Bucks County Taste » Restaurants

The year in food: Bucks County 2011

Lynne Goldman — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:39:34 +0000

It’s common at this time of year to look back and reflect on the year that has been. It’s been a good one for Bucks County food. I’ve been privileged to write about many interesting people and great food. As I reviewed my posts, I decided that rather than do a “best of” piece, I’d share some of my favorites with you.

The year began cold as always but we were warmed by a wonderful scotch dinner at the Yardley Inn. This is an annual affair which takes place on the Sunday of Martin Luther King Day weekend. Even my husband – the bourbon aficionado – enjoyed the event and changed his mind about scotch (!). I have been a fan of single malt scotch for quite some time so it was heaven for me. Sitting down at our table and seeing five glasses of golden liquid at my place setting sent my heart soaring. And each of the scotches was paired with dishes that complemented and enhanced them. Chef Eben Copple created the menu and walked us through the background of each whiskey. To read more about the event, click here.

Another way to warm up in the middle of winter is to forego the usual Superbowl fare and go for barbecue instead. In February I posted about good BBQ places in Bucks. It’s a great list to draw from and certainly beats nachos for a football afternoon.

In March I had my 15 minutes of fame (probably more like five). I was part of the audience for the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives episode at the Pineville Tavern, and, well, the DDD producer liked my “sound bite” – a lot. Imagine my surprise, as I sat at the crowded PVT bar watching the episode for the first time and I saw my face on the big screen TV. Yikes. It has been fun this year as the episode is replayed (many times) and friends happen to catch it, not expecting to see someone they know on TV. Thanks to the Pineville and their great ravioli. You can read about it at Here Comes Guy Fieri.

In June, my partner, Alan Brown, and I launched a new venture called Bucks County Food Tours. We take folks on five-hour tours of some of the best food in Bucks, visiting bakeries, farms, cheesemakers, ice creameries, orchards, butchers and more. It’s a delicious and interesting day, meeting the people who produce and grow great food in Bucks. To learn more about the tours, including itineraries, click here.

One of our regular stops on the tours is oWowCow Creamery, now in Wrightstown as well as Ottsville, where we get a chance to chat with owner and ice cream maker John Fezzuoglio. oWow Cow relies heavily on local and organic ingredients for their innovative and fresh ice cream. Read more about them here in a post I did when they opened in Wrightstown this past July.

On Bucks County Taste I’m always trying to give exposure to what’s good in our own backyards, so to speak. But I can’t be everywhere at once! That’s why I asked you, my audience, what places you’d recommend as “don’t miss” food in Bucks. The result is a page full of restaurants, markets, ice cream, farms and other food producers. Check out the list here and add any of your favorites using the comment feature.

One of our favorite meals to eat out is breakfast and Bucks County is fortunate to have many good places. In our post, Breakfast in Bucks, we focus on three particular restaurants – Fred’s Breakfast Club (New Hope), the Vintage Grille (Fountainville) and Vera’s Country Café (Ottsville) – and then list almost three dozen breakfast spots in Bucks and nearby. Peruse the list and see if you can find a new breakfast place to try.

I don’t do many restaurant features but this year gave me the opportunity to do several, among them Hickory Kitchen in Doylestown and the Café Blue Moose in New Hope. Hickory Kitchen is one of our favorite places for barbecue, but that’s not all they do. The menu is versatile and truly has something for everyone. Café Blue Moose, which just opened in New Hope, is a youth-run restaurant. Skylar Bird, its owner and prime force, employs only teens. The enterprise used to be only a weekly event at his family’s converted mill but now Skylar has brought it to a permanent location in New Hope next to Zoubi’s on Mechanic Street. Read the post to learn more about Skylar and this new restaurant.

The Coffee Scoop is another of my favorite posts and one of the only organic coffee roasters in Pennsylvania. From their home in Pipersville, Karen and Warren May roast, package and distribute fresh organic coffee beans. I learned a lot about coffee while doing the article and gained a new appreciation for freshly roasted coffee. Read more here.

If you’ve a regular reader of Bucks County Taste you probably know of my love of cheese. I had the opportunity to interview Nina and Jonathan White of Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse, where they produce fine artisanal cheese and fresh baked goods. I also learned how to make matzah from Nina. What fun. Read more about Bobolink here and see the video of matzah making here.

One of the most exciting developments in Bucks County is the increase in access to local and organic foods. Distribution is always the challenge but two organizations, Suburban Organics and Winter Sun Farms, offer new ways of getting quality food into your home. Suburban Organics delivers organic food right to your doorstep. Learn more about this Ottsville company here. Winter Sun Farms uses the CSA (community supported agriculture) model to distribute freshly frozen (right at harvest) vegetables and fruit, cleaned, cut and ready for cooking all winter long. Read the article about them here.

Learning about Castle Valley Mill, the first grain mill to operate in Bucks County in decades, was one of the highlights of the year for me. Seeing the mill machinery first hand was fascinating. Even more exciting is knowing that soon (hopefully this spring) Mark Fischer, owner of the mill, will have the old, water-powered mill operating too. Check out the article and photos here.

Wrapping up the year was a story I did after speaking with local chefs, “Holiday memories: the good, the bad and the ugly.” I asked them about their food holiday memories and was warmed by the responses as one after another they shared family stories of preparing and eating. The big surprise was the prevalence of Jell-o! Ah well.

I hope it has been a good year for you and your family, and I hope that the New Year is an even better one. Wishing you good health and good eating.

2011 – Best wings in (Upper) Bucks County

Lynne Goldman — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:31:36 +0000

by guest bloggers Jack Scott and Brent Gobrecht,

This year brings upon a unique situation to me, Brent Gobrecht, and the rest of the ViperClub. The best wings I have eaten in Bucks County this year are not going to be awarded the number one spot. These wings didn’t need to be ordered in a special way. They weren’t masked with confusing, exotic flavors. They were just brilliantly prepared Buffalo style hot wings. There, as I eagerly dove into my second wing at the Wycombe Pub and Grill, it took nearly all of my military training to contain some semblance of professional composure and not scream out in poultry-induced ecstasy, fist pump to the angels spinning a wild stave in my head, force my way into the kitchen, and kiss the chef. I’ve learned that this type of reaction draws the attention of local law enforcement. Then, like a little boy presented with the only thing sought for Christmas being ripped from my hands by the likes of jolly old St. Nicolas himself cruelly, laughing all the way, I learned the devastating reality that in just five short days, the Wycombe Pub and Grill would be closing their doors indefinitely. I made the decision that night. Even though these were the best wings I’ve eaten in 2011, I would not be putting them in the number one spot given that you, the reader, would not be able to experience them for yourself (if you haven’t already).

