Palate - Newtown, PA

Having spending quite a few evenings a week over in Pennsylvania, it has given me the opportunity to check out some towns I would never have stumbled upon otherwise, and I have found some great restaurants in these areas.  This was yet another trip to charming Newtown, and I stumbled upon Palate.

I actually first heard of Palate because of head Chef/Owner, Justin Kaplan, who used to work at Blue Bottle Cafe in Hopewell, which is another one of my favorite BYO's.  I had heard that he opened Palate sometime over the summer of 2010, so when I remembered this, I had to seek it out!

That being said, a trip here was in order, and I happened in on a night that they were still serving their Valentine's Day menu, that they actually served it the weekend prior to Valentine's Day as well.  Regardless, I wasn't that hungry, and there were items on the menu that I was interested in.

First out was a complimentary amuse bouche, which was a roasted red pepper cappuccino.  This was absolutely genius, nice and frothy, and something that just makes you say, "Wow, who thought of this?"  While it sounds odd, and even has odd texture in your mouth, it was absolutely perfect and delicious!

For starters, I just could not pass up the pork belly.  Unfortunately, they do not have a description of the appetizer on their menu, but it was some nicely cooked, crispy skinned pork belly, with a maple glaze of sort and an apple slaw, I think.  The flavors were both sweet and savory, and this was just a great appetizer.  I would definitely order it again, and anyone who reads my blog and follows my Facebook knows my love for the 19th wonder of the world, pork belly!

For entrees tonight, I went with the Seared Sea Scallops with Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, Garlic -Potato Puree, and Pine Nut Brown Butter.  If I had to nitpick here, I would say that the scallops were just a bit over-seasoned and salty, but this only applied to about half of them.  Though I am not a salt junkie, I still didn't find it offensive, especially seeing as these were cooked absolutely perfectly, and there was ZERO grit to the scallops which is one of my pet peeves.

The brussels sprouts were nicely roasted, and what is there not to like about bacon and some butter with some brussels sprouts?  These were awesome, and the garlic potato puree hit the spot as well.

Really couldn't pass up dessert here, and the Ginger Cookie Tres Leches hit the spot.  This was served with a nice chill, was thick, dense, and flavorful.  Definitely no complaints here.

As for the restaurant itself, it is simple, charming, and just looks clean.  From the nice built in banquette, to the clean, dark tables and wood floors, it is just a great place!

The service was friendly and wonderful with a very attentive staff ranging from the Chef, to the bus staff, to the servers. 

While I have only been to Newtown twice, and I am sure there are many other restaurants to check out here, I hope to visit this restaurant again, and hope that I don't have a HUGE gap like always seems the case with restaurants that I enjoy.  Though off the beaten path, I think it is definitely worth the trip.  Check it out for yourself, and let me know what you think.  Hail to the chef!  Cheers!

Palate
31 South State Street
Newtown, PA 18940
Phone:  (215) 860-2898
http://palatenewtown.com/

Black Horse Tavern - Newtown, PA

Well, tonight I had an appointment out this way, so I saw the signs for Newtown, and decided to take a ride into town to see if there was a little pub in town to grab a burger and a beer.  I have to say that driving into town, State Street, which seems to be the main drag, and all kinds of charm.  It reminded me of a little Princeton, or Bordentown, or even Collingswood.  Nice main drag with a few restaurants, bars, storefront, etc.  Very charming to say the least!

Walked in the side door, and realized there was a bar tot he left, as well as a bar to the right.  The bar to the right looked bigger, so I grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered a glass of wine.  They actually have a nice selection of wines.  Nothing crazy or over the top, no big names, but a nice selection.  I had a Napa cab, but for the life of me, I can't remember what it was, and their wine list online is not updated.

The bar had a good buzz for a Tuesday night.  Nice little crowd and people having conversations at the bar, and at the high tops surround the bar.  The bartender was friend, and quite honestly I don't think she was even old enough to drink herself.

Lots of great options on the menu, and my original thought was to have a burger.  Instead, they had a thin cut rib eye on the menu served with a mashed potato and asparagus, and I just couldn't pass it up at $20 or whatever the cost was.


My steak came out within minutes, and looked great!  Really nice char marks, and cooked absolutely perfectly.  While the steak was thin, it had a nice hot pink center.

This was a nice cut with nice flavors, but come on, who doesn't like a good rib eye?  The highlight here were the flavors from the grill.  The grill here is very nicely seasoned, with great smokey flavors that really added to the deliciousness here.  My bartender asked if I wanted some fresh ground pepper, but why ruin a good thing?

The mashed potatoes were good and buttery, and the asparagus had a nice flavor and texture to it as well.  All in all, what can I say other than the fact that I found another great little place with good, affordable food.  I'll definitely be back!  Cheers!

Black Horse Tavern
101 South State Street
Newtown, PA  18490
Phone:  (215)579-6152
http://blackhorsenewtown.net/