The Mussel Bar at Revel

So, I am sure you have heard the saying, DO AC. After Hurricane Sandy- the whole of the New Jersey and New York got hit pretty hard. Jersey and NY are rebuilding, slowly but surely, so go and give some love to those places you care about.

What better place to start than Atlantic City? AC got hit hard, with destruction of homes, businesses and a boardwalk. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Atlantic City has picked itself back up to let the world know that you can still DO AC.

So, I started with the Mussel Bar & Grille at Revel. revel is amazing, and the food there...well, you must go!

 

 

We sampled environmentally friendly mussels from PEI. The Mediterranean mussels were outstanding: cilantro, warm goat cheese in a smoky tomato broth. Accompanied by fresh crusty bread, this dish was both simple and filling, with lots of fresh flavor. I had no idea mussels could taste so good! There are many flavors you can try your mussels in too- white wine, wild mushroom Gruyère, among others. 

 

 

Along with chicken, ribs, scallops and other fresh seafood and fowl, specialty soups and cheeses, the Mussel Bar has great food and drinks in a warm atmosphere. The vibe is funky and fun, and the open kitchen makes for some interesting chef-watching.

 

We also sampled lobster rolls, falafel sliders, onion tartlets, hummus and oysters. Each selection of food was original and fresh, and I can't wait to go back!

 

 

 

 

Chef Robert Wiedmaier opened the Mussel Bar & Grille in April, 2012 at Revel. The first Mussel Bar is in the Washington metro area. The Mussel Bar & Grille at Revel includes live performances and fantastic open kitchen to showcase the delicious food prep. Paying homage to Wiedmaier’s roots, Mussel Bar & Grille calls upon inspiration from an old-world Belgian roadhouse serving beer, moules and frites along with simple grilled meats and seafood.  This menu serves up sophisticated comfort food accompanied by Belgian beers and fine wines, champagnes and cocktails.

Special thanks to Meg Meg Mendelsohn of simoneink and to Jennifer Lyon, Manager, Mussel Bar, Revel, Atlantic City, for their amazing help and hospitality pulling this together- I thank you!!

 

Merry Christmas - marTini Tuesday!!

Merry Christmas from Engchik Eats!! Very quick as I'm having a glorious day with family- you must try the Candy Cane martini from the Fenix on Bridge street in Phoenixville.

So warm and sweet! Made from peppermint schnapps, half n half, creme de mint and Absolut Vanilla, and garnished with crisp candy canes, this is a wonderful holiday treat.

Bartender extraordinaire Freddie whipped up this glorious connection for me while my gentleman friend M enjoyed some fine German beers, as Fenix is a full service bar with a very warm vibe and a mellow atmosphere.

Try it out. And have a very merry Christmas!!!!

Christmas Wonder: George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ again surprised and delighted me this weekend at the Academy of Music. The Pennsylvania Ballet has outdone themselves. This year I took a friend who has never been to the ballet and he quite enjoyed it. The setting, the music, the costumes, all melded perfectly to create a gorgeous night of music and art in motion.

Now in its 25^th year, the Pennsylvania Ballet’s performance of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ is running until December 30, 2012 at the Academy of Music and  is presented by First Niagara.

“Pennsylvania Ballet first performed George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ back in 1987, and 25 years later it remains our most beloved production,” says Artistic Director Roy Kaiser. “The brilliance of Mr. B’s choreography, the timeless story and score, and spectacular sets and costumes make this ballet a must-see every year.”

I always love both acts, for different reasons. The first act always excites me because I love the feeling of family and friends at Christmas Eve, with a large house and the grand hall and beautiful costumes, and the children playing. You really feel the excitement of awaiting the gifts and the camaraderie of good friends around you. It reminds me of my Christmas Eve, and how lucky I am to have a good life with family and friends.

The second act is exciting because of the treats and the grandeur of the set that the artists perform on, and you really get to set the ballerinas dance their strong and graceful hearts out. This is a wonderful event for the family and friends, and really gets you into the Christmas spirit. It is a tradition, and I never miss it!

 

Plus, during intermission: two couples got engaged! Those ladies said YES!

