Now That The Boys Of Summer Have Gone

Hello my very awesome friends ( you know who you are) . I hope you have all  heeded at least some of my recommended warm weather spots and slayed summer at Jersey Shore. Well, it had to happen sooner or later but the boys of summer  are starting to load their beach chairs  into the Woody and you are just beginning to feel  hints of the brisk chill on the back of your neck. It may well be time to check that lightweight  wool sweater in your winter drawer  for moth holes, ( “Damn  how do they get in there ?”)  top off your tank and head for the hills. But where to go? Well, I am glad you asked , my friends. I for one am heading West  to “The Blue Bottle Cafe ” (101 E. Broad Street, Hopewell) ,  just 10 miles out from nearby Princeton and downtown New Hope , PA . The  BBC is headed by Super Chef  Aaron Phillipson, late of La Cote Basque, The Ryland Inn and Bob Kinkead’s in DC., who you might remember as being the super creative force behind  the perennial favorite,  Piccola Italia in Ocean. Phillipson and his wife and pastry chef Rory have been wowing  locals with their fantastic fare at their current  location for pert near 20 years . Given the simplicity of the rural setting  , diners are both delighted and surprised by  the  complexity, creativity and purity of  Aaron’s dishes. Happy  patrons will have a hard time choosing between the inspired offerings  like the super fresh Barramundi Fish in Paprika Butter, the  delicately crusted Day Boat Scallops, the unique  Duck Confit Strudel , or fabulous Homemade Gnocchi in divine Curry Sauce. In reality , your choice is not as crucial as you may think because  most every offering on the menu is excellent and exceptionally executed.  One thing for sure , you will be spoiled beyond all measure.  Now, you are probably asking yourself , “why drive for an hour  to the middle of nowhere when you can practically walk to MJ’s or wherever?”  Because my friends, you are a reckless  Food Vagabond  seeking out new adventures at every turn, or more likely, if you eat one more boring meal at the same local spot you are going to scream. It is  also because as soon as the air turns brisk, we all seem to have an inherent  need for” Quaintness”. This can be  witnessed by the hoards of Antiquers flooding the minuscule resale shops of Lambertville and New Hope.  In the US alone, the numbers  of Antique Freaks are staggering  with sales quickly approaching $5 Billion bucks. Add to this  the throngs of Leaf Peepers and no wonder I can't find a parking space. Anyway , where was I ? Oh yes, back to food. Now if you do happen to  find yourself in the general vicinity of downtown Lambertville , stop into the  ethereal Chez Alice  Patisserie (15 Bridge St) for lunch or Afternoon Tea and you will be privy to some of the most divine pastries you have ever eaten  (including Europe).Their  Pain Au Cranberry warm and flaky right out of the oven was a near religious experience and strong contender for “One of the Best things I have ever Eaten”. If you have the time , stroll across the bridge into New Hope , and make your way to my long time favorite , Havana ( 105 South Main St.) for  a burger, a cold beer and some excellent people watching. While you’re  there I also wouldn’t mind it much if you just happened to bring me a few of their award winning homemade  Chocolate Dipped Strawberries ( I prefer milk ) from the great Country Fair  Chocolates (93 S Main St), just sayin. Well, I’m done begging and as I can’t think of anything  much else to say , I guess that’s all for now. So until the next time , have a Super September my friends and be well. And as always live a life that makes your neighbors jealous. Harry, Over and Out.