SUMMER FUN IN FRENCHTOWN NJ

July is knocking at our door.  These end-of-spring and start-of-summer weeks always seem to move faster and faster as the years pass.  Between the re-awakening of some seasonal programs, outdoor community events, school graduations, etc., the days become a blur.  Yet, with this annual transformation, I also see just how much our lives are intertwined with those of our neighbors in Frenchtown.  I see first-hand how this community, filled with caring residents and devoted business people, come together to create opportune experiences for residents and visitors alike.  Take for example, the newly established weekly Sunday Farmer's Market, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. that sets up in the parking lot of Kathee's General Store.  Local vendors and micro-farmers proudly display the product of their hard work, share stories of how they continue to farm in ways that are good for the environment--and even better for the consumer--educating those who stop by and encouraging support for local farmers and businesses.  

 

At The National Hotel, we are committed to supporting local and sustainable farmers, and have even planted our own herb garden on our property, that allows us to use the freshest ingredients, as we need them, on the spot, clearly enhancing the dining experience of our Restaurant guests.

Visitors to our little town continue to return to Frenchtown, be it for the unique shopping experience, or just to take in the natural beauty of this area--and they linger.  Isn't that a beautiful word?  Linger.  To me it produces images of strolling down lovely streets, stopping to admire the wares of vendors, talk to the local artists that inspire everyone around them, or to walk leisurely down the Delaware River Tow Path (a.k.a. the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park), taking in the beauty of the Delaware River that runs parallel to the path.  Have you given yourself the "gift of time" to take in the natural beauty of this area?

Pete and I still enjoy going for walks down the path with our daughters and our dogs--almost the identical walk that brought us to The National Hotel and led us to receiving its keys on July 31st, four years ago.

It has all happened so fast, there's always so much going on in Frenchtown and at The National Hotel, that the honest truth is that four years have flown by.  From our various weekly programs, to our special events, together with Frenchtown's own chock-a-block calendar of events, we are incredibly fortunate to be able to contribute a little bit of "us" to the great legacy of The National Hotel.  Some of our upcoming highlights include:

• Sunday, June 30th:  Frenchtown's Farmer's Market, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Kathee's General Store parking lot area)
• Sunday, June 30th:  Tiffany Blues (and Tea on the Rocks) book signing and meet-the-author event, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. with special gifts for the first 25 guests, and tea and cookies served (The National Hotel)
• Sunday, June 30th:  Tiffany Blues book signing continues at Frenchtown's Book Garden, 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
• Sunday, June 30th:  Sunday Musical Afternoon series featuring David Turner, 5 - 7 p.m. (The National Hotel Restaurant & Bar)
• Wednesday, July 3rd:  Annual Pre-Independence Day Celebration with live music, featuring Rainbow Fresh, starting at 9 p.m. (The National Hotel's cellar pub, The Rathskeller)
• Saturday, July 6th:  Monthly Music Themed Night, featuring live music by Mike Pfeiffer, 9:30 - 11:30 p.m. (The National Hotel's cellar pub, The Rathskeller)
• Sunday, July 7th:  Sunday Musical Afternoon series featuring John Sonntag, 5 - 7 p.m. (The National Hotel Restaurant & Bar)
• Tuesday, July 9th:  Bi-weekly Tuesday Trivia night, 8 - 10 p.m. (The National Hotel's cellar pub, The Rathskeller)
• Thursday, July 11th:  Weekly Thursday Open Mic Night, starting at 9 p.m. (The National Hotel's cellar pub, The Rathskeller)
• Saturday, July 13th:  Frenchtown's 15th annual Bastille Day, featuring special in-store events, outdoor activities, and live music throughout the town, starting at 12 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13th:  Frenchtown's monthly Second Saturdays featuring live outdoor music throughout the town, 4 - 8 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13th:  Weekly Saturday Night Live Music series, featuring Gary Reed, 9 - 11 p.m. (The National Hotel's cellar pub, The Rathskeller)

We're especially excited about our annual Pre-Independence Day Celebration, featuring the return of Rainbow Fresh to The National Hotel, for a night of live music that never disappoints, starting at 9 p.m. on July 3rd.  Last year's celebration helped us bring in July 4th together, with a party that just didn't want to stop:

This will be a good follow-up to last night's Tinicum Park fireworks after the annual Concert Under the Stars to benefit the Riverside Syphonia, that brought out residents from both sides of the Delaware River, with some of the best vantage points right on the Frenchtown-Uhlerstown Bridge.  What a sight!

