Jessop’s Tavern & Colonial Restaurant

Imagine a food rendezvous back in 1674.

Warm, hearty dishes. Fireplace crackling. Dark hardwood floors below you and carefully hand-laid brick surrounding you. Looking out the window to see the town bustling with horses and craftsmen.

That is exactly what I got to experience today (er, sans the horses unfortunately) in Old New Castle, Delaware-one of the oldest cities in the country. In fact, it is the site William Penn first landed in America.

I have to say Old New Castle is one of the most under-appreciated spots in Delaware, and maybe America. One minute you are driving along shopping malls, Holiday Inns, gas stations, and the next minute you enter a town so anachronistic and authentic that you might get lost in the period if there weren’t modern cars parked along the road to ground you. And it’s literally in Delaware’s backyard.

As I walked around the untouched and perfectly uneven cobblestone streets, my hunger brought me to Jessop’s Tavern and Colonial Restaurant. 

From the outside, I could already tell it would be a fantastic dining and culinary experience with the Swedish, Dutch, and British flags flying proudly above the building standing for over 300 years.

(Image courtesy of www.jessops-tavern.com)

The colonial inspired menu offers an array of meals reflecting the three flags flying outside, with dishes such as ”Nieuwer Amstel Strip Steak,” ”Dustch Pot Roast,” ”Olde English Flat Bread,” and their signature dish (also voted Best of Delaware) “Fish and Chips.”

‘Why these countries?’ you ask. Well, to make a long history short, the Dutch and the Swedish were the first colonial settlers in the area. In 1674, the British came to region the region (a la King Charles II.. and William Penn) and took over authority. And in that same year, the building that hosts Jessups was born. Interestingly enough, the reason the entire state of Delaware is shaped like it is (like a half-eaten sandwich with curved crust) because of Old New Castle. Since it’s original charter declared the colony to be a twelve mile radius with New Castle at it’s center, Delaware boasts it’s perfectly rounded top.

After much internal debate, I chose “Olde Dutch Tilehouse Chicken” Sandwich, which consisted of grilled chicken, smoked gouda cheese, and a tomato aoli spread. Holding it all together was a soft and savory pretzel roll. The sandwich came with baked sweet potato fries and coleslaw.

Ultimately, the pretzel roll made the sandwich for me with the right amount of salt and sweet to compliment the chicken, cheese, and aioli. I topped off lunch with a scoop of maple walnut ice cream from a local, and personal favorite, creamery. 

What really made this experience authentic for me were the period-clad waitresses and bartenders, antique metal plates hinting at the blacksmith trade, colonial inspired music featuring lutes and fifes, and furniture that brought me back to a rendezvous with William Penn himself.  

(Images courtesy of www.jessops-tavern.com)

For a post-dining experience, a walk around the rest of New Castle fits the bill. All around are modern-day craftsmen shops, including art galleries, jewelry boutiques, and my favorite-antique book stores. There are also several historical buildings, courthouses, jailhouses, colonial family houses, etc. At the edge of the town lies the Delaware river, with park benches, a nice walking trail, and a dock in accompaniment.

I have learned that a restaurant rich with history always enhances a dining experience. The food is not always the only thing that matters. Although in this case, the food was as charming and satiable as this all-American town.

♡ Rendezvous with me:
Jessop’s Tavern & Colonial Restaurant
114 Delaware Street
New Castle, DE 19720
http://www.jessops-tavern.com
(added bonus!:the website also features traditional Colonial music) 

Tonight’s Menu: SUSHI!

While I can’t say I eat raw fish, I do enjoy going out for sushi-vegetable sushi.

And that I did tonight as my cravings took me to Pinang Asian Cuisine in Newark, DE.

Pinang prides it’s authentic Malaysian dishes, and also offers a traditional sushi menu. After a week filled with such craziness as alligator bites, I slipped back into my comfort zone and ordered my beloved cucumber roll with rice.

To me, a cucumber roll is a cucumber roll is a cucumber roll. But Pinang stood out to me for not for it’s sushi, but in fact, it’s complimentary offerings, including:

-Chopsticks and forks pre-set at the table and readily available, catering to both the skilled and inept sushi eaters. It helps the customer to avoid that awkward question, “MayI have a fork?” as he drops his spicy tuna roll in a boat of soy sauce while awkwardly juggling his chopsticks.

