Feedstore restaurant coming to New Hope just in time for busy season

Rendering of future New Hope Feedstore at former Tastebuds location.

By Charlie Sahner

The Feedstore in Ambler has already gained a devoted following after only one year in existence, with its handcrafted burgers, sandwiches, salads and snacks. And now partners Geoff Molt, 37, and Seth Novick, 40, are bringing their over-the-top, avante-garde version of the American nosh to New Hope.

"We were burger-heavy when we started in Ambler, but we were working with very limited space," recalls Molt, "Now, burgers are still at the core, but we can expand and do a lot more, and bring that same innovation to other sandwiches."

The duo already grinds their burger meat fresh each morning, and hand cuts their fries, says Molt. "But now we have the space to brine our own corn beef, do more smoking, and really scratch-make and stuff all of our sausages, like the maple sage breakfast sausage, and chorizo."

The partners have chosen an interesting location for a flashy snack joint. West Ferry Street, with its historic row houses and residential feel worked well for the subdued Tastebuds, but can it draw the customer traffic needed to sustain the business model?

Blueberry and Stawberry Waffle with warm berry compote, walnuts, and bacon ($12).

Molt and Novick believe it can. They took inspiration from the consistent local and turista traffic enjoyed by Nina's Waffles on the relatively quiet West Mechanic Street, and may tone down their waffle offerings in deference to Nina's.

"I'm their biggest admirer," says Novick. "I go there all the time. They proved you can build a business on a side street."

In fact, while burgers, tacos and waffles make up a good part of the Feedstore fare, Molt and Novick intend to avoid competing with existing eateries. When asked about the formidable Moo at 137 S. Main St., Molt said, "Moo is a nice, straightforward burger, they're great at what they do. But we're more decadent, we cram as much as possible into every sandwich, and take things to the next level.
"We don't want to be just a burger joint," Molt continued. "It’s a great base to start from, but we want to do lot more than burgers."

Magic Monster Burger with snow roller onions, Vermont sharp cheddar, and candied maple bacon ($12).

Most Ambler customers, however, are wowed by the burgers, fries and hot sandwiches, often kicked off by an order of Mac Balls (buttermilk battered classic mac and cheese, served with sriracha ranch - $6).

Standout burgers according to customers include the basic Feedburger, with cheddar, bacon, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onion and Feed Sauce ($12), the Captain Quint, with beef salami, provolone, tomato, cream cheese and cherry pepper marmalade ($15), and the Munnyburger, with cheddar, bacon, caramelized onion and fig jam ($14). All burgers and sandwiches come with fries that can be upgraded to specialty versions, onion rings, or a side of mac and cheese, for $3.

Asian Pork Taco with Asian pear pico and plum sauce, and Carolina Gold Chicken Taco with cheddar jack and smoked coleslaw ($3 each).

Another hot sandwich that grabs attention is the Abbot, made with beef short rib, kimchi, queso fresco, sesame mayo, and sriracha on onion-poppy brioche.

"We try to be creative with our menu," observed Molt. "We throw around ideas each morning, and New Hope inspires creativity. We hope our new neighbors will try some of the offbeat items we'll be creating for them."

Novick agrees. "It's always been my dream to own a store in New Hope." Novick's father owned Phoenix Books at 49 N. Union St. in Lambertville.

"There's also not too many family-friendly, kid-oriented places located in New Hope, and I think that we'll be filling a niche," added Novick.

The restaurateurs say they're getting the keys to the joint March 1, and are shooting to get the place up and running for the warm season. This should get interesting.

Feedstore will be located at 49 W. Ferry St.

NelliRae’s Kitchen: creative vegetarian fare served in a cozy country atmosphere

Assorted Fruit Tartlets.

