The buzz surrounding the rejuvenation venture of the Nassau Inn, a luxury, full-service hotel located in Palmer Square, has guests, clients, the community, and visitors alike eagerly anticipating the finished result.

“We are thrilled with the transformation of the Nassau Inn and cannot wait to unveil the completed results,” said Lori Rabon, Nassau Inn’s General Manager. “Every detail has been selected to ensure we provide our guests the best experience possible.”

Currently in the second year of development, what once operated 203 quaint and colonial guest rooms, the Nassau Inn will now have 188 entirely modernized guestrooms, 14 updated meeting or socials rooms – including the completely redesigned Prince William Ballroom (to be unveiled this September) that is sure to leave future brides in awe.

 

Additional updates to the Nassau Inn will include wireless internet; a state of the art media wall in the ballroom that will appeal to those planning meetings, weddings, and social events; brand new audio visual systems and digital signage throughout the Inn; fully refreshed public spaces; and the recently constructed Yankee Doodle Tap Room outdoor Patio (currently open).

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Lauren Scarpa

Each month, we’ll highlight events, specials, and promotions that we’re offering!

New Menus Premier in the Tap Room
Have you heard about the new menus from Chef Nino? They’re a hit! With some brand new options and a few old favorites, everyone will have something they love! Also, don’t forget dessert… can you say Nutella s’mores? Um, YUM! Click here to take a look!

Mother’s Day Specials – May 13
Show mom how much you care this year by treating to her a delicious meal in the Tap Room (we were voted best Mother’s Day Brunch by the Princeton Patch). Here’s a sneak peek: Crab Wonton, Pan Seared Duck, Sliced Hangar Steak, Strawberry Shortcake, and more! See the menu here. And you still have time to make your reservations!

CJ Barna Performs at the Yankee Doodle Tap Room
Every Thursday local crowd favorite CJ Barna will perform on the Tap Room Patio from 6:30-9:30pm. If you’re in the mood to hear some great music, stop by!

Soccer Specials!
The Tap Room is offering 10% off any tap beer to those who stop by and watch the televised soccer games!

Happy Hour Specials!
Have you been to the Tap Room for Happy Hour? What are you waiting for? Join us for $2 Bud Light and Yuengling, $2 House Wine, and $4 Well Drinks!

Social Media!
Finally – do you want to save some money? Of course, we all do! Well, if you like the Nassau Inn on Facebook or follow @NassauInn on Twitter or check-in on foursquare, we’ll give you 15% off your check! All you have to do is show your server on your mobile phone, computer, or tablet/iPad!

By: Lauren Scarpa

If you’ve eaten in the Yankee Doodle Tap Room within the past 11 months, then you’ve experienced the culinary delights of Chef Nino LoCascio. Not only are his dishes delicious, but they’re visually beautiful – they have to be since we ‘eat with our eyes first.’

Trained at The Restaurant School of Philadelphia at Walnut Hill College, Chef Nino’s always had an interest in creating food people enjoy eating, a trait he inherited from his parents who owned and operated a bakery in Northern, NJ – where he’s from.

After graduating, Chef Nino went to work in establishments in Philadelphia as well as NJ where he perfected his craft. And now, his resume resembles a “who’s who’ in the culinary world. His dishes have appeared in restaurants, hotels, and country clubs where celebrities like Donald Trump and famous athletes often dined. He even opened his own restaurant named Nino’s Trattoria, which he later sold and ultimately led him to the Tap Room where he’s been satisfying the bellies of our patrons. Here, he leads a team of talented cooks who cater to guests every need.

“The best part about doing what I do is seeing the reaction from people after enjoying a meal I created,” said the Chef.

In addition to helming the kitchen, Chef Nino likes to participate in community events. He’s hosted tasting nights where he’s won over attendees with his charm and good bites.

Although Chef Nino spends a lot of time developing menus and plating great food, he does enjoy life outside of the kitchen as well. In his spare time, he likes spending time with his Italian family with whom he’s very close; he enjoys being outdoors – fishing and hunting, spending time at the beach, having a BBQ and/or cocktails with friends; he’s also a big traveler – going to Sicily as often as he can!

Whether he’s preparing savory or sweet dishes (he’s also a trained pastry chef), Chef Nino’s goal is simple: prepare delicious meals using fresh ingredients in interesting ways. If you haven’t tried one of the Chef’s meals, we invite you to come in! And if you have, we invite you to return! Ask your server to meet the man behind your meal – you’ll be glad you did.

