We’re moving away from “the cold is bearable” and into “the cold is unbelievable.” You’d think we’d get used to the below 10 degrees evenings, and yet I find myself wanting to leave my warm and cozy abode less and less. To avoid getting stir crazy, here are some local happenings, tidbits and specials to get you out of the house (just layer up!).
January Tidbits: Wine, Spirits and Beer
It’s a new year, which means new businesses, and new opportunities to try great food and libations. We’ve gathered some up and coming local spots for great drinks (beer, wine, cocktails, etc.), along with a few other longtime favorites that are doing some exciting things. Cheers!
Just a stone’s throw away
Since the change in Pennsylvania liquor laws last year, wineries, breweries and distilleries in Pennsylvania can also serve libations made by other Pennsylvania spirit manufacturers (as long as 51% of their sales remain from their own product).
So don’t be surprised to see some interesting establishments start to pop up, including a cozy spot called The Stone’s Throw at Shady Brook Farm right between the farm market and the greenhouse, where guests can chat around locally brewed craft beer, Rose Bank Winery wines (made right down the street in Newtown, PA), wine slushies and hard ciders.
And fun fact, The Stone’s Throw got its name because everything they serve is from “a stone’s throw” away. Shady Brook Farm wants to “enhance your farm experience by offering homegrown, homemade, and locally produced goods.” Check it out this winter and into the spring!
Fun, expertly crafted cocktails at Hops Scotch Dram and Barrel
If you’re into whiskey, be sure to check out Hops Scotch Dram and Barrel in downtown Doylestown (Main Street Marketplace). The bar opened last fall, offering old school craft cocktails and other unique drinks (try the Smoked Old Fashioned – so cool!).
They have a nice selection of bourbon and whiskey, including single malt scotch, rye and Asian whiskeys too. Here’s a full cocktail menu. You can also order food from the Pennsylvania Soup & Seafood House, Andre’s Wine & Cheese, and Spuntino Wood-Fired Pizza, and they’ll deliver it to the bar!
Coming up on Tuesday, January 9, Hops Scotch Dram and Barrel is hosting a craft classic cocktail class complete with fresh squeezed juices, handcrafted syrups, and exotic bitters.
The $45 ticket includes: welcome cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, one and half hour lesson with an award-winning bartender, liquors, fresh juices, syrups, and cocktails.
The session will cover gin from Philadelphia Distilling, to be used in some of the oldest documented cocktails. Enjoy a talk, a tasting, and a demonstration. Find more information here.
Drinks with a view
If you’ve ventured over the bridge into New Jersey (into Lambertville and Frenchtown) you’ll know there are several inns and restaurants overlooking the Delaware River. But these establishments are more than just a pretty view. Many are historical, like the Frenchtown Inn, which first opened in 1805 as the town’s first hotel to serve the river and ferry traffic.
In addition to being a fine dining restaurant, the inn is also a nice spot for drinks, offering weekly specials like Wine Down Wednesday (along with Thirsty Thursday), and speciality cocktails (like their White Christmas Sangria – pictured above). While you’re there, enjoy the art of local oil painter, Alexander Volkov, a Russian-American painter born in St. Petersburg in 1960. He has lived and worked in Hunterdon County for 25 years. With his unique vision, he merges mood and atmosphere, evoking powerful emotions that create harmony. Check out their Facebook page here.
Coffee and whiskey
Although it debuted this past Christmas, you can still get your hands on Horn & Hardart’s alcohol-infused coffee. But don’t wait. The series is a limited release, small batch, super premium and handmade line of whole bean coffee. The best part? It’s been aged in used Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey barrels.
U.S. coffee business Horn & Hardart introduced this line to utilize distilled craft spirits in an innovative way. According to H&H President Al Mazzone: “Our #18 Prohibition Series has been infused with Pennsylvania’s premier rye whiskey. Dad’s Hat Rye gave us one of their recently drained oak whiskey barrels, and we used a blend of 75% Horn & Hardart Liberty Roast whole bean and 25% espresso whole bean, and transformed it in the airtight spent barrel for 21 days.” He added, “Coffee drinkers will love the refined taste, with subtle aromas and textures.”
5 Things You Gotta Do in Bucks County This Weekend (Jan 5-7)
Looks like we’re snowed in today. What a perfect time for some local comfort food like soup, wine and chocolate, and home-cooked pasta with your fellow (chilly) community members. Stay safe and enjoy a good meal!
Events are listed in chronological order
Ziti Dinner
Fri, Jan 5, 5 – 7 pm
Centenary United Methodist Church
108 N. Union St., Lambertville, NJ
Spend time with fellow community members with a warm and tasty ziti dinner. Call 609.397.2468 for more information.
Yardley Indoor Farmers Market
Sat, Jan 6, 9 – 11:30 am
Yardley Friends Meeting
65 North Main St., Yardley, PA
A farmers market in the winter? You bet! Come to Yardley this Saturday for fresh, locally grown and produced food (click here for all the details). Here are some of the vendors who will be there:
- Baked goods: fresh-baked sweet and savory pies, soup and more from Solly Brothers; gluten-free cookies, cupcakes, other treats from Sweet Ladybug Baked Goods; and artisan breads, flat breads, rolls, sweet breads from Wild Flour Bakery
- Organically grown vegetables, eggs, seasonal items Snipes Farm & Education Center
- Locally grown certified organic herbs from Barefoot Botanicals
- Artisanal cheeses and pasture raised meats from Cherry Grove Farm
- Covered Bridge Coffee Roasters and Loose Leaf Tea
- Hand crafted hot sauces, mustard, hot pepper jelly from @Fallsington Hot Sauce, and Gourmet Jelly (“Bartender in a Jar” jellies, syrups and candies)
- Local honey and beeswax products from Keystone Colonies Beekeeping
- Exotic mushrooms from KSS Sales
- Mecha Artisan Chocolate (handcrafted caramels, ganaches and more)
- Estate olive oils, vinegars, olive wood products from Medittera
- Gourmet dips, spreads, dukkah, and prepared foods from Nanna’s Secret-Mediterranean Gourmet
- Natural soaps, skin care, shaving creams from Passionately Natural Soap Co.
