Café Cimino has been featured in several newspapers and travel guides this past summer, but not too many people know of its connections with Calhoun County.

Tim and Melody Urbanic reside near Chloe. Tim came to the area in 1973 and Melody came in 1989.

Café Cimino Country Inn is a family business that spans three generations, from Grandma Cimino, who taught Tim about food and cooking, to Tim, who taught his son Eli the same traditional Italian recipes.

Café Cimino opened on Valentine’s Day in 1999, and operated in a renovated hardware store for eight years in downtown Sutton.

Tim Urbanic had a lifelong dream to own his own restaurant.

Melody said, “For 10 years, we kept driving to Sutton from our farm in Calhoun County because our daughter Jessi was in the plays there (at Landmark Studio for the Arts).”

As an amateur chef, Tim would often find himself pre-paring meals for the guests who would attend the community theater. His food was so special that he soon had quite a following, and became more serious about fulfilling his dream.

One day, they were standing in front of an old hardware store, which was for sale. They realized the beauty of the surrounding neighborhood, so they used their retirement savings to buy the structure.

They worked with the W.Va. Dept. of Historic Preservation to restore its original authenticity. The unique tin ceiling and the American chestnut floors provided the setting for the good food they were capable of preparing. The fulfillment of a dream was started.

Café Cimino was named for Tim’s maternal side of the family. Grandma and Grandpa Cimino were Italian immigrants who taught him about food -- from appreciating the ethnic flavors, to growing the herbs and vegetables, to cooking the famous Cimino family recipes.

Earlier this year, the Urbanics acquired the 103-year-old P.J. Berry Estate at the end of town on the Elk River. It had operated for a time as a bed and breakfast, but had been vacant for several years.

The Urbanics, family, and staff revived the mansion so that they could serve their guests in a real “home.” and another part of the dream was fulfilled.

The family tradition continued, with Executive Sous Chef Eli working by his father’s side, and Melody working to market the business and run “the front of the house” where guests enjoyed their meals.

The staff also includes Sous Chef Lee Rush, a Calhoun resident, and Sous Chef Chad Mathes, a Webster resident.

All specialize in Southern Italian cuisine and Euro/Mediterranean dishes. Whenever possible, they use organically grown herbs and vegetables from the family farm and local vendors.

The Inn offers guests 10 beautiful and comfortable rooms, all with private baths. There are many relaxing spots for memory making.

The grounds ramble along the river, and with 500 feet of river access, it invites fishermen to try their skill at fly fishing, as well as trout fishing. There is also canoe and kayak access adjacent to the Inn.

A secluded country road leads to Sutton Dam, less than a mile away. Landmark Studio for the Arts is near enough that a visitor can enjoy a special dinner, cross the street to see a play, and return to the Inn for dessert and coffee.

The new setting offers space for small groups, as well as regular dinner guests.

The staff, which includes six wait staff, two server attendants, two hostesses, a bartender, and a housekeeper, is attentive to their customers’ needs.

Café Cimino is more than a nice restaurant, it is a destination.

For reservations or information, call 1-877-9CIMINO  (924-6466) or 304-765-2913, or   visit www.cafeciminocountryinn.com, where all 10 rooms can be viewed, along with information about the restaurant, menu and inn.