Pennsylvania Ballet is proud to partner with The Salvation Army. At performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™, audience members are invited to bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need. Once collected at the theater, these toys will be distributed to families across the Delaware Valley throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Starting at just $20, tickets to all 23 performances of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ at the Academy of Music are on sale now. Tickets are available online at paballet.org, by phone at 215.893.1999, and in person at the Kimmel Center Box Office.

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ performances at the Academy of Music:
Thursday, December 20 at 7 p.m.
Friday, December 21 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 23 at noon and 5 p.m.
Monday, December 24 at noon
Wednesday, December 26 at noon and 5 p.m.
Thursday, December 27 at 2 p.m.
Friday, December 28 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, December 29 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, December 30 at noon and 5 p.m.

Groups of 10 or more get discounts and great seats!

Ask about backstage tours, special talks with staff and dancers, and dining options near the theater for your group. For tickets and more information, contact Group Sales Manager Arajua Backman at 215.587.6921 or abackman@paballet.org.

Artists of Pennsylvania Ballet in George Balanchine's The Nutcracker™, choreography by George Balanchine © The George Balanchine Trust.
All photos by Alexander Iziliaev.

Special Thanks to Marissa Montenegro, Public Relations Manager, Pennsylvania Ballet.

 

 

 

 

Top 10 Things You Need for the Holidays (For Yourself and As Presents)

 

10. Wine for All
If all else fails, buy wine...to drink and to gift. Cupcake Vineyards is home to my favorite wine of all time: Sauvignon Blanc. A clean mouth feel wine that pairs well with just about anything, but moreso shrimp and other seafoods, this wine hails from Marlborough, New Zealand. I love it so much I asked my mom to buy me a case for Christmas. I sure hope I find this under the tree! This juicy burst of fun in a glass is created from Key limes and Meyer lemons along with hints of grapefruit and gooseberry. And we'll definitely be drinking this on Christmas Eve with our shrimp and other Slovak foodstuffs.
 
 

9. Pamper Yourself!
Now I love bath products, so Mainely Cole's is no exception. This holiday season one must pamper herself! Trying out their line of soaps and scrubs was delightful! And my skin felt so smooth and wonderful! Their Cucumber Toner felt refreshing and did not leave my skin tight, a must in this cold and the harsh dry air. This whole line is organic and free of harsh chemicals. Anyone you buy this for will be soooo happy!

8. ElleLauri Dresses
I can’t say enough about this line. Liz and Laura Rymar are design geniuses. They have created some of the most elegant, fun, made in the US clothes around!! Plus, I'm not a stick, and their clothes fit all sizes and all styles. My personal fave is the Kayleigh Skirt, along with the Celeste Cape. Wear one of these numbers on New Year’s Eve and you’ll have plenty to sparkle about! Check out my video with the lovely designers as we discuss the upcoming holiday season.

 
 
 
7. Family Portraits
No time to get the family together for that holiday card? Make sure you have a Canon camera. I have my eye on the EOS Rebel T3 DSLR camera?  Friends say its ease of use, it's a great camera for amateur photographers, creating sharp photos, and has amazing versatility. get everyone together and say CHEESE!
 
6. Staying Healthy
With all this running around, working, buying and wrapping holiday gifts, trying to find time to work out, attempting to get enough sleep, you must MUST keep yourself healthy. One of my fave sites and Twitter pals is Chelsea Krost. She always has great ideas and health info that you need to stay healthy! Another site that I love for health info and great vitamins and yummy on-the-go bars is the SkinnyGirl brand by Bethanny Frankel.  I always keep a few delicious Banana Oatmeal Dark Chocolate On the Go Bars in my desk and purse for when I need a quick meal. I also love my Jack La Lanne Power Juicer- pop in any fruit or veg and instant juice! So healthy, so yummy! You can drink it straight, or add it to a smoothie. My personal favorite mix is kale, strawberries, apples and a peeled lemon (no pith.) Cleansing and yummy- go RELAX!
 