- Fermented and pickled foods, prepared foods and soups from Right Eats
- Estate wines from Unionville Vineyards
Soup Day
Sat, Jan 6, 11 am – 2 pm
Dublin Fire Co.
Rt. 313 and Rickert Road, Dublin, PA
What’s better than a bowl of soup on a frigid winter’s day? Soup, of course! Pick some homemade soups up from the Dublin Fire Co. this weekend on Saturday. Phone orders are from 9 – 11 am. Call 215.249.3740 for more information.
Pairing Wine & Chocolate
Sun, Jan 7, 2 pm
Crossing Vineyards and Winery
1853 Wrightstown Rd., Washington Crossing, PA
Haven’t had your fill of spirits and sweets? Enjoy an afternoon filled with tips on how to pair your two favorite foods — wine and chocolate. The event includes instruction, wine tasting, tour and your personal assortment of Pierre’s Chocolates.
Pierre’s Chocolates in New Hope has a line of exceptional single and double origin artisanal chocolates from South America and other parts of the world. Justin Zaslow and his father-in-law, Tom Block, are the creative force behind Pierre’s. Read the full behind the scene story here!
Sunday Brunch
Sunday, Jan 7
All over Bucks County and NJ!
When it’s cold, it’s all the more reason to sleep in a little late and bundle up as you venture off to Sunday brunch. And there are plenty of options in scenic Bucks County and across county lines in New Jersey. What are you in the mood for? A classy brunch with mimosas and small plates? A “Hungry Man/Woman” with three kinds of meat? Or maybe just a classic egg sandwich (or pork roll if you’re in Jersey)? Here’s a few popular, local spots you need to check out.
You know who else is serving brunch? Karlton’s Cafe in Quakertown. Bucks County Taste talked to the owner and chef of the restaurant/cafe, who discussed his love for local and fresh dishes. Read the full story here!
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Bucks County Taste Dinner Club Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATES!
Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm (Sunday, March 25, 2018) We are thrilled to once again bring the Bucks County Taste Dinner Club to the Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm. Chef Josh Homacki will create a wonderful, seasonally inspired meal for us in this intimate dining space. If you haven’t been to the Inn’s restaurant yet, mark your calendar. This is one of the best kept secrets in Bucks County — although increasingly not a secret! Make a weekend of it and stay at the Inn. For more information about the Inn, click here. Details to follow.
The Farm Cooking School – Save the date for a five-course meal sourced from Roots to River Farm and other nearby farms. Chefs Ian Knauer and Shelley Wiseman will also demonstrate some of the dishes before we eat! Saturday, April 7, 6 pm. Details to follow.
Do you enjoy good food? Like meeting new friends? Want to try new restaurants? Get on the Bucks County Taste Dinner Club email list and be the first to know of our coming events.
Bucks Food Calendar: Jan 2, 2018
Well, the holidays are over. It’s back-to-school, back-to-work, back-to-my-before-December diet (you know, the kind that consists of mostly vegetables and less cookies and cake). That doesn’t mean the festive fun has to end. We’ve gathered up a few holiday events that you can check out early this month, and added a few recipes and things to look forward to in the new year. Bring it on 2018!
Karlton Cafe: Fresh & local done right
When it came to food, Karlton Cafe’s owner James Pharo knew he loved all kinds of cuisine. What he didn’t know is how much he loved cooking and preparing different dishes. Of course, this sounds like a cliché chef’s tale told before. Man discovers secret desire to cook. He pushes forward, pursues his dream of becoming a chef. Success!
Karlton Cafe part two
Pharo is the owner and chef of Quakertown’s Karlton Cafe, a cafe serving up breakfast, brunch and dinner, tucked away on West Broad Street in Quakertown, PA. Recently, the cafe celebrated it’s one year anniversary under his ownership.
For those familiar with the Karlton Cafe, you’ll know it was once owned by AJ Buehrer, who ran the establishment with his wife, Amanda, and his mother who made “mom-made-desserts” each day. Buehrer grew up in the Quakertown area and was raised in the food life. Both parents worked in the restaurant business and eventually started an organic farm that supplied high-end restaurants all over the East Coast with produce and meats.
Unfortunately, Buehrer passed away in 2016, so Pharo decided to buy the cafe and keep the local legacy alive. Pharo said he learned under AJ and it was through his guidance that Pharo fell in love with the presentation of food and how it looks to the customer.
He appreciates every aspect behind the cafe; the front of the house and the kitchen. And with Karlton Cafe’s open kitchen, he gets to interact with people sitting, watching, and of course, waiting for their meal.
Fresh and local – how it should be
It’s true, Pharo never intended to be in the food business. He obtained an associate’s degree in business administration, but didn’t know what he wanted to do for a full-time gig. He grew up in Warrington, but moved to Quakertown in 2014, which is where he got the job at AJ’s restaurant.
Flash forward, and now he’s the one in the kitchen giving orders. But Pharo says he’s not the most experienced chef there. He’s constantly learning new tips and tricks from some of the other cooks in the kitchen. It’s “a really good team which I can learn from,” he says.
“None of that frozen stuff,” says Pharo.
Yet, if there’s one thing that is unique about Pharo and the cafe, it’s the fresh ingredients. He always buys local, fresh food, and everything is from scratch — nothing is from a bag and nothing is frozen. What’s more, he shops around at local farms and uses produce companies that ship local goods.
For instance, Pharo says he buys from Windy Springs Farm in Quakertown, Bechdolt’s Orchards and Saylor’s & Co. in Hellertown. Next year, he’s considering adding a large garden to the cafe for a little farm-to-table action.
And all of those fresh and local fruits, veggies and herbs make their way into the seasonal dishes the cafe serves up. Plus, with plenty of fresh options, there’s more room for experimenting — think peaches in late summer on top of sugary french toast, fall dishes with root vegetables, and breakfast specials like banana foster French toast and pumpkin pancakes.
