Next to Jamestown's Reg Lenna Theater is a Dining Experience Worthy of a Performance

Let me just say first of all, that I am not a big fan of “dining out”. I am after all a divorced (and still single) father of three, and I hate to tell you but the economy really isn’t getting much better. That being said, I am however, a fan of good food and good beer. 

Allow me to elaborate. I really like good food and really, really like good beer. Now, if you would please, join me for a spell as we walk through the front door of 114 East Third Street in Jamestown. Now plop yourself on a stool at the bar and repeat after me; “I’ll have the steak and beer special.” Now you’re asking, “What exactly is the steak and beer special?” Let me explain. The deal is, that if you sit at the bar you can get a fabulous steak dinner (including mashed potatoes, a mixed green salad, and a roll) AND a pint of beer (personally, I almost always opt for Southern Tier Brewing Company’s IPA) all for a measly ten dollars.

Is this some new wave chain restaurant serving the latest in mass marketed fare? Absolutely not, welcome to Forte! Just to briefly highlight Forte’s history, the restaurant was started in 2004 by Todd Singleton, who owned another restaurant in Warren, PA. When Todd’s family began to expand, he and his wife started looking for someone to take over Forte. In 2005 Peggy Kaltenmeier and Chef Ian Anderson moved to Jamestown and started down that road. Both Peggy and Ian began working at Forte. Coincidentally, Ian had worked as a cook in the same building years earlier when it operated as Stage Left. By October 2006 Peggy, Ian and Matt Coan had taken over ownership of Forte. Now along with two others they operate this wonderful establishment.

This establishment, if you don’t mind my biased opinion, is one of the greatest things to hit Jamestown since I have lived here. Seriously, ten dollars for a grilled to perfection steak with all the trimmings and a pint of Southern Tier IPA! It just doesn’t get any better. But wait, there’s more. The thing I love most about Forte is that no matter who you are you can feel completely comfortable inside. You could be like me, an everyday Joe wearing jeans and a heavy metal t-shirt. Or you could be in a suit with your special lady in an evening gown, and neither one of us would feel uncomfortable. As owner Peggy Kaltenmeier explained, instead of it being a special occasion place, they wanted it to be accessible to a lot of different people of all age ranges. Whether it be teenagers eating sushi or a group of older women going to see a movie next door at the Reg Lenna Civic Center. Peggy commented that their success in achieving this goal is due in part to the steak and beer special bringing people in the front door, where they soon realize that Forte truly is, a one size fits all, fine dining establishment.

Keeping with the idea of accessibility to all, the staff at Forte has created a menu that is simply amazing. By keeping the menu items at a reasonable price point, as well as providing quite a diverse selection on the menu, including ethnic dishes, traditional American staples or vegetarian choices, they really have included something for everyone. Just to note a few highlights; they have “Golden Fried Calamari” and “Spinach Pesto Bruschetta” on the appetizer menu. The dinner menu includes such dishes as Seabass En Papilotte - A tender serving of Seabass, steamed in parchment with shallots, carrots, seasonal vegetables & fingerling potatoes with a chardonnay dill butter.”, “Red Curried Lamb Stew - Slow cooked with root vegetables, this curried spiced stew is served with grilled pita bread over Basmati rice.” and check this out, a “Bacon Horseradish Meatloaf” sandwich enticingly described this way, “Applewood smoked bacon wrapped Kobe beef and horseradish meatloaf served open-faced and topped with a rich demi-glace (which to the best of my knowledge derives from French cuisine and is a rich brown sauce made of, among other things, veal stock and Espagnole sauce), served with garlic mashed potatoes & a garden Caesar salad.” I don’t know about you, but it sure sounds good to me. I also counted at least five non-meat items on the entrée menu. Just so you know. Including Four Cheese Tortellini and Thai Veggie Sauté – Seasonal vegetables sautéed in a coconut curried Garam Masala sauce over Basmati rice.

Now let me get back to the sushi menu. That’s right, an entire menu dedicated to sushi. Now if I actually new anything about sushi I could elaborate on this. Since I don’t though, I will just assume that something called “Green Dragon” that is followed by this description “cucumber and roasted red pepper rolled inside out and wrapped with avocado and broiled eel” is something that sushi lovers will love. Makes sense, right? Of course you would have to wash it down with some sake.

The Forte staff has managed to put together an exceptional wine menu too. When I asked Peggy how they go about selecting wine, she explained to me that everyone at Forte, from the owners to the servers, is involved in the process. They all take part in sampling a selection of different wines, and then choose those that they themselves like, and that are not “crazy priced.” The concept is a simple one; pick wines that you enjoy and others will enjoy them as well. There is also an entire menu dedicated to cocktails, with many of them created by the Forte staff. Looking for something non alcoholic? How about something from the tea menu?  Featuring McNulty’s Tea & Coffee Co. products, as well as coffee from Mayville based Stedman Corners.

Besides the obvious reason (the excellent food and beverage choices), there are so many other reasons to visit Forte. They have a commitment to supporting local businesses and artists. As already mentioned they keep Lakewood brewed and bottled Southern Tier Brewing Co. beers on tap. The Borsari seasoning on the tables is also made in Lakewood, and is really quite tasty in my opinion. The art on the walls is always the work of a local artist and changes every eight months or so. Right now there are some wonderful abstract pieces by a Jamestown transplant from the mid west, Will Northerner. See a piece you like? Buy it! Everything is always for sale even if you don’t see a price. All you have to do is ask. Then there are the “Surprise Parties” held one Saturday a month. 

What’s a Surprise Party you ask? I will just say that it is not a surprise as in a birthday or anniversary party. The surprise is that you never know what is going to happen at one of these. There are three DJ’s; Brother Curry, Fluvanna Beachcomber and a guest DJ, who work together to provide an interesting mix of music for your entertainment and dancing pleasure. The tables are moved out of the way, and plenty of fun is to be had. If you want to know more you will have to find out for yourself, when you visit Forte!

As far as details go, Forte is open Tuesday through Saturday, with the dining area open from 5 – 9 pm, and the lounge staying open later for cocktails. You can call Forte at 716-484-6063 or visit their website www.fortetherestaurant.com for directions, hours and to see their full menu. Reservations are suggested as there is limited seating that fills up quickly. Don’t let that discourage you from stopping in anytime though. As Peggy was quick to mention there is always a chance there will be an open table so feel free to stop in and check. After all you can always sit at the bar and get that steak and beer!

Forte will be closed for two weeks in April, from the eleventh through the twenty-sixth, and are working towards having a new menu ready when they reopen.