NelliRae’s Kitchen is a cozy vegetarian café located in Revere, Pennsylvania, that has locals hooked, and also enjoys visitors from Easton, Allentown, Doylestown, and New Hope, along with Frenchtown, N.J, and other nearby areas.
The reason they’re all heading to this scenic, rural section of Upper Bucks County is simple: NelliRae’s offers local, fresh vegetarian food produced on-premise in the relaxing ambience of an uncluttered country dining room.

On the menu is a creative array of vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh-baked treats, juices and smoothies.

“Cooking is our passion” is the slogan of owners Rachel and Kris, who opened the restaurant in 2013. “We both have done the nine-to-five thing,” says Kris. “But we’ve been in the food industry since we were teenagers, and it’s the thing we know how to do best.”

Everything from the kitchen is made from scratch, and prepared with ingredients from all over Bucks County. “The only thing we don’t make here is the bread from Crossroads Bakery in Doylestown,” adds Rachel.

Moving quietly about in the quaint, soothing atmosphere are friendly and attentive staff members. The menu is relatively modest in size, featuring rotating desserts and specials.

Among the smoothies are Mango Madness, made with mango juice and bananas, and Nutty Blue, with blueberries, bananas, and almond milk. Popular fresh-pressed juices include the Carrot, Apple and Ginger mixture, and Green Lemonade, made from celery, parsley, apple, lemon, and cucumber. The combinations taste balanced, and the portions are generous.

The main menu at NelliRae’s Kitchen is built around breakfast and lunch, both of which are served until late afternoon. The excellent coffee comes from the well-regarded Small World Roasters of Princeton, and Wi-Fi is accessible. Prices are affordable, and outdoor seating is available.

Of note are the Breakfast Burrito, with eggs, habanero wrap, cheddar cheese, black beans, brown rice, and salsa, and the French Toast, made with gluten-free challah bread, and served with real maple syrup.

Another favorite is the Frittata of the Day, served on a bed of mixed greens. Recently featured were the Spinach, Onion and Cheddar and Three Cheese frittatas.

The Falldorf Salad has also been well-received, with its mixed greens, apples, pears, walnuts, goat cheese, and roasted pumpkin seed, topped with an orange-cranberry balsamic dressing. The Sushi Salad may be the most popular of the bunch, and features brown rice, grated zucchini, grated carrots, red peppers, mixed greens, nori seaweed, sesame seeds, avocado and ginger dressing, with a side of soy sauce.

Standouts among the changing selection of soups have included Creamy Carrot-Coconut, Potato Leek, Pumpkin, and Moroccan Vegetable Stew.

Quesadillas are another ever-changing specialty at NelliRae’s Kitchen, and are served with salsa and sour cream. A recent “Quesadilla del Dia” used arugula, apples, and feta cheese.

Sweet Potato Burger.

But the hands-down customer favorite at NelliRae’s is the Sweet Potato Burger, presented as a patty on greens, or on a French roll, and served with a secret sauce, about which the owners would reveal little except that it’s vegan and gluten-free. And one for the meat-eater in any group is the savory Grilled Veggie Sausage, which could fool the most devout carnivore.

The Roasted Vegetable Wrap is another delectable choice, with assorted seasonal vegetables and smoked Gouda cheese. A gluten-free wrap is also available. The Gluten-Free Mexican Lasagna was another well-liked special for those who avoid gluten proteins, which have low nutritional value, and can cause health problems for some.

If one has room, the desserts are not to be missed. This is where so many vegetarians and vegans feel like they’ve gotten the short end of the stick. But the Blondie Brownies with Peanut Butter Frosting, Hugh’s Lemon Cake, and the Raw Chocolate Pudding, which is decadent despite containing no added sugar or dairy, change that equation, making delicious, healthy desserts a viable option.

Maybe that’s another reason why folks seem to be coming from to NelliRae’s Kitchen from all over Bucks County and beyond.

“We get so many different people visiting, from folks in business suits to painters and musicians,” said Kris of the café’s customer base. “There really isn’t one singular demographic, and we love that.”

It certainly has been an incredible first three years for NelliRae’s Cafe, and a relatively short time to have earned such an apparently devoted following.

