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A Slow Burn Becomes A Brilliant Flame

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#culinary #chef #restaurant #luxurydining
Published
05/26/2025 by

At the 285-year-old Milton Inn — a Maryland landmark that once welcomed Quaker travelers and also served as a school house — Chef Chris Scanga is orchestrating a bold new chapter in American fine dining. As Executive Chef and Co-Owner, Scanga blends reverence for the inn's centuries-old legacy with a daring vision for the future, transforming the historic fieldstone manor into a culinary destination where tradition meets innovation. Chef Scanga draws inspiration from the bounty of the Mid-Atlantic, sourcing exceptional produce, meats, and seafood from more than two dozen of the region's premier farms and purveyors.

Chef Scanga has introduced an evolved dining experience at The Milton Inn, offering guests an even broader expression of his classically-rooted, modern cuisine. His innovative, deeply personal cooking style has swiftly earned him acclaim as one of the most dynamic young talents in the culinary world today.

Chef Scanga explains: "My starting point is always from the perspective of those who are seated in the dining room. What will please them?  What will surprise and delight them?  The menu of The Milton Inn is a natural evolution. It's about familiar favorites, reinterpreted and served in a way that allows for new experiences. It's an opportunity to broaden our offering and deliver a higher experience."

The Dining Room at The Milton Inn offers a refined, multi-course pre-fixe menu that showcases Chef Scanga's creativity, care, and deep connection to the region and its seasons. Set within elegant white-tablecloth spaces, the experience is designed for elevated service and a fully realized culinary journey—complete with curated wine pairings from The Milton Inn's historic cellar.

The Tavern features a relaxed bar and dining space, perfect for casual dinners, spontaneous visits, and lingering conversations. Chef Scanga's seasonal dishes take on a more approachable, familiar style here, paired with innovative cocktails and warm hospitality.

"From the beginning, Chef Chris Scanga's menu has reflected his distinctive and innovative approach — reimagining familiar classics and presenting food in a way that always feels both deeply personal and exciting," says Tony Foreman who acquired The Milton Inn along with Chef Scanga in 2021 and which is now part of the award-winning Tony Foreman + Co. group of restaurants and wine stores. "His range of influences and creativity shine through every dish, and I couldn't be prouder to stand beside him in this next evolution of The Milton Inn."

Tucked amid the rolling countryside of Sparks, Maryland, The Milton Inn occupies a meticulously restored fieldstone estate. Originally a Quaker coach stop, dating to 1740, the building has served variously as a schoolhouse—where John Wilkes Booth was once a student—and later, as an antiques shop before its evolution into a revered fine-dining destination for over 70 years.

Today, The Milton Inn channels the rustic romance of a French hunting lodge, blending historic charm with contemporary elegance. Chef Scanga's commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence is evident at every turn, celebrating the richness of the Mid-Atlantic through menus that honor tradition, innovation, and a deep respect for the land.

A selection of photographs of The Milton Inn and culinary offerings can be found at: MILTON INN PHOTOS

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