Iron Forge Inn opens new Stone Garden Patio

WARWICK - On Thursday evening, July 21, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Mayor Michael Newhard and Michael Johndrow, executive director of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce, joined Erik Johansen, chef/owner of the Iron Forge Inn, and other guests, to celebrate the restaurant’s new stone garden patio. The grand opening was immediately followed by an “Open House” with complimentary hors d’oeuvres prepared by Johansen, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. The stone garden patio officially opened to the public on Friday June 22, with a new summer menu featuring local foods. The patio, framed by old rock formations and gardens, sits hidden by the shade of old growth trees with views looking over the Bellvale Farm and Sugar Loaf Mountain. The Iron Forge Inn, 38 Iron Forge Road, Bellvale, was originally built as a revolutionary-era home on the site of an historic forge in 1760. It has been a restaurant for 61 years. Erik Johansen and his parents, John and Barbara Johansen, have owned and managed the popular establishment since 2002. The Stone Garden patio opens Thursdays and Fridays at 6 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. There is also a brunch served on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Johansen plans to conduct cooking lessons and demonstrations at the patio on Wednesdays. For reservations or additional information call 986-3411.