“We absolutely love it here — there’s just something amazing and magical about the natural beauty of the area,” observed Kris.

And what does the future hold for the NelliRae’s?

“We’re not locked in to any business model or goal, but prefer to let the business take shape organically,” agreed Kris and Rachel. “We love where things are headed.”

With locally sourced, scrumptious vegetarian and vegan dishes, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere and staff, NelliRae’s Café is certainly a must-try for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Great food is great food, no matter what one calls it.

NelliRae’s Café is located at 8826 Easton Road in Revere; (610) 847-2223. It’s open weekdays except Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wildflowers restaurant in New Hope sold to former Logan Inn co-owner Nick Gialias

Wildflowers restaurant in New Hope, PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

New Hope's Wildflowers restaurant has been sold to Nick Gialias, formerly of the Logan Inn, by owner Bob Madrick, the parties confirmed Thursday. Gialias plans to rename the establishment and convert it into an "upscale, comfortable and casual bar."

Wildflowers has been popular with New Hope visitors for more than three decades because it offered an affordable, eclectic menu and intimate back garden overlooking Ingham Creek and South Main Street. Co-owner Grant Waldman passed away three years ago, and partner Bob Madrick has said that he wants to move on.

Madrick and Waldman purchased the building at 8 W. Mechanic St. during a period of rapid growth in New Hope, and began selling cookies. Waldman also wrote and produced local plays and ran a canine rescue facility in Thailand. The cookie shop evolved into a cafe featuring Thai, Mexican and other cuisine, and ultimately obtained a liquor license.


It's that license that is pivotal to the purchase by Gialias, a member of the family that owns New Hope’s famed Logan Inn. Gialias confirmed in January that he had left that business to strike out on his own. Gialias, 35, is also a Republican member of New Hope Borough Council.

A resident of Riverwoods with a wife and daughter, Gialias has a background in biomedical engineering and is a wine expert, among other talents. And therein lies the apparent astuteness of the business move: while Wildflowers sports both extremely limited property space and structural issues, it will make an excellent wine/beer/spirits bar offering specially "paired" menu items (an approach Gialias honed in his Nikolas restaurant at the Logan Inn).

"We're still working on a new name, but there will always be some element of Wildflowers there," said Gialias. "We're trying to revamp, restore, and renovate, so we want to make clear it's a new phase for this location.

"We hope to bring a new, fresh perspective, energy and drive to do something special there," he added. "It's about actually tasting what you're drinking, tasting what you're eating, tasting how they come together, and making that more accessible, fun, and approachable for everyone."

To that end, Gialias' new wine/beer/spirits bar will feature a food menu in which each item is tailored to a specific beverage, along with interesting sandwiches and salads to help entice the lunchtime crowd.

"I love the artisanal energy of New Hope and West Mechanic Street, so I'm looking to incorporate artisanal quality in cheese, charcuterie, and small plates," he said. "I also have a passion for wine and beer -- we had 22 drafts at the Logan Inn's outside bar -- along with scotch, rye and bourbon."

In terms of pricing, Gialias is direct: "We want people to have access to a real gourmet experience. They're looking for higher quality products without breaking the bank. We want to get them in and out for less than $20."

Added Gialias, "Wildflowers is a quirky old New Hope place, and we're looking to maintain that charm while spinning it around into a clean and modern combination of old and new."

The value of the sale was not disclosed, but Gialias is targeting the first week of June for opening. Needless to say, merchants on the block with knowledge of the deal are highly enthusiastic.

New Hope’s Logan Inn may be close to sale

Logan Inn in New Hope PA (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

It’s no secret that the Logan Inn in New Hope has been on the market for $6.7 million.

Located on one acre of downtown New Hope turf, it boasts 16 rooms, 73 parking spaces, and seating for 400 at the Nikolas restaurant. Nick Gialias, the restaurant’s namesake and member of the inn’s ruling family, confirmed Wednesday that he has left the business and will be starting his own venture shortly.

