovated from a residence into a bed and breakfast 20 years ago by then-owner Ronnie Myers, who has now retired and sold the establishment to Stephen and Cara Clark, familiar faces to repeat customers, as they have been running the restaurant for the last 9 years. “It was the natural next step I guess,” said Stephen Clark. “It’s nice to put roots down in the area. My daughter just started kindergarten. It’s a nice, quiet village with a historic element. Busy, though, taking over a business and moving your house all at the same time. At some time, we’ll bring on additional help. My parents certainly do their share to help out. It’s a family effort.” Clark said he grew up in Saratoga and he and his family had been renting a house in Grangerville, but are now moving into the Inn. Married 6 years, he and Cara have formed a solid partnership where he focuses on the food and hospitality and she handles the books. “We have projects we want to tackle, like giving the place a bit of a facelift, maybe end of winter, early spring,” said Clark. “But our first goal is to integrate the two businesses more, offering more dinner and overnight accommodations.” Clark hopes to add a bar in a section of the inn that is underutilized, and obtain a liquor license next year to serve more than wine and beer. “I’ve been a chef all my life,” said Clark, “so having your own restaurant is what you would strive for. I have designs on starting a menu expansion, getting into more comfort foods and lower price point items as well as fine dining.” The varied menu offers fresh and seasonal dishes and homemade desserts. “I have two different kinds of homemade ravioli, strip steak, and pork saltimbocca on the menu,” said Clark, “as well as a $9.95 Sunday dinner special.” Also on the menu are such delights as the Brie empanadas, a buttery and savory pastry with brie and pears baked right in, topped with toasted almonds and served with a raspberry sauce. The menu also boasts a garlic-brined Cornish game hen, pecan-crusted fillet of sole, baked penne pasta and an array of tempting and creative salads – something for everyone. The menu and wine list can be viewed at www.kitchenattheinn.com. The Dovegate Inn and Kitchen at the Inn restaurant are located at 184 Broad Street in Schuylerville. Open all year long, each of the three spacious guest rooms offers a fireplace, private bath, television, WiFi and air conditioning. Children under 10 are free. No smoking; no pets. For more information, call 518-695-3699 or visit www.dovegateinn.com.