LOOKING BACK IN ORDER TO LOOK FORWARD

July is quickly winding down and it still amazes me just how much our lives have changed in the last three years.  July 31st marks the 3rd anniversary of when we took the plunge and signed on the "dotted line".  I remember being given the set of keys to open the doors to The National Hotel.  Pete, our daughters, and I left the title company's office and drove straight to Frenchtown, NJ, whereupon we faced the daunting task of bracing ourselves for what might await inside the then shuttered building.

I think you can see the joy in these faces...the excitement...the knowledge that somehow, we were going to succeed and make this grand old lady of a building resplendent once more.

Fast forward to today, and the transformation is amazing.  So much has happened.  We're even launching our new monthly National Wine Club in September!!  I can't even believe that our patrons have always been the ones to push us, to ask us to do this or that, and that each and every time, they--YOU--are right.  You liked our menu selections and the wines we chose to complement these myriad dishes, many focusing on different ethnic flavors, and you kept asking us to do something special with this, so now we are.  Every single month, we'll feature one specific wine, offer our members exclusive additional discounts on wines and spirits from our main menu, put together member-only wine tastings, include wine notes with each of the monthly featured wines, provide our members with discounts on overnight stays, and more.  And of course, it was you who also wanted music to be part of The National Hotel and we simply said "yes."  Our patrons are the ones who organize our weekly Thursday Open Mic Night, our Bi-weekly Tuesday Trivia Night, and so many other events.  As much as Pete and I might want to take credit and pat ourselves on the back for doing this or that, the truth is that The National Hotel's patrons are the ones who have brought her back to its shiny new self.

In addition to the work done by these loyal friends of The National Hotel, I note with pride that her grandeur was always there; the foundation and structure of this 162 year-old building is solid.  It's built to withstand little blips in time when life isn't smooth sailing and it needs to await a new captain at its helm.  I see her as a great ship, one with stories of passengers traveling through their lives spending time transfixed by what she offers, from the beautiful porch out of which guests can look at passersby and enjoy the lovely summer days, to the Restaurant and Bar inside on the main floor that allows patrons to delight in traditional dishes and international culinary selections alike, while others prefer the camaraderie and casual atmosphere of our cellar pub, The Rathskeller (a.k.a. The Rat).  And, being able to utilize the top two floors to accommodate overnight guests in our ten guest suites, is just another side to the many "personalities" of The National Hotel.  There truly is something for everyone at The National Hotel.

There really is a lot happening over the summer and well into fall.  Here is a running list of what is in store these next few months.  We hope that you will be a part of it and join us for one, or many of the activities being planned with you in mind:

• Bi-weekly Tuesday Trivia, 8 - 10 p.m., downstairs in The Rat
• Wednesday Ladies' Night, 5 - 7 p.m., 1/2 off all drinks, downstairs in The Rat
• Thursday Open Mic Night, 9 p.m. - closing,  downstairs in The Rat
• Saturday Night Live Music Series, 9 - 11 p.m.,  downstairs in The Rat--every month a different theme--December will have a Holiday Music theme
• Monthly Music Themed Night, 9 - 11 p.m., first Saturday of every month,  downstairs in The Rat
• Sunday Musical Afternoon Series, 5 - 7 p.m., in our main Restaurant & Bar
• August 16th - 19th, "Farm to Plate" special weekend menu, supporting local & sustainable farmers
• August 29th, Wine Tasting in the Main Bar--call 908.996.3200 or email for information
• September:  Back to School event/promotion - Kids Eat Free with purchase of an adult entrée, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.
• September 20th - 23rd, Indian Food weekend Additions to the Menu
• October 27th, Halloween Party, 9 p.m. - closing, featuring live music,  prizes given out for best costume, downstairs in The Rat
• November 21st, Pre-Thanksgiving Celebration, 9 p.m - closing, featuring live music,  downstairs in The Rat

Frenchtown events:

• August 4 - Tubing For the Cause:  Delaware River Tubing will host their 11th Annual event with over 500 pink inner tubes. For more information, please visit www.delawarerivertubing.com
• August 11th, Second Saturdays:  There will be music, refreshments, sales, demonstrations and much more, 4 - 8 p.m.  For more information, please visit www.frenchtownnj.org
• August 17th, Bring Your Own Cup Series:  independent film screening of "Kilowatt Ours:  A Plan to Re-energize America" at Frenchtown Borough Hall, 7 p.m.  For more information, please visit  http://www.facebook.com/FrenchtownGreenTeam
• September 2 - Frenchtown Riverfest "Goes To the Dogs":  12:00 - 6:00 pm there will be live music, entertainment, food, shop sales and specials, pet contest and much more.
• September 8th, Second Saturdays:  there will be music, refreshments, sales, demonstrations and much more, 4 - 8 p.m.   For more information, please visit www.frenchtownnj.org
• September 21st, Bring Your Own Cup Series:  independent film screening of "City21:  Multiple Perspectives on Urban Futures" at Frenchtown Borough Hall, 7 p.m.  For more information, please visit  http://www.facebook.com/FrenchtownGreenTeam
• September 29 - Green Fair:  11:00 am - 6:00 pm at the Old Frenchtown Field there will be green demos and products, fun activities, good eats and musical entertainment. For more information, please visit www.frenchtownboro.com
• October Weekends - Frenchtown in October (4 weekends - Saturdays & Sundays):  Each weekend will have different family friendly activities with something for everyone. Restaurants will be offering special Fall menus and the streets will be lined with scarecrows.   For more information, please visit www.frenchtownnj.org
• November 23 - December 31 - Shopping Just Got Better:  Customers who shop at participating stores receive an entry form each time they spend $25 or more. Each winner will receive a basket full of gift certificates from participating shops throughout Frenchtown valued between $500 and $600.   For more information, please visit www.frenchtownnj.org

Wow, look at that...a calendar full of activities in this little gem of a town, this little tiny corner of the world that never ceases to amaze me.  Thank you for all you do to make this new life of ours in Frenchtown such a joyous time, that I know we will look back upon as the years pass with fond memories.

As always, please continue to email us with your feedback, leave a comment on this blog, and stay up-to-date with everything being planned, by checking our website, calling us at 908.996.3200 or: 

      

 Thank you again for your continued support and patronage.

SECOND SATURDAYS & SO MUCH MORE IS HAPPENING IN FRENCHTOWN, NJ

What a wonderful town!  We just celebrated Bastille Day, and our little corner of the world was JUMPING!  Local residents and tourists alike meandered through the town, shopped, strolled, enjoyed the outdoor music and entertainers, as well as shared conversations and enjoyed some wonderful food and drinks offered at some of the Frenchtown establishments.

For us, at The National Hotel, it was a day to have our "peacock feathers" fully on display, proud to have the opportunity to share our love affair with this historic building and the warmth our patrons bring to all the guests who set foot for the first time in this building.  And it was wonderful to have new visitors to Frenchtown experience the fantastic culinary choices our executive chef, Lisa Frederick, has created.  From our wonderful classic dishes, such as Black Angus Strip Steak and The National Burger, to our more exotic and ethnic-inspired dishes, such as the Chicken Seekh Wrap (with Indian paratha bread) and Black Bean & Shrimp Empanadas (with lime-poached shrimp), our patrons continue to come back to The National Hotel because of the quality and the care that the kitchen staff puts into every plate--not to mention the creativity they express by incorporating international ingredients into the dishes on the menu, adding a twist to traditional fare, while introducing new favorites to our area clientele.

