08 Aug The New Cornerstone Restaurant in Pawling
For years and years, there has been a beloved restaurant at the corner of NY-22 and East Main Street in Pawling For a time, it was the Monte Carlo, then for many years it was McKeever’s, and finally McGrath’s, which had a very successful ten-year run from 2009 – 2019. Loyal patrons of McGrath’s were hoping that a new restaurant would re-open right away at the same location. However, the well-loved building served us well for many years, but unfortunately it was time to rebuild.
Luckily, the property was purchased by the Tomassetti family, local property developers who previously had developed the old Reilly’s Garage building, replacing that unsafe structure with a new building inspired by the Dutcher House, with two storefronts and apartments upstairs. The Tomassetti’s tore down the unsafe restaurant structure, replacing it with a Colonial style two-story restaurant and event space. (Fun fact: before the old restaurant was demolished, the Pawling Fire Department used it for firefighter training.)
The COVID pandemic hit during construction of the new restaurant, leading to work stoppages and difficulty getting building materials. By the time the COVID pandemic was over, there were further delays caused by permit disputes. Those disputes were finally resolved, allowing the Tomassetti’s to complete construction last year.
The long-anticipated Cornerstone Restaurant in Pawling is finally set to open, and it is well worth the wait!
Opening this summer, Cornerstone is a new fine-casual restaurant from Chef Harris Mayer and his partners, the Tomassetti family. Together, they will create an approachable dining experience that brings the restaurant to the farms, building a destination where the culinary experience begins where the food is grown.
With a deep commitment to the Hudson Valley’s agricultural community, Cornerstone will blend refined American cooking with subtle Italian influences. The menu will highlight ingredients sourced directly from a network of regional farms and purveyors— including Hudson Valley Duck Breast with seasonal fruit; Filet Mignon sourced from Millbrook Farm served with balsamic glazed onions and olive oil mashed potatoes; Rustic Lasagna made with fresh pasta, and a Cheeseburger that comes with duck fat french fries.
In addition to farm-sourced entrees, the menu will include a collection of snacks and shareables for a more fun and festive experience also made with local ingredients— including Smoked Trout Dip made with fish from Catsmo Smokehouse in Wallkill, NY; Arugula Salad from Maple View Farm in Poughquag, NY served with pickled fennel and shaved ricotta; and Onion Rings made from the prized onions of the Black Dirt region in Pine Island.
Included in these shareables will be pizzas from a built-in wood burning oven that will be on display in the dining room. Pizzas will be available both Margherita style with the option to add cured meats from La Salumina in Hurleyville, NY; and a rotating seasonal pie.
The dessert menu will also feature Hudson Valley farms including Ronnybrook Farm Dairy from Ancramdale, NY with the Milkshake and Cookies as well as the Tiramisu Cheesecake.
The beverage program will be sourced predominantly from within New York State and will feature local makers including Warwick Winery & Distillery as well as the Tomassetti family’s Barrelhouse 6 family distillery located in Steuben County. New York breweries will also be proudly served both on tap and available by the bottle.
Cornerstone will have a spacious and inviting dining room with a large stone fireplace and high ceilings. Amenities include the built-in wood burning pizza oven, outdoor patio seating, and a second floor private dining room perfect for weddings, banquets, and other special events.
Cornerstone will open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner, with weekend brunch coming soon. For more information, visit cornerstonepawling.com and find them on Instagram @cornerstonepawling.