New to our top ten list are two places just on the edge of Bucks County, the Naceville Hotel at number three and the Jamison Publick House at number five. The Jamison Publick House is so close to the border that I don’t believe it has a Bucks County mailing address. I’ve checked the satellite image though, and the building itself is plainly in Upper Bucks County. While I was at the Naceville Hotel, I learned that the wing chef and I have met before, so to speak. Apparently, he used to work at Big Daddy’s Wagon Wheel Tavern (4th). He has brought his knowledge to Naceville with extraordinary success and got the Hotel not only on the top ten list, but into third place!

Seeking out some excellent wings in Upper Bucks County is no more convenient than getting yourself into Riegelsville. Both the Riegelsville Inn and the Riegelsville Tavern have locked up the two and eight spots respectively. Like the Wycombe Pub and Grill, the Riegelsville Inn’s wings are ordered basic, no special instructions to the chef, no confusing exotic flavors. This means that the Riegelsville Inn has a consistently delicious wing, with a near perfect crisp. Moreover, if there is only one wing aficionado in your group, it’s still safe to make your dinner reservations. Everything on the menu at the Riegelsville Inn is delicious and fairly priced. I am however, curious, as to the relationship between the Inn and the Riegelsville Tavern which sits just down the road. If there isn’t a rivalry already, I’m afraid that one is about to begin. Having two not just decent places to get wings in such close proximity, but two of the BEST places to get wings in Bucks County in such close proximity will undoubtedly develop loyal legions of devoted fans convinced that their place is the better. And that folks; spells out a recipe for a rivalry that is nothing short of Ford and Chevy, Phillies and Yankees, cats and dogs, Gibson and Fender, Pats and Geno’s, all rolled into one.

After all is said and done, this year, the ViperClub chooses (for the second year in a row!) the Old Bethlehem Road Hotel (The OBR) as the best place for wings in Upper Bucks County. Off the beaten path near Lake Nockamixon and nestled in those backwoods sits this charming little pub. Whether it is your first time there or as one of the regulars propping up the bar, Pascale (the owner) and the rest of the staff are quick to take you in and treat you as a long lost friend …with lots of catching up to do. The bottom line is the OBR continues to deliver consistently delicious wings. The sauce is the chef’s own unique blend of spices over choice wings cooked to a crispy perfection. Still (relatively) new to the area the OBR is consistently over shadowing places like Big Daddy’s Wagon Wheel Tavern. Again, two excellent places to get wings in close proximity will certainly spell out a recipe for another rivalry, one which I will be eager to judge again, next year.

The Top Ten Wings in Upper Bucks County

Old Bethlehem Road Hotel (OBR), Quakertown
Riegelsville Inn, Riegelsville
Naceville Hotel, Sellersville
Big Daddy’s Wagon Wheel Tavern, Quakertown
Jamison Publick House, Geryville
Mesquito Grille, Doylestown
McCooles at the Red Lion Inn, Quakertown
Riegelsville Tavern, Riegelsville
Beckers, Quakertown
White Horse Hotel, Sellersville

More tidbits: November 29, 2011

Lynne Goldman — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:59:32 +0000

Some sad news first. The Wycombe Pub and Grill will be closing its doors this Wednesday (tomorrow) due to family health issues. We’ve gotten to love this unassuming bar – truly a pub in the English sense – where locals gather to share a beer, watch a game and kid around with the bartenders. Wycombe is a pretty small place and we have literally met neighbors for the first time sitting in the Wycombe. We wish Kevin Dougherty and his family well. Hopefully someone will buy the newly renovated restaurant that has only been open for a year and a half. We just hope they get the recipe for the extra crispy wings.

Also sad is that Meil’s in Stockton is for sale, due to health issues of its owner. Yikes. Meil’s is a landmark, for goodness sake. Let’s pray too that a buyer comes along and recognizes the value of keeping things the same at this haven for comfort food. Best wishes to its owner as well.

On a brighter note, we recently bought a special holiday sausage from Purely Farm at the Stockton Market last weekend. I don’t normally write about specific food products, but wow, this deserves it. Mixed in with the pork are caramelized onions and raisins, a special recipe created by Joanna Michini, one of the farm’s owners. The combination is delicious. Purely Farm raises its own pigs, grazing them on pasture using all natural methods. If you haven’t tried their pork, chicken or lamb, do yourself a favor and stop by their booth at the market on Saturdays and Sundays.

Finally, Christopher Hirsheimer and Melissa Hamilton have issued a new installment in the Canal House Cooking series just in time for holiday gift giving. And oh what a gift. This year the authors are focusing on Italian food. They spent a month in Tuscany researching this book (do try not to be insanely jealous). Already steeped in knowledge of Italian food from all over Italy they were hungry for more, to go to the sources and eat fresh each day. The result is a book full of paninis, pasta, fish, birds (and rabbits), meat, vegetables and, of course, sweets. I love the section entitled, “Why Buy It When You Can Make It?” which includes recipes for salsa verde, fresh ricotta and ragù bolognese. Accompanying the recipes as always are Hirsheimer’s equally delicious photography. You can purchase the Canal House Cooking (vol. 7) – La Dolce Vita online at their website or from Amazon.com.

Welcome Stockton Market!

