by Chrysa Smith

Hotel du Village.

Sounds like a quaint locale in France. But what it actually is, is a lovely restaurant tucked away from the world, just outside of New Hope, PA.

We had been there a long time ago. And I’m really not sure why we waited so long to return. Probably because it’s not right around the corner. But this French Country building houses one of those experience meals. It feels special. It tastes good. And it seems like you’re a million miles away.

You enter through one of those European style French doors and what you immediately notice is that it’s dark. Maybe it’s the circadian rhythms, but it automatically lowers my stress level. Perhaps I don’t have to worry about that wrinkle here? that zit there? But I think it sets the mood for a lovely, traditional dinner. And so it was.

I began with a house salad–crisp greens with a nice balsamic dressing. And followed it with crab cakes. They were full of lump crab, little to no filler from what I could taste, broiled to perfection. Mark had soup. I believe it was cream of asparagus. And his first course was followed by a juicy filet—medium rare to a nice pink center. That was equally fine–as was the bread served meal-side. And of course, with little room left for dessert, we shared a creme brulee—hmmmm. Divine.

If your a Francophile, there’s love for you there. Escargot, pate, frogs legs, onion soup. No Steak Frites, but just about everything else you could want on the menu. And that’s part of what I love there as well. There’s nothing like seeing a menu with multiple choices that suit you. Too often, I’m hard pressed to find one or two dishes I might like. But at ‘Village’, there’s steak, lamb, pork, veal. And there’s tender, loving service to boot.

If you’re near or planning a trip to New Hope, I say it’s a ‘must’. Especially in a tourist town that can be more flash than substance, a meal at the ‘Village’ doesn’t disappoint. And, if you jump on your computer before you go, you can nab a nice discount at www.restaurant.com.  There, you can find something like a $25 gift certificate for $15. So go, enjoy a glass of vin with an entree and selection from the pattisserie. Ah, la vie bien.

Hotel Village is located just north of New Hope–2535 River Road. Call for reservations at 215-862-9911 or check out their website at www.hotelduvillage.com.