Maybe these are some of the reasons that we received such a wonderful review by ICON magazine.  Robert Gordon's Restaurant Review about the very unique menu we have crafted with international touches that reflect Pete's Indian and Portuguese heritage, and my own Chilean and Spanish background, was just wonderful.  He absolutely captured the essence of our vision for our Restaurant.

The accolades keep coming...to add to this great review, we have just received TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence, a prestigious award that is presented only to select establishments, based on travelers' reviews!  This award communicates to visitors and to us, truth be told, that The National Hotel's level of service and hospitality is ranked among the highest in our industry.  We cannot thank our guests enough for all they continue to do to help us receive this coveted award.

Louder than any certificate, though--and in no way to diminish this truly fantastic honor--is the feedback we receive from our Restaurant & Bar patrons, and from our overnight guests.  Having them continue to return when they visit Frenchtown is humbling.  Moreover, it is just the encouragement we need to continue to push ahead, to make improvements, to reassess procedures, and to hire the very best talent in the area.  After all, our establishment thrives today, because of the dedicated staff on board, and because of our devoted patrons.  Here are just 2 pages from our guest book that speak volumes through the pen and paper:

For this and for so much more, Pete and I are incredibly grateful.  Thank you again!

Please continue to email me with any feedback or questions, or leave a comment on this blog.  You can also reach us at 908.996.3200, or fill out our guest inquiry page on our website.  Stay up-to-date with all of the activities and programs we have planned for the summer:

      

MY THOUGHTS AFTER THE BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING...

I had a whole other stream of thought for this month’s blogpost—and then last week's horrible events unfolded. Like many who saw the news reports, I was brought to tears by the senseless loss of life, unimaginable suffering that so many will now face, and the absolutely devastating aftereffects to innocent bystanders that have yet to be determined. Pete and I lived through 9/11 when we called New York City home, and our thoughts and prayers were and continue to be, with the city of Boston, those who lost their lives, and those who sustained injuries and whose lives are forever changed. 

 

Image courtesy of www.10News.com

Just like during 9/11, so many first responders risked everything and ran towards the blast. And in addition to them, there were also volunteers and bystanders who put themselves at risk and did the same, helping the wounded, helping in whatever way they could. And then a few days ago, I listened. I stopped what I was doing and actually listened, as the interfaith service in Boston offered words of comfort to everyone present, and the overarching theme that no act of terrorism will deter the city of Boston from standing up and rebuilding with renewed vigor, a community united and strong.

 

Well, this weekend, we saw the end of a long 24 hours of law enforcement activity, culminating in the death of “Suspect #1” and the capture of “Suspect #2.”  There are so many questions buzzing everywhere, with the “Why?” being the most common one.  It’s just incredible.

 

It’s harder still to look out from the lobby of The National Hotel, in peaceful, idyllic Frenchtown, NJ, and imagine the horrifying events that took place this last week in Boston.  On Sunday, as I stood outside of the main Restaurant & Bar, gazing at the beautiful cars that were driving past, the lovely, sunny day that had come our way, I realized that in the end, this is the day we needed; a day of normalcy, a day to run errands, to take the kids to the park or to visit friends, a day to let our guard down and take in the beauty that surrounds us.  We are truly lucky to live in this little hidden gem of a town, that’s just an hour and a half from New York City or Philadelphia.  This is the escape that I used to long for when I lived elsewhere, and now that I live in this area, it’s still the “escape” that helps me put things into perspective.

 

And it’s not that Frenchtown is such a sleepy town; by no means.  There’s a lot happening in town every single week this spring.  For example, "Les Pluies d'Avril," or "April Showers" in Frenchtown, is designed to help local residents and visitors alike celebrate spring through numerous festivities.  For example:

