About the restaurant.

Jim Grinchis and Norm Phenix had spent the past 20 years contemplating opening their own restaurant. After ten years of regularly visiting Sharon Springs as a getaway from their life in the city, they decided that this was where they could reinvent themselves. As Jim says, "You have room to stretch in Upstate New York."

Norm developed a passion for food at an early age, spending time with his mother in the kitchen learning to cook. At 204, all desserts and breads, and most pastas, are made in-house. All dishes are prepared and presented in a simple, straightforward style. They use only the freshest ingredients and, when available, feature locally-sourced meats, cheese, cultured butter, maple syrup, and more.

About the style.

Jim and Norm applied their design expertise to create a unique look one might not expect in a village setting.

Norm constructed the tabletops using wood salvaged from a nearby collapsed barn. Jim hung attention-grabbing wallpaper, including a hand-blocked pattern created by Adelphi Paper Hangings, also located in the village.

They took particular care to showing respect for the historical characteristics of the space. The floors and ceiling are allowed to make an impact. (Norm refinished the original tin ceiling tiles one-by-one.)

According to Jim:

"We wanted to bring something fresh to the area in terms of design and decor. Something modern that never ignored the historical integrity of the building. The tin ceiling, contemporary wallcoverings, industrial lighting, recycled tabletops, old wooden floors, contemporary art - they're all elements that add up to a warm, inviting space."

Take a tour through 204 Main at the link below. If you're visiting Sharon Springs this summer, be sure to check out the restaurant as well as BANK, Jim and Norm's gallery next door which opens soon.