Alumni
Alumni Association: Profile
Randall J. Brown ’89 dishes up fantastic food and folklore
(February 21, 2011)
PHOTO ABOVE: SUNYIT graduate Randall J. Brown ’89 and his wife, Lynn, who attended SUNYIT in 1996-97, own and manage the historic Beardslee Castle.
Randall J. Brown ’89 and his business were once again featured on national television. As the Chef/Owner of the historic Beardslee Castle (www.beardsleecastle.com), which serves some of the best tasting, creative fare in Central New York, one would think this TV episode would focus on the business’ menu and Brown’s culinary skills. While that aspect could be a broadcast segment in itself, given the impressive dining reviews the restaurant has received under Brown’s 17-year leadership, this show focused on something that Beardslee Castle has developed a reputation for during the building’s 151-year history: ghosts.
On November 3, 2010, during season six of “Ghost Hunters” on the Syfy Channel, the results of a three-night paranormal investigation of Beardslee Castle were revealed. The first 24 minutes of the episode show a six-person team from TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) visiting in July 2010, a tour of the facilities with Brown, video and audio of suspicious activities, and the investigation findings. The show can be viewed in full on Syfy Rewind at www.syfy.com/rewind/gh/1257885.
The investigation stemmed from Beardslee Castle being named a top-three finalist in the Great American Ghost Hunt contest, announced during the “Ghost Hunters Live” 2008 Halloween TV special. Beardslee Castle was also featured on national television in October 1999 on the History Channel’s “Haunted History” show.
Beardslee Castle has been big business for its small town of Little Falls, NY, just 75 minutes east of Syracuse and 60 minutes west of Albany, drawing visitors interested in its food, folklore and fun. The attraction is summarized by Albany’s Metroland (www.metroland.net): “A wonderful survey of American fare, new and old, served in an actual castle…that’s not only an attractive building but also haunted!” This alternative newsweekly of New York’s Capital Region named Beardslee Castle “Best Restaurant Worth the Drive” in 2004 and 2006.
Brown, who majored in computer/information science at SUNYIT, would cook for his fellow SUNYIT fraternity brothers, hosting large meals such as Thanksgiving dinner. Further expanding on his culinary interests, he was employed at the castle under its previous owner in the early 80s, and held various restaurant positions while taking classes.
Brown enjoyed his computer science coursework at SUNYIT; however, holding a real-world computer-related job was a far different experience. “When I interviewed for my first computer job, I thought, ‘This is not for me. I can’t sit in a cubicle all my life,’” he explained during a recent Beardslee Castle visit. Brown added that, even though he chose to pursue cuisine over computers, he credits SUNYIT with a wonderful experience in and out of the classroom, in particular citing the impact of Professor Roger Cavallo.
Choosing cuisine over computers was further spurred by fate. In 1989, within months of Brown’s SUNYIT graduation, a fire destroyed over 1500 square feet of the castle’s kitchen area, with water continuing to damage the building over the next three years while it was virtually abandoned. Brown purchased it and spent nearly 18 months of cleaning and restoration for its reopening in 1994 as Beardslee Castle. Nearly every square inch has been restored or rebuilt. He told a reporter: “It’s hard work but it’s a lot of fun. It’s such a compelling building and it’s a really cool spot.”
As the photos of menu items below attest, being at Beardslee Castle to savor its flavors and folklore is a special experience, one folks today would not be able to enjoy if Brown was working in a cubicle instead of a kitchen. The restaurant’s ghost stories, history, menus, hours for dining rooms and The Dungeon pub, event schedule, wedding packages, and paranormal visit information are posted at www.beardsleecastle.com.
PHOTO ABOVE: Appetizer of 'gator bites' was featured during a recent visit.
PHOTO ABOVE: Menu options include vegetarian/vegan selections such as this entree of fried sesame-dusted tofu cubes, stir fry bok choy, snow peas, red bell peppers, carrots, onion, bamboo shoots & water chestnut with tangy teriyaki sauce.
PHOTOS: Desserts change regularly and feature everything from a special recipe showcasing the sweetness of bananas (above) to the decadence of chocolate with raspberry sauce.
PHOTO ABOVE: The bar downstairs in 'The Dungeon' is a delight to the palate and the eyes with its whimsical memorabilia and broad selection of libations.
PHOTO ABOVE: A private dining area in 'The Dungeon' includes a special guest that’s part of the fun and folklore (visit and see!).
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