Restaurant tidbits: November 22, 2011

Lynne Goldman — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:01:42 +0000

Tootling around Bucks County on a beautiful fall afternoon we stopped at the Lumberville General Store, also known as the Black Bass Hotel General Store. If you’ve never been, do stop by while driving the scenic River Road. The store has been a mainstay of the little community of Lumberville, just 8 miles north of New Hope, for years. It is one of the longest running general stores in the county, says chef Wayne Surline, a Johnson & Wales graduate formerly of the Nevermore, Tastebuds and other local restaurants. Wandering through the store it’s hard to believe they do so much in such a small space, including a first-rate bakery with fresh pastries, sandwiches, deli and grocery staples. Now on Friday nights, it’s also a BYOB from 5 pm to 8 pm. One past Friday night the menu started with vegetarian black bean soup or a spring mix with crisp “veggies, followed by two entrees – old fashioned onion brisket or seared salmon with white truffle. Dessert included chocolate raspberry cake or New York style cheesecake. All served in the quaint store and all for $16.95. Surline says breakfast is served everyday and is a big favorite on weekends. The general store also makes all the desserts and fresh bread for the Black Bass Hotel and Restaurant across the road. For more information on this week’s Friday dinner, call the store at 215.297.9262. The store is at 3741 River Road/Route 32.

Just down the road in Center Bridge, the well-known ice cream stand, Dilly’s Corner, is staying open this winter and offering dinner on weekends. Dilly’s Done Different is the name of the BYOB that will take place on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm to 9 pm, and Sundays 12 pm to 7 pm. Reservations are strongly recommended, cash and local checks only. Call 215.862.5333. Dilly’s is at the intersection of River Road/Route 32 and Route 263, right by the bridge which goes over to Stockton, NJ.

And finally, even further south, in Yardley, Charcoal has opened The Snack Shoppe. The favorite spot does great breakfasts and lunches, and gourmet dinners featuring “progressive American fare.” Now you can do “gourmet brown bagging” at the restaurant too. Read more in Jen Wielgus’ piece on phillyburbs.com. Charcoal is at 11 South Delaware Avenue in Yardley and is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 8 am – 3 pm for breakfast and lunch, and Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5 pm to 9 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 pm to 10 pm. You can reach them at 215.493.6394.

2011 – Going out for Thanksgiving in Bucks

Lynne Goldman — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:00:17 +0000

It’s okay if you want to go out for Thanksgiving. No need to feel guilty. Many people are doing it evidenced by the increase in restaurants offering Thanksgiving meals over the past couple of years. This post is by far the most popular of the year. Here’s a list of restaurants open for Thanksgiving, most doing special prix fixe deals. I’ve also listed places that are offering “turkeys to go,” full meals including a cooked turkey or turkey breast ready to be warmed up. Your guests need never know…

I did a little bit of research and found many Bucks County restaurants (and nearby) open with Thanksgiving special menus. There are probably more. Let me know of any others by all means, and I’ll add them to the post. These are in alphabetical order with any interesting details I could find. If you have a favorite restaurant, give them a call and find out if they are doing Thanksgiving this year.

Following the listing are a few of the places who are offering Thanksgiving meals for take-out.

And, please…let them know you heard about it on Bucks County Taste. Thanks!

The Black Bass Hotel is offering a five-course dinner and a Thanksgiving buffet, served from noon to 8:30 pm, at a prix fixe of $59.50 per person. The inn is at 3774 River Road in Lumberville. Phone: 215.297.9260

The Brick Hotel at 1 East Washington Ave. in Newtown is putting on a lovely Thanksgiving buffet for the holiday. Price for adults is $34.99 and for children, $19.99. 12:30 am to 8:o0 pm. See their website for more menu details and call 215.860.8313 for reservations. They are also offering Thanksgiving-To-Go. See below for more information.

The Brick Tavern Inn will offer a special Thanksgiving menu that includes many of their regular menu items. All is a la carte. Dinner is served from 12 – 6 pm. For more information and a full menu, see their website or call 215. 529.6488. The Brick Tavern is at 2460 Old Bethlehem Pike in Quakertown. The Brick is also offering a Turkey-To-Go option. See below for details.

The Buck Hotel is offering a “Family Style” Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 6 pm. Price for adults is $35.95 (plus tax and gratuity) and $15.95 for children. All reservations must be paid in advance by cash or check via mail, or with credit card in person. The Buck is at 1200 Buck Road in Feasterville. You can reach them at 215.396.2002 for reservations. See their website for menu details.

Bucks Bounty in Erwinna will have a special Thanksgiving menu featuring choice of soup, salad, roasted turkey, sausage stuffing, mashed potatoes (white & sweet), and other traditional sides. Dessert included. Call for reservations at 610.294.8106. Bucks Bounty is at 991 River Road in Erwinna.

The Cascade Lodge is cooking a whole turkey for parties of 4 or more, including all the traditional fixings. And you can even take home the leftover turkey! Cost is $27.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Their regular menu will also be available. The Lodge is at 5065 Lehnenberg Rd. in Kintnersville, and will be open from noon to 7 pm. Phone: 610.346.7484

The Centre Bridge Inn in Centre Bridge/New Hope will be serving Thanksgiving dinner in their lovely dining room overlooking the Delaware from 12:00-6:00pm. $39.95 for adults; $19.95 for children 12 and under. Please call 215.862.9139 for reservations.

The Freight House in Doylestown will be open 12 to 8 pm on Thanksgiving Day and offer special holiday choices in addition to their regular menu. For reservations, call 215.340.1003. The Freight House is right by the Doylestown Train Station on 100 S. Clinton St.

The Indian Rock Inn is offering an All American Thanksgiving Feast from noon to 8 pm, for $39.00 per person (children under 12 years: $15.00). This includes a three-course dinner – both traditional turkey with all your favorite trimmings, sides and several alternative choices – as well as a choice of soup or salad and dessert. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Phone: 610.982.9600. The Inn is at 2206 River Road (Route 32) in Upper Black Eddy.

The Logan Inn in New Hope is hosting Thanksgiving Day Dinner from noon to 8 pm. In addition to their regular dinner menu, they will offer traditional Thanksgiving specials, complete with soup, salad, dessert and coffee. The inn is at 10 W. Ferry St. Phone: 215.862.2300

Marsha Brown will be open from 1 to 7:30 pm with a Creole-inspired Thanksgiving menu that makes you want to move to Louisiana. Choices include a Lobster, Shrimp and Crawfish Bisque or Real Gumbo Ya Ya, Turkey with Corn Bread Andouille and Chestnut Stuffing, Duck and Andouille Sausage Jambalaya, a 10 oz. Filet with Béarnaise Sauce*, and Eggplant Ophelia. Side dishes are served family style and dessert is also part of the $49.95 per person deal (*$59.95 for the filet; Children 12 and under Turkey Dinner for $15.95). Marsha Brown’s is at 15 South Main Street in New Hope. Reservations: 215.862.7044.

