Kahoona S.
Yelp
Each week, the search for a new restaurant leads us on a scenic drive, and this week's destination was the historic Black Bass Hotel in Lumberville, Pennsylvania. Situated right on the Delaware River, it promised a perfect setting for a gathering with my wife, my brother, and our best friends. My wife and I set out in our C8 Corvette convertible for the hour-and-a-half journey.
With the sun on our backs and the radio playing, we cruised through the New Jersey Pines. The world outside was a blur of trees as we sang along, feeling a sense of pure freedom. Our route took us north through Trenton and Washington's Crossing, tracing the path of the Delaware River. We passed through Stockton, New Jersey, before crossing the iconic steel bridge into Pennsylvania, continuing north on Route 32 until we reached our destination.
Upon arrival, we were met with a stunning historic building. Built in the 1740s, the Black Bass Hotel has a rich and storied past, serving for centuries as a sanctuary for travelers, traders, and sportsmen. Though it's had many names over the years, the building's legacy remains, and it's now proudly included in the National Register of Historic Places. We learned that after a period of decline, the hotel was rescued in 1949 by Herbert "Herbie" Ward, an avid Anglophile. He filled it with his extensive collection of British memorabilia, including a famous pewter bar from Maxim's of Paris, which now holds a place of honor in the hotel's tavern. The Thompson family has since done a masterful job restoring the building to a five-star standard.
Our party of five was seated on the outdoor veranda, offering a stunning view of the river and canal. Our waitress, Karen, was a delight, and we quickly discovered she was from Surf City, just a few miles from our home. She started us off with a crucial cocktail round. My wife had her usual Tito's and tonic, our friends chose a 7 & 7 and a Lemontini, and my brother and I ordered our signature Bloody Marys. With the perfect blend of spice and flavor, garnished with blue cheese-stuffed olives, celery, and a citrus wedge, they were simply delicious.
After another round of drinks and some warm croissants and muffins, we perused the brunch menu, which offered everything from shared plates to classic eggs and bacon. My wife chose the soup of the day, a cold cucumber soup by Emeril Lagasse, and the Quiche of the Day. The soup was a light, refreshing, no-cook dish perfect for the hot weather, with a smooth, tangy base of sour cream. My brother's omelet was enormous, and he reported that its soft, tender texture and rich flavor were delightful. The quiche, a classic French savory tart with a flaky crust and rich custard, was prepared just right.
As our entrees arrived, each plate was a work of art. My shrimp and grits, a dish from the American South, seemed to have been lost on its journey north. While the shrimp were cooked to perfection, the accompanying gravy was bland and thick, lacking the spicy heat and rich flavor the dish is known for. It was, unfortunately, a failure of execution.
Despite the one misstep, the overall visit to the Black Bass Hotel was a wonderful experience. The venue was breathtaking, the service was excellent, and the food was great for the most part. I would happily give the Black Bass Hotel four out of five stars and would certainly return.