Slip into 1920s with Cured Plate’s unique dining experience

 

MILFORD — Servers wearing 1920s attire. Light-up menus. Customer-designed charcuterie boards.

The Cured Plate, which opened Feb. 13, is providing one of the most unique dining experiences in the area, and it’s proven popular with diners in the region.

The charcuterie-based restaurant has not had an empty seat since the doors opened. and customers are posting rave reviews on social media.

“For most people, this is an experience that you have never had in your life. It’s NOT like a regular restaurant. It’s very small, but very doable, very soft, low lighting! It’s a cozy, ‘chill’ atmosphere,” Cheryl Satterfield Nash posted after her first visit. 

“Everything is very unique. A terrific place for some good conversation. I expect this place to be a real hit in Milford. My guess is, they’ll have to find a bigger space, because this idea is so great for this town.”

Nash was not alone in her praise.

“Love the vibe it gives off and the food was amazing,” Joey Shipley commented. “Definitely can see the time and effort put in to present the food, very unique experience and will definitely be back! Fell in love with the place as soon as I walked in.”

 

Cured Plate ambiance

Upon entering the new restaurant, guests are greeted by staff wearing 1920s attire.

 The restaurant is small with several cocktail-style tables in the center that seat two, sofas on each wall with seating for between four and six, plus two U-shaped tables in the front seat eight.

It’s dark in the restaurant because the owners wanted to keep it in the style of a 1920s speakeasy, and those were “hidden” from the government during Prohibition. 

To help diners adjust to the darkness, each table or seating area has individual lights that can be adjusted for those who need more lighting. 

As a bonus, when the menus open, they light up, providing additional illumination.

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The menu includes appetizers such as baked brie, mac and cheese skillets, stuffed dates and more.

Entrees include two cheese boards which can be built for two ($50), four or six people.

There are also salmon or chicken skewers, Buffalo mac and cheese, chicken and waffles along with other options.

Each charcuterie board is custom made with guests choosing from cheeses, meats and jams.

The boards are works of art with meats arranged in the shape of roses, grapes positioned perfectly and additional items like candied nuts sprinkled throughout.

Entrees are well proportioned as well.

The lounge includes a small bar that seats eight comfortably.

The bar is limited to specific liquors, like Uncle Nearest Whiskey, in keeping with the 1920s theme. They do offer a small selection of beer, including Dogfish and Michelob Ultra. The wine selection is also topnotch. 

However, when visiting, guests may want to consider some of the unique specialty cocktails designed after those popular in the 1920s.

“We’ve spent years researching and taste testing to bring the best of an era,” said co-owner Liz Klingensmith. “We have artfully created cocktails that represent the Prohibition era, and our signature selection is solely based on that time period.”

The Cured Plate recommends reservations and, for the time being, they must be made by phone by calling 302-242-0487. The owners hope to eventually offer online reservations. Walk-ins are accommodated if there’s availability.

Find the restaurant  at 27 South Walnut Street, Suite 103, in downtown Milford. It’s open Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m. and is closed Sunday through Tuesday.