Bucks County Taste » New Hope

Breakfast in Bucks: Fred’s Breakfast

Lynne Goldman — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:29:43 +0000

Ask friends to suggest their favorite breakfast place and the recommendations come pouring out like hot coffee on a busy Saturday morning. The passion and loyalty is intense as well. At the risk of treading on dangerous ground(s), I picked a few of the most popular breakfast restaurants in Bucks to see what makes breakfast so good at their places. First we’ll visit Fred’s Breakfast in New Hope and then I’ll follow with posts about the Vintage Grille in Fountainville and Vera’s Country Cafe in Ottsville. I’ll also do a future post about other popular breakfast places in Bucks.

Breakfast being the first meal of the day has certain implications. Most folks are not always at their sharpest – unless you’re one of those really chipper morning people – so a hot cup of coffee, delivered quickly, is usually the first order of business. A smile doesn’t hurt either.

Chris and Ellen Bollenbacher, owners of Fred’s Breakfast, understand this well. “One of the things we’ve never liked at most breakfast places is waiting for the first cup of coffee, or having to grab someone for a refill,” they say. At Fred’s the coffee is free, but you get it yourself. The coffee station is directly ahead and on the left as you walk in. Mugs, sugar, cream, milk – everything you need for your first cup is ready and waiting. It also adds to the home-like atmosphere of Fred’s, like you’re in your own kitchen but with better food and cheerful people to serve you. And when you want a refill, you walk on over and fix it yourself. Some members even bring in their own mugs and special sweeteners, which sit on a shelf over the coffee station.

You may have heard that Fred’s is a “members only” restaurant. Don’t be put off by that. Membership is open to all, and the $10 fee is just to cover the cost of the electronic key you use to get in. Why did the Bollenbachers, who also own the Landing Restaurant down the street, choose to go this route? “We wanted to show our appreciation for our regulars, the locals,” they explained. “These are the folks who support us through the winter, year-round. We didn’t want them waiting in line behind tourists in the summer.” What they have ended up creating is a community. Customers – members truly – feel like they belong. People love Fred’s. And why not? The food is fresh, made to order and served with warmth and fun by a cheerful staff.

Fun? Yes. The Bollenbachers say one of the questions on the job application for Fred’s is: “Are you happy, or can you pretend to be happy, at 5 am?” (Guess I won’t be working there.) And the expectation extends to members as well. One of the membership rules (see their website, www.fredsbreakfast.com, for the full list) is quite explicit: “We don’t do grumpy at Fred’s … If you aren’t happy, at least keep an open mind to it, so the rest of us have a chance at cheering you up.” That might give someone like me – who is not a morning person – pause, but don’t worry, this isn’t a breakfast version of Chuck E. Cheese. And even I am willing to smile once I have my coffee and a delicious baked good in front of me.

The kitchen at Fred’s is open, surrounded by a u-shaped counter with 31 stools, which emphasizes the at-home feel. Chris comes in at 4 am to start baking, and the rest of the staff arrives at 5:00 to prepare for the 6:00 open. The menu includes all the breakfast regulars, and then some extras. Like “The New Thing,” Chris’ homemade puff pastry filled with scrambled eggs, ham and cheese, warmed in the oven and served with grilled tomatoes and breakfast potatoes. Then there’s “The New-new thing” or the “Veggie New Thing” with veggies and cheddar cheese. Have I mentioned the baked goods? Almond croissants (with Chris’ own filling, not almond paste), blueberry buckle, cinnamon buns and great bread.

Fred’s Breakfast first opened on July 28th, 2008, just a month after its namesake, a Bernese Mountain dog, passed away. Chris and Ellen were taking a chance with the “members only” concept, but with over thirty years successfully running the Landing Restaurant, Chris felt they could swing it. It was either that or escape to the islands, they joke. As they sum it up on their website, “Everything we do is based on our desire to accomplish only one thing, have a good time, because if it isn’t fun, it isn’t worth it. I am too old, and the islands are too close, for it to not be worth it…” The building had been used by Chris’ father as a wood shop. Sitting on the river, tucked away off busy Main Street, it’s a perfect location for a “locals” place.