 

5. Get a Fun Manicure to Get Yourself in the Holiday Spirit
Do something that feels good! Grab Mom, your sister, your best friend or go yourself- get a fun holiday manicure from Avalanche Salon and Spa in Trappe, PA. It looks cheery and makes others smile, and is especially uplifting for you! Or, a massage from In Touch Massage Therapy in Schwenksville, or acupuncture from Gateway Bodyworks in Phoenixville, or a facial from Glow in Phoenixville. Just do something for yourself. Take a breather, because you can't help everyone else if you aren't rested.
 
 

4. SodaStream for Yourself or Others

Several things have changed my life - DVR, the iPhone, and the SodaStream. I do not have to buy diet soda. I have a varied selection to choose from depending on my taste. I don't have to worry about recycling, because I am not buying plastic bottles in the first place. It can be as sweet as I want, or crazy carbonated - or not. And the best part- since I love to entertain- I can make several kinds of drinks and not go out of my way to buy a ton of soda for a party. Plus, the canister is recyclable.

When the CO2 canister is empty, I turn it in to Staples, and save $10 off the $25 new one! Plug it in, set the carbonation level, attach the water bottle securely. Then add your soda flavoring and you are set! The special bottle keeps my soda fresh for weeks, doesn't go flat and retains its flavor. My favorite is the diet grapefruit. There are over 60 flavorings! And, I trust this brand. There are several soda-making type machines out there…don’t do it. Go with SodaStream, for yourself or as a great holiday gift!

 

3. A Good Meal
Staying in on Christmas? Going out? My family is Slovak, so we make Pirohy (Think Mrs. T's Pierogi ), Oblátky (thin Communion-type wafers) with garlic and honey to remind us of the sweet and harsh sides of life, nuts, cooked peas or French beans, dried fruit, mushrooms soup, Bobalky (poppy seed, honey and dough), sauerkraut bread, shrimp and fish. We've occasionally blend a few Italian items in such as lasagna, takeout from Maggiano's Little Italy. We don't eat meat on Christmas Eve, but on Christmas Day we will have a ham and turkey. I'm a fan of making a big Christmas Day breakfast, too. While on vacation, I plan to hit up a few of my favorite local restaurants, including Creole Daddy Mim's and the Melting Pot KoP, and just enjoy a few days off.  

 

2. Clean Up Clean the House, or get someone to do it for you- I'd love a Dyson under the tree for me, but until then, my pal Barb is the BEST for getting your place to sparkle. I love to entertain, so this is just perfect at any time, especially the holidays.

 

 

1. LOVE

And the Number one thing I can’t live without is friends and family around the fire for the holidays...maybe even a kiss under the mistletoe if I am lucky…anyone want to volunteer? ;) And a new job in social media or marketing for 2013!



Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year from
Engchik Eats!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

My Top 10 Things You Need for the Holidays (For Yourself and As Presents)

marTini Tuesday: The Knockout from Sullivan's Steakhouse

As we are more embroiled in the holiday season, it surely is the festive time to imbibe a bit more.

 This week we are discussing one of my all-time top favorite 3 martinis- The Knockout from Sullivan’s Steakhouse. There are several locations in the US, but I like to frequent the King of Prussia location.

 

This is Sullivan’s signature martini and it rocks. "The Knockout" is created from Smirnoff Orange Vodka infused with Hawaiian Gold pineapple and with an added orange twist.

One thing I noticed with these- this martini will indeed ‘Knock You Out’ unless you pace yourself. Once I had two of these in a row….whooooo!

 

 

Sullivan’s steeps the pineapple in the vodka, and then adds a bit of real pineapple juice. I quite enjoy the first foamy sip - it is a wonderful blend of the pineapple and a teeny bite of the vodka. It’s sweet but not sugary so, it’s really refreshing.

This is a good drink to try with your steak or your oysters, not overpowering or deemed ‘girlie’ it will please the palate and ‘knockout’ your stress!

 

 

 

Dickens of a Christmas: Theater in the Mansion at Mount Hope Estate & Winery

How do you get into the Christmas spirit? Surround yourself with holiday cheer, of course! My good friend B and I ventured out to the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, where we were invited to the Fezziwig’s Annual Christmas Party at Mount Hope's Theater in the Mansion: Mount Hope Estate & Winery’s 29th annual production of “Dickens of a Christmas.” This production is running through Sunday, December 23.