Partner in food (and in life)
Pharo has a few other plans in mind, but it goes beyond the kitchen. His fiancé, Elizabeth Stauffer, have been together since Pharo’s early days at Karlton Cafe. In fact, Stauffer started working at the restaurant as a server — just a few years before Pharo took over the cafe.
Not only does Liz help keep the place running, she’s learning to cook. When we interviewed her over the phone, she was right in the middle of cooking, trying to talk on speakerphone in order to keep the meal prep going. Laughing, she said she had fun learning how to cook different dishes, but breakfast has been by far her favorite. She likes to present the dishes so they look pretty, even if it’s just fresh, vibrant fruit for a garnish or a light powdering of sugar on French toast.
“[The presentation] is the first thing you are going to notice; for us it’s about making things taste good and look good,” said Stauffer.
Dinner is served
While we know presentation tempts us into tasting a dish, it’s the flavor that has us coming back for more. Pharo is trying to grow his dinner menus, since they just recently opened up for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays from 5 – 9 pm. Right now he said he’s taking off with just the two weekend slots, but he hopes to add additional dinner slots during the week.
Some dishes he’s recently tried include: Crab cake and asparagus, pork schnitzel with red cabbage, and chicken chardonnay with mushrooms and linguine.
He’s also introducing the cafe menu to the dinner menu, so there are more casual options to accommodate both the fine-diners and those who just want a nice sandwich. The Karlton Cafe also offers homemade desserts like tortes, cheesecakes, crumbles.
5 Things You Gotta Do in Bucks County This Weekend (Dec 29-Jan 1)
It’s almost time to ring in 2018. What do you think of when you remember the new year is approaching? Champagne toasts at midnight? Sparklers and firecrackers? A big smooch with your loved one when the clock strikes 12 o’clock?
Don’t forget about two very important parts to a perfect New Year’s Eve celebration: food and drinks. Whether you want to sip bubbly all night long or keep it simple with some soda and spirits, there’s something for everyone this year. And don’t forget brunch on New Year’s Day!
Do you need a last-minute (but thoughtful) gift for someone? Don’t want to walk in empty-handed to
your friend’s New Year’s bash?
See our post,
Gifts for the foodie in your life.Or how about the chocoholic on your list?
Read about artisanal, single sourced, direct trade chocolate from Pierre’s Chocolates (and pick up a box to bring to your friend’s house!),
A trip to Ecuador: In search of the best chocolate
Events are listed in chronological order
Foodie Fryday in Lansdale
Fri, Dec 29, 5 – 9 pm
Boardroo
575 W. 3rd St., Lansdale, PA
Join Boardroom Spirits and Fry’s Catering every Friday for some delicious, loca
Murder Mystery Dinner: Death By Disco 
Sun, Dec 31, 7:30 – 11:30 pm
Cock’n Bull Restaurant
Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, PA
This Sunday, December 31 at the Cock’n Bull Restaurant, kick off the new year with some murder! This dinner and murder mystery show is $110 per person (and this includes pre-show hors d’oeuvres, the dinner, the show, tax & service charge). Reserva
New Year’s Eve Gala
Sun, Dec 31, 7:30 pm
Music Mountain Theatre at Event Center
46 N. Sugan Rd., New Hope, PA
Come ring the New Year with everyone this year at The Event Center by Cornerstone in New Hope, PA. There’s live music, a cabaret, wine hut, silent auction, and of course food and a champagne toast. Get your tickets here.
Still not sure what you want to do on New Year’s Eve? HOw about a casual dinner for two? or an all-nighter with dancing and champagne? What’s happening near you? Here’s our NYE guide to help you get started.
A Solebury New Year Celebration
Mon, Jan 1, Noon – 3 pm
Holly Hedge Estate
6987 Upper York Rd., New Hope, PA
This Monday, enjoy a brunch with the Solebury Township Historical Society, complete with a delicious menu, cash bar, and complimentary cider and music by Bob Egan. It’s a wonderful way to ring in the New Year with friends, family, and neighbors while supporting the STHS.
New Year’s Day Brunch
Mon, Jan 1, 9 am – 2 pm
Lumberville General Store
3741 River Rd., Lumberville, PA
Celebrate the start of 2018 at the Lumberville General Store. They’re hosting a New Year’s Day brunch for $23 per person for full brunch. It’s also $8.95 à la carte, and LGS is BYOB! The menu includes: One mimosa (orange juice for children), one pastry selection, one yogurt, granola and fruit, along with one of their tasty entrées.pa\
For more brunch and breakfast ideas near you, keep reading our dining out for the New Year post here!
In the works…
The Farm Cooking School – Save the date for a five-course meal sourced from Roots to River Farm and other nearby farms. Chefs Ian Knauer and Shelley Wiseman will also demonstrate some of the dishes before we eat! Saturday, April 7, 6 pm. Details to follow. SAVE THE DATE!
Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm (March 2018)
James & Jamie – Local restaurateur and chef James Seward (Bowman’s Tavern, Bowman’s North) and Jamie Hollander (Jamie Hollander Gourmet) are teaming up to make us one wonderful dinner. (Winter 2018)
Do you enjoy good food? Like meeting new friends? Want to try new restaurants? Get on the Bucks County Taste Dinner Club email list and be the first to know of our coming events.
Bucks Food Calendar: Dec 26, 2017
It feels like the holidays always come and go so fast. At least there is the New Year and all its celebrations — it’s one more thing to look forward to! While you are cleaning up leftover cookie crumbs and gift wrap that’s scattered about, start planning your New Year’s Eve activities, and check out what’s happening in Bucks County this week.
4 Things You Gotta Do in Bucks County This Weekend (Dec 22-24)
If you celebrate Christmas, you’re probably counting down the hours until you can get started on all of the holiday festivities. What’s on your agenda? Baking cookies? Drinking wine? Wrapping presents (or running out to the store to pick up said presents)?
