With school finally in full swing, it’s time to book a babysitter and schedule date night! If you’re looking for a spot that’s romantic and sophisticated without the drive to NYC or Philly, you have to check out Stella of New Hope.
Located in the Ghost Light Inn, a boutique hotel in New Hope, PA, on the Delaware River, this restaurant showcases local and seasonal ingredients in a beautiful setting. We recently had the chance to preview their fall menu from new Executive Chef Keith Bernstein. The restaurant, located right next to the Bucks County Playhouse, is named after owner Sherri Daugherty’s one-eared rescue pit bull, has seating indoors and outdoors on a heated patio. Both spots offer great views of the river. (And there’s even a Pup Menu if you bring along your furry friend!)
The first order of business when we arrived was a cocktail, and I knew the one I wanted to try after seeing it on the restaurant’s Instagram. They were making a special spin on a classic – a Bee’s Knees, made with apple cider. I could not think of a better way to get in the fall spirit, plus the cocktail was part of a collaboration with Bar Hill gin to help save the bees. For every cocktail shared, Barr Hill will plant 10 square feet of new bee habitat. Its collaborations like this that make Stella such a special place to dine and an integral part of the food community.
My drink arrived and I tasted the cinnamon honey syrup, fresh lemon juice, apple cider, and Angostura bitters, and wondered why we don’t do date night more often! Another cocktail that caught my eye (which I’ll have to try next time) was the Stella Spritz. Made with vodka, pear, spiced pear liqueur, allspice and sparkling wine this would also be a great way to catch some #fallvibes. I also appreciated that the menu had an assortment of mocktails, including Chance of Rain featuring ube, coconut, grenadine, pineapple, citrus and ginger (yum!).
I don’t normally fill up on bread at restaurants but the Stella Breads & Spreads, an assortment of house-made breads, seasonal spread, cultured butter with sea salt, cold-pressed olive oil & balsamic reduction should not be missed – just order it! My husband and I shared two appetizers. The Local Apple & Gouda Salad is made with Honeycrisp apples, Beemster gouda, frisée & local arugula, pecans and cider vinaigrette and was light and delicious.
The Chile Relleno, a new addition to the fall menu, features a roasted Anaheim pepper stuffed with a blend of mushrooms, aromatics, goat cheese and huitlacoche. They had me at the mention of goat cheese, but all the flavors combined came together with a nice little kick. For our entrees, I indulged in the Fresh Tagliatelle Pasta made with truffle cream sauce, chanterelle mushrooms, baby cauliflower and pecorino al tartufo. My husband had the Diver Scallops with sofrito, chorizo, local corn, celery root and Yukon gold potato hash.
Other additions to the fall menu include Burrata & Local Fall Fruit, featuring sweet white figs, Asian pears, and mizuna cider vinaigrette; and the Hamachi Kama, a yuzu teriyaki-marinated yellowtail collar served with an apple and carrot salad. There’s also the Iberico Pork Collar, braised in red wine and served over Castle Valley Mill cheddar cheese stone-ground grits, accompanied by sautéed southern collard greens and pork belly.
Even though we were full, we had to try the desserts. The Chocolate Pot De Crème features dark chocolate custard, blueberry-lavender compote, pistachio praline, vanilla Chantilly. The Summer Berry Pavlova was light and sweet with strawberries & blueberries macerated with honey & orange, vanilla diplomat cream. The menu also features a Stella Sundae with dark chocolate brownies, brown ale & malt ice cream, salted caramel, vanilla bean crème anglaise that’s on my list to try next time.
Dinner at Stella of New Hope was a cozy, romantic experience with great food, amazing views and welcoming atmosphere. It’s also a great opportunity to further explore New Hope and Lambertville, which is a nice walk across the bridge.
Stella of New Hope
50 S. Main St. New Hope, PA
267-740-2691
info@stellanewhope.com
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