Chef Billy Trudsoe’s New Lizzie Keays Kitchen and Cocktails In Warrensburg
A welcome addition to the Lake George dining scene.
Everyone is welcome at Lizzie Keays in Warrensburg. Photos (unless noted) courtesy Lizzie Keays.
Lizzie Keays Kitchen and Cocktails in Warrensburg reopened this summer with major changes in the dining room and the kitchen. It has become a prime dining destination in the Lake George area of the Adirondacks.
Chef Billy Trudsoe, the new chef and owner, is the heart and soul behind this metamorphosis. He has built a reputation as a passionate and creative chef. At Lizzie Keays, he’s cultivated a menu that reflects his connection to regional traditions and his flair for innovative cuisine.
The story behind Lizzie Keays.
Housed in a historic building that was once a shirt factory on the Schroon River in the center of Warrensburg, Lizzie Keays Kitchen and Cocktails pays homage to its past while offering a warm, rustic, and inviting dining atmosphere. The name "Lizzie Keays" is a nod to a seamstress who worked in the factory, adding a touch of local history to the restaurant’s charm.
Chef Trudsoe's Pork Ribeye is a standout.
Since its original incarnation in 2008, the location has been a dining staple for locals and visitors, drawing in patrons with its welcoming vibe, hearty meals, and personal touches. Chef Trudsoe inherited the name and the following, and he’s made significant strides to bring the restaurant to a new standard.
Chef Trudsoe’s journey to Lizzie Keays began with a love for cooking that blossomed at a young age. His culinary roots run deep, having spent years honing his craft in various kitchens across the region before taking over the helm at Lizzie Keays. Trudsoe's approach to cooking is grounded in his belief that food should be an experience that connects people, and he’s always looking to provide something that leaves guests with lasting memories.
Blending traditional and contemporary cuisine.
Chef Trudsoe’s cooking style is a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary influences. His menu balances comforting favorites and modern twists on classic dishes. You’ll find an eclectic range of offerings, from mouthwatering steaks and seafood to creative vegetarian and vegan options. Chef Trudsoe's expertise lies in his ability to cater to various palates while never compromising quality.
Ahi Tuna Toastini
Trudsoe is also known for his dedication to sustainable and responsible cooking practices. His focus on minimizing waste and utilizing each ingredient's full potential is reflected in everything from the kitchen’s efficient use of produce to the thoughtful design of the menu.
A menu that appeals to many palates.
One of Lizzie Keays's highlights is its versatile menu. Guests are treated to a delightful fusion of comfort food with sophisticated flair, showcasing Chef Trudsoe’s ability to turn simple, fresh ingredients into culinary masterpieces.
Over the course of several visits (it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it), several dishes were real standouts:
The delicious diver scallops with gnocchi comes in an appetizer or entree portion. Photo by ADK Taste.
Not your ordinary clam chowder – On our first visit, we ordered the incredible clam chowder, a delicious silky blend of lemon herb cream and roasted cauliflower garnished with six little neck clams, grilled corn and crispy bacon. It was almost a meal unto itself.
Up North salad—This delightful starter features little leaf lettuce, grilled corn salsa, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, blue cheese crumbles and the best truffle parmesan dressing we’ve ever tasted.
Diver scallops—pan-seared with crispy bacon, grilled corn and garlic cream—are available as an appetizer or an entree with wilted spinach and gnocchi.
Sesame tuna – seared sesame encrusted tuna accompanied by cucumber slaw and a delectable wasabi aioli (I brought half of my entree home but insisted on an extra side of the incredible wasabi aioli).
Mushroom ravioli – one of the best pasta dishes we’ve had outside of Italy. Tender pasta pillows filled with cremini mushrooms accompany cherry tomatoes, wilted spinach, smoked feta in walnut, and sundried tomato pesto cream.
Black forest chicken—a dish Trudsoe originated on “Hell’s Kitchen,” is accompanied by a lovely risotto and sherry beurre blanc.
Pork rib eye – a hearty succulent pork chop accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes and grilled corn.
Bring your appetite for Billy Trudsoe's steak board.
The menu includes nightly specials. On our most recent visit, a “Steak Board” featured a grilled-to-order rib-eye, sauteed onions, creamed spinach, a side salad and hasselback potatoes. Vegan and gluten-free options are also offered on the menu.
We appreciated one special touch: the lemon sorbet intermezzo (palate cleanser) between courses. It was a simple but refined and unexpected feature.
Chef Billy Trudsoe’s trial by fire on “Hell’s Kitchen.”
One of the pivotal points in Chef Trudsoe's career was his unforgettable appearance on the popular reality cooking show “Hell’s Kitchen,” hosted by the world-renowned meany Chef Gordon Ramsay. Competing nationally tested Trudsoe’s culinary skills, resilience, and creativity under the most intense conditions.
This exposure propelled Trudsoe’s career forward and helped shape his vision for Lizzie Keays. He pours all the lessons he learned from Ramsay and his time on the show into every meal he creates.
Chef Trudsoe’s seasonal menu planning approach means there’s always something new to try at Lizzie Keays. The restaurant’s menu changes to reflect the best ingredients of each season, ensuring that you’ll be treated to dishes that highlight the freshest local offerings no matter when you visit.
Outstanding service and cozy atmosphere with local charm.
It’s clear that Trudsoe emphasizes outstanding service as part of the overall experience at Lizzie Keays. We were very impressed by the attentive waitstaff who responded to every request and seemed to anticipate our every need. The front of the house was highly adept at providing outstanding customer service.
Not your ordinary clam chowder.
The ambiance at Lizzie Keays is one of the many reasons we keep coming back. Trudsoe updated the restaurant’s historical setting, maintaining traditional elements but freshening the walls with a lovely pale green, fern-hued paint. He also divided the space so the dining room is more intimate, with a second room to handle overflow patrons or private dining.
We found black-and-white photos depicting the original shirt factory, which pay homage to the women who worked there at the turn of the 20th century. These photos are fascinating additions to the decor.
A creative and beautifully plated halibut dish.
In addition to its welcoming dining room, Lizzie Keays offers a lovely patio area in warm weather, perfect for enjoying a meal during Warrensburg's warmer months.
The experience of dining at Lizzie Keays is not just about the food but about creating a space where people feel at home. The friendly and attentive staff contribute to the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, ensuring every guest is treated like family. Whether it’s a quiet dinner for two, a family celebration, or a gathering with friends, the team at Lizzie Keays is dedicated to making each dining experience memorable.
A new dining destination for food lovers in the Adirondacks.
For those visiting the Lake George area or Warrensburg or passing through on their way to explore the Adirondacks, Lizzie Keays is a must-visit dining destination. Chef Billy Trudsoe’s culinary prowess, rich history, and warm, welcoming atmosphere make it a standout choice for locals and travelers alike.
Chef Billy Trudsoe has successfully created something special at Lizzie Keays. The restaurant offers delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals and provides a space where people can connect over food and enjoy a dining experience rooted in local history and community. If you find yourself in Warrensburg, NY, visit Lizzie Keays for a meal that will leave a lasting impression.
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