Culpeper restaurant offers a piece of history

During the War Between the States, it was said that Culpeper residents kept both Union and Confederate currency at the ready. Control of the town changed hands so many times during the conflict that people living there never knew which fighting force would be in control so they had to be prepared for either the Yanks or the Rebs calling the shots.

There was one constant, however. In downtown Culpeper there was a stable built in the early 1800s that withstood the onslaughts of both occupying armies. It served as a safe place not only for the horses of townspeople, but also of leaders who wore both blue and gray. At one time Traveler, the favorite horse of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee is believed to have been quartered there, as, it is said, was Cincinnati, Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s favored steed.

Present-day Culpeper residents – as well as visitors from surrounding towns – have an opportunity to share in a piece of history by stopping by for a meal at The Stable Restaurant, 129 E. Culpeper St. The Stable had a ribbon cutting ceremony June 26 under the new ownership of Loni Pease.

“I’ve been open about four weeks as the owner,” Pease said. “My family owned a restaurant and I’ve been in the restaurant business on and off my whole life.

“I’ve worked at other people’s restaurants from New England to Virginia, but this is a nice location and I wanted to have my own place. There was a stable here before, during and after the Civil War, so there is a lot of history.”

Although born in Connecticut, Pease said he has been in Virginia for about 18 years, the last 5 ½ years in Culpeper.

“I had come here to shop and often thought what a nice little town Culpeper was,” Pease said. “I especially liked all the shops on Davis Street, so when the opportunity came to buy The Stable, I took it.”

Pease said under the previous ownership kitchen manager George Fotenos created the sandwich menu for which the Stable is known.

“The sandwiches here are as big and as good as any you will find at a restaurant in New York,” Pease said. “Fotenos also specializes in barbecued chicken, ribs and pulled pork. We cook everything on pellet ovens with no direct flame.”

In addition to what are termed on the menu as “monster/monumental sandwiches," Pease said there is a lot of Italian food available for pasta lovers.

“I’m Italian and grew up on Italian food and have cooked it many days and in many ways,” he said. “I enjoy the lasagna, ziti and chicken parmigiana, for instance.”

The Stable, a non-smoking environment, offers homemade soups, salads and side dishes and will create party platters for special events. Pease emphasized that everything was made to order.

“It may take a few minutes to get your meal,” he said. “But the quality is always good. It’s worth the wait.”

Music has been added to the menu at The Stable as well with local favorite David Leckie Gilmore set to entertain Friday evening.

“When he was here before, we had a nice crowd despite the fact that it was planned at the drop of a hat,” Pease said.

Gilmore said he is excited about the opportunity.

“I know George and I got to know Loni and he just seems like the right person in the right place at the right time,” Gilmore said. “He had heard my name, knew I was local and that was what he was looking for."

“Although I don’t usually play this type of setup, I’m hoping this will become a regular gig for me. Loni is open to that and it’s nice to be able to stay in Culpeper to perform. The last night I played at The Stable it couldn’t have gone any better. Loni is already starting to get some regulars. The Stable has that ‘everybody knows your name’ kind of feel. That’s one of the best compliments I can give it.”

Pease said he didn’t have a definite schedule yet for how often the restaurant would offer live entertainment, but he is planning to do it “every chance we get, at least twice a month.”

Although The Stable is currently not open on Sunday, Pease said he is hoping to change that once the NFL season starts with games being shown on six large screen TV’s.

“We’ll definitely be open on Sundays in the fall for the football season,” Pease said. “I hope to have NFL Sunday Tickets and to offer things like ribs and wings on Sundays to people who like the sports bar atmosphere in which to watch games.”

Pease said he has six employees right now.

“We’re changing over from just a sandwich shop to a more full service restaurant,” Pease said. “We’re very optimistic. People have been pleased with the nice atmosphere and the food. Although we close at 8 o’clock, if someone comes in then we won’t turn them away.”

The Stable

Address: 129 E. Culpeper St., Culpeper

Owner: Loni Pease

Kitchen manager: George Fotenos

Telephone: 540-727-2007

Fox: 540-727-1195

Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Closed Sunday’s until fall.

Entertainment: Friday, David Leckie Gilmore

Copyright 2009 Culpeper Times. All rights reserved.