Ho-Ho-Kus Inn facts for kids
The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn is a very old and special building in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. It's known as a historic landmark because it has a long and interesting past. Today, it's a popular restaurant! You can find it where Franklin Turnpike, Maple Avenue, and Sheridan Avenue meet.
The name "Ho-Ho-Kus" comes from a Native American language, the Delaware Indian term. It means "the red cedar," which is a type of tree. The Inn was built way back in 1790. It used to be called The Mansion House. Inside, it has five different rooms, each with its own name: Chateau, Crystal, Hermitage, Tap, and Zabriskie.
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History of the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn
The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn has a long and interesting story. It started as a home and changed many times over the years.
Early Days as a Home and Church
The building was first built in 1790. It was a private home for a man named John "Jake" Zabriskie. After he passed away, the house became a private church. It served as a parsonage, which is a home for a church leader, for the Christ Episcopal Church in Ringwood.
During these early years, the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn had many different names. People called it the Zabriskie House, the Villa Inn, The Mansion House, the Wayside Inn, and even the Washington Inn.
From Resting House to Landmark
Later, the building became a place where wealthy people from New York could stay and relax. This was until about 1920. During this time, it was often called Mansion House.
In 1920, the building was almost torn down! But a kind person named Mrs. H.T.B. Jacquelin saved it. In 1941, the town bought the house. It officially became a historic landmark. After that, different people leased it and ran businesses there. In 2007, Chris Kelly bought the restaurant.
What People Think About the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn
The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn is a well-known restaurant. It has received good reviews from food experts.
Food and Wine Reviews
The Ho-Ho-Kus Inn is a restaurant that is "Zagat rated." This means it has been reviewed by Zagat, a company that collects opinions from diners about restaurants.
A food critic named David Corcoran from New York Times newspaper wrote good things about the Inn. He praised Rob Lipkin, the manager, for being very energetic. He also liked that Rob brought in excellent wine from places like Chile and South Africa. Rob Lipkin had even won awards for being a top sommelier (a wine expert) at another restaurant called Petit Chateau.
The chef, Jesus Murillo, also received praise. David Corcoran especially liked his grilled ostrich dish. He said it was "remarkably tender and juicy," and tasted even better with a "zesty cherry chutney."
