Over the summer, a new restaurant quietly opened its doors inside The Chanler. Called Cara, the new restaurant concept replaced the Spiced Pear and offers guests seasonally focused, multi-course tasting menus designed by Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage, Matthew Voskuil.
What’s behind the new name? “The word Cara translates across many different languages,” The Chanler’s General Manager Lani Shufelt said. “In Italian, Cara means “dear one”, in Gaelic it means “soul friend”, both translations carry a deep, rooted meaning which we aim to reflect in our hospitality. Cara is also the name of my sister, who embodies kindness, acceptance, and warmth. She has greatly influenced me and the style of hospitality we bring to The Chanler.”
On a chilly evening earlier this month, we had the chance to checkout Cara and try the Chef’s tasting menu. Scroll on for a peek at Chef Voskuil’s unique creations…
“The Forage menu at Cara is the experience that I’m most excited to share with our guests,” Voskuil said. It’s a thoroughly engaging meal, fraught with moments of intensity and finesse. It really challenges the presumptions of what a vegetable-based dining experience can be.”
If you’re looking for something romantic to do in Newport for NYE, Cara will be hosting a special evening with tasting menus featuring King Crab, Turbot and Wagyu Beef. signature wine pairings and live music.
“Our first seating will be from 5:00pm to 6:00pm and feature a special six-course tasting menu for $160 per person,” Voskuil said. “Our second seating will be from 8:00pm to 9:00pm and feature a decadent eight-course menu for $225 per person. The second seating also includes a champagne toast to ring in the New Year, music by The Brian Scott Band, and passed canapes to begin the New Year!!”
Visit Cara’s website to view the complete menus. A non-refundable $100 per person deposit secures your booking and is fully applied to your final bill.