Martine’s in New Hope will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner special, along with other specials and their regular menu from 2 pm to 8 pm. Martine’s is on the river at 14 E. Ferry Street. Call them at 215.862.2966.

naBrasa, the Brazilian steakhouse in Horsham, will be serving traditional Brazilian Rodizio cuts plus skewered turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and all of the Thanksgiving trimmings. Dinner from 3 – 8 pm, $42.95 per person. Contact them for reservations at 215.956.0600.

At Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, the options are varied. Sweet Lorraine’s will offer a special Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet from noon to 7 pm: $27.95 (adults), $22.95 (seniors) and $11.95 (children). Earl’s Bucks County will do a three course prix fixe option for $29.95. A la carte from the same menu choices will also be available. Earl’s is also offering a Turkey-To-Go option. See below for details. Click on the links above for more information, including phone numbers for reservations.

The Stockton Inn in Stockton, NJ holds a special Thanksgiving meal every year which benefits the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, an excellent organization. Five dollars – plus the donation of your choice – gets you a full Thanksgiving meal including roasted turkey, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, home made rolls, and home made pumpkin pie. Price does not include gratuity, taxes or drinks. Seatings are for 60 minutes at 12:00, 1:15, 2:30, and 3:45. To reserve a spot, call the Inn at 609.397-1250.

The Temperance House is presenting a gourmet Thanksgiving Grand Feast from 12 – 6 pm, featuring a hand-carved turkey station and steamship of beef with all the fixings for $26.95 per person (adult) and $13.95 (child). The Temp is at 5 N. State St in Newtown. Call 215.860.9975 for reservations.

The Vintage Grille in Fountainville will offer a traditional prix fixe Thanksgiving Dinner beginning at 11 am with the last seating at 8 pm. Dinner is $26.95 (adult, $16.95 children) Prix Fixe, 3 courses – Appetizer, Entree, Dessert. Entree choices include traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings, slow roasted prime rib, butternut squash lasagna, Veal Oscar, and more. They will also be serving breakfast on Thanksgiving morning 8 – 11 am including pumpkin pancakes, whole grain French Toast, and Turkey Benedict. Reservations required for Thanksgiving dinner. Call 215.348.4850.

The Washington House is seating for a 3-course Thanksgiving dinner including choice of soup or salad, entree, dessert and coffee for $29.95 – 34.95 (adult). See the menu online. A la carte menu also available. You can find them at 136 N. Main Street in Sellersville. Reservations “highly recommended:” 215.257.3000.

The Waterwheel Restaurant in Doylestown is presenting a Grand Thanksgiving Day Buffet from 1 to 6 pm. $40.00 per person, kids under 10 y.o. half-price. Call for reservations at 215.345.9544. The Waterwheel is at 4424 Old Easton Rd.

The Yardley Inn Restaurant and Bar will be serving dinner 1 – 7 pm on Thanksgiving Day. The menu for the holiday includes a variety of entrees, including turkey, salmon, filet, crabcakes, lamb, trout and pork chops. Reservations are strongly recommended as they usually fill up on Thanksgiving. You can find the Yardley Inn at the corner of Afton Ave. and River Rd. in Yardley. For reservations, call: 215.493.3800.

And nearby, on the Jersey side of the river:

Erini Restaurant at 1140 River Rd. in Ewing will be open on Thanksgiving from 1 to 6:30 pm, offering 4-course dinners, based on the price of the entree. You can reach them at 609.882.0303.

Hamilton’s Grill Room will be offering a five-course Thanksgiving Family Dinner Dinner, served from 1 to 5 pm, for $50 per person. Entree choices include Turkey, Salmon, Roast Beef and all the traditional sides, plus dessert. Call the restaurant for more information and reservations at 609.397.4343. Hamilton’s is at 8 Coryell St. in Lambertville. And don’t forget, they are also BYOB.

The Lambertville Station Restaurant is offering a traditional turkey dinner entree as well as a variety of other selections (ranging $18-$32) on Turkey Day. At the Inn at Lambertville Station, they will have a Thanksgiving Buffet with seatings from 12 to 8 pm. In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving menu, they’ll also offer Prime Rib, Roasted Pork Loin and Salmon. Adults: $36.95, children 3 – 10 y.o., $17.95. The restaurant and Inn, at 11 Bridge St. in Lambertville, can be reached at 609.397.8300 for more information and reservations.

Interested in Turkey-to-Go? Here’s a few places that are offering a cooked turkey with all the fixings:

The cafe, bakery and caterer, Baker’s Treat, is offering a full Thanksgiving menu for take-out including Herb-Roasted Turkey, homemade stuffing, gravy, soups, side dishes and appetizers (see their menu online). Their wonderful cakes and pies are also available. Turkeys come in (approximately) two sizes (15#, 23#). They’ll work with you to determine the right amount of food for the number of guests you’ll be having. Available at their Lambertville, Flemington and Somerville locations. Call 908.782.3458 to order.

The Brick Tavern Inn in Quakertown will be offering a full meal including sliced roast turkey, homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, chef’s vegetables, cranberry sauce, house salad with champagne vinaigrette dressing and rolls for $13.50 per person. Add pumpkin pie for $8.50. Orders must be placed by Friday, November 18 and full payment must be made at time of order. Orders can be picked up on Wednesday, November 23 after 2:00 pm or Thursday, November 24 from 10:00-12:00 pm. Food will need to be reheated. Reheating instructions are included. Call 215.529.6488.

The Brick Hotel offers Thanksgiving To Go for $19.99 Adults, $14.99 Children (3yrs -12yrs) + tax including Roasted Turkey Breast with Chef’s Burgundy gravy, Traditional Herb Stuffing , Spiced Cranberry Sauce, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Southern Style Green Bean Casserole. See their menu online. Pick up is between 12 – 7 pm. Call 215.860.8313.

