After a friend's recommendation last Fall, we stopped in to The Kona Mansion for breakfast the weekend before it closed for the season and had a wonderful time. When we found out that they had opened for the season this weekend, Rag Top Daze and I got some friends together for dinner last night. A very pleasant time was had by all.
Walking through the door is a little like stepping into the Twilight Zone. The Mansion was designed and built in 1900 by the same architects that designed Luck Now, or Castle in the Clouds. It is owned and run by the Crowley family. The building is dated, but clean, and I think the lack of modernization is what makes it special. The atmosphere is very laid back, and the Crowleys make it clear from the beginning that they want your experience to be a pleasant one. After wandering around for a few minutes absorbing the atmosphere and admiring the architecture, we sat down for dinner.
Kevin Crowley was our server, while his dad cooked our meals. Three of us ordered the Baked Stuffed Shrimp, while the others selected the Baked Stuffed Haddock, Veal Piccata, and the Chicken Marsala. Dinner was proceeded with a generous helping of fried dough! Brought back memories of a dinner with my parents at the Brickyard Mountain Inn in the early 60's!
Next came the salads with home made dressing. Both the Blue Cheese and the Italian were excellent. The salads were fresh and generous. A garden salad or vegetable of the day was included in the price of the meal.
The main course was excellent. Everyone was pleased with their meal, with one of our friends remarking that the Baked Stuffed Shrimp was the best she had ever had.
Keven Crowley was very responsive to our requests, and very personable. If you go, be sure to ask to see the book they have put together about the history of the Kona Mansion. It includes pictures of the construction, and original owners, as well as newspaper articles spanning the past 100 years.
Our bill for Baked Stuffed Haddock and Baked Stuffed Shrimp, including a soft drink came to $40 plus tip, a very reasonable price for a fine, relaxing meal in a unique setting. We will be going back often this Summer!
