by Lindsey Pizzica Rotolo

John Welch took over as Chef de Cuisine at Infinity Bistro this spring. His brand-new menu hit tables in mid-May. A few of the old favorites are still there–lobster hushpuppies, the edamame burger and lobster roll, but the menu has otherwise been totally re-worked.

Welch visited the first outdoor farmers market of the season on May 16 and spent some time talking to local farmers and growers. “I’m going to do everything I can to use all local, fresh ingredients this summer,” Welch says. “From eggs to parsley, I would love to have it come from nearby.” His focus on fresh, quality food is his primary goal right now.

Welch, a Torrington resident who has lived in Conn. most of his life, has enjoyed getting to know Norfolk residents. He recently judged the chili cook-off at the Catholic Church and provided free meals on the Yale Summer School campus before Angel Ride, a two-day, 135-mile bike ride benefitting children with serious illnesses. No stranger to Infinity, Welch has worked at the bistro since the first summer they were open.

The new menu, co-created with Executive Chef David Gilmore, is simple, but has something for every palate. Main courses include Kung Pao Lobster, Chicken and Soba Noodle Stir Fry, Garden Veggie Tagliatelle, Sirloin Medallions, Fajitas, Baked Salmon Fillet and Baby Back Ribs. There are also burgers and sandwiches, three different salads and a half dozen appetizers to choose from.

The lunch menu has the same offerings as the dinner menu, minus the main courses, but also includes a brunch menu. The bistro is open for lunch and dinner on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and open for dinner only on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Happy Hour drink and food specials are available between 4:30 and 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The Late Bird Special, a special that was offered during the winter months, is being phased out this month, but punch cards are available for earning a free ticket to a show. The patio is open all summer long (weather permitting), and the entire menu is available to-go. Reservations can be made by calling 860-542-5531.

Infinity Hall also has a new general manager. Patty Christinat, a Norfolk resident, has been back at the helm since January. With the exception of the two years she spent booking shows for an entertainment company, Christinat has been at Infinity since the bistro first opened in 2008. She started as a server and has worked all positions in the bistro and the box office, so she knows the ins and outs of every aspect of Infinity Hall.

“Infinity is a special place to work,” Christinat says. “We all love the music and the food, and have a lot of passion for our jobs and Infinity in general.” She shared that it’s not uncommon to find staff stopping in when they’re not scheduled to work, just to check in and see if the staff needs anything, or popping in to catch the end of a show or bringing someone out to dinner.

Almost the entire staff are locals (from Norfolk, Colebrook, Canaan, Barkhamsted, Winsted and Torrington). Over the years, Infinity has been the first employer to numerous local kids and young adults, something they take great pride in.

The show schedule for June includes something for everyone: rock bands Reckless Kelly, The Southern Comfort Band and Los Lonely Boys; jazz duo Tuck & Patti; blues great Robert Cray; the Celtic band Gaelic Storm; Americana/Roots/Folk performers Butch Hancock, Lucy Kaplansky & Richard Shindell, Tom Paxton and The Black Lillies; bluegrass bands The Joint Chiefs and The Zolla Boys and Indie/Progressive rock bands The Nice Ones and Stone Cold Fox. Visit www.infinityhall.com for ticket information.

Photo by Bruce Frisch.