New Interior for Rein’s Deli & Traditional St. Paddy’s Day Fare

newsandviewsjb

Posted on March 17, 2016

Pistachio cake.

Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

Rein’s in Vernon, Connecticut is a good choice any time and on St. Patrick’s Day it is always fun. The owners transform this New York Style Deli into “Ryan’s” this one day each year serving a traditional corned beef & cabbage dinner with a large potato, carrots and a free piece of pistachio cake for dessert. Waitstaff dons all manner of St. Paddy’s Day gear from “Irish Girl” t-shirts to huge, flashing green light dangle earrings. In keeping with the upbeat spirit of the holiday, St. Paddy’s Day smiles are typically plentiful here just like the Guinness Draught.

Rein’s remodeled bar.

It was a surprise to learn that Rein’s is staying open while undergoing a remodeling. Overall the layout of the restaurant remains the same – a large main dining area with tables of varying size, many are side-by-side, a small back dining room and a rear tavern where there are bar stools, tables and two large televisions usually tuned to sports or news.

The remodeled dining area is more open, a section of faux windowpanes that previously separated a portion of the main room from a couple rows of tables is gone. An attractive, multi-beige colored brick backdrop featuring a NYC skyline motif with the Statue of Liberty occupying the center has replaced the far plain wall. Chalk boards are still hung there to announce daily specials. That same brick wall design can be found in the bar. Signs previously designated dining room sections named for different parts of NYC such as “The Bronx”. According to staff, those signs are being revamped and will be back soon.

“It’s still a work in progress,” said one waitress, “I love it – don’t you love?”

Actually, yes.