Now, sources close to the situation say the Logan Inn is near sale and the buyer may be Hotel du Village owner Landmark Hospitality. Landmark Principals Frank and Jeanne Cretella bought the nearby Hotel du Village in 2013, and recently presented a proposal to Solebury’s Historical Architectural Review Board to renovate and expand the buildings and grounds. “We are proposing a bed and breakfast comprised of six guest rooms and a spa,” said the company in an open letter to Solebury residents.

Landmark was less chatty this week, offering no response to phone calls and emails requesting comment. The real estate agent listing the property said he “had no information to add.” But the Logan Inn acknowledged in a statement Wednesday attributed to owners Pete and Mary Ann Gialias that, “As of today, no official offer is in place, however, there are very interested parties.”

The Logan would fit in well with Landmark Hospitality’s other holdings, which tend toward the traditional, high-end and historic.

Aside from Hotel du Village, Landmark also owns and manages the Liberty House Restaurant inside Liberty State Park in Jersey City, Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, NJ, Crave Caterers (an off-site catering division), Celebrate at Snug Harbor (inside Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens), and Landmark Destination Weddings. The Cretellas recently bought the well-known Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, NJ, which is undergoing extensive renovations.

Kennebunkport on the Nile

Aladdin Restaurant (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Barry, the eccentric owner of Mediterranean restaurant Aladdin, purchased a somewhat unfinished, over-sized family portrait at an estate sale this week and placed it temporarily behind an antique Middle Eastern table featuring a smoldering incense holder, creating this unlikely, surreal tableau.

P.S. I've had three falafel sandwiches there this week already. Affordably priced, using fava beans instead of chick peas, and heavy on the tahini. He's even added burgers and fries to the menu for the kids.

Aladdin is located at 82 S. Main St. in New Hope; (215) 862-1110.

Nina's Waffles of New Hope teams up with oWowCow Ice Cream to create irresistible treat

"Cakes" from Nina's Waffles (Photo:Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

I've never liked waffles. I know everyone seems to love them, especially piled high with berries and whipped cream, but not me. That is until I tried one made by Shawn "Cakes" Lawson from a family recipe belonging to Louis Zanias, whom everyone thinks is French but is really Belgian, and who owns half of West Mechanic Street, and was reputedly in the running to buy yet another Main Street eatery aside from his existing Karla's and Zoubi restauants.

But back to Cakes' waffles, the ones that he and Louis wholesale from New Hope to the Jersey Shore: They are nothing short of miraculous. Dense and multi-layered, they make every other waffle seem an air-puffed, frozen imitation. The pearlized sugar running throughout pushes them over the top. Morning, noon, or night, they reign supreme.

Of course, that wasn't enough for the maniacs at Zoubi Cakes and Catering, who have now decided to team up with oWowCow Creamery. For those uninitiated, oWowCow is completely over-the-top ice cream from beautiful Ottsville, where Route 413 is called '412' or Durham Road. The frozen confection is creamy and gooey, using local milk and eggs, with intense natural flavorings. I tried the Madagascar Vanilla, Garden Berries and Chai Tea ice cream varieties and, quite frankly, they were sick. I'm in trouble; I'm arranging direct deposit. I haven't tried the waffles and ice cream together yet, but I'm steeling myself for the moment.

For right now, Nina's Waffles & Cream will open at around noon from Thursday to Sunday, and will stay open late on Friday and Saturday, according to Lawson. The official grand opening is scheduled for May 20.

Zoubi Cakes and Nina's are at 29 W. Mechanic St. near New Street; 215-862-1660.

Marsha Brown restaurant expansion shot down by New Hope zoning board

By Charlie Sahner

An application by popular New Hope steak house Marsha Brown of 15 S. Main St. to add outdoor seating was stymied last night at a meeting of the borough's Zoning Hearing Board.

The proposal had been sent to the board following a split decision by New Hope's Borough Council on whether to recommend approval.

