Kory and Beverly Bates decided that the local area needed a high-quality restaurant with a steak-and-ale menu but also specializing in highly-desired veal, pork, chicken and seafood fare, and served in an elegant setting.

With that concept in mind, the couple opened Chantilly's Restaurant and Banquet Hall in January, located in the former Park Crest School, a landmark at 15 Berkley Street in Barnesville, just off Route 54, and situated across from Ryan Township Fire Company.Beverly Bates is the former Beverly Mashack, Still Creek, a former employee of legendary Scrafford's Inn, Hometown. To give the restaurant a touch of the best of Scrafford's, she recruited the talents of former Scrafford's chef John Fulton of Drums, a Tamaqua native."It's old friends reuniting," said Bates.`The duo worked up a list of entrees to entice local palettes.Veal entrees include francaise, marsala, sorrentino, parmigiana and oskar. Chicken can be served a la torollini alfredo, fra diavolo, tuscany, francaise and a varity of other options. Pork chops can be prepared momtmorency or northwood. Steak Hawaiian is yet another menu option. The place has all of the favorites, along with a wide selection of seafood, such as broiled seafood extravaganza, which includes lobster, scallops, shrimp, filet and clams casino. Highly-desired steak cuts include filet mignon, steak medallions, strip steak au poivre, and New York strip. Children's entrees are offered, as well."It's fine dining and we call it Chantilly's because of how pretty it is inside," said Bates. "It reminds me of Chantilly Lace."The facility features multiple dining areas, original hardwood floors, soundproof walls, and opportunities for dining alfresco.The restaurant hosts weddings, private parties, political rallies and meetings, business dinners and conferences, fundraisers, receptions, birthday parties and just about any kind of social engagement.The banquet hall can accommodate at least 200 and the dining rooms can seat more than 70."We'll do clambakes and pig roasts outside," said Kory Bates. "And we'll be opening the outdoor patio on June 8, which also will inaugurate their schedule of live entertainment, to be announced in the TIMES NEWS.The place also includes two spacious decks and a gazebo. "And the decks will be screened in," said Kory. "Plus, we have a full bar with signature drinks."The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m.However, that schedule will expand, say the owners. On May 1, Chantilly's will open for lunch from 11 to 4 in addition to serving dinners from 4 to 10.Reservations are suggested for parties of more than 4 or 5 individuals. Both Beverly and Kory have extensive experience in customer service, since, collectively, the Mashack and Bates families are owners of about one dozen businesses in Schuylkill County."At Chantilly's, we're focused on providing exceptional services with the highest levels of customer satisfaction," said Beverly. "We will do everything we can to meet your expectations. With a variety of offerings to choose from, we're sure you'll be happy working with us."The menu can be viewed at:

www.chantillys.webs.com. More information is available at (570) 467-8080.