Whatever the plans, we can help you get started. There’s a few activities happening in and around Bucks County leading up to the holiday. And if you’re not celebrating Christmas, get a head start on your New Year’s Eve plans.
Got a foodie on your gift list? We’ve got you covered. See our post,
Gifts for the foodie in your life.Or how about the chocoholic on your list?
Read about artisanal, single sourced, direct trade chocolate from Pierre’s Chocolates,
A trip to Ecuador: In search of the best chocolate
Events are listed in chronological order
Lumberville General Store Supper Club
Fri, Dec 22 and Sat, Dec 23
Lumberville General Store
3741 River Rd., Lumberville, PA
Skip the cooking this weekend and enjoy the Supper Club of the Lumberville General Store. You can dine with friends and your fellow foodie community members. Get to know someone new over a three-course meal complete with a starter, for $24.95 per person. And, it’s BYOB, so bring your favorite bottle of bubbly or wine and celebrate the holidays. Entrées on the menu this week include Cedar plank salmon, braised short ribs, pan roasted chicken breast or wild mushroom risotto.
Wrightstown Winter Farmers Market
Sat, Dec 23, 10 am – 12 pm
Barn @ The Gathering
2324 2nd Street Pike, Wrightstown, PA
Finish your last minute holiday shopping, stock up on winter veggies, and other goodies this weekend. The market is excited about its new Market Annex, which gives them extra spread for shopping comfort. Hot breakfast from The Fancy Fig joins the market in the Annex, serving up breakfast sandwiches and warm hot chocolate. Santa will also be at the market stocking up on local carrots for his reindeer. Stop by with the kids and snap a selfie.
Cookie Contest
Sat, Dec 23, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Newportville Inn
4120 Lower Rd., Levittown, PA
Think you can bake the best cookies in town? Join the folks at the Newportville Inn for a holiday cookie contest, where you can share a batch of your favorite cookies. If your goodies are voted the best tasting, you’ll take home prizes and recognition. Contest starts at 8 pm.
Make Plans for New Year’s Eve!
It’s time to welcome in the New Year. Don’t have any plans? No need to travel to the city, there’s much to do in Bucks County and over river in Jersey. Here’s where you can drink some bubbly, eat a nice meal, and celebrate the start of a new year. Cheers to ringing in 2018!
umDinger Alpacas (gift
In the works…
The Farm Cooking School – Save the date for a five-course meal sourced from Roots to River Farm and other nearby farms. Chefs Ian Knauer and Shelley Wiseman will also demonstrate some of the dishes before we eat! Saturday, April 7, 6 pm. Details to follow. SAVE THE DATE!
James & Jamie – Local restaurateur and chef James Seward (Bowman’s Tavern, Bowman’s North) and Jamie Hollander (Jamie Hollander Gourmet) are teaming up to make us one wonderful dinner. (Winter 2018)
Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm (Winter 2018)
Do you enjoy good food? Like meeting new friends? Want to try new restaurants? Get on the Bucks County Taste Dinner Club email list and be the first to know of our coming events.
2017 – Going out for New Year’s Eve
Note: These prices are not current. Please contact the restaurant for this year’s pricing.
Hard to believe 2018 is right around the corner. I think it’s safe to say that we all could use a bit of a recharge, and I’m ready to welcome in the New Year with good food and good friends (but mostly good food).
Bucks County restaurants and cafes are keeping their doors open, ready to ring in the year with you. Check out what creative menus are being offered this year, and here’s to another healthy, happy New Year!
Bella Tori at the Mansion (Langhorne) is celebrating the new with a three-course dinner service in its romantic mansion. See their website for more information or call 215.702.9600.
The Black Bass Hotel is serving New Year’s Eve brunch from 11 am – 2:30 pm, and dinner from 4:30 – 10 pm. They’ll also have a New Year’s Day menu for brunch and dinner. See here for more information
The Brick Hotel (Newtown) is serving a special New Year’s Eve menu for dinner, from 5 -10 pm. Dinner music is constant from 5:30 to midnight. Call them at 215.860.8613 to reserve and see here for more details.
Brick Tavern (Quakertown) will be serving dinner from their regular menu from 11 am to 4 pm. The New Year’s Eve menu begins at 4 pm until 10 pm. Enjoy entrees like slow smoked prime rib of beef au jus, and broiled shrimp and scallops. See the full menu here and call 215.529.6488 for reservations.
The Buck Hotel (Feasterville) will have a NYE party starting at 8:30 pm. Grab some dinner beforehand and then party hard. See their website for more information.
Caleb’s American Kitchen (Lahaska) will ring in the new year with a fabulous four-course dinner for $68/person. Reservations start at 4 pm. Reminder to bring your bubbly…they are a BYO. Contact them at 215.794.8588 and see the menu here.
Empanada Mama (Doylestown) is serving up a holiday menu of empanadas for your New Year’s Eve party. All empanada orders must be collected by December 30. Check out the menu here and note: Empanada Mama will be closed on New Year’s Eve and Day.
Fisher’s Tudor House (Bensalem) will be having a murder mystery dinner at 7 pm. You also get one cocktail with your meal. The dinner starts at 7 pm and it’s $82.99. See here for show details and the menu for the dinner.
Frenchtown Inn (Frenchtown, NJ) will be open on New Year’s Eve, serving dinner from 4 – 8:30 pm. You can reach them at 908.996.3300 to make your reservation.
Genevieve’s Kitchen (Doylestown) is hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner for $65 per person plus tax and gratuity. It will feature a five-course dinner inspired by the chef. Reservations are recommended so call 267.614.9635 to save your spot.
The Golden Pheasant Inn (Erwinna) will be serving a special four-course prix fixe menu for New Year’s Eve featuring table sharing plates like charcuterie and artisanal cheese, and entrées like Lancaster county chicken, chops, fish, and more. Contact them at 610.294.9595 or reserve a table online.