 

We tried something new this year- they are offering dinner before the show! We enjoyed soup and salad, roasted red bliss potatoes and green beans, Atlantic salmon, pork loin, chicken Cordon Bleu with rolls and beverages. This buffet was excellent. Wonderfully fresh, seasoned and delicious, having dinner before the show is a perfect option to the evening.

 

 

 

Dinner is offered in the Swashbuckler Pub which was comfortable, warm and decorated for Christmas. We truly enjoyed our dinner, and with the buffet, you could have as much as you wished. For dessert, B and I enjoyed coffee and apple cobbler and chocolate cake. Plus, you can interact with some of your favorite characters from the show!

 

After dinner, we strolled across the grounds to the Mansion, which was beautifully lit up: bright lights on trees, the mansion with a soft glow of candlelight, and the sound of Christmas carols in the air. Upon being greeted by some revelers, we wandered into the bar area to have a drink and relax. I had some hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows and a big candy cane in it -that was delicious! This too was all lit up and the whole mansion was glowing, with a real feel of the holidays in its Victorian décor. The entire group was then split up into 3 groups into the Ballroom, the Dining Room or the Chapel to hear the Fezziwig attendees spin their Christmas magic for you.

 

We assisted the super-enthusiastic Mrs. Fezziwig and her saucy-but-sad daughter Belle to find a potential husband, since Ebeneezer Scrooge has chosen money over Belle in Belle’s Dating Game and at Christmas, no one should be alone!

 

A Different Christmas Carol had Charles Dickens and Mr. Fezziwig portray multiple characters to tell the original story with a few twists, and with help from the audience, the story was told in a way I have never heard it. B got pulled up on stage and got to bust out his acting chops, and the audience truly loved his departure from the usual lines he was given to say with a few lines of his own…

We rounded out the night with a quiet and serious rendition of The Gift of the Magi as told to us by Martha Cratchit. She was a wonderful storyteller and her quiet tones really gave pause to think over what is truly important in this world, not so much the gift but rather why you are giving it and the manner in which you give.

 

This was a wonderful night full of Christmas cheer and reflection and is great for friends, families or couples to attend. Afterwards, we headed into the wine shop to taste some wines and purchase a few. Try the sangria (my mom’s favorite) or the blackberry (B’s favorite). I especially like to mix the Holiday Wine and the Spiced Apple Wine together and drink it warm (my favorite!). Delightful!

This event is always one to get me into the Christmas spirit and begin the passage of the holidays. I wish you and yours a very merry one!

 

Tickets can be purchased through the Virtual Box Office at PaRenFaire.com or by calling the Box Office at (717) 665- 7021. Mount Hope Estate & Winery, placed on the National Register of Historical Places by the United States Government, is located on Route 72 ½ mile south of Turnpike exit 266, 15 miles north of Lancaster and 14 miles east of Hershey.

Special thanks to Marketing Manager Candace Smith!! As always, a pleasure.

Engchik is going to get into the holiday spirit or else! You can send her some Christmas cheer at engchik@me.com or on FaceBook or Twitter under engchik.

 

Dates, Times & Pricing at Dickens of a Christmas
Performances of Dickens of a Christmas are available mid-week or on the weekend. All shows can be upgraded to a Dinner and Show or Lunch and Show package, which includes an all you can eat buffet before the performance. Visit the Lunch and Show and Dinner and Show pages for menus. Performances run approximately 2 hours.

Lunch and Show performances - Adult $31.95 • Child $19.95
Dinner and Show performances - Adult $42.95 • Child $33.95
Midweek performances (Show Only) - Adult $16.95 • Child $9.95
Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances (Show Only) - Adult $18.95 • Child $9.95
Have a group of 15 or more? Click here for our group rates!

 

 

 

marTini Tuesday- the 'RennieTini' at the Circle Tavern, Avalon, NJ

A few weeks ago I headed down to Avalon to check out the island and make sure all is well after Hurricane Sandy swept in. The hurricane definitely caused some damage, but luckily, the town is bouncing back. I had to stop in and get a BLT from one of my favorite establishments that stays open ALL YEAR ROUND! The Seven Mile Island Deli, owned by Josh, a good friend of mine, has the best sandwiches and soups on the island!