Sea food stew with clams, mussels, shrimp, lobster, and chunks of sea bass all stewed to perfection with tomato, white wine and fennel with grilled bread
Photo courtesy of Kimmy Schmidt

Chicken and Raita salad. Chicken seekh kabab (with Indian spices) over a mixed salad with a Indian yogurt dressing
Photo courtesy of Kimmy Schmidt

Homemade pizza with fresh mozzarella, asiago cheese, roasted garlic and fresh spring onions
Photo courtesy of Kimmy Schmidt

House made ravioli, filled with bacon, sweet peas and goat cheese, topped with three U-10 scallops, seared in bacon jus
Photo courtesy of Kimmy Schmidt

And those who visit Frenchtown, NJ this summer are treated to additional activities from the Frenchtown Business Association's (FBPA) Second Saturdays--a huge success and so much fun!!  Musicians entertain visitors and residents alike, performing throughout the town, outdoors.

You'll find more videos of Rainbow Fresh and other artists who have performed at The National Hotel on our youtube channel.  This flows so smoothly from The National Hotel's own arts and music programming:

• Bi-weekly Tuesday Trivia night, 8 - 9:30 p.m.--ON TONIGHT...Thank you Russ Coen & Marlon Aranha!!
• Bi-weekly Wednesday Scrabble night (brand new!!), 7 - 9 p.m.
• Weekly Thursday Open Mic Night, 9 p.m. - closing
• Weekly Saturday Night Live Music night, 9 - 11 p.m.
• Weekly Sunday Musical Afternoon series, 5 - 7 p.m.
• Monthly People's Poetry on the 3rd Sunday of the month (poetry open mic), 2 - 4 p.m.

There's something happening almost every night of the week--and every single program was started by one of our patrons.  They plan it, they initiate it, and they organize and execute the plan.  Just take a look at our brand new bi-weekly WEDNESDAY SCRABBLE NIGHT program, 7 - 9 p.m. that kicked off last Wednesday and will be on again on August 3rd--organized, sponsored, and launched by Frenchtown's own Paddle Creek--immediately following our Wednesday Ladies' Night with 1/2 off drinks (5 - 7 p.m. every week).  Only one word comes to mind:  blessed.  Yes, Pete and I are blessed.  The success of The National Hotel is owed to our patrons, and the help of our friends, family, and not least, our talented and wonderful staff.  If you've stopped by to have a drink and have had a chance to chat with Kasey Goyette, our lead bartender, or Donna Jane Sampler, our Rathskeller libation maven, you know exactly what I mean!

August will surely be another great month.  Frenchtown, NJ is just an absolutely delightful place to spend an afternoon, an evening, or for a few days.  You'll find friendly people, welcoming merchants, scenic vistas, and lots of activities to suit you, whether you're looking to relax or to have an active stay enjoying the outdoors.  Please feel free to contact our knowledgeable staff with any questions, at 908.996.3200, and do continue to email us your comments and feedback...they are truly helpful...or just leave a comment on this page.  Stay up-to-date with everything being planned, by:

ETHNIC-THEMED WEEKENDS AT THE NATIONAL HOTEL

They say "word-of-mouth is the best form of advertising," and although I've always known this intuitively, it was proved to me quite conclusively this past weekend.  We did NO marketing...no advertising...no public relations, announcing our Thai-inspired Additions to the Menu this past weekend.  It was a test of sorts, to see if we could build enough "buzz" about the weekend's special items without actually utilizing traditional media outlets to get the word out that we were doing something truly unique for our area.

And it worked.

Photo courtesy of Lois Heyman

Lisa Frederick, our executive chef, truly outdid herself creating a sensually delightful selection of inspiring dishes that invited diners to select them based on her written descriptions of the dishes, followed by the visually appealing presentation of the dishes that appeared before them...and...wait for it...the taste.  The absolutely delightful, appealing, and excitingly exotic flavors of Thai cuisine came alive this past weekend.  Had I been a little quicker on the draw, I would have a photo of Lisa preparing these dishes to share.  My bad.  In the meantime, here's one of Pu-Ja, two soft shell crabs, stuffed with pork and crab, flash fried with Mee Ploy sauce...can you say, "YUMMMMM?!!"

