1894 Restaurant & Tavern

Maybe this place is the result of one of my earliest childhood memories of watching my Mom at work behind the counter of a small town diner in upstate New York? My daily routine at the age of five consisted of sitting at the counter after school and sipping what then seemed to be the most delicious fountain sodas ever! I recall watching my mother's every move as she delivered plate after plate of handcrafted foods to friends and neighbors - all accustomed to personal service and a smile. Maybe, it was the essence of community or the relative comfort of feeling a part of something much larger than I that made the place seem like home to me.

Maybe, just maybe, it was simply having a familiar place, a smiling face, and a handcrafted meal that made the place unforgettable.

What's with 1894?

The year of incorporation of Kensington seemed to be the perfect name for this place. 1894 was the beginning of something special. After batting around about a dozen different possible names - none seemed as fitting as this one. So welcome to 1894 - Kensington's new restaurant.

Does a neighborhood restaurant need a philosophy statement to back it up?

Who knows? What I do know is I want this place to have the same type of feel as our fitness club around the corner, the Sweat Shop: I want people to gather here, take in the peaceful setting, catch their breath, meet with friends, share a laugh, enjoy an icy cold drink, and feast upon a handcrafted meal they find simply memorable. If that's a philosophy statement - then so be it.