-Hot Tea Appetizer Drink Before our order was even taken, our friendly waiter poured us each a cup of hot tea and set the tea pot on our table for refills. The tea was delicious with a mild herbal taste and a warm rice infused undertone. I really enjoyed it.

-After Dinner Fruit In my family, we usually have some type of fruit for dessert. So it was a nice treat to have fresh, mouthwatering orange slices brought to our table following our sushi. The bright, flavorful, and tart taste balanced the salty flavors from the sushi dishes.

♡ Rendezvous with me:
217 Louviers Drive
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 368-2298
http://www.pinangcuisine.com/home.html 

Half Moon Restaurant and Saloon

This week I tested the limits of my comfort zone and tried an all-new food: ALLIGATOR!

Located in Kennet Square, PA, the Half Moon Restaurant and Saloon boasts a menu including exotic likings of kangaroo, wild boar, and, of course, alligator.

Sitting in the restaurant’s terrace, diners can overlook Kennet through the large open windows while eating their food . Or, if they want a more intimate experience, a darker, lounge atmosphere is located on the first level.

I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed when I took a look at the menu. There were so many options of meats I had never tried, and so few options of my every day comforts. Not exactly knowing what I was getting myself into, I ordered a little of everything.

My first course included blue corn tortilla chips with a fresh salsa. I eat chips and salsa frequently, but have never tried blue corn tortilla. Let me just say-they were excellent. They were thicker, saltier, and tastier than any run-of-the-mill tortilla chip, and their rich blue color seemed almost metallic.

Next came a cheese and crostini plate. The cheese I ordered, Manchego, is native to the La Mancha region of Spain. The cheese on my plate, in particular, had been aged for two years. At first taste, it seems mild. But after breaking the dairy goodness with my teeth I found it to have a richness and a kick that reminded me of a Swiss cheese. Paired with the Manchego was a Quince spread-a fruit that I have also never tried. Quince (pronounced like “quints”) is native to Southwest Asia and had a tangerine-apple-y taste.

All of these flavors came out on a nice, rustic cutting board, which also included olive-oil spread crostini and sliced apples. Though it included a variety of flavors from different parts of the world, it all tasted wonderfully when paired together.

The next course was a close comfort, and my main dish. A fresh spinach salad with sliced apples, walnuts, and raspberries all tossed in a homemade strawberry vinaigrette and topped with gorgonzola cheese. Simple, fresh flavors that I have always enjoyed. 

Last but certainly not least, the blackened alligator dish that I had ordered arrived at the table. I have to say, I was very reluctant to eat it. However, I always vowel to try anything once as long as it is not too crazy, and I took the plunge.

My brother who was dining with me (and a fan of alligator) repeated, “It tastes like chicken!” Yeah, how many times have I heard that one? According to many people over the years, alligator, rabbit, turtle, and anything else “tastes like chicken.” Needless to say, I was very skeptical. 

But to my surprise-it DID taste like chicken! And it WAS delicious!

The texture seemed to be a cross between poultry and fish, but the chicken flavor was definitely there.

And that was it! My taste pallet had been tested and pleased. Alligator was good and the meal overall was a success.

♡ Rendezvous with me:

Half Moon Restaurant and Saloon
108 West State Street
Kennett Square, PA 19348
(610) 444-7232
http://www.halfmoonrestaurant.com/ 

Pizza by Elizabeth - Greenville, Delaware

A quaint little pizza place located in my native state, Delaware. The pizzas are each named after a famous Elizabeth (i.e. Elizabeth Taylor, Elizabeth Montgomery, and my personal favorite Elizabeth Barett Browning) and have different gourmet flavors. 

Image courtesy of  delawaretoday.com

After trying a variety of ‘lizzies,’ I decided that my favorite slice is the Claiborne-fresh basil pesto and mozzarella cheese melted together with chopped tomatoes and seasonings. The flavors all merry together well (I mean, how could you go wrong with basil anyway?) to create a fresh tasting, cheesy delight. The Claiborne is one of the more classic pizzas offered, so for a more adventurous palate I would suggest the Elizabeth Saint - a blend of artichoke and crab melted together and topped with paprika and chives. 