Pete sat with Lisa at the end of 2010 and designed a slew of weekends that would be ethnically-themed, kicking it off in February with our Thai-inspired weekend.  We wanted to quietly promote these unique items that followed our fully-booked Valentine's weekend, without advertising it.  So much of our business comes from our local patrons, Frenchtown residents and Hunterdon and Bucks County patrons, that we didn't want to have a sold-out weekend that would exclude them.  After all, it is these same individuals that have shown up at our doorstep during the worst of our winter storms, always with a smile, and always grateful that our doors were open to receive them.

Our gratitude is immense, and our deepest honor comes in serving our patrons.  And this is why, truly, we didn't "pound the pavement" to make sure EVERYONE knew that we were featuring these special dishes.  We wanted to make sure our "regulars" were treated in a special way, and that they received the same treatment that our weekend visitors would receive.  At The National Hotel, we pride ourselves in being able to meet our clients' expectations--and exceed them.  We are so pleased with the way things turned out.

And to those of you who follow our blog, or have checked our website, or our facebook fanpage, you'll be happy to learn that this Thai-inspired weekend was just the beginning.  Oh yes, we have our second installment of our Indian Nights weekend planned for March, and a Vietnamese-themed weekend in April.  Stay tuned for more details...

But I'm getting ahead of myself.  How about our St. Patrick's Day celebration, with an authentic Irish band, Club Subheine (pronounced "Sweeney"...in case you were wondering) playing on our porch that following Saturday night, March 19th, and our wonderful and robust line-up of musicians that are listed on our website?  How about our incredibly well-attended bi-weekly Tuesday Trivia nights?  And best of all, these are all programs that have grown organically...not because Pete or I wanted to feature this or that, but rather, because you brought these programs to our attention, and you were willing to host, program, encourage, or attend these special nights.  No wonder The National Hotel has become an evening destination for so many people.  There's always something happening.  Even on the the odd days when there isn't a planned program, there's always a friendly or familiar face waiting for you indoors.  And we love that.

I think that what Pete and I love about being associated with The National Hotel is not that we "own" the building, it's not that we "run" the restaurant, it's not that we "dispense" the libations that keep patrons coming back...it's more than that.  Pete and I have been absorbed into the very fabric of the building; we love learning more and more about the building with every day that passes.  Its history is rich...and its heritage is envied by many.  Pete and I are only hoping that our minuscule moment in time with The National Hotel will prove to our next generation that honesty, integrity, and a just plain "roll up your sleeves" attitude can truly create a place that resonates with so many.  And you, who come to dine, or for a quick lunch, or to enjoy some local talent on Open Mic Night, you who boost our spirits with accolades about our menu choices and specialty drinks, continue to make sure that The National Hotel NEVER undergoes the terrible crisis it felt in 2008 and 2009 when it was shuttered.  This establishment is bursting out of every pore of its facade with joy, with happiness and with familiarity.  It is a building with such tremendously rich history that just being associated with it brings us a tremendous sense of satisfaction.  And from the feedback I've gotten from our patrons--it also brings you a familiar sense of "home."

This feedback is tremendously welcome.  So many of you have taken the time to email us, and to fill out the cards at the end of your meals with your birthday and/or anniversary dates, as well as comments on the back of the forms, that I've been amazed at the honesty with which you share your thoughts.  Again, thank you.  It is this very transparent communication, this true integrity in our relationship with our patrons, that propels us forward every day.  And boy do we have plans for 2011!  From our March Indian Nights weekend, to our April Easter brunch, to a Vietnamese-inspired weekend, to a Spanish-themed weekend...oh, and let's not forget our 2nd annual National Palooza scheduled for June 4th.  2011 is definitely shaping up to be a banner year!  Hope you'll get on board and share this ride with us.  We'll keep posting information on our facebook fanpage, our website, our youtube channel, and our twitter page.  Do continue to email me your feedback, because ultimately, our success is tied directly to you.  We are very appreciative of your support, your ideas, and your continuous commitment to making sure we "get it right."  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

