The Olive Tree, Woodbury, owned by Kerri and Sam Dimitratos, opened in the antique 1789 home formerly known as The Longwood Country Inn, in March of this year. If the names seem familiar to area residents, it is because The Olive Tree was located in Barclay Square in Woodbury from 1980 to 2001, and then in the Heritage Village Country Club for ten years.

After a two-year break from the restaurant business, the Dimitratoses were excited to find the 1204 Main Street South space available, and to get back to the business of serving customers old and new.

Mr Dimitratos continues to head the kitchen staff, and longtime menu favorites, such as his lobster bisque and spanakopita, bring in area diners who have missed those specialties, said Ms Dimitratos. The signature Olive Tree Chicken returns to the menu, simmered in white wine with shallots, capers, artichoke hearts, red peppers, olives, and spinach, and garnished with feta cheese. New menu items like pan-roasted branzini fish have joined the familiar items, Ms Dimitratos said.

While the move to Heritage Village allowed The Olive Tree to branch out in a much larger place, the newest iteration of the restaurant is more intimate, seating just 50 in the dining room and 30 more on the patio, in warmer seasons.

The new Olive Tree is a beautiful setting for Saturday or Sunday luncheon bridal or baby showers, she said, and can accommodate parties up to 50 people.

“People like the welcoming, country-casual ambiance here,” Ms Dimitratos said. “We’re seeing a lot of familiar faces and new customers, too, who drive by and find us. Woodbury customers are excited to find The Olive Tree at this address. We like it here, and we hope business keeps up,” she said.

The Olive Tree is at 1204 Main Street South in Woodbury, on Route 6, just over the Southbury line. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 to 2:30 pm. Dinner is served Tuesday through Thursday, 5 to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10 pm; and Sunday, 4 to 8 pm. Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner, by calling 203-263-4555. For more information visit theolivetreewoodbury.com.