e Arsenal DinerTh

The Arsenal Diner Elizabethtown eatery changes hands after 41 years.

By Alvin Reiner

The Arsenal’s owner and chef, Josh Olcott, delivers a platter as patrons dine.

22 Many towns and hamlets which dot the North Country have eateries which cater to the locals as well as travelers, and The Arsenal is no exception.

The Arsenal bills itself as, “An American-style bistro which is a fun quirky diner that offers fresh farm-to-table chef-inspired food with a diner twist.”

In September of 2019, Josh Olcott, 42, took over the stove of the venerable eating establishment after it was owned by Steve Pierce for the previous 41 years.

"I am a local guy from E’town,” Olcott responded as part of his rationale for purchasing The Arsenal.

“My family came here every Sunday after church, and I had always wanted to own a restaurant.”

Previously, Olcott was the food service director and chef at Camp Dudley. Other experiences included working at a catering company as well as a French restaurant in Albany, and at The Point at Lake Clear under the tutelage of renowned chef Kevin McCarthy.

“He’s the main reason I wanted to become a chef,” Olcott said.

"Cooking is an art form to me. It is a passion. I am a big fan of the farmers around here and of farm-to-table food. We use local maple products, cheeses, veggies, sausages, and beef from local farmers.”

Olcott is environmentally conscientious, as well. “One of the big things we do here is use compostable

North Country Foodie • February 2020 products. No Styrofoam. Our take-out containers are from paper products. We recycle our vegetable oil to a local farmer for him to use in his tractors. It’s part of our responsibility.”

MENUS

Breakfast includes the standard fare of eggs, home fries, toast, and bacon, though there is also a “Brekkie Wrap” consisting of eggs, cheddar, potatoes, peppers, onions, salsa, and sour cream, as well as a spinach and Boursin omelette.

Th e lunch cuisine varies, as each day has a special as well as the old standbys such as hamburgers and michigans. As for the latter, Olcott prides himself on his michigan sauce.

“My grandpa and I used to go to Gene’s Michigans in Port Henry when I was young. I want to be known for my michigans, as well. I want to come up with new ideas and provide good cooking for good people.”

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Around 1810, Simeon and Lucy Frisbie sold the property to New York state with the intention to construct an arsenal. Completed in 1811, the Arsenal was utilized as such until 1850 when Ira Marks purchased the property.

Over the years, the ownership and name of the property had several changes: Stevens House, Th e Arsenal Inn, Brentwood Inn, and Miller’s Lodge.

Following a fi re in 1961, James and Helen Miller sold the property to Albert O. Denton and his son, John “Jack” Denton, and they renamed it Th e Arsenal once again.

Another fi re consumed Th e Arsenal in 1967, and it was rebuilt. Steve Pierce took over Th e Arsenal about 40 years ago, until it came under the ownership of Josh Olcott in September 2019.

Th e Arsenal is located on Routes 9 and 9N in Elizabethtown, across the road from the United Church of Christ.

Hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Closed Saturdays until March.) For more information, see Th e Arsenal’s Facebook page, or call 518-873-6863.

Home for your Ford Since 1910 19TH CENTURY FARM HOUSE Lunch, Dinner, Bistro and Wine menus

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