Inn at 202 Dover

Inn / Dining

Everyone has a lifelong dream. For Ron and Shelby Mitchell, that dream was to own and operate their own bed-and-breakfast—but it couldn’t be just any bed-and-breakfast.

For years the couple traveled, primarily within the Mid-Atlantic region, until they spotted the 19th century Victorian-era mansion at 202 E. Dover Street in historic Easton. The Mitchells could see right away, despite the house’s condition at the time, that it was exactly what they’d been searching for.

“We instantly saw the potential,” says Shelby Mitchell, recalling that 2005 day. “It had the space and grandeur that was required for the kind of upscale inn we wanted to do.” The Mitchells started work immediately, and with the assistance of the Easton Historic Commission, the State of Maryland Historic Trust and the U.S. Department of the Interior, carefully restored the home to its Victorian beauty.

“We want you to to have a great meal, and feel at home in our home.”

The inn’s accommodations were designed with meticulous attention to detail. There are four suites, each individually decorated with antiques and special touches added from the couple’s own collection of art and artifacts. While the Mitchells chose the slogan “Easton’s Inn of Distinction” for their business, Maryland Life magazine has done the bed-and-breakfast one better by declaring it the “Buckingham Palace of inns.”

Among 202 Dover’s many wonderful qualities, the one the Mitchells are most proud of is their restaurant. Entrée choices range from Dover sole to New Zealand lamb and hand-selected and organic aged beef. Of course, the ideal way to start any meal is with one of the restaurant’s signature appetizers, such as the duck foie gras, wild forest mushrooms or jumbo lump crab soufflé.

Ron Mitchell recommends that guests start their dining experience with a cocktail in the home’s lounge or wood-paneled library. Diners can also choose from one of the 70 choices on the inn’s wine list, including reserve wines. Guests can enjoy their dinner in either the dining room or on one of the inn’s enclosed porches. For parties of six or more, Chef Jorge Alvarez can prepare a special tasting menu.

Any menu from Chef Alvarez is an exquisite experience. Chef Alvarez was born in Havana and began his culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Académie d’Art in Paris. After training under Master Chef Paul Bocuse, he was invited to attend sommelier training in the Haut-Médoc region of southwestern France under Grand Master Sommelier Phillippe Luchon. Upon completion of his studies, Chef Alvarez worked in a number of Michelin-rated establishments throughout Europe. In addition to his world-class credentials, Chef Alvarez received the New Zealand Tourist Board’s Chef of the Year Award twice and was also honored with the privilege of preparing meals for the British royal family during their tour of New Zealand.

The Inn at 202 Dover’s restaurant is open for dinner Thursday through Monday starting at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling the inn. Although the restaurant is elegant and the food is meticulously prepared, the atmosphere is casual. Say the Mitchells: “We want you to have a great meal, and feel at home in our home.”

Inn at 202 Dover
202 E. Dover Street
Easton, MD 21601
410-819-8007

www.innat202dover.com

Pictured: Inn at 202 Dover