Well, the work is coming right along and we are having a lot of fun doing it... so we thought we'd share this weeks highlights with you all.

Reggie, our hardworking and ever-tasking project manager, and his lovable toddler Jack Russell Blossom have been keeping us all busy (and entertained) as we push along through the project.

Chef Adam and Matt have had their hands in nearly every aspect of the project from refinishing to electrical to menu creation.

Kim has set to work on stripping paint off moldings like nobody's business! Although, she was the only one to have built-in hand warming!

These guys are troopers, although really, it seems they pour their heart into just about everything they do. By opening day it will have all paid off... and then some!

In the midst of two late winter storms, we were able to get set to host our very special guest artist Nora Johnson, who joins us despite her talents being sought, literally, all over the map (hint, hint!)

*For more restoration images click here.

Things are really underway way here, the electrical work is done, wires tucked in and walls patched... so I think its time for another hint! Nora has been working her magic on these lovely old walls and set the foundation for their transformation, assisted by Nikki, a very talented young painter from Chatham. We aren't ready to spill the beans just yet but here is a visual clue...

With the official River Tavern Opening is less than a week, its time for a little sneak peak into what has been going on in this beautiful old tavern.

A few months ago we were fortunate to have acclaimed artist Nora Johnson and visionary restoration specialist Reggie Young come aboard the project of re-conceptualizing the Stewart House. It all started with the idea of the river, of creating a place where its "story" could live, breathe, and be experienced through a sampling of the cultures that have drifted upon it.

Reggie, Nora & Owen needn't look far to set this concept into motion... the inspiration just started flowing. Soon the stories were telling themselves through the creation of the menu and the decor.

To watch Nora doing research for the historic images and landscapes for the mural was a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an artist. Each piece was chosen with the utmost consideration to historical accuracy as well as aesthetic concerns for the project as a whole. In the staging process, everywhere you looked were vibrant color copies of navigational symbols and century-old photographs of Hudson River landscapes taped to the walls. Even at this early stage, one could see that this was going to be a spectacular transformation.

Now complete, I would love to take you on a pictorial tour of each square inch of the walls, but you will just have to come in to the new River Tavern and take a look.

Stay tuned for Grand Opening details!