Hen of the Wood opened in Waterbury in October 2005 in an old brick feed mill building that is no longer functional.  Out back of the thick slate walls is the waterfall that once powered this business.  Chef Eric Warnstedt opened the place to showcase Vermont grower’s products. As you enter the old building you’ll find some seating to use while waiting for your table as well as the bathrooms.  Down the stairs is the restaurant and kitchen.  Upstairs is the residence of the owner of the building who plans to re-purpose the building and so this location will have to move sometime in the near future.  It will take a lot to match the ambiance of this place but according to the server it will offer the kitchen added abilities and space for a wood fire among other additions.  I’m sure there will also be added space for diners, as it is fairly small now.  For now the room is really dark, lit only  by candlelight, light from the kitchen and some small overhead fixtures.  The bare wood tables are small but well spaced, wood beams cross the ceiling and there is one large table dropped down a half level in the middle of the room.  Windows to the outdoors are dark but there is a porch where you can walk out and listen to the waterfall and probably eat out there when the weather permits.  They are only the second restaurant to be located in this historic building. Continue reading →