Cambridge Life 9/5/2007 Cambridge Life 9/5/2007

There's a new place in town! Well, not exactly new, but refurbished and reopened. I'm talking about the Cambridge Hotel home to the original apple pie a la mode.

The Hotel hosted an open house for local residents and over 700 people stopped by to celebrate. Neighbors enjoyed tasty treats and a tour of the Hotel's 17 guest rooms. Each room is individually appointed. Rates vary depending on whether In Season (May 25-October 23) or Off Season (October 24-May 24). For reservations or information on room rates call 518-677-5686 or visit www.cambridgehotel.com

I celebrated the end of summer with co-bloggers and friends John Carlson and Katy Schonbeck. We checked out the newly open Bistro Lounge & Tavern located in the former banquet rooms and bar of the Hotel.

First let me say that the Hotel looks grand! We were greeted warmly and seated right away. Executive Chef Jason Evans has created a menu varied enough to appeal to everyone. Entrees such as Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna "BLT" for $12, a grilled sirloin burger or Angel Basil pasta for $9, and Shrimp and Grits (a house specialty) for $21 appeal to all tastes and pocketbooks.

We shared an appetizer of steamed mussels ($10) that was just right for the 3 of us. The Thai-style coconut milk sauce was so yummy, we had to "sop it up" with dinner rolls. Only thing I would change in that dish is to use Thai basil or cilantro instead of the parsley as a garnish.

My special request (the burger on a bed of house salad greens, no bacon, no cheese, no fries) was easily accommodated. Katy went for the Smoked Salmon Salad ($13), John had the burger with sweet potatoes fries. Both greatly enjoyed their meals and Katy even finished the entire plate without help from her friends.

The dessert menu still has the famous Apple Pie a la mode as a standard item, but we chose to have the bread pudding. Both Katy and I liked the fact that the dessert was not too sweet and perfect with our after dinner coffee. John missed the sweetness usually found in bread puddings.

Although every table was full, the service was spot-on and always friendly. My water glass was never below half full, the mix-up on my salad dressing was quickly righted. It was good to see all the locals out enjoying one of our town's best assets.

In the next few weeks the Fine Dining Restaurant will be opening. It will offer culinary treats with traditional full service surroundings and a constantly changing three course prix fixe menu.

Both the Bistro Lounge and Fine Dining Restaurant will use locally grown, seasonal products, which supports our local farmers and reinforces our agricultural heritage.

The Bistro is open every evening and features moderately priced items, vegetarian options, and a children's menu. As with any good neighborhood restaurant, there is a Tuesday Night Family Buffet.

The Fine Dining Restaurant is open from Wednesday - Sunday evenings.

Stop in and have a drink or enjoy dinner at the newly reopened Cambridge Hotel , the Home of Apple Pie a la Mode