♡Rendezvous with me:

3801 Kennett Pike
Greenville, DE
302-654-4478 
http://www.pizzabyelizabeths.com/index.html

Q & A with Food Rendezvous:

After poking around my blog, you may be wondering: Who is having a rendezvous with food and why? 

Now, I know lots of people are having rendezvous with food all over the world at this very moment. A little dinner date with a 9 oz. steak and some bubbly. A sexy soirée with shrimp sliders and a cocktail. A night in with The Notebook and Ben&Jerry’s. Whatever the case may be, I understand that food gets around, and I’m not afraid to share the love :p.

But if you’re wondering about me, one of the billions of food’s mistresses, here is a little bit of a description to feed your appetite:

I am a 21 year old, constantly hungry girl whose thought process usually goes something like this in the morning. Ugh I hate my alarm. Hmm, what for breakfast?  I continue to have similar thoughts throughout the day regarding lunch and dinner :o) I am not trained in any way shape or form to cook, and am not really the most marvelous chef in the world, but I do enjoy cooking food, dining out, and writing about it-my love of these definitely outweighs my skills!

I will say that I am cursed at baking. I have tried countless times in countless ways to make the perfect cupcake, cookie, biscuit…..even pancake! I have a construed perception when it comes to amounts of flour and sugar, or something like that!

Which brings me to to people who actually CAN cook with expertise:

• My grandmothers have always been contributors to my happy taste buds. One is southern, so her biscuits and gravy are to die for, and she can bake any merengue, pie, cobbler, or whatever that she puts her mind to and voilà - it’s delicious.
• My other grandmother was born in Sicily, so you can already imagine the delightful childhood I had growing up with homemade sauce and meatballs, canoles, stromboli, manicotti, etc etc etc.
• Their skills trickled down to both my parents: my mom is the quintessential whip-something-up-in-ten-minutes-that-tastes-like-it’s-been-cooking-for-hours working mom, and my dad is, of course like most dads, a grill master.
• Finally, my dear friend Christine, a recent culinary grad, who I attended college with. For one, she never let me or any of my friends go hungry, but also made the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted for the last four years. And talking to her will just make you hungry-she always has stories about her cooking classes that make my mouth water. She can explain a specific sauce or spice for twenty minutes! Her cookies are the BEST, and her risotto will bring your mind to Italy with the first taste. 

A typical conversation between Christine and I usually goes something like this:

Me: What should we do today?
Christine: Hmmm…
(Both look at each other)
In tandem: Sushi?! (or any other food)

We almost always end up eating and taking advantage of happy hours in our free time!  

Aside from family and friends, I am an avid viewer of the Food Network and am Ina Garten’s (and Jeffery’s!) biggest fan. I like reading food related magazines and following food related blogs. 

My favorite food, hands down is pasta, any shape and cooked in any form. I crave it every day and recently gave it up for one long and dreadful week. You can read about my Pasta Challenge of 2010 in an earlier post.

Sadly, I don’t like seafood. I really really want to, and have taste-tested all kinds of fish and shellfish dozens of times, but haven’t managed to acquire a taste. I’m still going to work on it though!

 What it all boils down to is, regardless of my cooking skills (or lack thereof) there’s nothing I like to do more than actually EAT! Speaking of which, I’m off to devour some brownies. :o)

I hope you enjoy my blog and insight into my rendezvous. Feel free to ask me more questions or share some recipes on here, I’ll be more than glad to respond!! 

Citrus and Ginger Baked Asparagus

cookclean:

“My big brother is coming for dinner and I am serving him up a fare of Tomato and Spinach Stuffed Turkey Breasts, lemon dilled baby potatoes and a little Citrus and Ginger Baked Asparagus.  Tonight’s recipe will be for the Asparagus, a low calorie veggie that is high in Vitamin C, folate and potassium.  I know asparagus was probably one of those side dishes you lamented as a child, but I challenge you to give it another go because these roasting green stems are making my house smell to die for :)…”

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Mmmmm. I LOVE asparagus. I usually bake asparagus with basil, garlic, any kind of Italian cheese and pine nuts. I’m going to have to try out this recipe. The citrus intrigues me!! Looks delish. Thanks cookclean!