• Every weekend:  A Community Garden of Frenchtown booth will be set up on Race Street with Spring Flowers available, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Donations will be accepted for the flowers to benefit the Garden.  
• Wednesday, April 23rd:  In honor of World Book Night, the Book Garden will be giving away books at different locations.
• Wednesday, April 23rd:  Ladies Night at The National Hotel with 1/2 priced drinks, 5 - 7 p.m.
• Thursday, April 24th:  A local area favorite of musicians and artists, now in its 3rd year, Open Mic Night at The National Hotel, 9 p.m. - closing.
• Saturday, April 27th:  Poetry comes to Frenchtown in honor of National Poetry Month, with poetry readings throughout the town in different shops and restaurants.
• Saturday, April 27th:  David Turner entertains The National Hotel's Rathskeller Pub patrons, 9 - 11 p.m.
• Saturday, April 27th & Sunday, April 28th:  Enter to win a one-of-a-kind hand-painted Blue Fish Bag.
• Sunday, April 28th:  Chris Bauer performs at The National Hotel's Restaurant & Bar, 5 - 7 p.m.
• And much more at other shops in town, including, Designs for Tranquility, Paddle Creek Frenchtown, and Yellow Dog Pet Supply.

Perhaps this is the respite that we needed—at least, that I needed—to clear my mind and to enjoy the day.  Sunday's performance by Dennis Mascarone, at The National Hotel was a real treat.  And we got such great feedback from our guests, not just about the music, but also about our new spring menu.  Our guests have even shared on our facebook page, how thrilled they are about the different ingredients and succulent flavors our executive chef, Lisa Frederick, has woven into it.  For example:

• Ahi Tuna Sliders (Corriander Crusted Grilled Ahi Tuna, Mint-Marinated Cucumber, Spicy Pepperade, Mint Aïoli, Fresh-Baked Slider Rolls)
• Lamb Kofta Sliders (3 Moroccan-Spiced Lamb Sliders, Pickled Red Onions & Preserved Aïoli, Fresh-Baked Slider Rolls)
• Lentil Burger - Vegetarian (Ground Lentil Patty, Traditional Indian Dahl Spices & Cilantro Coconut Chutney)
• The ‘Raw’ Wrap - Vegan (Ground Walnuts, Fresh Vegetables in a Bib lettuce Wrap, Avocado, Red Onions, Cucumber, Tomato, Lemon Sumac Vinaigrette)
• Wild Boar Chops (10 oz. Pan-Roasted Wild Boar with a Cherry & Chili Gastrique, Smoked Onion Mashed Potatoes, Choice of Vegetable)
• Cardamom & Coriander Fish (Market-Fresh Fish Crusted with Cardamom & Coriander over Ginger-Coconut Broth, Kaffir Lime & Summer Squash, topped with Grilled Scallions)
• And much more--check it out online, or just come by and have a taste for yourself!

Equally exciting are the activities that recently took place, including the celebration of the 150^th Open Mic Night, a terrific fundraising night by the Frenchtown Lions Club (that helps the community in our very own area), as well as other events and programs.  Every week there is something to do in Frenchtown and the surrounding Hunterdon County and Bucks County areas—and every week, there’s something fun planned at TheNational Hotel.

 

Ringing Rocks Park

From hiking in the recently preserved Horseshoe Bend Park right outside of Frenchtown, to enjoying other natural attractions across the Delaware River (e.g., Ringing Rocks Park), to simply taking a leisurely walk down the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park (or towpath running parallel to the Delaware River), Frenchtown is central to a host of ideas and activities that will help any visitor unwind and relax—or invigorate and recharge “the batteries.” 

Photo Courtesy of www.frenchtownboro.com 

Stay tuned for more ways to enjoy spring, because there's a lot that the community is planning, including the start of Frenchtown's Second Saturdays in May, filled with music.  And beginning in June, Frenchtown will launch a weekly Farmer's Market at the 4 Kingwood Avenue parking lot.

Photo Courtesy of Bob Mulcahy

Pete and I continue to be in awe of the area’s natural beauty; we don’t tire of it.  And that’s nothing in comparison to the lovely people of Frenchtown, who go out of their way to be helpful and welcoming.  It is these individuals that make the town what it is.  Some, are still working to help those devastated by the aftereffects of Superstorm Sandy, oh so many months ago.  I loved reading the article about local Frenchtown resident, Bob Mulcahy, and seeing the webclip as to how he and his fishing buddies are continuing to help those in need.  

We hope that you will continue to visit this little corner of the world and make a point to stop by The NationalHotel to join us for dinner, drinks, special events, become a member of our monthly National Wine Club, sign up for our e-newsletter, and/or even prolong your visit to Frenchtown by making it an overnight or multi-night stay with us.  For information, please continue to leave comments here, email me, visit our website, call us at 908.996.3200, or:

      

 

Thank you for your continued support and patronage.