New Hope's Annapurna fills local Indian restaurant void

Annapurna Indian restaurant in New Hope (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Annapurna sits at the back of the Four Seasons Mall in New Hope, a location that once made up part of the sizable and popular Toys for Men shop. There are now windows in the rear offering Delaware River views courtesy of a prior restaurant's effort, but unlike that establishment, this one has a crack at succeeding.

A recent visit to Annapurna revealed clean, tasteful decor, a classic selection of Indian cuisine, and friendly, efficient service. The details: to start, one won't find unusual, fiery regional dishes. And that may be a good thing. It seems that while some local palettes might be accustomed to Thai cooking, far fewer are familar with the culinary joys of the subcontinent.

Annapurna manages to cover all the bases in a pleasing, authentic way. Appetizers include the standard pakoras and samosas tastefully rendered, and the bread selection focused on interesting varieties of naan. Prices were moderate, with many entrees in the $12-15 range, including tandoori, curry, masala, korma and biryani dishes. The vegetarian selection was sizable and varied.

Standouts included the chicken tikka masala (cooked in a mild, but well-seasoned tomato and cream sauce), and the shrimp vindaloo, which had an abundanance of medium shrimp in a wonderfully seasoned curry sauce that made up in flavor what it lacked in heat. In fact, should one be an experienced fan of Indian cuisine, informing the waiter that one's dish can be prepared on the hot side would not be out of order.

The service was excellent; our waiter offered extra helpings of basmati rice and chutneys. Fresh coriander was in the air, and the entrees weren't swimming in ghee. The river view added to the overall experience. We'll be back.

A great introduction to Indian food for everyone that can also be enjoyed by experienced afficiandados. BYOB and take-out avaialble.

Annapurna is located at 32 S. Main St.; (215) 862-5080.

New owners to convert large New Hope retail space into Italian restaurant

By Charlie Sahner

A local partnership, 46 North Main Associates, LLC, is taking over the property located at that address in New Hope and seeking permission to convert it into a restaurant featuring homemade pasta, pizza and fine Italian entrees at what owners say will be moderate prices.

At 7,000 square feet, the space formerly occupied by the Trading Post of Bucks County seems ideal to create the type of airy, almost opulent decor for which co-owner Antonio Adragna is known. His Cafe Antonio in Morrisville has a loyal following, traditional Italian menu, and an impressive interior featuring soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and charming murals.

Says Lambertville resident and partner Glenn Kapuscienski, "We want to combine the energy of New Hope with fine Italian dining on the riverfront."

Blueprints for the planned restaurant feature two prominent bar areas, and a rumor has circulated among some concerned homeowners in New Hope's largely quiet north end that a nightclub or bar might be in the works.

But the owners say they're interested in gaining the community's respect and loyalty as a fine dining venue. "New Hope is a wonderful historic town with diversity and a flair for the arts," said Kapuscienski. "We intend to be a friendly neighbor and a complement to the community."