“We didn’t want it to be a large breakfast house,” Ellen explains. Instead, they wanted a place where everything was cooked to order, eggs only broken when needed, and omelets made in a pan with butter – not on a grill with everything else. Chris does most of the baking, every day. The cinnamon buns – which they sell 50 – 60 a day – are only baked six at a time. All of this is a bit unusual for a breakfast joint, which depends on turning a lot of seats in order to make a profit. Fred’s feeds 100 – 160 patrons daily during the week, and 200 and upwards on weekend days. “And we don’t stop cooking until everyone in line is fed,” adds Chris.

The most pleasurable thing to do at Fred’s, other than eat the food, is to peruse the “application letters” which cover the walls of the restaurant. Over the past three years, folks wishing to become members have written funny, clever and endearing letters accompanying their applications. Many of them coming from the family dog(s)! My favorite is the one from two pups who beg that a membership NOT be granted to their human owners, because then the normal breakfast leftovers made by “Dad” on weekends will cease.

With strong support at the Landing, Chris and Ellen are able to spend their days at Fred’s, in an office just off the restaurant floor. A half door into the office allows easy access to them, as well as their brood of Bernese Mountain dogs, most of whom came from shelters. Make sure you come in if it’s your birthday because along with a hearty “Happy Birthday” sung by everyone in the restaurant, one of the Bollenbachers’ dogs, Cindy, insists on joining in too.

There are several ways to become a member, says Ellen. Most come in as a guest of a current member but if you don’t know a member, you are welcome to come in during the week (Monday to Friday) to try it out or get on the list. Over the past two plus years, the wait list has run from 6 weeks to up to three months.

Fred’s Breakfast is open from 6 am until 11 am, 7 days a week, closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You can find them at 13 East Randolph St. in New Hope, on the web at www.fredsbreakfast.com or by phone at 215.862.7024.

This summer’s farm tours

Lynne Goldman — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:04:01 +0000

Eating outside, enjoying a beautiful summer evening with new friends, and then walking around a small, family farm, learning how they produce their bounty. Sounds good, no?

Check it out. The Bucks County Foodshed Alliance, in lieu of their regular monthly meetings, “meets” at local farms once a month during the summer, hosting a potluck full of great food. We went to our first one last summer at Manoff Market Gardens in Solebury. It was fascinating…and delicious. Everyone brought seasonal, yummy dishes, and we chatted until the sun started to set. Then Amy and Gary Manoff walked us around their farm and we learned how they produce their wonderful fruit – berries, peaches, apples, to name a few – as well as some of the hardships.

This summer’s potluck farm tours start tonight, Wednesday, June 2nd. Even if you can’t make it for the potluck, come later for the tour. The potluck begins at 6:30 pm. Bring your own place settings, beverage and dish to share (8-10 servings). Folding chairs or blankets may come in handy as well, depending on the turnout. The farm tour begins at 7:30 pm.

Here’s the line-up for the summer.

Wednesday, June 2nd: Gravity Hill Farm, an organic farm in Titusville, NJ (just over the bridge)
POSTPONED TO JULY 14TH Wednesday, July 7th: Sunnyslope Farm, who raise all natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free beef and chicken products, on Lurgan Road in New Hope, PA
Wednesday, August 4th: Milk House Farm Market, a family farm selling produce and cage-free eggs, on Woodhill Road in Newtown, PA
Wednesday, September 1st: WoodsEdge Wools Farm in Stockton, NJ, a farm that breeds llamas and alpacas.

Mark your calendars for these fun, fascinating, feel-good farm visits!

UPDATED July 6, 2010

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Bucks Food Calendar: May 7, 2010

Lynne Goldman — Fri, 07 May 2010 19:37:37 +0000

Happy Mama’s Day Weekend!

Mixed weather this weekend – beautiful today (Friday), some showers tomorrow, and cooler but sunny on Sunday. Not bad. Tonight is First Friday in Doylestown, so I think I see much sitting outside and sipping/nibbling going on around that town.

You can also swing over to Triumph Brewing in New Hope for their monthly barrel tapping, or fresh, gourmet vegetarian food at the new Sprig & Vine (also in Union Square, New Hope) or the Kindle Café in Lambertville. End the evening listening to Barbara Trent at the Centre Bridge Inn. And that’s just Friday night.