By: Lauren Scarpa

Are you Following, Friending, Tweeting, Checking-in, Pinning, Adding, Blogging, or Circling? If you’re signed up on any form of social media platform, you sure are… Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Foursquare, Pinterest, LinkdIn, Blogs, Google+, oh my!

Who really thought that our dependency on technology and its capabilities would be where it is today? Over the past 5 years alone, social media’s grasp on the public exploded. What was once a way to keep in touch with family and friends has now become a powerhouse of branding and recognition.

Just how powerful is social media? Well, ordinary people become huge celebrities (Justin Beiber), products launch with overwhelming success (iPad, iPhone, heck… any new Apple product), important causes receive recognition (Susan G. Komen, ASPCA), newsworthy topics spread like wildfire (Alec Baldin/Words with Friends, Kevin Smith/Southwest Airlines), new recipes revolutionize the blogosphere (Pioneer Woman).

According to the Pew Research Center, 66% of adults are using some form of social media and those numbers continue to rise. Raise your hand if your mom or dad is on Facebook! In comparison, Internet Initiatives, states that 77% of companies use social media as an integral part of their sales and marketing. Numbers don’t lie and neither do results.

The impact is greater than anyone ever expected and people are figuring out how to use it to the best advantage, especially with the potential to captivate audiences not previously reached. It’s introduced us to brands we may not have heard of but now love!

One brand that enraptured me through social media is Lululemon Athletica. Lucky for me, it’s conveniently located right on Nassau Street, a mere 5 minute walk from the Nassau Inn; unlucky for my wallet though.

Anyone else have a similar story? Do tell!

Bottom line, make social media work for you and remember to participate! Share links and posts, retweet, check in, and most of all, comment! Feedback provides the platform for improvement.

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the social media world or a seasoned veteran, there’s something in it for everyone. The best part about using social media is that it benefits you, the customers.

If you follow your favorite stores, restaurants, or brands, you are capable of finding out about:
Upcoming sales – Who doesn’t love a good sale?
Specials or promotions – Yankee Doodle Tap Room lunch and dinner specials!
Entertainment – Favorite musician coming to town or an art exhibit coming to a venue near you.
New trends – Tablets vs. computers or smart phones vs. smarter phones.

Oh, and don’t forget to follow the Nassau Inn (@Nassauinn) on Facebook and Twitter. We have a lot of new updates coming regarding construction, plus the Yankee Doodle Tap Room has exciting activities and specials coming that you won’t want to miss out on!

Are you Following?

(See what I did there?) See you in the social media world!

By: Lauren Scarpa

By: Jackie Brigante

February is a unique month. Not only is Valentine’s Day celebrated; but it is the shortest month of the year (and a leap year!) which gives hope to a quick end of the winter and a foreseeable spring. The Nassau Inn is celebrating February in style this year with a very special Valentine’s Day overnight package, a succulent special menu and a wedding sale for the economically savvy husband and wife to be.

With February 14th on the mind, a romantic weekend getaway is the perfect way to curb those apprehensive thoughts of how to spend your day. The glorified Escape to Romance Package is a fun destination idea for any couple to enjoy some alone time and relax in the lap of luxury. With a complimentary late check-out and turndown service, gourmet chocolates and breakfast and a four-course dinner for two, a Princeton escape is ideal. This package offers all of the glorified Valentine’s Day norms with the exciting flair of an elegant escape.

Escape to Romance today; and share this intriguing venture with our guests!

If an overnight stay is not in your budget this year; have no fear! The Yankee Doodle Tap Room is offering a delectable Valentine’s Day menu; complete with fares for any palate. With a first course of soup and a palatable second course of salad, get your taste buds tantalized for a mouth-watering main course: Filet Mignon, Pan Seared Tilapia or juicy Pecan Crusted Chicken. No Valentine’s Day would be complete without a sweet way to end a romantic meal. The choice of Chocolate Cake with a Bittersweet Fudge Filling or Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake will make any sweet tooth blissful.

See the complete Valentine’s Day menu here – and share with family, friends and guests!

If February has wedding bells chiming in your heart from post-holiday engagements; you have come to the right place! Brides and grooms are in a post-engagement paradise, and Nassau Inn can fulfill those wedding dreams. By booking your wedding between February 1st through 29th you can receive a 15% discount off of the Gold or Romance packages with weddings booked in the lavish Palmer Room.

For details on booking a wedding; click here!
See all of the details of the Gold and Romance wedding packages!

