The Gables at Chadds Ford
Owners: Ann Kolenik
Telephone: 610-388-7700
Website: TheGablesatChaddsFord.com
Ambiance: Since it is a former dairy barn, renovated in a classy and tasteful way with something interesting to see in every direction, it has a special warmth to it, from the bar and lounge, to the upstairs banquet space with open beams, to the gorgeous patio-sunken garden where I look forward to having a meal soon. And now there is a small entry patio with outdoor heaters, Adirondack chairs, and a firepit! Ambiance in every direction. At the table, we found white tablecloths, cloth napkins, and weighty eating utensils and Gables-embossed wine glasses. For further waxing eloquently on this subject, see my description of our dinner experience there from January 2017.
Service: From the maître d and coatcheck to the wait staff, all were attentive. Each time one of our large party got up to refill a plate, the used plate was removed by the time we returned to the table with a newly laden plate. Coffee was refilled copiously, but I was disappointed the price wasn’t included in the cost of the meal—which is quite reasonable. But still.
Experience: We were having yet another celebration of our only son’s birthday, and most of our family was gathered around a large round table. It has been our tradition to celebrate this day at the Mendenhall Inn’s brunch, which is quite a lush experience, but at just about twice the price, so we wanted to experience The Gables this time. There is only so much food one can eat at a time, and I guarantee we did not go away hungry. We went away groaning.
Menu: Here is what I remember: First, there is a large area set up next to the bar with salads, fruit, cheese platter and crackers and breads. There was the signature Gables Salad, with candied walnuts, honey-Gala apples, pears and bleu cheese, with a house-made balsamic vinaigrette. I love this salad. Then there was a fine tortellini salad. The cheese platter had some good cheeses. Oh, and a favorite of mine: really good smoked salmon, chopped red onion, creamed cheese, fat capers, and mini bagels. That alone is a fine meal.
Along the window is the hot food table, with a very nice selection: Scrambled eggs, cheddar-scrambled eggs, thick bacon and sausages, delicious home fries, and the piece de resistance of The Gables, their famous Shrimp & Grits. The shrimp is sautéed with mushrooms, sweet peppers, onions, and andouille sausage. There’s another meal on its own.
Sadly, then (because now you can’t move), there are the desserts to contend with—which you must. Mini fruit tarts, mini key lime tarts, mini cheesecakes, very chocolatey concoctions, and many more which could not be resisted. If you take them one at a time and discreetly bring a knife so you can slice several and just take a half, you can get through a goodly number of them and walk out with assistance.
For those who desire, there are lots of a la carte selections to be added on, but we saw no need. Choose from soups, entrée salads, specialty egg dishes like Eggs Benedict, jazzy French toast, and more.
All in all, it is a sumptuous experience at a really nice price.
Total Bill: We had a few extras, such as mimosas for some of our diners, and coffee all around. With a nice tip, we each paid about $27 per person. If you are thoughtful and just have coffee, you could walk away for about $20. But you know how it goes with a large crowd.
Additional Comments: Next time, to the patio garden! It is so romantic, and many get married there.
Anne Pounds, February 2017
Disclaimer: The Gables at Chadds Ford is a sponsor of the Welcome Neighbor basket
TheCheapEater.com, an affiliate of WelcomeNeighborPA.com
Owners: Ann Kolenik
Telephone: 610-388-7700
Website: TheGablesatChaddsFord.com
Ambiance: Since it is a former dairy barn, renovated in a classy and tasteful way with something interesting to see in every direction, it has a special warmth to it, from the bar and lounge, to the upstairs banquet space with open beams, to the gorgeous patio-sunken garden where I look forward to having a meal soon. And now there is a small entry patio with outdoor heaters, Adirondack chairs, and a firepit! Ambiance in every direction. At the table, we found white tablecloths, cloth napkins, and weighty eating utensils and Gables-embossed wine glasses. For further waxing eloquently on this subject, see my description of our dinner experience there from January 2017.
Service: From the maître d and coatcheck to the wait staff, all were attentive. Each time one of our large party got up to refill a plate, the used plate was removed by the time we returned to the table with a newly laden plate. Coffee was refilled copiously, but I was disappointed the price wasn’t included in the cost of the meal—which is quite reasonable. But still.
Experience: We were having yet another celebration of our only son’s birthday, and most of our family was gathered around a large round table. It has been our tradition to celebrate this day at the Mendenhall Inn’s brunch, which is quite a lush experience, but at just about twice the price, so we wanted to experience The Gables this time. There is only so much food one can eat at a time, and I guarantee we did not go away hungry. We went away groaning.
Menu: Here is what I remember: First, there is a large area set up next to the bar with salads, fruit, cheese platter and crackers and breads. There was the signature Gables Salad, with candied walnuts, honey-Gala apples, pears and bleu cheese, with a house-made balsamic vinaigrette. I love this salad. Then there was a fine tortellini salad. The cheese platter had some good cheeses. Oh, and a favorite of mine: really good smoked salmon, chopped red onion, creamed cheese, fat capers, and mini bagels. That alone is a fine meal.
Along the window is the hot food table, with a very nice selection: Scrambled eggs, cheddar-scrambled eggs, thick bacon and sausages, delicious home fries, and the piece de resistance of The Gables, their famous Shrimp & Grits. The shrimp is sautéed with mushrooms, sweet peppers, onions, and andouille sausage. There’s another meal on its own.
Sadly, then (because now you can’t move), there are the desserts to contend with—which you must. Mini fruit tarts, mini key lime tarts, mini cheesecakes, very chocolatey concoctions, and many more which could not be resisted. If you take them one at a time and discreetly bring a knife so you can slice several and just take a half, you can get through a goodly number of them and walk out with assistance.
For those who desire, there are lots of a la carte selections to be added on, but we saw no need. Choose from soups, entrée salads, specialty egg dishes like Eggs Benedict, jazzy French toast, and more.
All in all, it is a sumptuous experience at a really nice price.
Total Bill: We had a few extras, such as mimosas for some of our diners, and coffee all around. With a nice tip, we each paid about $27 per person. If you are thoughtful and just have coffee, you could walk away for about $20. But you know how it goes with a large crowd.
Additional Comments: Next time, to the patio garden! It is so romantic, and many get married there.
Anne Pounds, February 2017
Disclaimer: The Gables at Chadds Ford is a sponsor of the Welcome Neighbor basket
TheCheapEater.com, an affiliate of WelcomeNeighborPA.com