Considering the recent recall of Romaine lettuce in 23 states (including Pennsylvania) due to an e. coli scare, you might seriously consider stopping by one of the local Saturday morning farmers’ markets – Doylestown and Wrightstown - for salad greens. The New Hope Farmers’ Market just got going yesterday, so look for them on Thursday afternoons. What will you find at the markets? Beautiful flowers for mom, lettuce, early greens, radishes, rhubarb, starter herb and vegetable plants, and maybe even strawberries. Some of the markets will also have: pastured beef and chicken; cheeses and yogurt from pastured animals; pastured eggs; bread and baked goods; preserved products; handmade soaps and lotions; honey; organic, fair trade, locally roasted coffees; prepared foods, and fiber products. Make sure to read about all the Bucks farmers’ markets coming this season at our post published earlier this week.

Two famous firehouse and church suppers happening this weekend on Saturday: the Plumsteadville Fire Co.’s Original Family-Style Roast Beef Dinner (drive-thru also!) and the Old Goshenhoppen Reformed Church’s Ham and Roast Beef Dinner. I know the latter is not in Bucks, but it’s nearby and I know their oyster dinner in the fall is very famous. How bad could ham and roast beef be?

If you’re not making breakfast or dinner for your mother, there are plenty of places to go. See our previous post, or take her to any of the many firehouse breakfasts/brunchs/dinners taking place around the county on Sunday.

A peek at next weekend. A brand new farmers’ market opens in Warrington. Eat breakfast inside a covered bridge at Breakfast on the Bridge.

For more details, please go to our full calendar, Food Events in Bucks County. Also, please let us know of any food events going on in your neck of the woods. You can find Bucks County Taste on Facebook and Twitter too.

Have a sweet weekend!

Friday, May 7th:
Forecast – Sunny, 72°

First Friday, Doylestown [evening]
Barrel Tappings @ Triumph Brewing Co., New Hope [6-7 pm]
Evening at the Vineyard @ Rose Bank Winery, Newtown [7-9 pm]
Wine Tasting for Singles @ Crossing Vineyards and Winery, Washington Crossing [7-9 pm]
Barbara Trent @ The Centre Bridge Inn, New Hope [7 - 11 pm]
Kindle Cafe Supper Club @ Rojo’s Roastery, Lambertville [7:30 - 9 pm]
All That Jazz – Jazz Night @ Crossing Vineyards and Winery, Washington Crossing [8-10 pm]

Saturday, May 8th:
Forecast – Thunderstorms, 76°

Doylestown Farmers’ Market, Doylestown [7 am - 12 pm]
Wrightstown Farmers’ Market, 2203 Second Street Pike, Wrightstown [9 am - 1 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [9 am - 3 pm]
Hoagie Sale @ Upper Gwynedd Fire Co., Upper Gwynedd [10 am-12 pm]
Wine Tasting for Moms @ Crossing Vineyards, Washington Crossing [12-3 pm]
Wine Tasting @ Phillips’ Fine Wines, Stockton [12 - 5 pm]
Ham and Roast Beef Dinner @ Old Goshenhoppen Reformed Church, Woxall [3-6:30 pm]
“Original” Family-Style Roast Beef Dinner @ Plumsteadville Fire Co., Plumsteadville [3-7:30 pm]

Sunday, May 9th:
Forecast – Sunny, 63°

Breakfast Buffet @ Plumsteadville Fire Co., Plumsteadville [7 am - 12 pm]
Mother’s Day Buffet Breakfast @ Hartsville Fire Co., Warrington 8 am-12 pm]
Breakfast @ American Legion Post, Quakertown [8 am-12:30 pm]
Breakfast Buffet @ Richland Twp Fire & Rescue, Quakertown [8 am-1 pm]
Breakfast Buffet @ Silverdale Fire Company, Silverdale [8 am-1 pm]
Saucon Valley Farmers’ Market, Hellertown [9 am - 1 pm]
Mother’s Day Breakfast @ Graeme Park, Horsham [9 am-1 pm]
Stockton Farmers’ Market, Stockton, NJ [10 am - 3 pm]
Brunch @ New Hope-Ivyland Railroad, New Hope [11 am-4 pm]
Mother’s Day Dinner Buffet @ Haycock Fire Co., Quakertown [12-5 pm]

Monday, May 10th:

Flavor and Color! @ The Cooking Cottage, Sellersville [6:30-8:30 pm]
Techniques of Cooking I: Grilling, Roasting, Searing Meats @ Carlow Cookery, Doylestown [7-9 pm]

Wednesday, May 12th:

New York City Noshing Tour by The Cooking Cottage, Sellersville [8 am-7 pm]
American Legion Meals on Wednesdays, Quakertown [11:30 am-9 pm]
Complimentary Beer Tasting @ the Copper Leaf Grill, Buckingham [5-9 pm]

Thursday, May 13th:

New Hope Farmers’ Market, New Hope [3:30-7 pm]
Lobster Night @ The Centre Bridge Inn, New Hope [6-10 pm]

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A lovely evening in New Hope

Lynne Goldman — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:50:43 +0000

One of the challenges of doing this blog is that we sometimes have to overcome our biases.