Earl’s Bucks County in Peddler’s Village. The Thanksgiving Feast to Go includes a Bolton Farm Tom turkey (raised locally in Silverdale), giblet gravy, butter whipped mashed potatoes, apple sage dressing, green beans, candied yams, cranberry chutney, assorted rolls and a choice of apple, pumpkin or pecan pie. Pricing: for 4-7 guests $170 (one pie) and for 8-12 guests $240 (two pies). Add an additional 14 to 16 lb. turkey for $75. Easy and convenient curbside pick-up on Thanksgiving Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the rear of Earl’s. Orders must be received by November 23. Call: 215.794.4020.

Jamie Hollander’s Gourmet Foods in New Hope has a full Thanksgiving menu for take-out, including a whole roasted turkey, roasted turkey breast, stuffed turkey breast or ham. Turkeys are all natural from Koch’s Farm (Tamaqua, PA). The whole turkey is brined and stuffed with aromatic herbs and vegetables, trussed, then slow roasted. Turkeys are available brined (raw) or cooked. Exact weight will vary from turkey to turkey. Includes gravy. Over 1/2 dozen traditional side dishes and soup available too, as well as traditional condiments, pastries and party platters. See their website for the full menu. Orders need to be in by Friday, November 18th by 7 pm. You can reach them by phone at: 215.862.9809 or online.

Palate in Newtown has a Thanksgiving to go menu with choice of a whole roasted turkey (12-14 lb.), country style ham or salmon, with sides including mashed potatoes, sweet mashed potatoes, 3 kinds of stuffing, green bean casserole, mixed squash soup, root vegetable and apple gratin, and cranberry relish. Desserts also, like chocolate decadence cake, pumpkin cheesecake and apple, raisin and pecan strudel. For more information call 215.860.2898 or see their website. Palate is at 31 S. State Street.

The Vintage Grill in Fountainville will have a Thanksgiving turkey dinner available for takeout for $19.95 per person which includes a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings or butternut squash lasagna. Advance order required. A whole roasted turkey dinner to-go (serves 8-10) is $149.99 and includes one oven roasted turkey 10-12lbs., fresh garden salad, homemade stuffing, fresh whipped mashed potato, whole kernel sweet corn, cranberry, fresh made turkey gravy, dinner rolls and a choice of pie. Orders must be placed by Sunday, November 20th. Contact them at 215.348.4850.

Wegmans in Warrington is offering a Premium Turkey Dinner for $84.99, serves 8-10 and includes 4 sides, gravy and cranberry orange relish. A hand-carved Roasted Turkey Dinner is available in two sizes: the medium serves 5-6 and costs $109; the large serves 10-12 and costs $195. Both include 4 sides, gravy and cranberry orange relish. You can also order the items a la carte. See more details online and call the Catering Department at 215.918.3908 to order.

Connect with Bucks County Taste on Facebook and Twitter too, and keep up-to-date on local food happenings at our calendar, Food Events in Bucks County. Have a lovely Thanksgiving.

The kids are all right

Lynne Goldman — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:00:22 +0000

A youth-run restaurant? Visions of my junior high school Home Economics class come to mind. You almost feel like you’re doing a good deed – “for the kids” – by patronizing such an establishment. In reality, you’d be doing yourself a favor if you go to Café Blue Moose.

Café Blue Moose was started four years ago by Skylar Bird, a bright, creative, home-schooled teenager who was interested in cooking and wanted some place to do it. So, start a once a week supper club in your parents’ converted mill home, right? That’s what fifteen-year-old Skylar did with his friend, Pat Rogers.

With a staff of only four – including Skylar – all aged fourteen to twenty, Café Blue Moose produces locally sourced, three-course, French-inspired gourmet meals every Saturday evening for 20-25 diners in Skylar’s home in Doylestown, all for $25 per person. Skill skeptical? Here’s the menu from a meal we enjoyed last winter at Café Blue Moose: for starters, a choice of a seasonal salad with romaine lettuce, baby greens, blood orange, Valencia orange, ruby grapefruit, candied hazelnuts, red onions and a citrus balsamic vinaigrette, or a gingered sweet potato soup with local apple raita (Indian yogurt dish). For the entrée we were offered a braised chicken vindaloo over yogurt mashed potato with roasted cauliflower, or farfalle pasta with bacon, curried apples, carmelized onions and yogurt cream. Dessert? Eggnog cheesecake with cinnamon tuile, or Café Blue Moose’s signature dessert, Moosetracks, a creamy chocolate cake.

The French and Indian influences come directly from Skylar’s culinary training over the past two years. After graduating from college in 2009, he attended Jacque Pepin’s French Culinary Institute in Manhattan from the fall of 2009 through the spring of 2010, and completed a eight-month internship at the restaurant Tabla in New York following the program. The latter served American food with an Indian influence and gave Skylar experience as a prep and line cook, as well as helping him learn the subtle use of spices and balance that are an integral part of Indian cooking.

In a small home kitchen, behind a curtain, the nineteen-year-old Skylar accomplishes all this with his young staff of three – one to wait tables, one to do salads and appetizers, and one to plate and wash dishes. The dining room is cozy and warm, filled with charming accents and decorations. You know that it’s all been converted from a home to a “restaurant” for the evening, but somehow you don’t feel you are intruding on someone’s personal space. It could just as easily be a funky café in New Hope.

Which is what it will be soon. Much to many people’s delight (Café Blue Moose has a 90% customer return rate), the cafe will be opening as a full-time restaurant in New Hope this November. It will still be youth-run, with a goal of being open Wednesdays through Sundays, and accommodating 25-30 diners inside and 20 on the patio. “I want to keep the charm but make it as ‘fine dining’ as possible,” says Skylar. Seasonal, local sourcing is a big part of his philosophy as well. Skylar gets beef, poultry and some vegetables from None Such Farm Market in Buckingham. Other vegetables come from local farmers’ markets.