Karlton Cafe (Quakertown) is offering side dishes and entrees for your holiday guests. Place your orders by 12/22 and pick up on Christmas Eve. Place your orders and view the menu here. They’re also hosting a brunch on Sunday, January 1 from 8 am – 2 pm.
King George II Inn (Bristol) is serving dinner at 10, complete with a pianist. Call 215.788.5536 for reservations. Find more information here.
naBrasa (Horsham) Enjoy smooth Brazilian Jazz with dinner, seatings at 5:30 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm, 8:30 pm, and 10:30 pm. Prices are $55 per person (just the meal) or $75 per person (includes open bar). The meal includes a full Rodizio dinner with 15 cuts of meat and fish. Complimentary toast at midnight with champagne. Reservations are recommended. Call 215.956.0600.
La Stalla (Newtown) is offering a special menu for New Year’s Eve. Call 215.579.8301 to make reservations or get more information from their site.
McCoole’s Red Lion Inn (Quakertown) will be ringing in the New Year from 8 pm – 12:30 am. Enjoy a four-course meal, cash bar, a champagne toast at midnight, and live entertainment. The meal and event are $75 per person. Limited seating available. See here for more information.
The Raven (New Hope) is holding their New Year’s Eve dinner and dance party for $95 per person (plus tax and gratuity). The night includes a four-course chef’s dinner plus the chance to listen to Michael Ferrari on piano from 9 pm – 1 am, live in the Oak Room. The DJ dance party is from 10 pm – 2 am, with a champagne toast at midnight. A continental breakfast will be served at 1 am. Also at The Raven is a New Year’s Day brunch served from 11 am – 3 pm.
Rising Sun Inn (Telford) The Inn, which is well-known for its local bison dishes, starts serving a special menu at 4:30 – 9 pm. The musical guest is “The Big Shots.” Reservations are recommended. Don’t forget to order a bottle of bubbly while you are there. Call them at 215.721.6350.
Royal T’s at the Mansion Inn (New Hope) is ringing in the new year with Hors d’oeuvres and stationary tables – and lots of fun. Some of the food items will include coconut shrimp, tuna tartar, mini beef wellington, their soup dumplings and much more. For more details, call 267.740.7153 or purchase tickets here.
Spinnerstown Hotel Restaurant (Quakertown) is hosting a New Year’s Eve party with a complimentary champagne toast and a special menu. Make reservations for the New Years Eve Party with The Craig Thatcher Band. Space is limited and this show fills up quickly! Call to reserve at 215.536.7242.
The Washington Crossing Inn (Washington Crossing) will be serving a four course meal for $95 per person. Or check out their New Year’s Eve Gala which includes an open bar and dinner buffet. The gala starts at 8 pm and is $95 per person.
The Washington House (Sellersville) will be offering a special dinner with a complimentary glass of champagne. Find seats and make your reservations here or call 215.257.3000.
On the other side of the river…
The Frenchtown Inn is taking reservations for dinner on New Year’s Eve. They’ll be serving dinner from 4 – 8:30 pm. Call 908.996.3300 for more information.
Hamilton’s Grill Room (Lambertville) is offering a special prix fixe meal with two seatings on Saturday, December 31. The early seating is 5 pm and costs $70 per person plus tax and gratuity. The celebration seating is at 7:30 pm and costs $90 per person. The restaurant will be closed on New Year’s Day. See more information here.
Sergeantsville Inn (Sergeantsville, NJ) is having a New Year’s Eve dinner with seating from 5 – 10 pm for $75 per person. The dinner includes an appetizer. Reservations are required, and price does not include dessert, bar tab, tax or gratuity. See here for more information.
And from all of us at Bucks County Taste, have a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Look for Bucks County Taste on Facebook , Twitter and Pinterest.
Bucks Food Calendar: Dec 18, 2017
Say what? Christmas is how many days away? Things are getting a little crazy! Expect the stores to be a bit crowded, the lines a little bit longer. Not to mention there’s still presents to wrap and, family coming into town. Take some time to destress this week and hit the town for some local fun. You could win pizza for a year, shop for artisan gifts, and check out some great restaurant specials. Happy holidays friends!
2017 – Going out for Christmas
Note: These prices are not current. Please contact the restaurant for this year’s pricing.
The holidays are fast approaching. Don’t have any plans this year and want to go out for a change? Enjoy Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner at the many local restaurants we’ve listed below. Make your holidays a little easier this year.
Christmas Eve
Here are restaurants offering Christmas eve dinners, in alphabetical order, with details:
Black Bass Hotel (Lumberville) is offering a Christmas Eve day brunch, 11 am – 2:30 pm, a Prix Fixe 4-course menu for $45 per person. View the menu here.
Bridgetown Mill House Restaurant & Inn (Langhorne) is hosting a Christmas Eve dinner from 4 – 10 pm. Find the full menu here.
Caleb’s American Kitchen (Lahaska) will have a special Christmas Eve breakfast and lunch from 8 am – 2 pm, in addition to their regular menus. Dinner is from 4 – 8:30 pm and guests can enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu for $50 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Caleb’s is closed on Christmas Day.
Great Barn Brewery (New Hope) is having a holiday celebration on Saturday December 23 from 4 – 11:30 pm. The festivities include a GBB ugly sweater party, pictures with Santa and free food.
The Golden Pheasant Inn (Erwinna) will be serving dinner from 3 pm to 8 pm with an a la carte menu featuring the best, local seasonal offerings (click here for the menu). They will also have harpist, Darcy Fair playing traditional holiday music. Fully decorated for the holidays, including real wood burning fireplaces, the Golden Pheasant offers a stunning location to enjoy a traditional Christmas Eve in the country. Contact them at 610.294.9595 or reserve a table online.
naBrasa (Horsham) The Brazilian rodizio (steakhouse) will be open from 10 am – 1 pm for Christmas Eve Brunch. Join for a full churrasco feast and enjoy all 15 cuts of meat and salmon, gourmet salad bar and homemade sides. Last Seating at 1 pm. Brunch includes one complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary. naBrasa is also open for dinner on Christmas Eve. More information here.