I’ve lived in Central Bucks for nearly twenty years now, Mark only six years, but he lived across the river for twenty years too. New Hope has become in our minds that place where tourists go, with a few exceptions – Martine’s, Marsha Brown and a few others. But, hey, we can’t afford to be snobs now, not with Bucks County Taste going. It’s just not right.

So. A new BBQ place opened last week in New Hope, Bitter Bob’s. This demanded our attention, of course. We stopped by for a late dinner. They’ve got a lovely seating area outside but I wanted more warmth, much to Mark’s dismay. Inside, the warmth was everywhere in the cozy room, walls colored in earth tones and a friendly, attentive staff.

I ordered the sampler platter ($10.95) and Mark went for the ribs platter ($12.95). Neither disappointed. I enjoyed my beef brisket, pulled pork and ribs (I asked them to skip the chicken and give me a bit more of the other meats; no problem) which came with sides of a piquant slow-cooked BBQ bean melange and mac and cheese. Mark devoured his half-rack of ribs happily. Two types of sauce – North Carolina vinegar-y and Texas – were offered, both on the side. That’s the way I like it. I’m always suspicious of a BBQ place that slathers sauce on the meat before it gets to the table. What are they hiding? Let the meat speak for itself, I say. Cornbread – a little dry but sweet and good-tasting – came with the platters. Bitter Bob’s is also on Facebook where you can view their take-out menu.

Strolling back to the car we discussed whether to stop for a night cap. As we passed Marcella’s something caught my eye. More warmth. Colors defused by the windows. “Hey, they have a bar. I thought Marcella’s was BYOB,” I said to Mark. (Shows you how little time we spend in New Hope.) So, once again, thinking only of our responsibility to our readership (ahem) we strolled right into Marcella’s.

Wow. Cozy, warm (again), and nice people. Enter Kitty. Where have you been all my life? Kitty has been tending bar for nearly twenty years in this area, doing stints at The Stockton Inn, among others. She’s the kind of bartender who has a following. She and her partner host a huge party once a year for their friends/patrons (one and the same in many cases). Then there was Michael and Lawrence, a couple sitting to our left. Within minutes, we were shaking hands and introducing each other, swapping food stories and making connections. Turns out we all have mutual friends. And Kitty hangs out at the Pineville Tavern on Monday nights and harasses Sue, our favorite bartender at the Pineville, as well. Small world.

Kitty also pours an impressive martini. Michael and Lawrence are regulars at Marcella’s and told us that they have a new chef who is turning out some great dishes. We’ll have to come back soon.

So much for old prejudices! We’ve found a few more places in New Hope we like. I’m sure there are more.

UPDATE June 25, 2010: Due to some not-so-nice management behavior at Marcella’s, Kitty has moved to The Centre Bridge Inn. Find her pouring there on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, along with an innovative and delicious Tavern menu.

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New Hope Restaurant Week

Lynne Goldman — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:58:59 +0000

I’ve noticed a pleasing trend over the past few years. Many local towns are organizing “restaurant weeks” in an effort to showcase their restaurants and bring more customers into town. Newtown had one last April and now New Hope is initiating what will hopefully be its first restaurant week for many years to come.

To be sure, it may be a sign of the weak economy, but for my money, it’s a great idea. Generally all participating restaurants offer a set, reasonable price for a prix fixe meal. As a restaurant patron, you get to try new places – or go back to favorites – all for a very good price.

New Hope’s 1st Annual Restaurant Week starts on this Sunday, March 21st and continues all week until Friday, March 26th. The price? $29.95 per person at any participating restaurant for a three course meal.

Contact the following restaurants to make reservations (all are in New Hope except where noted). And don’t wait too long!

Update: See Susan S. Yeske’s article in this week’s Bucks County Herald for more information.