Road to Sea Isle washed away, en route to Townsend’s Inlet Bridge

There is currently a lot of construction going on for those that have damaged homes or businesses on 7 mile island.
 

The OMB (Old Moldy Barnacle -dubbed by B) which is currently not liveable due to flood damage.

I also wanted to check on my favorite hotel- the Windrift. This hotel, recently redone and with new renovated sections included a glorious heated pool, hot tub, a restaurant with live music and some of the most gorgeous and comfortable rooms on the island! Luckily, all was well so when I go back in the summer I will be staying over again.

I stayed with my good friend Lor and we headed off to our favorite place for martinis: the Circle Tavern. We love LUV the Princeton (or the P, as the locals call it) on 21st and Dune Drive but in the off-season only the Circle is open. The block is home to the Circle Tavern, the Princeton, and the Rock Room during the summer.

Luckily, one of our favorite bartenders was there, John Rennie. How perfect that he was there on a Tini Tuesday, as were we! He is excellent at making martinis, so when Lor and I strolled in, he knew to whip up his special RennieTini for us ladies. Lor decided to call his dirty martinis RennieTinis over the summer and the name just stuck for us.

The RennieTini is a super dirty martini, consisting of Grey Goose vodka, dry vermouth, and lots of olive juice and extra olives- I like it very, very dirty!

Ice cold dirty martini, the RennieTini, at the Circle, Avalon, NJ

To accompany our drinks that night, we decided on the steamers of the day, with garlic and lemon, and a hint of spices- and just so amazingly good. Seafood at the seashore with some very dirty RennieTinis - yes, please!

The island is still in repair, as all the Jersey shore points (and other places too) are, so if you get a moment, go to your favorite shore place and make it a point to see your beach buddies and visit some of your favorite establishments (if they are open). Every little bit helps to going towards rebuilding. Many people still need help.

People in line for food and supplies after Hurricane Sandy November 2012 Atlantic County

ALSO- Don't miss the 12/12/12 Concert for Sandy relief- an amazing line-up of talented musicans supporting the need to rebuild! Hear from Jersey's own Jon Bon Jovi, and Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Water and so many others! It will be televised on many channels on Wednesday December 12.

marTini Tuesday: Movie Tavern's Vampire's Kiss

So I recently went to the Movie Tavern...

....wait WHAT?! You aren't familiar with the Movie Tavern- it's a movie theatre with giant cushy seats...and they BRING YOU FOOD...AND DRINKS...AND MARTINIS!! And the movie tickets are lower cost than other theatres in the area.

Forgive my caps, dear readers, it's just that I love the whole experience here. I like to go to the Philly-area Movie Tavern, located in Providence Town Center in Collegeville, PA.

The food is along of the lines of fast-service pub, with sliders, nachos, salads, dessert (ice cream, cake, pie), as well as the usual movie theatre fare: popcorn, candy, pretzels, soda. You push a button on your little slide-out table and they bring you food and beverages. It is amazing that they offer drinks, and one of the caveats of the Movie Tavern is it is for 16 and over, and you must be accompanied by an adult if you are under 16, so it is quite family friendly. And of course, only 21+ can order alcoholic beverages of all kinds: beer, wine, margaritas, and martinis!

It really is a cool concept, the in-theatre dining experience. Go early, you order your food, and they bring it out right at the start of the film, as not to disturb you walking back and forth in front of the screen during the movie. (GO EARLY!)

Which brings me back to my martini of the week: The Vampire's Kiss.

This specialty drink has been created just for the launch of the Twilight movies, as the last segment of the movie franchise is currently out.

And so, I have to say, that if this drink caters to the vampire in all of us, then sign me up!

Movie Tavern's Vampire Kiss martini (Photo by Jenny Richards)

Begin with splash of simple syrup, lemon sour, and a plethora of crushed blackberries, strawberries and raspberries. Add some ice and an ounce of smooth Ketel One vodka and shake. Then, add the always cool and not-used-oft-enough St. Germain Elderflower, and bold-n-sweet Grand Marnier.

