|
Romantic Getaways
Parties + Banquets
Rooms and Rates
Events Calendar
Business Travel
Casual Dining
Fine Dining
Your Hosts
Directions
Contact
Mascots
Home
Chef
|
|
The Irregular, Easton PA, July 2004
______________________________
"More than just a great meal"
Restaurant Review With Lori Dalrymple
On a recent summer-like Thursday evening, I had the utmost pleasure of dining at the Indian Rock Inn. My traveling companion for the evening was my lovely mother, Nancy. Located just 12 miles south of Easton on Route 32 in Upper Black Eddy, the ride down was enjoyable. The pace was calm as spring wildflowers filled the warm evening air. I felt like I was traveling back in time down the dirt road that lies under the asphalt—back to the early 1800s when the Indian Rock Inn was born. The tavern of the inn was actually erected atop a strongwalled tank, built into the mountain by the Lenni Lenape Indians to hold fish brought up from the river. Raft pilots stopped, stagecoach passengers were let out and the men who toiled and built the canal all refreshed themselves and relaxed on the banks of the river at this spot.
The Indian Rock is truly a breathtaking property. Built against a rock-wall palisade, the view across the road is incredible. A footbridge takes you over the canal to the majestic Delaware River. Even though the night felt like summer, the air hung heavy with the fragrance of spring as we headed back across the bridge for dinner.
Owner Tom Schweder greeted us at the entrance and took us to our table, where we could see both bodies of water and a family of geese preening across the way. We ordered two refreshing herbal iced teas, were served warm and crusty Portuguese rolls (my favorite) with lots of butter. Tearing my eyes from the water, I realized we were surrounded by a gallery of watercolors. The works of two local female artists, the paintings are available for sale.
Back to the mouthwatering choices on the dinner menu…We planned our attack. I ordered the French Onion Soup, Boulder Style (with bleu and provolone cheeses). Mom ordered the soup du jour, a Cream of Mushroom. What a start…the soups were fabulous. It was the best Boulder I’ve ever had, and the Mushroom Soup was bursting with flavor. I later asked Chef Val Roy Gerischer what type of mushrooms he uses and, with a smile, he replied, “porcini, cepes and black trumpet.” So alive and natural!
Moving on to our salads, Mom ordered a crisp bleu Caesar and I, the Strawberry Spinach Salad served with bleu cheese, toasted pecans and drizzled balsamic vinaigrette. We began to exchange plates. With growing anticipation, we ordered a few appetizers and again we were delighted. The Stuffed Mushrooms are available with crabmeat or with leeks and bleu cheese. Since we were on a bleu cheese roll, we sampled the latter. The marriage of the leeks and bleu was very good. We also devoured the Asparagus Pastry, which was a puff pastry filled with asparagus, fresh goat cheese and pesto. Yum! Mussels, escargot, quail, shrimp or scallops were some of the other appetizer choices.
With 14 enticing entrees to choose from, we decided to sample three and asked if the chef could prepare smaller portions. Our very attentive waiter, Gary, said that he could. Truly torn, we chose Florentine Chicken Rolatini, Veal Piccata and Sea Scallops en Papillote. While anxiously awaiting the continuance of our great meal, I perused the artwork and walked into the next dining room. Breathtaking views behind a glass wall make you feel like you are dining in nature. As well, there were a few folks dining al fresco on the porch.
Our dinner was served and our eyes felt much larger than our stomachs. To our surprise, the chef prepared full portions of the entrees we had chosen! The presentation was beautiful. The veal consisted of two large pieces, finished in white wine, lemon and capers and served with mashed potatoes and zucchini. The sea scallops were magnificent and light, steamed with asparagus, garlic saffron rice and zucchini. I must say the yellow and green zucchini was my first of the season and tasted fresh picked—delish! Our third choice, and Mom’s favorite, was the Chicken Rolatini—rolled chicken filled with prosciutto, spinach and tiger shrimp, served over a bed of tricolored pasta. The dish was drizzled with a red beet mayonnaise puree that not only highlighted the chicken, but also delighted the eyes with a beautiful fuchsia color!
How would we ever find room for dessert? We did! To share, we ordered the Mississippi Mud Pie Crème Brûlée and a sample of Chef Val’s homemade ice cream. The crème brûlée was divine. Smashing through the top into marshmallow and chocolate custard laced with Kahlua was heavenly. (I love chocolate.) The ice cream, honey almond, lime and fresh raspberry, were clean and fresh and simply delectable. From out of nowhere appeared a slice of chocolate ganache tart, and that was beyond words. All desserts are made inhouse, and were a grand finale to a perfect evening for the senses.
Finally, Tom’s lovely wife, Beverly, arrived and you could see the lobe and pride the couple has for the property. Beverly informed me that the inn also boasts six rooms to let and gave me a tour of a few rooms. Being a former innkeeper in New England, I must say I was mesmerized by the incredible water views from the rooms, which were furnished with local antiques, fitted with private baths, clean and simple, yet elegant.
I was also blown away when Tom informed me that they were kid and pet friendly. In today’s B & B environ, children under 12 years are not usually welcome and only a few inns around the country allow pets.
They have three pet-friendly rooms, and soon I met the reason why. The true “innkeepers”—Itchy and Ruby—are two adorable dachshunds that pretty much rule the inn. They convinced Tom and Beverly to invite all their Del Val dog club friends over for a dachshund picnic, scheduled for June 12 at the inn. They also convinced them to name the tavern the “Barking Dog Saloon,” although I didn’t hear Itchy and Ruby make even a sound while I was visiting.
The inn offers live music on weekends, romantic getaway packages and facilities for private parties and banquets, the Open for lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the inn serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday. There is also a light-fare menu available.
A lovely location, two bodies of water, two proud owners, a happy chef, Indian lore, kids and animals… a perfect recipe for a winning combination and a destination point I plan to visit many times. I could sure go for a bowl of onion soup right now!
To reach the Indian Rock Inn, call (610) 982-9600, or visit www.indianrockinn.com.
Music at the Indian Rock
At the Indian Rock Inn & Restaurant, 2206 River Road, (Route 32) in Upper Black Eddy, the summer is filled with music as performances on the deck run on Sundays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., while open mike night takes place on Wednesdays from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Arrive at 7:30 p.m. to perform.) Other entertainment in June includes: Ed Wall on Friday, June 4; Allan Willcockson on Saturday, June 5; Angelo (acoustic artist) on Friday, June 11; Dave Rounsaville on Saturday, June 12; Christy Jefferson on Friday, June 18; and Duende on Friday, June 25. There is no cover charge to enjoy the music, which usually runs from about 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Call (610) 982-9600 or visit www.indianrockinn.com for more.
|