Simon Pearce is a working glass blowing factory, retail shop, and restaurant located on the site of the former Lenape Inn in West Chester, PA. The building has been completely renovated to mirror their original mill in Vermont. As you enter the lovely wood and glass structure, you see craftsmen blowing glass vases, stemware, and bowls, with a the final product positioned prominently. If you like it enough to buy it (bring lots of money), go to their retail store on the second floor where you will also find a lovely restaurant that looks out on the Brandywine through a restaurant-long window wall.
We were seated in the corner by the window. We watched as a family tubed the Brandywine River in the late afternoon. We were treated to a bread basket of Irish oatmeal bread and a warm, crusty and delicious baguette. Our friends ordered mushroom bisque soup ($7), while Judy and I shared a pear and spinach salad. The pears were baked and served with a fried, crusted goat cheese wafer ($8). Delicious. Our friends raved about their mushroom soup. For our entrees, Judy chose the soft-shelled crab tempura appetizer as her main course ($24). Did I tell you Judy loves soft shelled crabs almost as much as veal parmigiano? Our friends’ entrees were pork tenderloin (“so tender” … ($25) and cod baked with a horseradish crust served over mashed potatoes (“wonderful” … $24). I had the roast duck served with cranberry risotto. The duck was tasty and tender but the cranberry risotto was not a true risotto and was overwhelmed by the warm cranberry syrup ($25). I was ready for homemade roasted apple crepes, but our friends wanted to return to their new digs to share a strawberry shortcake. By the way, they have a pretty good wine list with items that aren’t terribly expensive. I selected a 2003 Oyster Bay sauvignon blanc at $39. Like most New Zealand SVs, it was lighter, less sweet, and more citrus-like than typical California sauvignons.
Overall, this was quality dining experience for a “destination restaurant.” I would recommend Simon Pearce as a place to go if you want to combine a nice ride in the Brandywine countryside with a good dining experience. Call 610.793.0948 for reservations and directions.