WE'RE CELEBRATING VALENTINE'S DAY WITH ROMANCE AND HISTORY

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we're so excited to announce that we will be OPEN, even though it's a Monday--and traditionally, this is the one day we give to ourselves as a day to recuperate, rest, and refresh to return on Tuesday with our spirits renewed.  But not next Monday.  We've had so many inquiries about whether we're open, and requests to please open the doors to this historic old lady of a building that has so much meaning to so many--from first dates, to high school graduation celebrations, to wedding proposals--that we couldn't say no.  We'll be open from 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. and welcome you to share this special day with your loved one at The National Hotel, enjoying a specially designed romantic Valentine's Day menu that is sure to please both of you.  Do call us to make a reservation at 908.996.3200, or contact us via email.  Here's a little sampling of what we have in store for our guests:

GREENS

WARM BING CHERRY SALAD

Warm Bing cherry, cipollini onions, goat cheese croutons all tossed in spinach and mustard vinaigrette $10

ROSE PETAL SALAD

Dried Beet chips, blood orange segments, pomegranate seeds and shaved red onion tossed with arugula leaves and blood orange thyme vinaigrette $12

MEDLEY BOBO LINK ARTISAN CHEESE

Assorted local artisanal cheese with a sweet cognac soaked apricots, pistachio honey and homemade crackers and bread $12

SMALL PLATES

OYSTERS

Market Fresh oysters – ask your server for our selection

RABBIT STEW

Sweet braised rabbit, granny smith apples, sausage, all served under puffed pastry $12

LOBSTER

½ Butter poached Maine lobster, over brandy braised leeks, and topped with a crispy pommes maxim $15

CEVICHE

Diced jail island salmon, marinated in grape fruit, jalapeno and fresh coriander $10

And our entrees (a.k.a Plates) will not disappoint, from Filet Mignon, to Scallops over creamy shrimp risotto, drizzled with a spinach Pernot sauce to marinated, grilled and stuffed eggplant rolled with macadamia nut cheese and wilted spinach over roasted tomato and pepper sauce, to braised Turbot fish with white wine and fennel over gorgonzola polenta and sauteéd watercress with fried capers...you will find that there is something for everyone.  I haven't even talked about the specialty drink of the day...or desserts for that matter!!!  Do come by and experience this special menu that our executive chef, Lisa Frederick, has put together for all those out there who want to have a special Valentine's Day with a loved one over a delicious meal that excites the senses and sets the mood and tone for Valentine's Day.  It's sure to be a meal that will create memories you'll recall for years to come.  

But if you're looking for an entire weekend celebration, we can deliver a fabulous getaway that will be unforgettable.  From a spa session to chocolates and champagne in your room, you just can't beat a full weekend experience.  Click here for more information or call our General Manager, Marlon Aranha, at 908.996.3200 to discuss your specific needs.

This is sure to make you forget the amount of ice and snow that is still on the ground.  We've really been hammered up here in the northeast, especially with the last ice/sleet storm.  Not to complain or whine, but boy have we gotten our fair share!  Those of us living in or near Frenchtown have been dealing with school closings that have also affected our days at work these last few weeks--and future vacation plans as well.  But moving past that, the fact is most of our kids have had a blast playing outside!

And inside, we've had so many events at The National Hotel, from the Frenchtown Lions Club Casino Night at the end of January, to our weekly Open Mic Night sessions, to our beloved Wednesday By the Fireplace singer/songwriter series, to even celebrating Chuck Schaeffer's birthday as he performed during our last Sunday Musical Afternoon series.  Do you know what he wanted??  Ice cream cake!  Oh yeah.  We made sure to get it for him.