Why a youth-run restaurant? “This area’s not good for youth activities,” complains Skylar, referring to the problems some local municipalities have had with teenage loitering. “I wanted it to be something fun, while balancing learning and delivering quality,” he says. For most of the staff it is their first job and Skylar seems to understand the challenges of training and managing young workers. He looks for a good work ethic. “Experience isn’t as necessary; I want someone who is willing to learn and is motivated.” And he’s committed to using teenage employees which is why the New Hope location pleases him. “They’ll be able to walk there from the high school.”

The café will be holding a farewell party at the Doylestown location on October 28th, 7 – 9 pm. To attend, call 215-794-3254 or email cafebluemoose@gmail.com. The new Café Blue Moose will open this November at 9 West Mechanic Street in New Hope. Watch their website at www.CafeBlueMoose.com for information.

This article was originally published in the Fall 2011 issue of Bucks Life magazine.

Update 12/28/2011: Café Blue Moose is now open in New Hope.

Ivyland Country Store

Lynne Goldman — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 15:05:02 +0000

by guest blogger Elisabeth Villarroel,

I tend to drive the same route to and from work everyday and, although there are a few ways I could get home that would take about the same time, for two years I’ve stuck to my routine. Then…there was a road closing. (A strange occurrence in Bucks County, right?) So, I started trying new routes and, as I was driving on Jacksonville Rd., out of the corner of my eye I saw a sandwich board sign that read “Ivyland Country Store Now Open Saturdays.” I was intrigued because, due to the recent detours, I had just discovered the Ivyland borough and was quickly falling in love with their adorable little town and park.

Turns out I had passed the store before, but hadn’t noticed it. Nestled in a residential area, I was surprised to find a bustling deli. The menu is standard fare with a lot to choose from and quite a selection of prepared foods, most of which are homemade, and anything that isn’t, is delivered daily. The chicken salad (their secret recipe!) and seafood pasta are among their most popular specialties, as is the hand-carved turkey sandwich. A creature of habit (see previous paragraph), I, of course, haven’t moved past getting anything besides breakfast sandwiches and tater tots, because they are available all day and have become a part of our weekend routine.

Open for breakfast and lunch, the store gets most of its business from locals and the neighboring industrial park, which is evident if you stop by during the lunch rush on a weekday and see the party trays being assembled for company meetings.

Originally built in 1876, the building first served as a frame store and then as a dry goods store. Current owner, Jimmy Primodie, has been running the deli for more than 17 years and has kept the old-fashioned country store feeling alive—you can still buy penny candy, help out with a jigsaw puzzle, flip through the New York Times anthology, or chat with the friendly faces behind the counter and locals sipping coffee. The store’s roots in the community go beyond the history of the building; the deli is a presence in the borough, sponsoring the firefighters’ breakfasts as well as donating food to the Ivyland Peach Festival in August.

Although visiting the Ivyland Country Store feels like a blast from the past, they definitely have their heads in the present, with a presence on Facebook, where they announce daily specials, and a website that offers online ordering. Delivery is available as well at lunch time. This summer, the store began opening on Saturdays, which is a treat for those of us who can’t get there during the week and work (way) outside the delivery radius!

Ivyland Country Store
67 Gough Avenue
Ivyland, PA 18974
215.672.6739
Open: 7am-3pm Monday through Friday, 8am-2pm Saturday

Hickory Kitchen

Lynne Goldman — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:07:20 +0000

What’s in a name? Sometimes, a lot.

In this day and age, we’ve all gotten a little jaded by advertising. When a business changes its name – or “re-brands” as it’s often called – we get suspicious. “What’s really going on?” we think. “What’s really changed?”

So when I sat down with Mike Markowitz, owner of Hickory Kitchen, formerly Smokin’ Lil’s, I was itching to ask the question. Mike bought Smokin’ Lil’s from the well-known restaurateur Lily Salvatore in January 2010 and changed the name this past spring to Hickory Kitchen. But before I give you the answer, you’ve got to get to know Mike a bit.

“I’ve always had an affinity for food,” says Mike, who grew up in a Pittsburgh suburb, taking the bus into the city on weekends to hang out with his Hungarian grandmother in the kitchen. He learned cooking and life at her elbow, and learned to be adventurous in the kitchen. Career choices led him into marketing, then retail, for many years, where he learned business skills. But he was always a foodie. “I was always the ‘premier’ cook in the house,” he says, “my kids would take weird stuff out of the fridge and I’d always make something good out of it. I love the adventure, and from being around food so much, I learned what’s good and what’s not.”

After owning a local Manhattan Bagel store for six years, Mike wanted to spread his wings. That’s when he bought Smokin’ Lil’s, Doylestown’s only barbecue restaurant. Mike liked the barbecue but wanted to expand the menu. He started adding more vegetarian options – like a portabella mushroom sandwich, and a portabella quesadilla; a grilled vegetable quesadilla; a vegetarian patty sandwich with Asherah’s Gourmet burgers; and the popular La Jonba Wrap – a veggie patty with portabella, jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, grilled veggies and maple chipotle sauce. All for under $7.95.

He also made some improvements to the barbecue menu, and started offering a broad variety of sandwiches (quesadillas, turkey club, crab cake, chicken salad, and barbecued meats), salads, Angus burgers, chili and side dishes like cornbread, sweet potato fries, fried kosher dill pickles and leaf lettuce wraps, and, dare I say it, pulled pork cheese fries (someone has to do it). I’ll get to the barbecue later, but there’s plenty of it, and it’s good.

But as broad and varied as the menu is, Smokin’ Lil’s just says barbecue. And that was the problem. After a year of expanding the menu and improving the food, people still thought of the restaurant as a barbecue house. “That’s when the light when on,” says Mike, and he said to himself, “We have to change the name.”

“When I was growing up, it was like, whatever happened in life, the kitchen table was the sanctuary,” he explains. It symbolizes home and family. So when you enter the cozy restaurant, you’ll see the walls covered with large photos of families gathered around kitchen tables. And they look so real, like they could have come out of any family’s photo album.

That warm feeling also comes from Mike’s views about customer service. “You’re coming into my house,” he says of the restaurant. He takes the time to learn about his customers’ families, businesses, friends. “That’s why I’m in business,” he adds, “I want to create an environment that people want to be in.”