Cafe Europa 215.862.9600, 11 Market Place, Logan Square
Golden Pheasant Inn 610.294.9595, 763 River Road, Erwinna, PA 18920
Havana 215.862.9897, 105 South Main St
Italian Cucina 215.862.3818, 95 South Main St
Karla’s 215.862.2612, 5 West Mechanic St
Marcella’s 215.862.1700, 7 East Ferry St
Marsha Brown 215.862.7044, 15 South Main St
Martine’s River House 215.862.2966, 14 East Ferry St & River
Mother’s Wine Bar 215.862.5857, 34 North Main St
Sandbar 90 Main 215.862.3030, 90 Main St
The Landing Restaurant 215.862.5711, 22 North Main St
Logan Inn 215.862.2300, 10 West Ferry St
The Mansion Inn 215.862.1231, 9 South Main St
Harlans Restaurant & Cabaret 215.862.5221, 6425 Lower York Road
Triumph Brewing Company 215.862.8300, 400 Union Square Dr
Tuscany at the Towpath House 215.693.1599, 18 West Mechanic St
Villa Vito Restaurant 215.862.9936, 26 West Bridge St

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FIRST NEW HOPE RESTAURANT WEE…

Lynne Goldman — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:51:15 +0000

FIRST NEW HOPE RESTAURANT WEEK!Sunday, March 21 to Friday, March 26, 2010 $29.95 3-Course, Prix-Fixe Dinner 17 Restaurants Participating. Go to http://www.newhopechamber.com/restaurant-week/ for more info.

A winter weekend in Bucks

Lynne Goldman — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:38:22 +0000

It may be cold, and it may still be winter for awhile (unless the groundhog tells us differently next week), but there are still lots of reasons to leave home and eat this weekend.

For starters, The Lambertville-New Hope Winter Festival, now in it’s 12th year is in full swing. I won’t go into great detail – see their Web site for a schedule of events – but there is lots to do and eat, including a Beef n’Brew at Triumph Brewing Co. (still tickets left!) on Saturday from 2-4:30 pm.
Firehouse and pancake breakfasts all around, including one in Plumsteadville, Haycock, Warrington and at the New Hope-Solebury High School. See our food events calendar for more locations and directions.
The 2nd Annual Wing Ding Contest at Chambers 19 in Doylestown. Raise your beer and munch on some wings. May the best winger win!
Do your weekly food shopping at the Stockton Indoor Market on Saturday or Sunday. Pick up some freshly baked bread, farm-fresh cheese, vegetables, organic coffee, yummy pastries, fresh fish and, even, artisanal ice cream. See our post for more information on vendors.

Coming up next weekend? How about a gourmet vegetarian dinner at the Kindle Cafe, or eating chili to support Planned Parenthood at the Choice Chili Cook-off? Or stop in at the Chaddsford Winery Tasting Room in Peddlers Village for their February Fusion, pairing gourmet chocolate and wine. Or check out the monthly barrel tasting at Triumph Brewing Company. See our food events calendar for more details.

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Best wings in (Upper) Bucks

Lynne Goldman — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:06:55 +0000

Catch this article in last week’s Bucks County Herald about the best wings in Bucks County. Talk about professional jealousy! I admit it!! Granted, wings are, how shall I put it…a specialty all in themselves. Just read their descriptions of what makes a great wing. These guys are pros. My jealousy is mixed with awe.

I can’t vouch for all these places, but I’m certainly filing the piece for future reference. I’ll give you some excerpts from the ViperClub’s annual review of the hot wings to be found in their “beloved Upper Bucks County,” along with the list of the “top ten.”

(Note: I like to excerpt pieces from the Herald not only to support local journalism, but also because the Herald only archives two weeks of their issues online. The content will “disappear” from the Web soon, so this way we “save” it.)

Jack Scott and Brent Gobrecht, the two founding members of the ViperClub, take the responsibility upon themselves to inconspicuously frequent local establishments and rate them on the quality of their hot wings. Their rating criteria consist of a point system that critiques everything from the quality of the chicken, how it’s prepared and presented, the amount of “heat,” the flavor of the sauce – to even the value and price of the plate of wings.

“The sauce should have some heat,” says Brent. “Your lips should feel the spice for a few minutes after you’ve finished. They should wake you up a bit not just with the heat, but flavor too… The wing itself should be moist on the inside with a gentle crispiness to the outside.”

With so many establishments, it is a wonder how these two can try them all. “Well, we don’t go to places that don’t have a bar,” explains Jack. “There are really good local pizza places that make amazing wings, but there are simply too many. It would be impossible to hit every one. We needed to draw a line somewhere so having a bar is mandatory. In fact, we had to limit our geography from all of Bucks County to Upper Bucks, which is where we think the best wings can be found.”