Strain into a chilled martini glass, and enjoy eternal sparkly life...oh wait, heavens no, vampires don't sparkle, just really enjoy this sweet, juicy martini!

 
Ingredients:
Movie Tavern
Vampire's Kiss Martini

1 oz Ketel One Vodka
¾ oz St. Germain Elderflower
½ oz Grand Marnier
½ oz Simple Syrup
¼ oz House Lemon Sour
2 blackberries
3 raspberries


(Special thanks to Kristen Wheaton of Movie Tavern for this delectable recipe.)

Peddler's Village, Bucks County, PA: A Weekend of Delights

What fantastic local destination has delicious food, refined restaurants, exciting entertainment, comfortable and classy overnight lodging, and is full of history and elegant touches? Why, Bucks County, of course! After 50 years, this quaint village is a still wonderful treat with free special events and seasonal festivals drawing 2 million visitors a year.

Heart of the Village- ready for an event

As one of the top most sought-after and visited tourist destinations in Pennsylvania, Bucks County is a never-fail retreat from the real world, to relax with wineries, food, family fun and events parks, trails, entertainment- Bucks County has it all! Located 75 miles from New York City and 25 miles from Philadelphia, Bucks County will offer a relaxing and fun adventure, no matter the reason for your visit!

Bucks County is full of gorgeous historic homes

The late Earl Hart Jamison founded Peddler's Village in 1962 on six acres of property at the crossroads of Routes 202, 263 and Street Road in Lahaska, once called Hentown. The property had housed a chicken hatchery, a barn and chicken coops. Earl transformed them into 14 shops and the Cock 'n Bull Restaurant. The buildings are placed amid winding brick pathways and gorgeous award-winning gardens designed by Earl, reflecting his consistent colonial America architectural style.

Peddler's Village

 

Peddler's Village is now one of the premier attractions in Bucks County. The 42-acre site boasts 70 unique specialty shops, six restaurants, the 70-room luxurious Golden Plough Inn, and for the kids: Giggleberry Fair, a family entertainment center featuring an antique operating carousel.

 

Golden Plough Inn, Peddler's Village

 

When we arrived in Peddler’s Village, we noticed its picturesque beauty. We checked in to the Golden Plough Inn, and were delighted with our room: spacious, warm, inviting and two queen-sized canopy beds awaited us. Such plush and comfortable surroundings instantly signaled that this was going to be a relaxing stay.

 

Delaware River, Washington Crossing Historic Park

 

But first, we headed out to Washington Crossing Historic Park to take in some of Bucks’ County’s rich history. At this site, General George Washington and his men of the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776 on Durham boats. A Nor’easter had approached making the conditions horrible, frigid and dangerous, yet they pressed on. His some 2600-militia marched the 8 miles to Trenton, New Jersey.



Washington Crossing Historic Park

Each year at Christmas more than 100 re-enactors recreate this significant event across the river in boats and uniforms replicated to near-exact historical proportions. The grounds of this park are along the river and are home to several historical buildings. It was truly an amazing feeling to know that history occurred right in the very place we were standing, as that moment was a turning point in the Revolution.

Washington Crossing Historic Park

After walking outside for hours in the park, we were quite chilled so off we went to begin our wine tour to warm up. We started with Crossing Vineyards & Winery in Washington Crossing. Beth and Mary were our hosts, giving us a tour of the picturesque vineyards and the tasting room. Our tasting room gent John poured us delicious wines and I have to say this winery offered some of the most delicious and imaginative wines I have ever tasted. Rich, full-bodied delights such as the Chocolate Cherry Truffle (port-style heavenly dessert wine) and the Sangria (a sweet juicy citrus-filled red wine) were amazing. Here, the impressive tasting room and cute gift shop are open 12-6pm every day.

 

Tastings Time!

 

From there we headed back to Peddler’s Village, stopping in Lambertville for just a moment to get a hot coffee and stop by the Tomasello Winery to get more of their luscious Blackberry wine. I only bought two bottles...what was I thinking?!