So in May of this year, Hickory Kitchen was born. A little of this, a little of that and “something for everyone” is their motto.

Let’s talk barbecue. Mark and I love it, and we eat it wherever and whenever we can – Kansas, Memphis, Texas, North Carolina, and yes, even Bucks County (don’t get snotty, now). We have some good barbecue in Bucks County, and it sure is closer than Kansas City. And Hickory Kitchen is a great place to start.

First of all, they let the ribs speak for themselves. By that I mean they don’t slather sauce all over them, but let you do the honors at the table with an assortment of BBQ sauces. The pulled pork is chunky, with a nice smoky taste, also not doused in sauce. The chicken is moist, with a sealed in taste, the way BBQ chicken should be. Collard greens – also the way they should be, but not too salty like so many places do it. The cornbread is moist and sweet, just holding together long enough for you to pop it in your mouth, and the sweet potato casserole, well, let’s just say you don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving anymore. Go for it.

You can have the BBQ meat any way you want it – 2-way (2 meats), 3-way, 4-way, sandwiches, on a roll, in a quesadilla, on bread, in a wrap, or even, on a salad. The meats include brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, sausage, smoked ribs, wings, and half and whole chickens. If none of that grabs you, try the Angus burgers, the turkey burgers or, even, a hot dog. There is a long list of comfort food sides, like “Mac N Cheese,” macaroni salad, potato salad, cole slaw or beans with meat. And, of course, biscuits. [For the full menu, see the Hickory Kitchen website.]

Did I mention breakfast? Yep. Hickory Kitchen does breakfast on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If you thought the cornbread sounded good (it is), how about pancakes made from the same batter? Oh my. I can attest to how wonderful they are, as well as the Texas Breakfast Wrap – 2 eggs, pulled pork, BBQ sauce, tomato, onion and Monterey Jack cheese.

Suffice to say, there is “something for everyone” at Hickory Kitchen. You’ll find them at 9 West Court Street, just near the intersection of Court and Main Sts. in Doylestown. The restaurant seats 30 inside and 8 outside (April – October), which is a fun place to sit and watch Doylestown go by. You can find out more online at their website, or give a call for take out at 215.348.5170.

Restaurant tidbits: August 30, 2011

Lynne Goldman — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:41:28 +0000

Being in the business, as it were, I keep my nose in the air, always sniffing for tidbits about area restaurants – specials, openings, moves, etc. From time to time, I’ll share them with you. Why should I have all the fun?

The Yardley Inn is open for business! The Inn survived Hurricane Irene unscathed due to some luck and a lot of hard work. See the article in today’s paper by J.D. Mullane about the portable dam owner Bob Freed and his staff worked hard to put in place that kept the popular restaurant high and dry. Stop by for one of their specials, like the “Five for $5 at 5:00″ – five different cocktails each priced at five dollars, or a $19.95 prix fixe three-course dinner from 4:30 pm to 6:15 pm daily and all night on Tuesdays. For more information, see their website.

Word on the street has it that Rouget, the french-inspired restaurant long a staple of the Newtown scene, will be moving – and getting a new name, “Brian’s” – to Lambertville, where No. 9 used to be. In it’s place, the rumor is that Aroma Bar & Grill of Bensalem will be moving in. Fingers crossed!

Speaking of Indian restaurants, it looks like Doylestown is getting a new one at the former location of Tony Tomato’s on the north end of town (near the car dealerships and Altomonte’s). Can’t find out when they will opening but look for Taste of India II at 826 N Easton Rd.

Also in Doylestown, check out Andre’s Wine & Cheese for their expanded location and menu. The cozy bistro, known for their excellent cheese plates and local wines are now offering an array of $7.50 lunch specials including ham and cheese brioche, pan bagnat, smoked salmon, and BLT. Each includes chips and a drink. For more information, see their website. Find them in the Main Street Marketplace on Main St. in downtown Doylestown.

Zoubi in New Hope is now offering a $19 per person prix fixe brunch on Sundays from 11 am to 3 pm. Zoubi’s does French, Asian and Latin American cuisine. You can find them at 5-7 West Mechanic Street.

Lambertville Station now has an early dinner special from 4 pm to 6:30 pm Mondays through Thursday. They are offering a three-course prix fixe for only $22 per person. The restaurant is located at 11 Bridge Street in Lambertville, New Jersey, just over the bridge from New Hope.

The Old Bethlehem Road Hotel is now open for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The quaint tavern, restaurant and, yes, bed and breakfast, famous for their wings is opening at 11:30 am on weekends. See their website for more info. You’ll find them on – c’mon, guess – 243 Old Bethlehem Road near Quakertown.

I know it’s not restaurant news per se, but word is that the wonderful New Hope – Lambertville Friday Night Fireworks are being extended through September 23rd. Who says summer ends with Labor Day? Yippee!

Bucks Food Calendar: August 19, 2011

Lynne Goldman — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:12:46 +0000

If some of these “scattered thunderstorms” can hold off, it looks like a pretty decent weekend. Which is great news if you are heading over to the 2011 Middletown Grange Fair. We will be going tonight – for the BBQ Chicken Dinner, of course, and to see the bunnies and maybe buy a raffle for a cow. Oh, and to see the Mutts Gone Nuts show. That’s gotta be fun with a name like that. To see photos from last year’s show, click here.

Lots of fun things this weekend but a few caught my eye in particular. In the upper part of the county, stop on by the Firehouse Breakfast in Riegelsville on Sunday. This is a monthly breakfast that has been going on for over twenty years. They know what they’re doing. Almost a full breakfast menu, including pancakes, eggs (any way you want them), breakfast meats, coffee, juice and more. See our previous post for more details, Serving up breakfast in Riegelsville.

Or on Saturday, consider a drive to the Holland Township Farmers’ Market, the newest market in the bi-state area, just across the river in Milford, New Jersey. This Saturday, August 20 will be their last market for the season. Looking forward to seeing you next year too!

The first apples of the season have started to appear! Manoff Market Gardens in Solebury now has Ginger Gold. Solebury Orchards, also in Solebury, reports their first apples are available, as does The Market at Del Val by Shady Brook. See Solebury Orchards’ Apple chart to find out when your favorite apple variety will be available. Crunch!