“It was really hard this year” adds Jack. “Our points were all over the place and Brent and I didn’t agree at places where we usually do. We both agreed that places like McCoole’s in Quakertown (who are consistently in the top 10) should be up in the ‘Big Four,’ but I thought they could be the best of ’09 and Brent likes the new places, like The OBR.”

There is no doubt the economy has had an impact on everyone and price has become more of an issue this year as well. “You see?” Brent points out “The Heart of the Oak Pub has amazing wings, but who wants to pay $7 or $8 or even $9 for five or six wings? Wings are a blue collar food. You can fancy them up all you want, but I don’t think people want to spend that much.”

All of these places make some extraordinary wings and all of them are neat places to visit. Check them out and talk to the owners. They all have a story. Get out there and experience Upper Bucks County. Who knows? You might run into Jack and Brent.”

ViperClub’s Hot Wings Winners

Big Daddy’s Wagon Wheel Tavern (Quakertown)
McCoole’s Red Lion Inn (Quakertown)
Old Bethlehem Road Pub (Haycock)
Pineville Tavern (Pineville)
Heart of the Oak Pub (Buckingham)
Hart’s Tavern (Lahaska)
Fran’s Pub (New Hope)
The Farmhouse Tavern (Doylestown)
Gardenville Hotel (Gardenville)
Isaac Newton’s Pub (Newtown)

Chocolate and art

Lynne Goldman — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:04:31 +0000

Do you love chocolate? Are you an artist? Here’s your chance to blend the two loves, and maybe win $100 in art supplies.

The Chocolate Bar, organizer of the Bucks County Chocolate Show, is sponsoring its third annual art contest for “The Journey of the Pod,” an artistic representation of chocolate’s journey in images from the past to the present. The contest asks artists to connect communities with this rich story through multimedia.

The Chocolate Bar was founded in 2004 by Gretchen Tartakoff to organize and promote “The Journey of The Pod” Art Contest and the The World of Chocolate, Bucks County Chocolate Show. Both components connect communities on many levels, supporting commerce and appreciation for sustainable best practices in the world of chocolate. The show brings together trendsetters in the chocolate industry with a multimedia educational exhibit about the issues impacting the people who provide us with chocolate.

For more details and entry form visit www.buckscountychocolateshow.com. The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Utrecht Art Supply. The art will be part of the education exhibit “The Journey of The Pod” to be shown on May 23, 2010 in New Hope, PA at the Bucks County Chocolate Show.

Goodbye to an old friend: La Bonne Auberge closes December 19

Lynne Goldman — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:51:48 +0000

The famous New Hope gastronomic landmark, La Bonne Auberge, will be closing its doors this month. Read Susan S. Yeske’s article on the couple who brought such exquisite French food to Bucks County in this week’s Bucks County Herald. Here are a few excerpts from the article:

A chance encounter brought Gerard and Rozanne Caronello to New Hope 38 years ago; the pleasure of cooking for customers who appreciate Gerard’s classic French cuisine has kept them there.

On December 19 their award-winning restaurant, La Bonne Auberge, will serve its last meal and the Caronellos will begin their retirement. Tears are being shed over the closing, Gerard said, by their dear and faithful customers as well as the couple themselves. But the time has come.

“I don’t mind the work,” he explains. “Physically, I just can’t do it anymore.” Caronello said his knees, eyesight and back can no longer tolerate the necessary 16-hour workdays. A workday, he explained, begins at 3 a.m. when he heads for the farm market to buy fresh ingredients for the day. It ends after he prepares the last meal that evening. At 67, he has been cooking for 51 years, and that is enough.

Knowing that doesn’t make it any easier, he said, explaining, “It’s easier to start a business than to close it.”…

The menu at La Bonne Auberge has changed and evolved over the years, but there are some dishes that remain on every menu. Caronello said the protests would be too great if he stopped preparing his signature Dover sole, lobster and rack of lamb dishes. Add to that list his caviar, foie gras, Coquille St. Jacques and escargot and you get a better idea of the traditional French cuisine that brings customers back to the restaurant…

Retirement may bring an end to the 16-hour days, but it won’t bring an end to work. Caronello said he will lead a group of students on a trip to the Champagne region of France and plans to conduct additional tours of his native country as well. But likely most of his cooking will be done at home.