From all these events to the hear and now, post-Super Bowl Sunday life.  You have no idea how pleased Pete and I were to hear from a patron that she loves coming to The National Hotel because she "can feel the genuine warmth that the staff extends to her when she walks through the door."  She further shared that we have given her "a familiar place to just relax and unwind after a long work day, knowing that you're open late and always have music, trivia, or something else that allows me to sit back and enjoy."  Now if I'd been a little quicker, I would have asked her if it was OK to share her name along with her feedback...next time.

But one person who did share her name with me, and who surprised us with an exceptional and exquisite gift, is Melissa Maier, from Euphoria Studio.  Melissa used our home away from home, The National Hotel, as the venue for photographing models highlighting some of the romantic styles that Euphoria Studio specializes in creating for their customers.  She had these photos bound in the most beautiful book that she presented to us as a holiday gift.  Thank you, Melissa!

   

Wait...and if those photos aren't enough to get the blood rushing, how about the article in this month's 54 Magazine?  This is a magazine that truly captures the essence of the arts and culture in our area.  We are just floored by the review.

I cannot tell you how pleased we are that we are being "found" by editors and writers from different publications who are truly thrilled that The National Hotel is bringing to the community a menu that is full of new flavors, ethnic seasonings, multi-cultural offerings, and surprises in our Additions to the Menu (every Thursday to Sunday), intertwined with our traditional American fare.  We are so happy to hear from those "in the know," that we are doing "it right."  THANK YOU!

Help us to put Frenchtown on "the map," so that The New York Times readers and nytimes.com visitors can come to our town.  It's a win-win for everyone.  Please visit  http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/travel/2011-places-to-go.html?ref=travel#/1265/.  The registration is as simple as adding your name and email address. 

I know that Pete and I have only been the proprietors of The National Hotel for a year and a half, but I can only continue to say thank you to each and every single one of you who have stopped by, talked to us, shared a drink, had a meal, stayed overnight, or enjoyed one of our programs.  We get up every morning with absolute enthusiasm thinking about what the day will hold in store for us.  There have been challenges along the way, but not a single one that we would take back.  Every difficulty we've faced has been rewarded with extraordinary measures of kindness and support by the community...by you.  We cannot imagine doing anything else.  The National Hotel is a treasure, and we absolutely love being in Frenchtown!

SO MUCH PLANNED FOR 2011!!!

Oh yes, what a fabulous way to start 2011.  Thank you to the Courier News' Lois Heyman for a wonderful article in her food column and on her food blog (http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/foodchain/)--follow that blog, guys...truly wonderful writing and an exceptional way to stay on top of the latest food trends and venues in our area--where our new Executive Chef, Lisa Frederick, is highlighted and put in the spotlight.  Lisa is in fact an "original" having been part of The National Hotel from the moment we opened our doors, and for a few months now, having taken the helm of this historic "ship."  Lisa has managed to very quietly, with great humility and terrific talent, elevated the already high-standard of food preparation that had already been established.

[photo courtesy of Lois Heyman, MyCentralJersey.com]

How did she manage this?  Well read her own words where she is quoted in the Courier News article, "Global Influence":  http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110119/LIFE09/101190303.  It truly captures the essence of Lisa's vision for the restaurant and manages to wrap her arms around the ethnic flavors that Pete and I incorporated into our mission plan, whereby exotic (or ethnic) flavors and ingredients are interspersed with traditional fare, while still offering the all-American classics that everyone loves.  And Lisa has stepped up to the challenge and exceeded our expectations.  She is a consummate professional in the culinary field, but also a visionary in how she incorporates the products of local sustainable farmers into our menu.  It was always Lisa who spoke up and asked us to try this farm's produce, or that shop's product, because they were local, they were inter-generational farmers, or because they were truly a "green" organization.  Pete and I have learned that Lisa is not only capable, but also incredibly innovative and creative.  We are truly fortunate to be in the position to have Lisa as our Executive Chef.

Congratulations, Lisa, on the write-up!

