Finding the right executive chef for a premier culinary inn set deep in the woods of Southern Vermont doesn’t happen overnight. The Inn at Weathersfield’s, in Perkinsville, owners, Marilee and Richard Spanjian, have learned it takes someone with experience, a shared philosophy, maturity and true respect for guests’ needs in order to uphold and carry on this established culinary excellence.
The Spanjians' are pleased to announce the hiring of Michael Ehlenfeldt as the Executive Chef of The Inn at Weathersfield.
Ironically, Michael and the Spanjians’ paths crossed twice over the last few years “but the timing just wasn’t right,” said Richard. “We’re thrilled Michael is joining us as he is 'the real deal.' He grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm and learned early how to garden, forage, pickle, can and butcher as a child and continues to this day. For years, he also taught cooking classes to underserved urban populations in Boston," he adds. Michael comes to the Inn from Solo Farm & Table in South Londonderry where he was a key member of their culinary team. While retaining his home in Charlestown, NH, just over the Connecticut River, the majority of Michael’s 25+ year culinary career kept him in Boston, including 14 years as the executive sous chef under renowned chef/owner Gordon Hamersley of Hamersley Bistro.
Michael will develop and execute The Inn's menus for the restaurant, wedding and special events, which includes the annual farm dinner celebration. Additionally, he will be one of the key instructors in The Hidden Kitchen, The Inn's nonprofessional cooking classroom where chefs and cookbook authors teach hands-on and demonstration classes.
Built in 1792, The Inn at Weathersfield offers 12 unique en-suite guest rooms, an acclaimed fine dining restaurant and tavern, wine cellar with an award winning wine collection, on-site cooking classroom, vegetable garden and wedding amphitheater on 21 wooded acres. It is conveniently located 20 miles from Woodstock 20 minutes from Ludlow, 4.5 hours from New York City and 2.5 hours from Boston. The Inn is open all year, excluding first two weeks in April and November.