When I got an invitation to the opening party for the renovated Carriage House at The Elms, I was expecting a tasteful affair. That’s what the Preservation Society usually does. However, what I encountered far surpassed my expectations and certainly bodes well for the future of dining experiences at the revamped Elms restaurant.
“This was one of the best parties of the summer” was a frequent comment. And there’s a lot that happens during the summer in Newport!
The beautifully restored carriage house is a welcome addition to the dining experiences at the Newport mansions on Bellevue and another success for Stoneacre Hospitality Group, who is handling the food and drink selections for the upscale café.
“You’re really the first people to see this place so I hope you like it,” said Trudy Coxe, CEO for the Preservation Society of Newport County. “The outdoor area is fantastic. The gardens of The Elms are completely restored and beautiful. This is a wonderful, wonderful place, and it’s a great place to bring your mother, your grandmother, your children.”
Well-designed touches from the classical French-style café were resplendent throughout, with glasses of sparkling prosecco and rose, among other libations passed around in glasses embossed with the Carriage House theme. It was a charming affair with the weather cooperating, despite several threats of thunder. It was as if even the weather knew better than to ruin such a delightful event.
“Cin cin,” said Dale J. Venturini, former president and CEO of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association and current Preservation Society Board Vice Chair, who urged everyone to raise a glass in celebration. “This place makes me want to get married again,” she added, laughing.
Trusting that rain drops would stay away, party guests mingled amidst the French chateau-inspired outdoor seating area with its graceful garden décor. They sipped their wine and tasted enticing menu items such as lobster salad, caviar on pancakes and two-bit tuna tacos. An additional bar provided more cocktail options from Via Carota. The party was slated to end by 7:30 but it was hard-pressed to get any of the stylish crowd to leave an hour later.
It’s been 10 years since a dining space graced The Carriage House and by the looks of it, the wait has been worth it. With expansive views of the grounds of the 18th-century French Château d’Asnières-inspired The Elms (familiar to many of us who watch “The Gilded Age”), Preservation Society continues to demonstrate its strength of maximizing meticulous elegance in Newport. The Carriage House’s completion underscores Preservation Society’s mission to blend historical integrity with modern, elevated service.
“We started with Stoneacre three years ago after COVID in a small way, in The Breakers and the Tea House [at Marble House],” said Cassandra Van Cott, Director of Educational Sales, about her refined vision for the dining experience realized. “And the relationship has just evolved in that they are an extension of us, and hopefully the synergies are going to keep us in business and operating for a long, long time.”Details for booking a table and hours can be found here. I think a “Carriage House lunch” is on the horizon for much of the Newport social crowd.