Piccolo Trattoria (Newtown, Doylestown & Pennington) is offering the Feast of the Seven Fishes starting at 6:30 pm. Piccolo Trattoria celebrates this tradition with seven, sometimes eight or nine seafood favorites, with the most famous being the Baccala or salted cod. Book your table here.
The Washington Crossing Inn (Washington Crossing) is serving a Christmas Eve buffet from 10 am – 6:30 pm. They’re also serving up a dinner buffet on Christmas Day from 10 am – 6 pm. Call for reservations at 877.882.1776.
The Washington House (Sellersville) will serve a three-course complete Christmas Eve lunch for $26, along with a $10 menu for children. See the full menu here. You can reach them at 215.257.3000.
Christmas Day
Bridgetown Mill House Restaurant & Inn (Langhorne) is hosting a Christmas Day dinner from 2:30 – 10 pm. Find the full menu here.
Pineville Tavern (Pineville) is open on Christmas from 11 am – 7 pm. Buffet price includes everything. Contact them at 215.598.3890. More information can be found here.
The Washington Crossing Inn (Washington Crossing) will be serving brunch on Christmas Day buffet from 10 am – 6 pm. They are also open for Christmas Eve. More information and full menus can be found here.
Interested in Christmas-Dinner-to-Go? Here’s a few places that are offering holiday meals with all the fixings:
Backyard Bison (Coopersburg) has a limited availability of rib roasts and tenderloin roasts for the holidays. Boneless rib roasts are $21.99/lb and tenderloins are $28.99/lb. They will be ready to pick up on the farm on December 17. Farm hours are 10:30 am – 3 pm every Saturday. They will be open Christmas Eve but will close at 3 pm.
Blooming Glen Catering is offering a Christmas dinner to go along with sides a la carte. Orders must be placed no later than Saturday December 16. All pick-ups will be Friday December 22 or Saturday December 23. They are closed on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
Fishers Tudor House (Bensalem) is offering their traditional Christmas dinner package with everything from a golden brown roast turkey, to the dinner rolls and fresh-baked pies. You can also add a spiral cut ham if turkey isn’t enough. Plan your dinner here.
Jamie Hollander’s Gourmet Foods (New Hope) has a full holiday menu for take-out that includes ready-to-roast Filet Mignon and Filet of Salmon. Everything else on their menu is fully prepared and ready to heat and serve, with simple instructions provided. The Pineapple-Glazed Smoked Ham is all-natural and raised in PA. You can see the full menu for sides, hors d’oeuvres, party platters, salads, and baked goods – including herb and cheese biscuits and a selection of holiday desserts here. Orders are due by 7 pm on Sunday, December 18. They also have holiday specials in their prepared foods case, but amounts are limited and usually sell out quickly. They are closed on Christmas Day. For guidance in planning a menu, or to order, call 215.862.9809.
Karlton Cafe (Quakertown) is taking orders for your holiday parties. Place your order by calling 215.538.8353. Karlton Cafe has two options for catering: half feeds six to eight people, whole feeds 10 – 16. Entrees range from lemon dill roasted salmon to prime rib with a jus and yorkshire pudding. They’ll also have starch sides like three cheese mac n’ cheese, au ‘gratin potatoes, potato bread stuffing with fresh herbs, and much more. Email here for more information, and pick-up your orders on Christmas Eve by 3 pm.
The Market at Delval (Doylestown) will have a holiday menu created by the chefs from JustFood Catering and bakers from Confection Perfection. They’ve got a tasty Yule Log and other sweet treats, along with holiday meals and side dishes. See here for more information.
Max Hansen Carversville Grocery is happy to help you with your Christmas dinner. Give them a call to customize your own Christmas dinner, with items like crab and shrimp stuffed flounder, or organic turkey breast just some of the food you can choose from. Call 215.766.3439 for more information.
Metropolitan Seafood & Gourmet (West Lebanon, NJ) (and also at the Stockton Farmers Market on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) has prepared a full menu for the Feast of Seven Fishes Christmas Eve dinner. Call their 
seafood specialists at 908.840.4332.
Matt’s Red Rooster Grill (Flemington) is having a la carte pickup catering for the holiday. Appetizer trays are $35 and main courses and side dishes vary in price. This year, all Christmas pickup orders must be placed by Monday, December 18 for pickup on December 22 -December 24.
Tabora Farm & Orchard (Chalfont) offers holiday dinners for $24.99. Pick from a seafood dinner, roast turkey, a baked ham, or a roast beef dinner. You can also order a whole Christmas dinner for 10 people (talk about easy!). Pick from additional sides. Call 215-249-3016 to order and get the full menu here.
And from all of us at Bucks County Taste, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
8 things you gotta do in Bucks this weekend (Dec 15 – 17)
Yes, things can get a little crazy this time of year. Hanukkah is in full swing and Christmas is just around the corner. Fortunately there are some non-frantic events this weekend to help you chill (no pun intended).
Got a foodie on your gift list? We’ve got you covered. See our post,
Gifts for the foodie in your life.Or how about the chocoholic on your list?
Read about artisanal, single sourced, direct trade chocolate from Pierre’s Chocolates,
A trip to Ecuador: In search of the best chocolate
Events are listed in chronological order
Murder Mystery Dinner: A Dickens of a Murder
Fri, Dec 15 and Sat, Dec 16, 7 – 10 pm
Cock’n Bull Restaurant
Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, PA
B
Local Whiskey Tasting
Fri, Dec 15, 7 – 9 pm
Spinnerstown Hotel Restaurant and Taproom
2195 Spinnerstown Rd., Quakertown, PA
Join the crew at the Spinnerstown Hotel and taproom on Friday, December 15 for a whiskey tasting with Pennsylvania’s own Dad’s Hat Pennsylvania Rye Whiskey!
The event starts at 7 pm with a reception and complimentary cocktail with owners John Cooper and Herman Mihalich. Then enjoy a whiskey tasting with Mihalich, including: Classic Rye, Vermouth Finish Rye, Port Finish Rye, and Straight Rye. Light fare will be served and the event is $55 per person (includes tax and gratuity).