The meeting was well attended by residents, merchants and borough officials, and by the time it was over, the restaurant's request for 12 variances to facilitate the creation of an outdoor seating area for 24 patrons was denied entirely.

Marsha Brown manager and executive chef Caleb Lentchner was clearly disappointed in the decision.  "For five years we've done nothing but support the town as much as we could, and in our time of need Borough Hall turned their back on us," he said.

Noting that virtually every restaurant in New Hope has some type of limited outdoor seating arrangement, Lentchner asserted,  "Outdoor dining in front of our restaurant would form a small opportunity for us to have a fair chance during these warm summer days.

"We've been denied our ability to compete," he continued.

While not wishing to discuss potential next steps, Lentchner observed, "There's a very strong business community in New Hope, and we're supporting each other during these challenging economic times."

Requests for comment by borough officials were not immediately returned.

Bitter Bob Dishes Up a Sweet Deal

Back in March, we interviewed Bitter Bob about his new barbecue style restaurant, so we recently decided to sneak in for a lunchtime sampling of his cooking.

Bottom line: Bitter Bob's didn't disappoint.

The meat selections all had an excellent texture and the right smokey flavor. Sauces can be served on the side; one a mildly spicy vinegar based Carolina style sauce, the other, a classic red BBQ slather with some subtlety. The sampler platter lets you try most of the best entrees.

The sides were glorious: sweet potato fries were a standout, as were the zesty 5-bean BBQ beans, and exceptionally fresh corn bread. Slaw slightly unispired. Decor: sparse. Service: first-rate.

All in all, if our boy Bob can keep prices at this level, he will have a hit on his hands and have no further cause for bitterness in his world. :-)

110 South Main Street in New Hope PA.

Vlog: A Tramp through New Hope PA and Lambertville NJ

A few fine opinionated fellows with a video camera shoot the breeze on strange visitor's center advice, the River Horse Brewery, theater, Zadar's, Finkel's, neckties, Jerry Garcia and Tyvek. Somewhat amateurish and pointless, it has its moments, particularly the changing of the word "ruta" to "puta" on back door of a Mexican food delivery truck. Language rated "R".

New Hope Restaurant Peace Out to Open Monday

Peace Out Pizza in New Hope PA

A chat with the owner of the new organic bake-at-home pizza joint opening this week on Bridge Street in New Hope, PA.

New Hope PA Food King Louis Expands Empire Further West with New Bakery

By Charlie Sahner

Louis Zanias, owner of popular New Hope PA restaurants Karla's and Zoubi on West Mechanic Street, several months ago opened a catering/bakery operation and has now apparently been approved to open a full retail bakery at an adjacent location he owns at the corner of New and Mechanic Streets.

Of course, New Hope PA already has an eat-in French bakery (not that Louis is French or the new bakery has seating) further north by the river, but a high quality bakery of any type would be welcome in this particular section of town, not far from new (albeit unsold) housing, parking, Village II and stereotypically doughnut seeking law enforcement personnel.

Louis is a cunning businessman and landowner who's not afraid to play hardball in expanding his empire, in this author's view.

He is also smart, and a new bakery is good news for New Hope.


(above: existing cake/catering operation)

New Hope PA Borough Council and Chamber of Commerce Give Up on Visitors' Center (and Promoting Tourism?)

The Times of Trenton reports today that New Hope's visitor center, located in a former town hall at South Main and Mechanic streets, will be outsourced to the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau beginning January 1, 2010.

"It's a win-win situation for everyone," said Councilman Richard Hirschfield, who for several years was looking for a way to get the tax-funded tourism operation removed from the borough's budget.

The borough had been budgeting $62,000 a year, the equivalent of about $1.1 million in real estate taxes, to operate the center.

