by Chrysa Smith

Finally, it feels like spring. And that means more places for scrumptious Open Air Dining.

Brasserie 73 http://www.brasserie73.net Along Rt. 63, lies the cute little cluster of shops and restaurants that makes up the Village of Skippack. Among the quaint Pennsylvania structures, you’ll find one building that looks a little like the Ritz in Paris. It’s white, it’s striking, it’s architecturally bold and classic. And It’s quite good. Again, it transports me to inner city—-but this time, Paris. Imagine sitting on the champs de elysee sipping fine wine, dining with linens, European service and menu selections. I do love their Coq au Vin, Steak Frites and a good Beaujolais. Uumm! Quiches, crepes, Baked Brie, salads and more round out a nice offering that makes this bistro a favorite for celebration of my springtime birthday. 4024 Skippack Pike, Skippack.

Joseph Ambler Inn http://www.josephamblerinn.com/–This beautiful, colonial stone inn is a regular haunt. It’s great year round, but the nice weather opens their outdoor patio, which is just lovely. On Easter weekend, when I did get a bit too much sun, I listened to my husband and left for dinner without a jacket. Seeing me shiver, the waiter brought over a folded tablecloth for me to wrap myself in. I went on to enjoy my meal and also blended in splendidly with the table settings. Now that’s service! On Horsham Road in Montgomery County, you’d think you might be on an estate in the English countryside. A pub or regular menu offers a wide array of well-tuned dishes: crab cakes and most seafood additions are deliciously prepared, and they do some nice Kobe burgers on the pub side. Check out a nice wine list—Wine Spectator Award winning. 1005 Horsham Road, North Wales.

Vintage Restaurant http://www.theclubatmorganhill.com/—When I need a little get-away road trip, I head north on Rt. 611 past Doylestown and along River Road. Before you hit Easton, a left turn on Browns Mill Rd?? winds you surprisingly uphill, past a gorgeous property with vineyard and on up to the Club at Morgan Hill. A big real estate development sits smack in the center of some beautiful rolling hills, with a fab view of the golf course and the city of Easton—especially from the deck. The menu is fairly steady, but the Filet, Papardelle Bolognese and Bread Pudding are especially good. We wound up there one July 4th and marveled at the fireworks dotting the surrounding hills. 100 Clubhouse Drive, Easton.

From Paris and the English countryside to the mountains in one quick blog. Discovered some more great outdoor eateries? Click on COMMENTS and please do dish.

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Gastronomic Grumblings: reviews on food and the people and places that grow, sell, cook and serve it. (in Bucks County, Greater Philadelphia & beyond Pennsylvania)