But every now and then we like to venture beyond the Garden State's boundaries to enjoy nearby delights. And this past weekend (with its perfect weather) provided the ideal opportunity to make a new discovery.
So, generously encouraged by dear friends we ventured out to Downingtown in beautiful Chester County. And there, on the banks of the Brandywine River within the walls of a converted paper mill we found Firecreek Restaurant.
There is so much to like about Firecreek that we hardly know where to begin.
The historic paper mill structure has been termed "a paradigm of vernacular architecture."
The length of the main dining room draws visitors into an inviting atmosphere featuring a natural rock wall, tall vertical windows, a high ceiling with exposed steel beams, a lively bar and an open kitchen with a long chef's table. The whole place has a post-industrial loft feel but with warm, soothing additions such as comfortable leather chairs, soft, natural colors and gentle halogen lighting. All of this only serves to enhance the textured, tactile atmosphere.
Of course we began with icy dry martinis served in non-traditional (though nonetheless functional) martini glasses. The drinks were prepared exactly to our specifications.
A variety of breads and dinner rolls featured more than the usual spreads, including a delicious chipotle honey buter.
For appetizers we selected Coca-Cola barbecued baby back ribs and flash fried salt and pepper calamari. The calamari stand out as among the best we've ever tasted -- crisp and tender with cilantro lime aioli and jalapeno chips. The baby back ribs were sweet and succulent. We also enjoyed a buttered lettuce salad with granny smith apples, candied walnuts, taleggio, and champagne vinaigrette.
Our main courses included a grilled filet mignon with asparagus, buttermilk mash potatoes and bearnaise sauce, jumbo NOLA barbecued shrimp with buttermilk mash potatoes and sweet corn - spinach succotashand and jumbo lump crab cakes purple pomme sauteed with baby carrots and sweet peas with yellow and red pepper coulis.
All of the entrees were fine but here's what impressed us most: The care that was taken with the combination of tastes on each plate. The medley of flavors in each entree was a delight to the palate. For example, on the crab cakes plate, the peas were fresh, firm and naturally sweet. This is the sort of attention to detail that is the mark of fine dining.
And lest you think that Firecreek is stuffy or overly impressed with itself, be assured that the whole experience is marked by a lively informality. Service was prompt and friendly without being overbearing.
Of course, we could not end our meal without dessert.
And once again we were treated to a unique delight: ice cream sliders. We enjoyed a trio of fresh made ice cream dipped between homemade cookies. Do I have to tell you that dessert was unforgettable?
Check out Firecreek's full menu by clicking here.
Full restaurant information can be found by clicking here
And, remember: Firecreek features a three-course pre-fixe dinner Sundays through Thursdays for only $30.
Outdoor dining is also available overlooking the beautiful Brandywine.
Sunday is BYOB night at Firecreek, Tuesday features chef tasting menus and Thursday spotlights live jazz from 6 to 9 PM.
So, while a full course dinner including drinks can run up a tab of $60 or more, specials abound throughout the week. And, there's also a full lunch menu.
Firecreek in Downingtown. We recommend it!
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