Brown's Beach Revival at Dock Brown's Lakeside Tavern

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Weekend greetings to you all.  I'm not sure whether it's because we're enjoying such a beautiful summer or if it's just my new-found sense of adventure or if it's just the joy I'm experiencing in sharing this blog......but it's been a busy week of excursions.  So much so that right now I have at least five blog topics waiting to be typed!  I just hope you're having as much fun as I am!


This morning my mother joined John and I for a scheduled tour of Dakota Ridge Farm.  Dakota Ridge is the home of fifty some odd llamas and trust me, you won't want to miss that blog.  We worked up quite an appetite by the time we were done, so Mom suggested we try out Dock Brown's Tavern!  Of course, you know I had to share our experience with you!!!


In case you haven't heard, Dock Brown's Tavern is a new eatery that is located in the original building that once housed a dance club at Brown's Beach on Saratoga Lake.  Brown's Beach has been going through a major transformation this spring since it was purchased by the Town of Stillwater.  Completion of this multi-phase project will mark the reopening of public beach access on Saratoga Lake! Brown's Beach closed to the public in 2007.  For anyone who grew up or vacationed on Saratoga Lake, this is a return to a time we remember and loved.  While the beach access is still a ways from completion, Tony Panza has been working hard preparing for the opening of Dock Brown's Tavern which happened a week or so ago. 

Like most highly anticipated openings, Dock's seems to be enjoying a busy flow of traffic.  When we arrived for lunch today around 1:30, the deck was full as were several tables inside.  Speaking of inside.....I loved the decor.  The first thing you'll notice when you walk in is the spectacular mural that is painted on the entire north wall of the dining room.  When I asked our hostess who painted the mural, it just so happened that the artist was dining at the table right next to us!  Normally I don't mention my blog to venues I visit, at least until I'm on my way out, but today I broke that rule in order to meet this gal and snap her photo for this blog.  



Diane Voyentzi, Mural Artist extraordinaire!

Diane Voyentzi is a long established artist who has painted murals in the Plaza Hotel in NYC, the Wellington Hotel in NY just to name a few. Her work was also featured on the cover of Architectural Digest in 1989.  (I've included a link to her website below.)  What I particularly love about her mural in Dock's is the nostalgic feel she captured which completely takes us 'lake natives' back in time to the 'good 'ole days'.   I couldn't help but stare at it through the entire meal.

The rest of the room is decorated in a very simple, but classy nautical theme and the entire room is flanked by a row of windows overlooking the lake!  It doesn't get much better than that! 


Like most restaurant openings, the menu is still a work in progress.  Intended to be a more casual dining option for the summer crowd and locals, Tony is offering just one menu for both lunch and dinner.  The menu today featured appetizers, salads, some sandwiches and burgers and a few entrees.  I opted for the Patty Melt which was served with fries.  The burger was delicious - tasting like freshly ground beef and properly grilled.  It was generous but not so big that you can feel your cholesterol rise as you're eating.  It was just a perfectly cooked, juicy, tasty burger on pullman bread.  My mom got a burger as well, and while she is definitely a discriminating burger connoisseur, she admitted that Dock's burger was perfect.  Hubby chose a turkey BLT and ate every last crumb.   Our meals came to $31.00.  Very reasonable for delicious food and a great atmosphere.  The place was bustling with servers, all anxious to make sure our needs were met and our glasses filled.

These guys are already enjoying the beach!

Next time you're looking for some casual dining including great food, great prices and an unbeatable view, check out Dock Brown's Tavern.  I believe this is the beginning of new life for Saratoga Lake, new traditions and new memories for families for years to come. 




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