Yardley Indoor Farmers Market
Sat, Dec 16, 9 – 11:30 am
Yardley Friends Meeting
65 North Main St., Yardley, Pennsylvania
One of the amazing things about living in Bucks County is that because of greenhouses and hoop houses, we are quickly becoming a four season farming economy. So if you think it’s not “season”, think again.
The Yardley Farmers Market will be holding their twice monthly indoor market all winter, on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays (the Wrightstown Indoor Farmers Market is the 2nd and 4th Saturdays, so you’re covered through April). You’ll find greens, radishes, lots of root veggies like sweet potatoes, baked goods, artisanal cheese, locally roasted coffee, prepared foods and even wine!
Horse Carriage Rides and Lunch with Santa
Sat, Dec 16, 12 – 2 pm
Wycombe Publick House
1073 Mill Creek Rd., Wycombe, PA
Santa is coming to town again this year, so get ready to grab some lunch with him. This Saturday, December 16 from 12 – 2 pm, you can have lunch with Santa and pictures with him, and you can set off on a carriage ride. See here for more information.
Fonthill Castle’s Holiday Lights Meander
Sat, Dec 16, 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Fonthill Castle
525 E. Court St., Doylestown, PA
There’s something about holiday lights. It’s so festive, so pretty. You can enjoy the lights this Saturday as you meander Fonthill Castle’s candlelit tour route to see the decor
Breakfast with Santa at the Firehouse
Sun, Dec 17, 7:30 am – 12:30 pm
Perkasie Fire Co, #1
100 N. 5th Street, Perkasie, PA
Sun, Dec. 17, 8 am – noon
Community Firehouse Co. #1
333 Delaware Rd, Riegelsville, PA
If you’re going to a firehouse breakfast, these two are the best in Bucks County. The North House crew cooks up breakfast once a month all year-long, and the Perkasie Fire Co does it 10 months a year. So take this opportunity to enjoy their great breakfast and hang with Santa.
The Holiday Sing Along
Sun, Dec 17, 4 – 8 pm
The Mansion Inn
9 South Main St., New Hope, PA
The Mansion Inn invites you to attend their Holiday Sing Along, featuring CJ Steinway on the piano. The sing along will take place from 4 – 8 pm and includes a prix-fixe italian dinner for $40. Call 267.740.7153 for more information and reservations.
Las Posadas
Sat, Dec 16 and Sun, Dec 17
Villa Milagro Vineyards
33 Warren Glen Road, Finesville, NJ
This weekend Villa Milagro will celebrate Las Posadas, the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. When you visit we will serve you bocadillos — small “bites”of Mexican tidbits representing foods offered as nourishment for the holy couple. You will also taste FELIZ NAVIDAD, their delicious, sweet and spicy mulled wine, slightly warmed to knock the chill off your own journeys! And when you purchase two bottles or more of Feliz Navidad you will get a chance to win a 7” Piñata!
HumDinger Alpacas (gifts)
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Bucks County Taste Dinner Club
GIFT ALERT!
Got a foodie on your gift list? Give the gift of good food and fun with a…
Bucks County Taste Dinner Club GIFT CERTIFICATE
Bucks County TASTER membership
(10% off all events & more. Click here for more info.)
Interested? Email us by clicking here.
In the works…
The Farm Cooking School – Save the date for a five-course meal sourced from Roots to River Farm and other nearby farms. Chefs Ian Knauer and Shelley Wiseman will also demonstrate some of the dishes before we eat! Saturday, April 7, 6 pm. Details to follow. SAVE THE DATE!
James & Jamie – Local restaurateur and chef James Seward (Bowman’s Tavern, Bowman’s North) and Jamie Hollander (Jamie Hollander Gourmet) are teaming up to make us one wonderful dinner. (Winter 2018)
Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm (Winter 2018)
Do you enjoy good food? Like meeting new friends? Want to try new restaurants? Get on the Bucks County Taste Dinner Club email list and be the first to know of our coming events.
Bucks Food Calendar: Dec 11, 2017
The first snow of the season arrived this weekend – quite the surprise but we on the East Coast are always prepared for some flurries (as long as we can get to the store for bread, milk, eggs, and bourbon, etc.).
When we talk about a “winter wonderland,” (and hum it to ourselves) I’m sure many people picture Christmas trees and Santa’s sleigh. But don’t forget about the other winter holidays, like Chanukah, which begins on Tuesday evening. There are lots of lighting festivities this week and next in and around Bucks County with potato latkes (pancakes), hot cocoa, doughnuts and chocolate!
This week we’ve also got a wine dinner, bourbon-infused coffee beans, Christmas celebrations and more. Enjoy!
8 things you gotta do in Bucks this weekend (Dec 8-10)
Gift shopping doesn’t have to be a chore. Skip the malls (or even, heaven forbid, Amazon) and combine your shopping with good food and wine. We’ve got festivals galore this week. And let’s not forget Santa. He’s having breakfast everywhere!
Got a foodie on your gift list? We’ve got you covered. See our post,
Gifts for the foodie in your life.Or how about the chocoholic on your list? Read about artisanal, single sourced, direct trade chocolate from Pierre’s Chocolates,
A trip to Ecuador: In search of the best chocolate
Events are listed in chronological order
Breakfast with Santa
Sat, Dec 9, 9 am – 1 pm
The Bucks Club
2600 York Rd., Jamison, PA
Santa’s coming to Bucks County! Join him and the folks at The Bucks Club for breakfast with Santa. It’s $23 for adults, $10 for kids. Adults get $4 off their ticket if they bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots.
