The Post Article - August 2006
Noah’s Inn - Neustadt
Don Crosby
The motto of Neustadt’s newest eatery and country inn says it all - everything old is new again.
The restoration and re-opening of the historic 1858 former Neustadt Tavern is a labour of love for Bryan Schenk and Ann Heggie the new owners of Noah’s Inn.
“Buying and running an inn is something that would never have occurred to me. When friends of mine did that very thing a few years ago, I thought they were crazy! Why tie yourself down when you retire and finally have free time,” said Heggie? “
But Bryan's enthusiasm about this project was contagious, and he assured me from the beginning that we would not be doing the cooking and cleaning ourselves. The three people we have on permanent staff Jacquelyne Dinkel -my niece and her husband (pastry cook) Michael Dinkel, and Adam Mitts ( the chef) are doing a wonderful job.”
The first phase of the restoration involved refurbishing the dining room with its original fir and pine woodwork on the ceiling and the walls and masonite ceiling panels along with the 12 oak tables and rattan chairs give the room a warm country feeling.
The two 40 pound brass chandeliers from the former estate of Canada’s first car manufacturer, Sam McLaughlin, with matching wall sconces creates an old world charm conducive to an enjoyable evening.
“We want to recreate that atmosphere and comfortable space and that will take time,” said Schenk who envisions the historic building as a stop over for tourists visiting Neustadt- one of Ontario’s prettiest places- provide a fine dining experience and create employment for some local residents.
Later the couple plan to restore four bedrooms upstairs complete with ensuite bathrooms and open up the fireplace with its comfortable leather lounge furniture.
Schenk, who grew up in the area, recalls as a kid, the tavern/inn being used to house apple pickers during the harvest season with as many as 20 people staying there at one time. It was also a resting place for weary travelers complete with a stable for the horses.
There was an underground tunnel that connected the inn with what is now Neustadt Springs Brewery just up the road from the inn. The tunnel was partially destroyed when the municipality installed water and sewage systems under the main street. Locally brewed beer will be a feature on the liquor menu once the placed is licensed.
Word of the inn’s pastries and breads has begun to spread even after being open only a few weeks. One woman every Wednesday gets a fresh baked loaf of Spelt bread among the specialties of Swiss baker Michael Dinkel along with his croissants, muffins and fresh brewed Cappuccino and Expresso coffee.
The main menu is still a work in progress as chef Adam Mitts attempts to create a balanced fare including a few surprises- the Eggs Benedict and an interesting Swiss dish called Rosti and Eggs on the Sunday Brunch menu. The dinner menu has a good selection of modestly priced dishes including Tandoori vegetable curry.
“We are going to listen to our customers and find out what they want,” said Schenk.
The inn’s name has a historic connection to the area. Schenk’s grandfather Noah Schenk would meet Louis Himmler, the man who held the mortgage on the family homestead in nearby Normanby township, once a year at the inn. The two men got together to make the transaction over a leisurely glass of sherry.
Schenk’s grandfather was the township assessor, local school board trustee as well as treasurer/ auditor for the Germania Fire Insurance Company in nearby Ayton.
“It’s wonderful to come back. Ann and I both love it. We saw an opportunity to buy this old building back. It provides a service to the community and employment,” said Schenk. Plans are to stay open all year round and tap into the snowmobilers and cross country skiers during the winter.
Part of the storied history of the 148 year old inn is a ghost named George, who on occasion, has let Schenk and at least one staff member know- in his own subtle manner- just how pleased he is to have visitors again now that the inn is re opened.
A local farmer who died in the tavern from falling down the stairs after an evening of drinking George continues to find it a hospitable place to visit to from time to time.
The owners are interested in knowing more about George especially his family name and any bit of history that’s out there about him.
“It’s a very relaxed working atmosphere. I came from a fast paced restaurant and it’s much more fun here,” said waitress Jennifer Ferguson.
“The ongoing physical work of restoring a beautiful old building has been very rewarding. And maybe that's what free time is all about - being free to do something exciting like this," Heggie said.
Presently the inn isn’t wheel chair accessible from the street although one of the bathroom is wide enough for a wheel chair. Plans are to build a ramp to one of the entrances to make the dining room wheel chair accessible.