By Paul Post
Denver Semon developed a strong following as chef at the former Flight and Aviator restaurants in Glens Falls and Queensbury, respectively.
Now she’s taking off with her own new eatery, Scratch Kitchen, at 199 Warren Street in Glens Falls, directly across from the south end of McDonald Street.
The quaint, tastefully decorated establishment brings a touch of country to the city as Semon makes her own breads, soups and sausage meats complemented by fresh herbs, veggies and colorful cut flowers, available for sale, which she raises at home.
“Everything’s going to be made from scratch,” she said. “My own breads, my own roast turkey. I’ve done this for others for a long time. Chefs work a lot of hours. I just thought, if I’m going to work that many hours I might as well do it for myself.”
Originally from a Finger Lakes small town, Semon moved to Glens Falls in 1998 and has also worked at The Sagamore and as executive chef for Point O’Pines Girls Camp in Brant Lake. Her career also took her to Williamsburg, Va., before moving back to Glens Falls.
“This area just speaks to me,” she said. “Glens Falls still has a small-town feel, but all the amenities, benefits and attractions of a larger city. There’s a lot going on. It’s an up-and-coming area and I want to be a part of it.”
Semon graduated from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, but credits her grandmother’s cooking skills for giving her a lifelong love for food.
“My grandparents had a hobby beef cattle farm,” she said. “My grandmother was an amazing cook as many grandmothers are. She inspired me and it was always a passion of mine. I kind of knew from a very young age that I was going to go into this industry.”
Scratch Kitchen is conveniently located at a busy three-way intersection that generates considerable traffic throughout the day. Semon is leasing space from building owner Matt Hummel.
Restaurant hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. It’s specifically geared for breakfast and lunch patrons, but take-outs are available for pickup or Door Dash delivery and Semon is considering plans for twice-monthly dinners that people can sign up for and Sunday brunch might be offered in weeks to come.
“I have a clientele of people who have followed me from restaurant to restaurant,” she said. “I’m doing something different now, but there’s a lot of excitement, a lot of support. I started my Scratch Kitchen Facebook page, put a post out and it blew up in just a few days.”
Semon believes the Warren Street corridor is ripe for revitalization, similar to efforts currently taking place on South Street as downtown’s economic vitality expands outward. Simons Heating and Cooling Inc. recently opened spacious new headquarters at the corner of Warren Street and Oakland Avenue, and plans call for a fairly large new residential development at a vacant lot adjacent to Simon’s.
Semon hopes this will generate foot traffic for Scratch Kitchen, just down the street. The cozy setting has a patio for outdoor seating when weather permits.
The menu has a wide offering of typical breakfast fare including eggs, pancakes and French toast with a high priority on tasty breakfast sandwiches.
Drawing on her fine dining experience, lunch is a “really unique offering” of sandwiches, soups and salads, Semon said.
“It’s really coming from a chef’s perspective,” she said.
During the past year, Semon also obtained a nursery license that allows her to sell plants, vegetables and flowers, enhancing the restaurant’s bright atmosphere.
“I’ve always had a big garden,” she said. “I’d love to provide as many herbs and vegetables as I can from my place.”