Renowned Copper Beech Inn Re-Opens with Acclaimed International Chef Gaspar Stantic

ARDSLEY, N.Y. - May 22, 2013 - PRLog -- The renowned and elegant Copper Beech Inn, located in the Connecticut River Valley in the Ivoryton section of Essex, recently celebrated its re-opening to begin a new chapter in its long tradition for superb and innovative cuisine and gracious hospitality.

The internationally acclaimed master chef Gaspar Stantic—who during his distinguished career had the honor of cooking for Elizabeth II, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on two occasions—is the new culinary genius at the historic four-star country inn. He is creating extraordinary contemporary cuisine that reflects his classic European background.

Chef Stantic’s creations are enjoyed by guests of the inn as well as by dinner patrons at the restaurant, recently renamed The Oak Room, which has long been an attractive dining destination in the region. In addition to the restaurant, which along with the bar was recently expanded, the inn offers outdoor dining in warmer weather as well as an extensive selection of international wines from around the world.

A native of Switzerland, Chef Stantic began his international career more than 40 years ago working with many of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants in France, Austria, Germany, Holland, Japan, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Kuwait, including the five-star Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong.

In the U.S., in 1991 Gaspar’s namesake restaurant in Dallas was ranked “First Place” by Zagat Survey for New American Cuisine and, in 1992, the survey listed his restaurant as one of America’s “Top Restaurants.” He also served as Executive Chef of Helmsley Palace in New York City as well as consulting chef for Donald Trump in Atlantic City.  

Among his numerous awards and honors, Chef Stantic captured 26 first and grand prizes at various food shows as well as three gold medals at the Culinary Olympic Competitions in Frankfurt, Germany.  He has also published five cookbooks and is at work on a sixth.

“I am excited and honored by the opportunity to create meaningful and memorable culinary experiences for the guests and dinner patrons at this time-honored and prestigious inn.”

The Copper Beech Inn has also gained a new innkeeper, Klemens Zachhuber, a native of Austria and now living in New London. His nearly 20-year career has been focused entirely in the Connecticut and Rhode Island region where he has worked for premier hospitality destinations including Mohegan Sun Resort Casino in Uncasville where he served as General Manager, Specialty Restaurants; the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa, Westbrook, Food and Beverage Manager; Go Fish Restaurant, Mystic, General Manager; Broken Yolk Café and Catering, New London Chef/Owner; The Ocean House, Watch Hill, Director of Food and Beverage and the Madison Beach Hotel, Madison, Director of Food and  Beverage. Recently, he was Project Manager for Todd English Enterprises, overseeing the opening operations of restaurants and outlets for the company.

Mr. Zachhuber said: “Our goal is to make each and every experience truly extraordinary for our guests whether it is a romantic weekend, a festive wedding, family celebration or a business meeting.”

Located in he beautiful Connecticut River Valley and along the Long Island Sound shoreline (an area that has been designated one of the 40 “Last Great Places” by the Nature Conservancy), The Copper Beech Inn offers 22 elegantly appointed guest rooms and luxury suites, all with private baths, telephones and air conditioning. The Main House features four rooms, all original to the estate which dates to the late 19th century. There are nine rooms in the turn-of-the-last century Carriage House, many with original post-and-beam vaulted ceilings. The recently completed Comstock House offers European style and bathrooms finished in travertine and limestone.

The inn is just a two-hour drive from either New York City or Boston. For more information about room rates, amenities, packages, reservations and area attractions, visit www.copperbeechinn.com.