September Tidbits: Openings, reopenings & comfort food

All summer long I’ve been collecting these tidbits, who is opening, or reopening, or expanding, or even, closing. It’s mostly good news.

Kim Quay opened Comfortfood, a cozy storefront take-out and catering business, in Morrisville eight years ago. It’s one of those best-kept secrets. I’m not sure the folks in Lower Bucks really want the rest of the county to find out how good Kim’s locally sourced, fresh and creative dishes are. But good things should be shared.

Kim has expanded into the space next door and created a 35-seat eatery that serves lunch and sometimes pop-up Friday night dinners. She also posts her chalkboard menu every day on Facebook and on her website, so check it out. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. The four-course prix fixe dinners happen once or twice a month, with the next one on October 23. The space is also available for private events, book clubs, office parties, etc. Comfortfood & Kitchenette is at 437 Alden Avenue in Morrisville.

Read more about Comfortfood and Chef Kim Quay in our post here.

Moo, the food truck that became a restaurant—with some of the best burgers and milkshakes in the county—closed their Ottsville location as of September 28. That’s the sad news (people up county are pouting). The good news is that their new location in New Hope is thriving and serving up their locally-sourced food, burgers and more. You’ll find the “new” Moo at 137 South Main Street in New Hope (at the most southern end of Main Street). Watch their Facebook page for updates.

A Newtown landmark has been reborn! It’s been weird the last two years to glance at The Temperance House on State Street and see it all closed up. It always takes me by surprise. But no more! The Temp has new owners—Hospitality Consultant Melissa Corea, along with husband-and-wife partners Kevin and Debbie Tate—with Arturo Bermudez as Executive Chef. The dinner menu features hand-cut steaks, a variety of house-made pastas, and a host of seafood specialties.

The lunch menu offers a great burger, a jumbo lump crab cake sandwich, fresh salads and made-to-order crepes. Sunday brunch includes a build-your-own Bloody Mary Bar, farm-fresh eggs, pancakes, Bananas Foster French Toast, a variety of sweet and savory crepes. And a Mac & Cheese menu featuring a handful of decadent renditions of what Bermudez refers to as “the ultimate comfort food” will be available after brunch on Sundays. View all of the menus here. In the bar, you’ll find classic cocktails and a selection of local craft beers. The Temperance House is at 5 S. State Street in Newtown. You can reach them at 215.944.8050. Check their Facebook page for current info.

On the other side of the river, another landmark is reopening too. What used to be the Café at Rosemont, a favorite eatery for years in Rosemont, NJ (just north of Stockton), and then was the home of the excellent restaurant, The Pass, now has new owners who are bringing back the “café.” In fact, yesterday (September 29) sisters Jenn and Stacy quietly opened the doors of the Rosemont Café and served lunch to neighbors. The two sisters have a long personal and family history of professional cooking and management, and are Hunterdon County natives.

What kind of food will they be serving? “It will be similar to the good meals the Cafe at Rosemont used to feed the community and its visitors.” states their Facebook page. “Our commitment is to use as many local, organic, natural, seasonal, whole foods as possible with the focus on offering satisfying food and decent portions at a reasonable price.” Sounds wonderful! The Rosemont Café is at 88 Kingwood Stockton Road in Rosemont, NJ, open for breakfast and lunch. Keep an eye on their Facebook page because they don’t have a website yet.

Eat local, enjoy family and friends, and be well!