To market, to market. What can you expect to find at local farmers’ markets this week? For produce: Apples, beans, beets, blackberries, blueberries (last of the season!), cabbage (green and purple), cantaloupe, carrots, celery, Swiss chard, collards, sweet corn, cucumbers (salad and pickle), edamame beans, eggplant, fennel, field peas, fresh cut herbs, garlic, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onions (purple and fresh), peaches, pears, peppers (hot and sweet), potatoes, radishes, raspberries, scallions, summer squash, tomatoes (all kinds), watermelon and zucchini. In addition, many markets have locally raised meats, cheese, baked goods and bread, local honey and prepared foods, as well as preserves and local artisanal goods like wool, soap and ceramics. Support your local farms especially this time of year when produce is gorgeous and well-priced. Get your nutrition local!

Save the date! oWowCow Creamery will be hosting a fundraiser for the Bucks County Foodshed Alliance at its new Wrightstown location on Wednesday, August 31st from 6 pm to 9 pm. All you’ve got to do is show up and buy some delicious ice cream. Easy, huh? John Fezzuoglio, owner and ice cream maker extraordinaire, will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Foodshed Alliance. The store is in Carousel Village at 591 Durham Road (Route 413) in Wrightstown, just a few miles north of Newtown. See you there!

For more details on any of these events, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County. Have a lovely weekend. Follow Bucks County Taste also on Facebook and Twitter.

Friday, August 19:

63rd Annual Middletown Grange Fair, Wrightstown [10 am - 11 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [1-7 pm]
Summer BBQ @ Lumberville General Store, Lumberville [3 - 7 pm]
Ottsville Farmers’ Market, Linden Hill Gardens, Ottsville [4-8 pm]
Beer Tasting, Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton, NJ [4-6 pm]
Friday Wine & Music @ Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington, NJ [5-8 pm]
Lobster Bake at the Vineyard @ Unionville Vineyards, Ringoes, NJ [6 - 9 pm]
Wine Concert Series @ The Market at DelVal, Doylestown [6 - 9 pm]
Wine Concert Series @ Shady Brook Farm, Yardley [6 - 9 pm]
Friday Night Fireworks Express – New Hope/Ivyland Train, New Hope [6:15 - 10:30 pm]
Wine Tasting for Singles @ Crossing Vineyards, Washington Crossing [7 - 9 pm]
Summer Wine & Music Series @ Crossing Vineyards, Washington Crossing [7 - 10 pm]
Belgian-Style Brews with Beer Blogger Giuseppe Fusco @ Stockton Inn, Stockton, NJ [7:30 - 10:30 pm]
Summer Fireworks in New Hope/Lambertville – New Hope, PA & Lambertville, NJ [9:30 – 10:30 pm]

Saturday, August 20:

Doylestown Farmers’ Market, Doylestown [7 am-12 pm]
Perkasie Farmers’ Market, Perkasie [8 am - 12 pm]
Plumsteadville Grange Farm Market, Plumsteadville [9 am - 12 pm]
Wrightstown Farmers’ Market, Wrightstown [9 am-1 pm]
Holland Township Farmers’ Market, Milford, NJ [9 am - 1 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [9 am-4 pm]
63rd Annual Middletown Grange Fair, Wrightstown [10 am - 11 pm]
Wine Tasting @ Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton, NJ [12-6 pm]
Beer Tasting @ New Hope Beverage, New Hope [3-7 pm]
Grapevine Express Wine & Cheese Pairing @ New Hope/Ivyland Train, New Hope [5 - 7 pm]
Saturday Wine & Music @ Hopewell Valley Vineyards, Pennington [5-8 pm]
Evening Star Dinner Train @ New Hope/Ivyland Train, New Hope [7 - 9 pm]

Sunday, August 21:

Breakfast @ Riegelsville Fire Company, Riegelsville [8 am - 12:30 pm]
Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market, Hellertown [9 am - 1 pm]
Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market, Flemington, NJ [9 am-1 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [10 am-4 pm]
63rd Annual Middletown Grange Fair, Wrightstown [10 am - 5 pm]
Sunday Brunch Train @ New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, New Hope [10:15 - 11:30 am]
A Dummies Guide to Wine Tasting @ Crossing Vineyards, Washington Crossing [2 - 4 pm]
Music @ Villa Milagro Vineyards, Finesville, NJ [2 - 5 pm]
Grapevine Express Wine & Cheese Pairing @ New Hope/Ivyland Train, New Hope [5 - 7 pm]
Earth Center Coffee House, Tyler State Park , Richboro [6 - 9 pm]

Monday, August 22:

Mediterranean Style @ Carlow Cookery, Doylestown [7 - 9 pm]
Soupcon Salon by Kindle Cafe @ Manon, Lambertville, NJ [7 - 9:15 pm]

Tuesday, August 23:

Langhorne Farmers’ Market, Langhorne [3:30 - 6:30 pm]

Wednesday, August 24:

Pierogy Wednesdays @ St. Anne Ukrainian, Warrington [9 am - 12 pm]
The Farmers’ Market @ Playwicki Farm, Feasterville [4 - 7 pm]
Global Dinner @ The Cafe at Rosemont, Rosemont, NJ [5 - 8 pm]
Complimentary Beer Tasting @ the Copper Leaf Grill, Buckingham [5 - 9 pm]
Chef Eben Copple’s Grilling Demo @ Yardley Inn, Yardley [7 - 9 pm]
Flavors of Northern Italy @ Carlow Cookery, Doylestown [7 - 9 pm]

Thursday, August 25:

New Hope Farmers’ Market, New Hope [2:30-6:30 pm]
Uncle Dave’s 94 cents Ice Cream Cones @ Shady Brook Farm, Yardley [3 - 9 pm]
Lower Makefield Farmers’ Market, Lower Makefield [3:30 - 6:30 pm]
Clam Bake @ Logan Inn, New Hope [5 - 9 pm]
Sushi Night in the Wine Cellar – The Inn at Lambertville Station, Lambertville, NJ [6 - 10 pm]

For more details on any of these events, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County. Follow Bucks County Taste on Facebook and Twitter.