February is a time for love, and opening up your heart to all Princeton has to offer will not cease to amaze even the toughest of Valentine’s Day critics. Enjoy this holiday and be sure to keep all of the people that are important close to you.

By: Keir DeFonzo

Growing up in Concord, Massachusetts; I have vivid memories of being part of a community that took pride in its role of American history. Concord is a town known the start of the American Revolution and the “shot heard round the world”. Its landmarks are what make the town what it is today with the Old

North Bridge, Louisa May Alcott’s House, Walden Pond and of course the old Colonial Inn; which is located in the heart of Concord. The Colonial Inn was and still is a place for locals and visitors to gather socially or a base to find out the things to do in the area. Since I have been living close to Princeton and working at the Nassau Inn, I can relate to the significance it holds for the town and our guests.

Nassau Inn has planned events for decades with people whom have fond memories of out establishment from their childhood. Mothers have come with their daughters whose dream was to have a Nassau Inn wedding. One woman planned her mother’s 90th birthday party here. The Inn was a residence for their family back in the 1960’s as their home was being built in Princeton. The most recent event that that touched me greatly was a daughter whom planned her mother’s memorial service in our Palmer room. She felt this was the best place to celebrate her parent’s life since they were married here back in 1941.

There are so many comforts the Inn provides that make people feel at home. Whether it’s a quiet, comfortable spot in the Lobby to read a book, grab a hot cup of coffee and a homemade cookie at the end of the day, meet a friend in the Tap Room for a drink, grab information on local events at the front desk or even stop in to use the restrooms after a rigorous day of shopping on Nassau Street. The Nassau Inn is woven into the fabric of Princeton’s past, present and future.

Generations come here year after year because it is a place which remains constant in a society that is

rapidly changing. With the advancement of technology, communication is driven more through a computer screen. One thing, however, remains constant: our desire for face to face hospitality and the need for human relationships. People still enjoy a couch by the fireplace to read. People still love to receive a warm greeting and smile when entering the establishment. People still fantasize about big family celebrations happening in the Prince William ballroom. All the modern day advancements that make life more convenient will never replace the feeling you get from having a place to go where you are made to feel you belong. The Nassau Inn serves as this place for everyone; the door is always open, season after season, year after year. Just as I reminisce about the Colonial Inn and Concord as always being the original place I called home, this is where memories are made, dreams come true and a place to call your home away from home.

Natural Leaders: Leaders influence, mold, and encourage others. For my years working for and along side Lori Rabon it is no wonder she is the 2011 Business Leader of the Year by the Princeton Regional Chamber of Commerce. This is a well-deserved award for a person regarded as a natural, dedicated and hard working leader. I am honored and very proud to know and support Lori Rabon: a natural leader.

Congratulations, Lori!

Frank A. O’Reilly; Director of Operations

I was hired in the early 90’s as the manager for Palmer’s Restaurant. Since I was new to the area and having experience only in a full service restaurant, I was most fortunate to meet Lori when she was the Assistant Controller. I knew then that she had a wealth of knowledge and great leadership skills and was willing to share her experiences with me.

Lori was a great leader back then and showed she was capable of much more. It was a great day when Lori became our General Manager: the hotel and employees have never been in better hands. It will always be my pleasure to serve her and watch this great establishment grow under the leadership and passion Lori has for this property.

Jim Byrnes; Director of Food and Beverage

I have had the great honor of working with Lori Rabon for the past 18 years. She has been an incredible mentor to me both professionally and personally. The passion that Lori has for her “home”, the Nassau Inn, is contagious and unmeasured.

Lori has managed to raise a family of five children while simultaneously increasing the success of the Inn. This effortless focus and constant energy in the community has earned her this great honor of a true business leader.

Congratulations, Lori!

Mariela Blanco; Director of Sales and Revenue

Leadership personified: This is the first phrase that comes to mind when asked to describe Lori Rabon.
It is truly a rare blessing that someone will come into your life and have a truly profound effect on the rest of it. Yet when I met Lori Rabon six years ago, that is exactly what happened. There is no measure to all that I have learned in her presence, there is no way to quantify my gratitude or put into words all that I have personally and professionally gained in my time with Lori.

It is no surprise that the one I have learned so much from, stood in admiration of and am forever appreciative to, has been named Business Leader of the Year. Lori Rabon is most deserving and I hope that our tireless leader will take a moment to reflect on all of her great many accomplishments. It has been a true honor and pleasure to work for and alongside Lori Rabon.

Congratulations to you Lori, it is well earned and I am proud to be a part of your team.

Nick Ballas; Director of Rooms