Randall's Ordinary- Dreams Come True!
There is a very special place in Connecticut that my husband and I fell in love with more than twenty years ago. Back in the 1980’s, Randall’s Ordinary operated as an inn and restaurant, transporting guests back in time to the 17th century with Colonial cooking prepared on the open-hearth and served by staff dressed in period-style clothing. Rodolfo had just left his native Italy and visiting Randall’s made him feel at home, thanks to the farm-to-table atmosphere. It was something like a Colonial-style agriturismo. In fact, this spot became the perfect place to bring friends and family visiting from Italy and we ate there frequently.
I still remember the last time our family had lunch at the restaurant. It was 2004 and by that time, we had two young daughters. They loved to visit the donkey outside at the barn. That day, a cook from the restaurant came by and gave us carrots. The girls’ faces lit up with joy at the prospect of feeding the animals. I knew it would be a while, so I turned to look out at the field behind the barn, enjoying the deep sense of peacefulness that this place had always given me. At that moment, I thought to myself- I wish we could own this place someday.
John Randall came from England to America in the 1660’s with his family to find religious freedom and built his home in 1685 circa. The homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was a hiding place for slaves journeying along the Underground Railroad. Sadly, the restaurant and inn have been closed since 2006, and the buildings have sat idle, waiting for a new owner to come along and restore them to their original beauty.
That day has finally come. This property not only has a new owner, my dream of ten years ago finally came true! Our family has purchased the 28-acre farm, and has approved plans for the construction of our company’s new headquarters. My husband and I have always looked to the past for a better future and we could not think of a better location for developing this mission. Many people have enjoyed the tranquillity of this land over the years and feel saddened by its current state. Today, we are overjoyed to be the new custodians of the Randall farm and promise to be mindful of the historic significance of this property, in every action that we take, for generations to come.
The best news of all, really, is that this farm will bring us closer to you! We will be restoring the buildings, constructing a new test kitchen, planting an heirloom fruit orchard and a field of einkorn. We will also host Jovial’s Culinary Getaways here, as well as in Italy at the villa. A craft brewery, famers’ market, cooking classes, farm dinners, weekend and weeklong getaways- everything we have planned will be a great opportunity for our family and fabulous employees to spend time getting to know you in person. This will be a place where you can relax, eat well, feel the warmth of nature and the signifcance of American history, but never think twice about foods that you cannot eat. Everything will be perfect. That’s our way of saying thank you for supporting our company’s mission.
We look forward to sharing more photos as soon as we break ground this spring. In the meantime, we invite you to follow our Pinterest board, so you can watch our project move along from inspiration to completion.
Resources of the images of Randall’s Ordinary:
- http://www.angelfire.com/poetry/saverandallsinn/randalls_ordinary_inn/index.album/dsc00149?i=14
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/mortizgallery/3896689796/?rb=1
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Randall_House
I am sorry, but I guess being from Arizona, this is the first I have heard of Jovial foods. I will keep a better eye out for it. Thank you again.
https://mystoningtonancestors.wordpress.com/2011/08/13/randalls-ordinary-underground-railroad/
Food allergies have impacted my daily life for thirty years now. I really feel compassion for everyone with an intolerance and these getaways feel so nice and liberating. It's our way of giving back to the great community we are building. Cooking to show love, it's our way!
Hope to see you there someday,
Carla
If you care to consult with someone who's probably the most knowledgeable in the business (and lives in a 1690 house up the CT River from you), Iook here:
http://sunderlandperiodhomes.com
For years I have prayed someone would not only buy and reopen this beautiful property, but that the person that did understood, respected and appreciated all the property meant in history and to the people of the towns surrounding it.
I look forward to it's future and must say, would be honored to volunteer time to help in the restoration of this property over the next several months as well as inquire about future employment as well.
Blessings to you all to a great future, success and welcoming relationship with the towns and their people.
Welcome to the Westerly-Stonington area!
I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent at Randall's and I am delighted to hear of it's restoration and reopening. Very much looking forward to some delicious food and a glass of wine by the hearth, now that I am legally old enough to enjoy it :-D
I spent a lovely Italian Getaway last July in Lucca and can't wait to see what it is going to be like in Connecticut. It's going to be fantastic!
Best wishes to you and your family
Carolann Kummins
Eric C. Randall
It's nice to meet you.
My name is Nick Randall. I also came from the line of John and then Nathan. But that's where our common ancestry ends. I came from Nathan's son Nicholas, then Jason, then Alfred who joined the Mormon church and came to Utah with them. After that it was Alfred Jason, who ended up in Arizona, then Alfred Bradley, and Alfred Harvey.
I too am excited about Randall's Ordinary. We've been there once but it's a long way. Thanks for writing.
Thank you for writing, we are so excited. Thank you for your support.
Thank you for what you are doing to restore the restaurant and inn. Much like so many of the other descendants of John Randall and his family, I too would love to be a part of a great big family reunion or other event at your location!
I am involved in a lot of fundraisers as a TV and radio personality and entertainer. If I can do my small part in helping with some type of event to either bring awareness to your project, or with some type of reunion or other community event, please let me know.
You and other Randall descendants may contact me through my website at www.markanthonyanderson.com or www.markanthonyanderson.net. I would love to connect with some of the family!
Thank you once again!
Mark
Nancy in Maine
We went there years ago with our oldest and the youngest has never seen it and is very into cooking...
Thank you for any guidance you may offer.
Its so comforting that the house built by my seventh great grandfather is being restored.
Bless you.
Are you open for buisness/dinner? Taking reservations? Please let me know...
FYI...Frank is related to Mr Randall!!
Much appreciated,
Victoria Randall ( Maiden name Brierley, born in England LOL..Go figure)