Grand opening at St. Moritz
SPARTA — St. Moritz Grill & Bar in Lake Mohawk celebrated its grand opening last Thursday with a ribbon cutting. Owners Keith and Marcella Holmes are looking to inject new life into the restaurant formerly known as Arthur’s.
Keith Holmes' 16 years as owner of Redwoods Grill & Bar in Chester, plus prior work as a chef and general manager in the industry gives him the springboard he needs to make this endeavor work.
“I am very passionate about the business. My goal is to bring good food and service. And consistency every day,” said Holmes. “I have been working on buying a new place for five years. I wanted to buy this three years ago, but the deal fell apart.”
Holmes and his wife fell in love with the European feel of White Deer Plaza in Lake Mohawk. Marcella Holmes mother was born and raised in Germany where they visited this summer to do some research on how to enhance the existing charm of the space and its surroundings. Although she considers herself “behind the scenes”, Marcella Holmes has been redecorating with fresh paint and furniture along with interesting fixtures and pictures on the walls hoping to make subtle but significant changes.
"I want to respect the historic European flavor by bringing back some Swiss charm and freshness, making it warm and comfortable like our home,” said Marcella Holmes. “But in the end, I always find that the people make the place.”
For the team at St. Moritz Grill & Bar, the priority is the food. Along with the cosmetic overhaul, a brand new menu specializes in American cuisine with German inspired dishes that are primarily wood-grilled. The kitchen has been renovated and re-tooled to incorporate the six-foot grill. Items like chicken schnitzel, Big Easy catfish and Bavarian grilled pork chops are featured.
Executive Chef Joel Cain and Keith Holmes have a 25 year professional relationship.
“When I designed this menu I had comfort food in mind that is full of passion with a choice for everyone. I want people to come in and feel comfortable.” said Cain. “As the weather gets warmer, we are going to start to do more local farm food.”
Outdoor dining like a German beer garden is in the works in the near future along with musical entertainment at some level. St. Moritz Grill & Bar is also available for private parties. And Holmes is very proud of the restaurant’s loyalty program and encourages customers to sign up at no charge: “I invite you to become part of our family. I try to give exclusive opportunities like free birthday dinners and $20 gift certificates for reward points. There is lots of good value to it.”
Keith and Marcella Holmes are eager to please both new and old patrons. And the town seems to be welcoming their reincarnation with open arms.
St. Moritz Grill& Bar 9 White Deer Plaza, tel.973-729-5677 www.stmoritzgrillandbar.com