Restaurant tidbits: November 22, 2011

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.