By LINDA KELLETT

C-S-E News Staff

FORT PLAIN — Checking off the items on his to-do list, the owner of Fort Plain’s newest dining establishment is eagerly anticipating his February 10 opening.

In preparation for the big day, Dome49 Owner/Chef Richard Brown, his fiancee, Business Manager Tracy Montoni, and members of their staff, including 24-year veteran Chef Brian Kindl, were on hand at the Italian restaurant and wine bar’s Hancock Street location on Saturday for training and a walk-through of the completely renovated Dome Liquor store here.

Montoni said the dome-shaped landmark, adjacent to the former Charter House restaurant, is so familiar to area residents that she and Brown decided to incorporate it into their name.

She said, “It’s always been known as ‘The Dome,’ so no matter what name we put to it, people will always know it as the dome.”

She said the “49” in the name is derived from the eatery’s address: 49 Hancock St.

Brown, who opened a Fort Plain bed and breakfast in 2001, acquired additional culinary experience with Montoni while working at the Beardslee Castle restaurant just outside of St. Johnsville. Kindl’s more than two decades of experience were cultivated in restaurants in Idaho and Colorado.

The eatery’s still-evolving dining and bar menu will feature classic Italian favorites like calamari, bruschetta, chicken marsala, pasta e fagioli and lemon tiramisu.

Entrees will include pancetta-wrapped filet mignon, prime rib, chicken caprese, eggplant al forno, and grilled swordfish. Pastas like basil gnocchi, fettucine alfredo, and ravioli florentine are also featured, along with a children’s menu and a selection of appetizers, sides, and desserts.

Starting Friday, Feb. 10, the restaurant will be open Thursdays through Mondays starting at 4 p.m. Dome49 will also serve dinners on Valentine’s Day.

Brunches with a custom omelet station will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Sunday, Brown said, noting that a catering menu will also soon be available.

For more information or to see their menu, visit their website at dome49.com or check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Dome49.