Deer Lodge celebrates storied past
by Tracey Ryder

Rustic style and western elegance define Ojai's revitalized Deer Lodge restaurant, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this weekend. In honor of the milestone, owners Lisa and Jerry Kenton, who purchased the property in 1999, are throwing a Wild West party in its honor this Sunday.
From noon until 6 p.m., they will present everything from a barbecue and pig roast, to mechanical bull riding, to black jack and more.
Built in 1932 as a general store where travelers could pick up picnic supplies and ice, it also served as a place for hunters to skin deer, hence the name. In the 1930s and '40s its basement was reputed to be a secret gathering spot for gamblers and ladies of the night, and in 1947 it was transformed yet again into a popular bar and dance hall. And, by the 1960s, it had become a rugged roadhouse, where cowboys, bikers and hunters could shoot pool, play darts and get into a brawl or two.
Today's Deer Lodge is different. While maintaining an air of rugged independence and individuality, a romantic air has been added. Crackling fires in the fireplaces, candlelight at the tables, and other stylish details are designed to make guests feel like they're living the cowboy high life.
Much of this recent transformation is due to the vision of owner Lisa Kenton, whose has a contagious love and respect for the lodge. In fact, the Kentons will tell you that they believe the building picked them rather than the other way around. The relationship between owners and landmark lodge is clearly a meant-to-be, given the enthusiastic crowds that frequent their dining room day after day.
"I'm going to make this place the best it can be," said Lisa Kenton. "Spending time here over the past three years has taught me what our real purpose in buying this place is, and that is to revitalize a piece of Ojai history. When you walk through the door here, you're part of something. It's not only about the food, it's about the legend of the place.
Not only is the history of the place significant to today's patrons, but so is the food, entertainment, full bar and wine list, each of which has been greatly expanded under the Kenton's ownership. Chef Sal Gallegos, who the Kentons describe as being a "master of soups and sauces," serves many diverse dishes, from fresh seafood, to the World Famous Wild Game Plate, to Sunday's Bodacious BBQ. The rustic bar is fully stocked with a unique selection of local wines and serves many house specialty drinks, including a blushing pineapple martini and specially labeled single malt Deer Lodge Jack Daniels.
Through seven decades of history and constant use, countless numbers of guests have enjoyed their visits to this haven from the outside world. Countless more are expected in the next seven decades.
The Deer Lodge is located at 2261 Maricopa Highway and can be reached by calling 646-4256.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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