Summary: Relaxing and enjoyable Victorian dining experience
Phone: (518) 623-2449
 Once you pull up the driveway at the Griffin House Bed & Breakfast and neighboring Grace's restaurant in Warrensburg, NY you instantly realize that you are in a special place. As you exit your car and walk towards the restaurant, the hustle and bustle of the real world seems miles away as your eyes are captivated by a beautiful plantation-like guest house, perfectly manicured grounds and of course, 2 perfectly placed Adirondack chairs to sit in and enjoy a gorgeous Adirondack evening.
This very quaint town was once a hub of the logging and milling industries and has no shortage of stately Victorian homes. The Griffin House is older than its late-Victorian sisters lining Route 9N, and stands out on several fronts. Diners to Grace's Restaurant enter from the side porch into the recently remodeled lounge area.
 As we entered the lounge area, we were greeted by our friendly hostess (and as would find out, our knowledgeable server) and given the option of eating in the bar room or the dining room. The bar room had a liveliness to it, with different seating options including the bar itself, high chairs with table, and even a couch and a coffee table. We chose the dining room, and were taken to a window seat within the Griffin Dining Room (they also have a Graces Dining Room which is through an archway that can be separated with a sliding door). The Griffin Room was originally built in 1812 and moved from several miles away to this location in the 1920s. It is large and airy and perfect for festive occasions. It also has a fireplace, but at the end of June there was no need for it to be lit. Grace's Dining Room is comprised of the home's two original sitting parlors, complete with vintage wallpaper and marble mantle piece. It is intimate and formal, yet comfortable and welcoming.
As we were sat in the Griffin Room, our server introduced us to the evening's specials and answered our questions about the menu items. There is a wide variety to choose from including the house favorites Roasted Rack of Lamb and Shrimp Scampi. But no matter a diner's tastes are, they'll find something to enjoy on the menu, whether it's chicken, beef, fish or pasta. Entrees are in the mid-twenty dollar range (nothing on the bar menu is over $13). As often as possible, Grace's buys their ingredients from local suppliers like Oscars, Jacobs and Toney, and Nettle Meadow Farms.
 As we continued to speak with our server, we learned that the namesake of the restaurant, Grace, would be around 120 years old or so if she were alive to day. And although there is only one photo of her floating around the restaurant, there is always a chance that you'll see her in any of the rooms as she has been known to visit every once in a while.
Our meal started with the Grace's classic scallops wrapped in bacon, drizzled with a horseradish cream sauce. The scallops were succulent, and the bacon had a nice crisp to it, making for a terrific contrast in texture for each bite. We were then served with our salads and a special treat - fresh baked rolls with maple butter. Each roll was nice and crispy on the outside and warm in the middle.
 For entrees we ordered a perfectly prepared Roasted Rack of Lamb encrusted in a country dijon mustard sauce topped with a mint infused demi and Penne Pasta with grilled vegetables (which were fresh zucchini and summer squash on this day) and roasted garlic with extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese. The lamb was accompanied by fresh cut carrots in a butter sauce and a seasoned baked potato. The mustard and mint were perfect for the lamb, down to the last pieces that just melted off the bone. The penne was cooked al dente, and captured the flavor of the EVOO and garlic. We were served so much pasta that we ended up bring leftovers home - mainly to save room for dessert, which we has heard has been the specialty of the house for a long time.
At the end of the meal we were introduced to the dessert tray. Each option looked scrumptious: carrot cake, strawberry cheesecake, turtle cheesecake, chocolate mousse with whipped cream, brownie sundae. We did the usual 'You decide – No you decide' dance, but ultimately we knew that we had to share the turtle cheesecake. It was delicious, and unique. The bottom was such that one half of the circular cheesecake had a crust bottom, and the other had a soft chocolate bottom. We finished it, but without an ounce of guilt.
We had a great time at Grace's Restaurant and on the grounds of the Griffin House. All told we spent almost 2 hours there between taking in the views, deciding on our dining options, speaking with the professional and courteous staff, eating and of course, sitting in those Adirondack chairs as the sun set.
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