Daughter & Owner Elissa Potts with founder and father, Maestro Dolph Traymon
Our Story
“Before Dolph Traymon opened the Fife n’ Drum and became a larger-than-life figure in town, he was born Adolph Tramontana in Manhattan. And although known locally for his restaurant and musical talent, the Fife was something of a third act for the man who was friends with Frank Sinatra, shared stages with Milton Berle, and toured with Peggy Lee.”
“After a career in music, Dolph decided he’d carve out his own little place in show business and put it in Kent, said his daughter Elissa Potts. “He decided at the age of 50 or so” that he would put a piano bar and restaurant on North Main Street in the one-stoplight New England town. And most every night since, he played the Steinway for hours on end, with only a break for dinner, she said.” —Barry Lytton Published 6:18 pm, Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Fifty-two years later, and we’re still here and the Live Music still continues.
THE RESTAURANT | At the Fife ‘n Drum, our menu changes seasonally. Our Daily Specials are designed around what is available seasonally. When it’s possible, we use produce from local and nearby farms. Specialties of the House are prepared at table-side and include Caesar Salad for Two, Filet Mignon au Poivre and Roast Half Duck Flambé. Vegetarian dishes are on all our menus, as well as vegan and gluten free. If you have a special dietary request, just ask and we will do everything we can to accommodate your needs. All of our menu items are available for Take Out. If you are running late, just give us a call and we will have it ready for you when you arrive.
Fine Dining
The menus and specials are constantly changing to reflect the seasons using local farms to provide ingredients whenever possible. Specialties of the House are prepared at table-side and include Caesar Salad for Two, Filet Mignon au Poivre and Roast Half Duck Flambe. Fresh fish, pasta and poultry round out the lunch and dinner menus. We offer at least one vegetarian dish every day, and with proper notification we can accommodate your need for vegan, gluten free or heart healthy dishes for you and your guests. All of our menu items are available for Take Out – just call ahead to have your order ready when you arrive…..and make sure to ask about our daily Lunch & Dinner Specials.
Live Music at the Fife
Piano, guitar, saxophone, vocals. Utilizing a talented roster of regional musicians from George Potts & the Joint Chiefs to R & B singer Wanda Houston to pianists Larry Ham and David Grausman (to name but a few) and sometimes spontaneous performances by Broadway performers, the Fife follows the musical tradition established by Dolph Traymon 45 years ago. A beloved pianist and composer, Dolph was famous for playing every night at the Fife until he was 97.
Larry Ham & David Grausman
The David Armstrong Room
Upon entering the Fife ‘n Drum, the David Armstrong Room will be on your left. The David Armstrong Room offers a dining experience that is casual by day, and dramatic by night. With its high ceilings, large fireplace, brick and wood paneled decor, this room is used for lunch and dinner each day. During the cooler months, the table next to the Fireplace, is the most sought-after seat. On the walls are the prints of the late local artist, David Armstrong. These marvelous prints are a tribute to Kent: several are favorite local spots of the artist in and around town: “Numeral Rock” and “Preservation” while the portraits are of people whom the artist grew up with, “The Old Man,” his father Bill Armstrong, a legendary master at Kent School, “Eric Sloane” weatherman, fellow artist and collector of Americana, and Bart Segar, the heir to the 200 acre dairy farm located on Segar Mountain now known as Rte 341.
The Eric Sloane Room
PERFECT FOR MEETINGS & PRIVATE FUNCTIONS | When you arrive at the Fife, the Eric Sloane Room is located just to the right. The elegant ambiance of the room is the more formal side of the Fife ‘n Drum, the original Main Dining Room. The walls are decorated with signed Artists’ Proofs by the late New England artist, Eric Sloane. The beamed low ceiling dining room, a construction style typical of the early 1900’s, is now used mostly for private parties, meetings and holiday dinners. In addition, Small Weddings, Private Parties, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Conferences, Private Luncheons and Dinners are usually accommodated in this room.
The Glass Room
PRIVATE PARTIES FOR UP TO 50 PEOPLE | The Glass Room was built in 2003 to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Fife ‘n Drum. As you walk through the David Armstrong Room, it is located on the south side of the building. With its high ceiling and large glass windows, this dining room is a wonderful addition for lunch, dinner, or small private parties. The fireplace in the winter makes it cozy and warm.
