Changing Reins At The Ironhorse

The Ironhorse Restaurant, located in the heart of Ashland, VA, is changing ownership after 17 years of continuous operation. The Ironhorse Restaurant has historically been known as one of Richmond's top tables, though the restaurant is located 18 miles north of the Capital city.

Comfort, formerly Executive Chef of Poste Moderne Brasserie in Washington, DC and Chef/Owner of Bistro 309 in Fredericksburg, VA, will serve as The Ironhorse's General Manager and Executive Chef, with 20 years experience in restaurant operations.

Jamie Gulden, who will serve as the Ironhorse's Chef de Cuisine and Assistant General Manager has assisted Comfort during the pre-opening. Gulden and Comfort have worked side by side for the last three years in Richmond's catering scene. Gulden, who also has an enviable history of tenure under some of Richmond's best chefs, will retain the present kitchen team through the transition.

Comfort and Gulden will split their respective time between the kitchen and floor to keep balance in the operation. "We're both strong in each area and are equally passionate about the food and our customer service. We see this as the best way to convey our mission to our guests and our team" Gulden said.

"We are fortunate to assume a long-running business that's doing well. Our goals are largely to improve upon it's successes" added Comfort. "The Ashland community has been historically so supportive of the Ironhorse. We respect our role as a community restaurant first and will strive to reflect Ashland in our operations." Comfort added, "My former business partner, Withers "Buzzy" Moncure told me that restaurants 'should tell a story'. I think The Ironhorse should tell about Ashland, its community and hospitality. When guests visit us from Fredericksburg, Richmond or Kalamazoo, they haven't come here asking to be transported back home or to Paris, Naples or New Orleans. They should, of course, be well fed and well cared for, but depart with an understanding of our community and our sense of place."

In a hint of what's to come, Gulden gestures out the window... Hanover County's farm produce, natural and pasture fed meat and poultry from local farms, house made charcuteries, fresh regional fish features and homemade desserts. "If you have to give it a label, we want to call it American Tavern - it's local / regional and reflects it's community, it's American. And because it's American, we won't cluttering things up - straightforward, focused, good food in a welcoming place", Gulden smiled.

Peter Hardell, a notable wine connoisseur and collector from Fredericksburg, VA will rounding out the management team will serve as the restaurant's beverage director. Hardell and Comfort have been associated for nearly 6 years, initially through Bistro 309. Hardell will present a value-driven by the glass wine program and introduce a "craft-draft" beer program in the coming 6 months. Hardell plans to orient the Ironhorse beverage program toward New World wines and beverages paired to the menu.

Comfort and Company expect little downtime, closing on Tuesday the 18th for staff training and menu preparations. Normal operations will resume on Wednesday the 19th at 11:30 AM. Gulden and Comfort plan a festive Christmas Season and New Year's Eve and exciting seasonal menu changes for 2008.