[Ed. note: New Hope PA also earns $371,200 per year from parking meters, $315,000 from parking ticketing and stopping vistors' vehicles, $89,000 from its "business privilege tax", and $56,150 from "business licenses and franchise fees"]

"It was felt the borough could contribute and work toward it but it should be the function of the New Hope Chamber of Commerce or some other organization that would promote business," said Hirschfield.

Louis Licitra, former president of the organization, said it was impossible financially for the chamber to operate the visitors' center.

"After all, people come to New Hope for New Hope. They don't come here to see the visitors center," said Licitra.

Captain Bob Keeps on Truckin' This Holiday Season at His Famous New Hope PA Ice Cream Parlor

You'd think that losing a bid for New Hope PA Borough Council (again) and owning an ice cream parlor with winter approaching would be enough to give anyone pause, but not New Hope's very own Bob Gerenser, owner of New Hope landmark Gerenser's Exotic Ice Cream, and plyer of the Delaware's currents, George Washington impersonator and Havana karaoke legend.

I stopped by on Thanksgiving day during my downtown "who's open" tour. Of course a lot of local inns and bars were open to offer cool weather warmth, but not as many shops and smaller businesses. Gerenser's, however, was open and Captain Bob was running his river tour boat out back on the Delaware. He's promoting winter fare like warm beverages and wieners, but the hottest dish in the joint was easily his girlfriend (forgive the Dashiell Hammett), keeping busy behind the counter.

Gerenser's Exotic Ice Cream. A New Hope PA original.

22 S Main St
New Hope, PA 18938
215-862-2050

Dining Out: Karla's Bar and Restaurant in New Hope PA

As I sat outside at Karla's Bar and Restaurant reading the lunch menu on a warm afternoon last weekend, I was happy to learn they'd won a Best of Bucks Award for 2009, and pleased to see a new, broader menu with more entres that looked intriguing. I was more surprised on closer inspection to see that they'd also lowered prices!

Let me get this straight: restaurant gets recognition, freshens up menu, and then lowers prices?

I asked manager Cynthia, "Is it me, or is this menu looking less expensive?"

"It's still tough out there," she said, referring to the overall economy. "We want to do our part for the customers."

Now, owner Louis is admittedly known more for being a shrewd, if not opportunistic businessman, than a philanthropist, but I was impressed to see this key downtown business doing something right and timely. Louis is smart, and he's a survivor.

I had a hot cider and cheddar burger, medium rare; my dining partner, the Greek salad with fresh bread. All solid. Nice view, attentive staff.

All you need at that point is Ricky behind the bar with fresh mint for Mojitos and an afternoon to kill.

Haven't seen the Locals Night menu yet; write in and let us know what you think!

Karla's is located at 5 West Mechanic Street in New Hope PA, 215-862-2612.

Who is Bill Scandone and Why is He Running for New Hope PA Borough Council?

Last week, Bill Scandone left a flyer in my mailbox asking for my vote in the upcoming New Hope PA Borough Council election. Four seats are up for grabs this November, and for the first time in quite a while, it appears the Republicans have a full slate and are going to give the four Democratic incumbents a run for their money. Bill's one of the Republican upstarts this year, not that "Republican" or "Democrat" mean that much in a small town like New Hope.

The thing that caught my eye about Bill's flyer was that he listed his email address and phone number on it. Now, it's not unusual for smarter candidates to campaign door to door in the closing weeks of local elections, and to claim they want to "listen" to constituents' views, but they don't usually leave a personal calling card: billscandone@comcast.net or 215-595-6304.

So I emailed him, and he agreed to meet and talk about the campaign. I had seen "Scandone" signs around town, and had also heard there might be actual competitive races in the upcoming elections. Rumors have also abounded that a couple of high-ranking local politicos are promoting a candidate to depose one or more incumbents, partially motivated by last spring's bloodless coup in Borough Hall.

There's two things I learned about Scandone fairly quickly: he is actually listening to people, and he is running a serious campaign. When I met him, he'd already spent the morning at a local diner shaking hands by the front door.

