Judy in front of the Cafe
Birchrunville Store Cafe, Birchrunville, Pennsylvania. Judy and I have made it a recent habit to motor to rural Chester County on our wedding anniversary (38 and counting). Located in what was once a General Store and Post Office (the 1898 era P.O. is still active), this lovely and remote restaurant is run by French-born Francis Treciak. Treciak’s restaurant lineage includes Monte Carlo Living Room, Tacquet and Provence in Haverford.
Why is this place anniversary-special? The quiet. The porch and rocking chairs. The sunbright Provence walls. The bare wood floor with blue Oriental carpeting and Bentwood chairs. Soft stone-washed napkins. But that’s just the beginning!
First off, we were lucky to get a reservation at all. The recorded message reminds the caller that Saturday nights are booked through July, but I persevered, left two messages asking to be put on their waiting list; I was rewarded with a call on my cell the next morning. We arrived a half-hour early but they were ready for us nonetheless. We decided to have a glass of champagne on the porch before dining so we cold take in the beautiful Chester County countryside … its soooo quiet there.
Once inside we were seated in the middle of the intimate cafe where we could watch everyone come and go (people watching is half the fun of going out, don’t you think?). We were served freshly baked rolls and butter and given time to review the one page menu, which changes daily. You select from 6-8 appetizers and entrees, with an additional set of specials. I chose the roasted venison special, wrapped in pancetta and stuffed roasted potatoes, walnuts, rosemary and sage, accompanied by tagliatelle in butter and Thai basil ($27.00). OUTSTANDING! Judy selected the roasted free range rack of lamb with basil hazelnut crust and mashed potatoes and harcourt vertes ($26.00). YUM! I started with an incredibly rich Langoustine bisque with port wine and saffron ($7.50). Judy tried the spinach salad with sliced smoked duck, goat cheese and raspberry vinaigrette in a cheese basket ($8.50). Of course we brought along a 2000 Martinelli Jackass Hill zinfandel, a wine so precious the Martinelli family rations its distributions to club members only (a gift from my California in-laws).
As excellent as the entrees were, save room for dessert. I was tempted to order the croissant bread pudding and fresh peaches with crème anglaise (I am a sucker for bread pudding) but when our server said the pastry chef had just baked an apple tart with vanilla gelato (I’m a bigger sucker for buckles, bettys, and assorted fruit tarts), I couldn’t resist the latter ($7.00) accompanied by a rich French coffee. What an evening … and the total? $85.00 without tip!.
Save this one for a special occasion, but remember; cash or checks only. Open for dinner only, Wednesday through Saturday, http://www.birchrunvillestorecafe.com/. 610.827.9002.