Kimberton Inn
2105 Kimberton Road
Kimberton, Pennsylvania
(610) 933-8148
www.kimbertoninn.com
Printable Copy of this Review
I must confess I have always been somewhat leery of
restaurants that appear to derive a lion's share of their income from weddings,
banquets, and other large gatherings and/or sundry corporate feeding frenzies. In
my experience, the food served up at such establishments is usually eminently
forgettable, the environs less than sparkling, and the service strictly amateur
night.
How very fortunate, however, that the Kimberton Inn
is such a marvelous exception to this general rule of thumb. Not only does this
cozy Colonial enclave acquit itself admirably with regard to larger parties, it
also provides the perfect romantic venue for couples wishing to celebrate that
special occasion. Indeed, this stately structure, originally constructed in
1796, charms patrons with its impeccably maintained rustic ambiance, cozy
crackling fireplaces, and comfortably intimate bar/lounge.
Be that as it may, however, it is the lovingly prepared and
beautifully presented cuisine that remains the center of attention. Offerings
are artistically innovative with being anachronistic; they beguile the palate
without bewildering the eye, clearly demonstrating the kitchen's commitment to componential
and proportional restraint.
Superb starters include coconut shrimp served up with
orange-mustard and zippy soy, honey-lemon dipping sauces ($7.95). The
crustaceans are at the peak of crunchy good health, and the dipping sauces
provide the perfect complement/contrast to the light coating of exotic coconut.
I also highly recommend the roasted tomato risotto
accompanied by crisp and delightfully flaky phyllo purses filled with
ultra-creamy local chèvre cheese ($7.95) and smoked Maine salmon roulade
adorned with arugula, snow pea shoots, brioche croutons, and an incomparable
fresh dill emulsion ($8.95).
Greenery, though, should not be dismissed out of hand -- as
it often is in fine restaurants -- as the salads here make excellent preludes to
any meal. And the star of the show would appear to be "Probably The Best Salad
You Will Ever Have" ($5.50 with entrée), an appetizing amalgam of red leaf
lettuce and baby spinach tossed with a sweet sesame-walnut dressing adorned
with tart apple slices, toasted sunflower seeds, and aged Gouda cheese. My nod,
however, would undoubtedly go to the heart of Bibb lettuce salad ($4.50 with
entrée), tender, buttery leaves adorned with cucumber, tomato, and finished
with a marvelous homemade Roquefort dressing.
When it comes time to select your entrée, bear in mind that
the kitchen is particularly adept at piscatorial pleasures. The pan-seared sea
trout ($25.95), for example, arrives on a sensuous seabed of roasted pepper,
spinach, and Parmesan risotto and is surrounded by an exquisite pool of
herb-tomato coulis; the North Atlantic salmon filet ($26.95) is set atop
a tender pillow of fingerling potatoes and consummated with fresh dill and
lemon butter; and the perfectly broiled sole is stuffed with diced seasonal
vegetables and finished with a light lobster cream sauce that gently caresses
rather than smothers the object of its affection.
For those with heartier appetites, you can't go wrong with
the tender and succulent five spice pork tenderloin (24.95), roasted rack of
New Zealand lamb with an herb-mustard crust and heady port wine reduction (full
rack $34.95; half rack $24.95), or 7-ounce center-cut filet mignon luxuriating
in a flavorful red wine glaze.
Desserts, of course, maintain the same highs standards as
their predecessors The bittersweet chocolate mousse ($6.00) is silky and
smooth and packed with rich nuances of flavor; the warm caramel apple tart with
vanilla ice cream ($5.75) is a homey treat; and the lemon tart ($5.50) is
locked in the loving embrace of a beautifully textured almond crust and
embellished with whipped cream and raspberry sauce.
The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list. By the
glass, I would recommend the 2005 Domaine Salvard "Cheverny" Sauvignon Blanc
from France ($7.50) or the 2005 Valpolicella from Italy's Allegrini.
Bottle-wise, the 2004 Puligny-Montrachet from Verget is exquisite and Chateau
Montelena's 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon ($75.00) is heady and decadent. You will
also find a very nice selection of single malt scotches, bourbons, and cognacs
for your postprandial drinking pleasure.
Whether dining for business or pleasure, the Kimberton
Inn is the perfect dining venue for any occasion.
March 2007
The Artful Diner
The Artful Diner Diner is a freelance food writer who writes restaurant reviews for nj.com. His latest review can be seen on his nj.com weblog at http://blog.nj.com/artful_diner/. An archive of past reviews for nj.com as well as reviews for restaurants around the country and the world can be found on this Web site at http://www.artfuldiner.com/reviews .
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