Brunch with the Big Guy
Sat, Dec 9 and Sun, Dec 10
The Market at DelVal
2100 Lower State Rd., Doylestown, PA
Feed your holiday excitement with a special breakfast with Santa himself. This weekend, The Market at DelVal welcomes Santa and invites you to a homemade brunch of ham, French toast, omelettes, bacon, cut fruit, and more. Bring a camera to snap a picture with your kids — be sure to bring your wish list! Reservations are required and space is limited. Call 215.230.7170 to reserve your spot. Tickets are $10 for kids, $15 for adults. Kids under 12 months are free. Can’t do this weekend? The Market will be holding the event again next weekend.
Wrightstown Winter Farmers Market
Sat, Dec 9, 10 am – 12 pm
The Gathering
2324 2nd Street Pike
(corner of Penns Park Road and Second Street Pike)
Penns Park, PA
Just because it’s chilly doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands on some fresh produce and fine local goods. Come to the Wrightstown Winter Farmers Market this Saturday at The Gathering in Wrightstown. The vendors are so excited to be back at this lovely location for another great winter market.
The market welcomes new vendors LoRe Pasta and Barefoot Botanicals to the Winter Market. See here for information about each of these wonderful vendors!
The winter market will continue through April on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. For more information, see the market’s website.
2nd Annual Festival of Fine Crafts and Gourmet Foods
Sat, Dec 9, 10 am – 4 pm
Unitarian-Universalist Church
268 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd.
Titusville, NJ
Just across the river is a spectacular festival filled with handcrafted gifts, food, as well as music and more fun. It’s a great way to pick up some gifts for the holiday season, and support local businesses.
The event features nearly 50 area artists whose work includes handmade crafts, jewelry, pottery, woodcrafts, fashion, paintings, wreaths, candles, glass work, and much more.
Gourmet food vendors will be offering spreads, sauces, chutney, olive oils, teas, breads, and more gift ideas for all your food friends! This event features vendors from both sides of the river. Plus, there will be baked goods, homemade snacks, and a lot of other goodies to eat. Donation is $1 at the door. See here for more information.
Holiday Festival at the Vineyard
Sat, Dec 9 and Sun, Dec 10, 12 – 6 pm
Crossing Vineyards and Winery
1853 Wrightstown Rd., Washington Crossing, PA
Celebrate the holidays with some wine this weekend! Crossing Vineyards and Winery is hosting a Holiday Festival, featuring wine lover gifts, wines, glassware and accessories, wine classes, and more for your wine-loving friends and family.
While you are there, enjoy a specialty wine and food pairing offered this weekend only. Choose a glass of Heritage or Chardonnay wine paired with a turkey and brie croissant and apple slaw, with a raspberry linzer cookie to finish. Cost is $20 per person and you can call. 215.493.6500 ext. 19 to reserve your spot.
Also, on Saturday only, Crossing Vineyards is hosting a Holiday Yule Dinner, featuring a five-course meal. See here for more information.
The Secret History of Brewing in Scotland
Sat, Dec 9, 7 – 9 pm
Great Barn Taproom
12 W. Mechanic St., New Hope, PA
Beer Historian Christopher Bowen presents the secret history of brewing in Scotland this weekend at the Great Barn Taproom in New Hope, PA. During the late period of the dark ages, something was brewing up in Scotland. It was magical, and deliciously dangerous.
Spend the evening with the historian and other beer enthusiasts and enjoy the tales of beer and brewing during this mystical period. You’ll receive two complementary farm fresh beer flights per person, along with nibbles from Boku Bowl of Goodness throughout the evening. The event is $40 per person. More details here.
Cookies and Corks
Sat, Dec 9 and Sun, Dec 10
Villa Milagro Vineyards
33 County Rd. 627
Phillipsburg, NJ
Take your Martha Stewart skills to the next level at Villa Milagro Vineyards this weekend for their annual cookies and corks event. They have the glue gun and corks ready for you to make ornaments. You just need to bring buttons, ribbons and other items that you may want to incorporate in your masterpiece.
Their Feliz Navidad wine will be warm and homemade buñuelos (traditional Mexican Christmas cookies) ready to heat up your creativity as you make cork ornaments and wreaths. It’s $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Tasting and Paintings at the Rose Bank Winery
Sun, Dec 10, 12 – 2 pm
Rose Bank Winery
258 Durham Rd., Newtown, PA
Tap into your creative genius (with the help of some wine) at the Rose Bank Winery in Newtown this Sunday. For $48, you get a choice of a wineglass or large glass ornament to paint, all supplies and instruction, plus multiple tastings and food courses are included. Reserve your ticket today, and enjoy painting, sipping and socializing while creating a festive gift to take home. More information is available here.
[td_smart_list_end]
Bucks County Taste Dinner Club
GIFT ALERT!
Got a foodie on your gift list? Give the gift of good food and fun with a…
Bucks County Taste Dinner Club GIFT CERTIFICATE
Bucks County TASTER membership
(10% off all events & more. Click here for more info.)
Interested? Email us by clicking here.
In the works…
The Farm Cooking School – Save the date for a five-course meal sourced from Roots to River Farm and other nearby farms. Chefs Ian Knauer and Shelley Wiseman will also demonstrate some of the dishes before we eat! Saturday, April 7, 6 pm. Details to follow. SAVE THE DATE!
James & Jamie – Local restaurateur and chef James Seward (Bowman’s Tavern, Bowman’s North) and Jamie Hollander (Jamie Hollander Gourmet) are teaming up to make us one wonderful dinner. (Winter 2018)
Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm (Winter 2018)
Do you enjoy good food? Like meeting new friends? Want to try new restaurants? Get on the Bucks County Taste Dinner Club email list and be the first to know of our coming events.
Bucks Food Calendar: Dec 4, 2017
I’m starting to fall into the winter slump. Venturing outdoors seems like a feat equivalent to climbing Mount Everest. A quick walk to the mailbox on a chilly December morning is nothing like a 29,000+ ft. mountain climb, but it sure does feel like it when you’re tucked away all day in the toasty comforts of your home.
Let’s leave our warm quarters behind and head into town for fun happy hour specials, BBQ for a good cause, and some holiday shopping. For those who can’t bear to leave the house, there are some activities for you, too.