 

Crossings Winery

 We sampled some wine at the Chaddsford Winery, where I received a complimentary bottle of wine for staying at the Golden Plough Inn, imprinted with its Peddler’s Village 50^th Anniversary. Their chardonnay is so wonderful I had to pick up a few bottles. Plus, some sangria, as a Christmas present for my mom (shhh, don’t tell) I got her a bottle of sangria from every winery we visited. She will have quite a lot to open on Christmas morning!

Cheers!

 

Back to relax in our gorgeous room, Rach and I each lounged in our impressive queen four-poster beds, reading until it was time for dinner. We stopped in the homey and pretty Buttonwood Grill for a pre-dinner drink, deciding on the hot apple cider. Complete with creamy caramel, buttershots and vanilla vodka, and pleasantly warm, this drink was a great start to our evening.

Hot Apple Cider, Buttonwood Grill

 

We then headed across the street to Earl’s Bucks County. Instantly, this place relaxed me. Warm décor, soft lights, an atmosphere I knew I would enjoy my dinner in. Our server Erhn helped us with our choices and was a superb commentator on the food. He suggested the raw oysters as starters. Rach and I sampled sweet succulent oysters- great season for then right now- from Martha’s Vineyard and Rhode Island.

OYSTERS!

 

All of Earl BC’s food is locally sourced or flown in from just a few hours away. Every single item is fresh and authentic and prepared to the guest’s liking...and believe me, I was liking it a lot! We also enjoyed warm bread with lemon zest ricotta sprinkled liberally with salt and pepper and some crunchy flatbread. I then tried the lobster bisque, which was rich and savory with chunks of lobster in it. Rach tried oysters for the first time, and we liked them so much we ordered a couple more.

Lobster Bisque, Earl's Bucks County

 

Our main dishes arrived. I had the house smoked St. Louis ribs with a cider glaze over smoked Cheddar-scallion mashed potato and horseradish spiked slaw. These ribs were fantastic, meaty, messy, sweet, smoky and satisfying. I’m usually not a big meat eater, but these ribs were amazing. Rach had the grilled 8 oz filet mignon with whipped potato and spinach. The filet was tender and juicy, with hints of wine and butter, and the spinach was fresh and tasty.

Smoked St. Louis Ribs, Earl's Bucks County

 

We then had dessert- apple pie and locally made chocolate and butter pecan ice cream was absolutely fantastic. And then, it was time to retire to our room- with visions of Peddler’s Village dancing in our heads!

Locally made chocolate and butter pecan ice cream, Earl's Bucks County
 

 Sunday’s weather was perfect- warm and sunny- for strolling and shopping. The great thing about Peddler’s Village is that everything is close- dinner, cute and fun clothing shops with shoes, apparel, outerwear, baby clothes, bath and beauty shops, grab a little snack, attend a murder mystery, enjoy a buffet, or coffee, sample local wines, find a place to relax, a place to sleep- all within walking distance. We went back to Earl's for farm-fresh breakfast with sausages, eggs, potatoes and coffee, and commenced wandering around the village.

Breakfast at Earl's BC

 

The village was alive with people all enjoying themselves in one of Bucks’ Counties favorite places. One can see why this village has thrived for 50 years, and will continue thriving. Such a community-oriented, exciting place is home to many local artisans, all who share the love of Bucks County.

Shoppes at Peddler's Village

 We rounded off our visit with a trip to see Santa Claus and his lovely wife on the magical New Hope & Ivyland Railroad for the North Pole Express. An old-fashioned steamer train, this ride evokes scenes of the Golden Age of steam railroading. The train will take you along on the historic route that was filmed in the 1914 movie series Perils of Pauline, all the while singing carols and enjoying a warm beverage and cookies.


Aboard the North Pole Express
 

So for this holiday season, see the lights, attend the festivities, sample the wineries, eat at the restaurants, and do so much more at Peddler’s Village!

Special thanks to Michelle Greco Falcone, Communications Manager of Visit Bucks County and Eve Gelman, PR Manager, Peddler’s Village who strived to made our Bucks’s County visit such an impressive stay! Thank you!

Photographs by Rachel Richards

Plan Your Bucks County getaway at VisitBucksCounty.com. Stay connected to Peddler's Village on Twitter.