The Ethan Allen Hotel in Danbury recently reopened its full-service restaurant, located inside its building at 21 Lake Avenue Extension, earlier this year after undergoing major renovations to the space.

The updates not only brought a revamped design for the area, but also a new name for the restaurant, now called 21 Lake Restaurant & Bar, from its street address.

The restaurant is not only available to hotel guests, but also to the public looking to dine-in.

Decorated with all Ethan Allen furniture, there is a keen attention to detail throughout the space from the chairs to the vases selected, making the atmosphere a refined, high-end experience to relish.

Those looking to catch up with friends and coworkers can unwind in the lounge area, complete with a bar and high-definition televisions stationed on the walls. Next door is the main dining room where breakfast buffets and dinners are served for in relaxing, sit-down environment. The restaurant also offers the feeling of outdoor dining year-round with its glass paneled solarium.

21 Lake Restaurant & Bar is run by an exemplary staff including Executive Chef Claudio Portuense, Sous Chef Wojciech Weglarz, Food & Beverage Manager Joseph Calzada, and new Director of Food & Beverage Scott Dovale.

Mr Dovale says the team is working on creating an updated menu, as well as a handcrafted cocktail list. New drinks will be showcased on the hotel's social media as they are developed.

Many drinks are purposefully sourced from all around New England, like its variety of spirits and Connecticut beers featured on tap.

Every item on the menu has been carefully thought-out, from the ingredients to the plating, to offer what Mr Dovale calls "elevated comfort" food.

"Ethan Allen is very revolutionary and very much involved in the fabric of the United States. That's what we want to be with our food; we want to be revolutionary…" he explained. "We're part of Ethan Allen, but we are 21 Lake. We're focused on delivering a food and beverage experience."

Sample of the Menu:

Starters: There are more than a half-dozen starter options on the menu including the charcuterie board. It consists of assorted local and imported cheeses with cured meats, truffle honey, whole grain mustard, pickled vegetables, and toast points for $15.

Small Plates: One of the most popular small plates is the fresh local burrata that comes with heirloom tomato relish and crostini for $12.

Salad: Those looking to try unique, new wave food will love the quinoa salad. It has arugula, shaved fennel, grapefruit and orange segments, parmesan, and dried figs with a honey citrus dressing for $13.

21 Lake Restaurant & Bar also has small salads on the menu, including the house Caesar and house garden salads.Small Salads:

Among the different soup options is the white New England clam chowder for $7.Soup:

Sandwiches: The 21 Lake Burger is the restaurant's signature dish that is made with all-natural certified Angus beef, arugula, tomato, caramelized onions, smoked Gouda cheese, and mustard truffle aioli, served on a brioche bun for $13.

Grilled Flatbread: A customer favorite is the fig and Gorgonzola flatbread with prosciutto, pear, and roasted fennel for $12.

The shrimp scampi comes in a garlic shallot butter white wine sauce with heirloom tomatoes, served over linguini or wilted spinach, $21.Entrees:

Drinks: There is a large assortment of wines, in white, red, champagne, and sparkling varieties, on the menu. 21 Lake Restaurant & Bar is also currently crafting a seasonal cocktail menu and has Connecticut beers on tap.

There is something on the dessert menu to satisfy every sweet tooth, from classic dishes like the New York-style cheesecake and the double chocolate brownie sundae to the seasonal crème brulee and the homemade caramel apple tart a la mode with vanilla bean ice cream.Desserts:

21 Lake Restaurant & Bar in the Ethan Allen Hotel, 21 Lake Avenue Extension in Danbury, next to the Ethan Allen furniture store, is open seven days a week. Breakfast is weekdays from 6:30 to 10 am; Saturday, 7 to 10:30 am; and Sunday from 7 to 10 am; brunch is Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm; and dinner is Monday through Saturday, from 5 to 10 pm; and Sunday, served in the lounge. Lounge hours are Sunday through Thursday from 4 pm to 12 am, and Friday through Saturday 4 pm to 2 am. To make a reservation or inquire about catering options call the hotel's main number at 203-744-1776. For more information, visit ethanallenhotel.com or facebook.com/theethanallenhotel.

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