As much as people love to walk the bucolic main streets of New Hope, there are a few restaurants that make it worth getting lured away from those picturesque vistas.
Located near Peddler’s Village, Caleb’s American Kitchen, 5738 US-202, is a bistro with a relaxing atmosphere and great views of the surrounding landscape. The menu covers breakfast, lunch and dinner, and they also serve up one of the best glasses of lemonade to be had in and around New Hope.
We assure you that there are a number of gluten-free and vegan options on the menu, but we were drawn to the meaty bonanza that is the Noble Pig sandwich ($12), a hearty stack of spiced ham, pulled pork, bacon marmalade and cheddar on a brioche bun. Thankfully, the sandwich doesn’t come across as decadent and heavy as it sounds; it had a nice, smoky flavor and was juicy without an abundance of unnecessary condiments. The marinated green beans that accompanied the dish added a nice, spicy touch as well.
Caleb’s really turns on the charm for the dinner menu. The dinner special the night we visited was the barramundi (MP), grilled to perfection with a balsamic glaze and an excellent marshmallow-cauliflower puree adding a light sweetness and silky texture to the dish.
SEAFOOD TAPAS AT TASTE OF THE WORLD Photo: Larry Nichols
Elsewhere in New Hope, situated below street level in a nearby shopping center, is Taste of the World, 560 B Union Square Drive. The atmosphere is eclectic, without coming across as haughtily fancy, and the restaurant really delivers on its promise with well-executed dishes from around the world, which includes a chicken, steak and risotto dish of the day. Plus, the enthusiasm the wait staff has for the menu is somewhat infectious.
The tapas plates ($8-$22) are well-crafted and sublime, especially the fresh chilled seafood tapas plate with shrimp, smoked oysters, mussels, trout, mango chutney and salmon. The Mediterranean and Italian influences on the menu are represented well, but they really shine on dishes with roots in the American South. The lemon-garlic shrimp and Parmesan grits ($24) were pleasantly rich, buttery and satisfying. The staff also takes pride in their Key lime pie ($8), which they happily point out is the real deal — with a graham-cracker crust, a strawberry glaze and pale yellow color, as opposed to the less-authentic specimens that show up bright lime green in hue.
If you need a break from the foot traffic on Main Street and are looking to refuel for the picturesque nights, take a walk or a drive to either of the above-mentioned restaurants and taste how talented the chefs of New Hope are.