A former head of International Compensation and Benefits for Pfizer, Scandone, 62, lives on Kiltie Drive, likes dogs, goes bicycling, knows lots about fixing the bike path that runs along the Delaware Canal. Bill had been President of the New Hope-Solebury Education Fund, where he helped raise money for worthwhile local teaching initiatives.

I asked whether he's aligned with any group or individuals involved in the Borough's opposing factions and alliances, and he said he's running because "I wanted to do more, to give back to the community."

"After speaking with those involved in Borough Council and the New Hope-Solebury School Board," says Scandone, "I felt I could be more impactful on Borough Council. I believe in the concept of social responsibility," he added. "I intend to be a public servant to this community, and I don't know if that's happening now."

One key element of Scandone's plank seems to be a concern for "revitalizing the downtown."

Says Bill, "There's many stores and galleries closed, and when they close, there's a snippet of the identity of New Hope that is lost."

I asked him why he felt residents should theoretically be concerned about the welfare of local shops and businesses. Replied Scandone, "As a resident I feel I have a vested interest [in the business community]. There has to be a balance. At the end of the day what you don't want vacant shops."

Scandone is not opposed to franchised businesses, as long as their identity meshes with that of New Hope, and he is especially interested in seeing more restaurants and galleries. Admittedly, his economic proposals do not appear overburdened with specificity at this point, but his basic approach is clear enough: he has lots of experience in negotiating and consensus building and believes he can bring the right people together to start "spreading the good word about New Hope."

"New Hope is at a crossroads and could be eclipsed by other places, and New Hope could financially lose out," he continued.

"I've got the time. I've got the experience. I really am committed to this."

Sure does seem to be the case. The weeks ahead will certainly hold unexpected twists and turns, but this much is for sure: Bill Scandone seems like a serious contender.

Dining Out: Kids Not Welcome Here

The New Hope PA restaurant above not only admonishes against parking nearby and using their restrooms if one is not a patron, but also makes it pretty plain with front door signage that, frankly, "kids aren't welcome here."

In this author's opinion, a ridiculous, unfriendly, impolite manner to treat our town's visitors. Most parents are nice enough to leave strollers parked outside, but if strollers don't fit, that means wheelchairs don't fit and evacuation in a fire could be interesting.

Funny thing is, the food's not bad, but not memorable, either. The lack of hospitality leaves an impression, though.

Below, two local restaurants that are kid-friendly.

Table Outside, Senor?

With temperatures soaring into the 70s, restaurants with outdoor seating in New Hope PA were in high demand. This popular destination just north of the Bridge on N. Main Street is running a luncheon special to boot, which is great because I've eaten there and it's the real deal although usually a bit pricey.

Leaves Falling On a Drippy, Windy Day in Downtown New Hope PA

The trees of New Hope PA try to hold onto their colorful, leafy coats on a windy, wet weekend in the historic downtown section of Bucks County's most popular tourist destination.

While some bargain shoppers are seen about as the sun peeks out for brief moments here and there, many visitors have sought shelter in lunchtime favorite Karla's Restaurant on West Mechanic Street, or in John and Peter's on Main Street for a quick brew.

Glimpses of New Hope PA: The Good, The Bad, And the Ugly

Three merchant displays for your consideration -- the first, a lovely pond garden adorns the entrance to Wildflowers Restaurant; the second, from a shopowner who apparently hasn't figured out that windows have two sides; and lastly, a sign that is priceless because it appears so completely shabby in form, function and content. If you've seen an uglier one, send it in.

New Hope PA Recession Lunch Special

Click on the photo above to enlarge, and you'll see that at the low-end of the lunch price spectrum is a hamburger, sans cheese, for $13.50. There's also a "Kobe Burger" for $18...last I checked, those come from fatty, tortured Japanese calves, but what do I know?

With culinary bargains such as these, small wonder tourists are flocking to the nearby variable $5 -$20 per space parking lot (depends on owner's mood each day).

Think I'll go upriver to Dilly's Corner on Route 32.