And that's just the start.  Oh yes, so much!  How about the Casino Night we have planned for January 29th?  This is a fundraiser for the Frenchtown Lions Club that does so much for the children of our community.  Come on out and support their efforts...it's going to be a FUN night for sure!!!  Make sure to contact us for information at 908.996.3200 or contact Sally or Andy directly at 908.996.7900, or email them at frenchtownlionscasinonight@gmail.com.  It's sure to be a blast!

The "New Year" is almost a month old now...how many of us have re-evaluated our resolutions?  I know many of The National Hotel's patrons have expressed a desire to not have ANY resolutions at all...to just enjoy life, to live life in the moment, to listen to those speaking, to share honestly, and to just enjoy 2011 day by day.

Is this actually possible?  Truly, I don't know.  But I do know that Pete and I work feverishly to make sure that we meet expectations--and whenever possible, that we exceed them.  And truth be told, Pete is the one on premises, day in and day out.  My role and responsibilities are often easier to handle off-site, which allows me to have a tremendous work-life balance, by being able to work and still be around for our daughters.  That's one of the advantages of this technological age.  And yes, I LOVE THAT!!!

But in terms of The National Hotel, I also love the "human" interaction, the ability to talk to our clients and patrons who come in day after day, week after week, and absolutely assure us that our business model is "spot on".  It was our goal to make The National Hotel a community center of sorts, a place where local residents and tourists could find common ground and a comfortable setting where repeat visits became a part of their culture.  Here is where Pete and I were taken aback:  Not only did our establishment become a place where patrons felt they could frequent often, but rather, it was a place that welcomed the arts--music, poetry, art, "home-grown," and driven by our very patrons...not by us--we owe them a debt of gratitude for what they've done for us and what they've created:  a home away from home for local artists.  And so today, we have so many weekly events, it's often hard to track:

• bi-weekly Tuesday Trivia nights
• Wednesday Ladies' night (with 1/2 off drinks...hey, why not???)
• Wednesday singer/songwriter "By the Fireplace" music series
• Thursday Open Mic Night
• Saturday Night live music series
• Sunday Afternoon Musical Afternoon series
• 3rd Sunday of the month poetry open mic, People's Poetry

And more ideas are still percolating...comedy nights anyone?

But here we go!  2011 full steam ahead.  Are you jumping on board?  This train is getting ready to leave the station and we hope you are right there with us when we depart.  Call us with any ideas you have for future programming, or email me at marie@thenationalhotelnj.com, or just post a comment on this blog.

Thank you to all those of you who have taken the time to email me, post comments, or call me directly.  Here's to looking forward to a wonderful and prosperous 2011 for ALL of us!  For more up-to-the-minute information, like us on facebook, subscribe to our youtube channel, find us on twitter, follow our blog, or check our website regularly.  Thank you for all of your support during the end of 2009 and throughout 2010.  Here's to a great New Year together!!!

NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION

We are so fortunate to be able to close out the very first decade of this new millenium by celebrating in style!  A dance party no less!!!  Well, why not?!  There are so many wonderful things happening at The National Hotel--and most of them thanks to our loyal patrons--that Pete and I are just bursting at the seams with pride at being able to have this wonderful connection with our community.  From our weekly Wednesday, By The Fireplace singer/songwriter series, to our Thursday Open Mic Night, to our monthly 3rd Sunday People's Poetry, to our Saturday Night Live Music sessions, and our weekly Sunday Musical Afternoon series...oh, but wait...there's more:  We just launched our Tuesday Trivia Night!!!  And what a success that was!  Thanks to our General Manager, Marlon Aranha, and our dedicated patron, Russ Coen, we are now, THE place to be on Tuesday night. 

[Marlon Aranha]

It was a wonderful way to close out this last week in 2010, inviting everyone present to put their thinking caps on and participate in this fantastic night.  That along with tonight's Open Mic Night (now in session!!), and tomorrow night's dance party with DJ Mr. Wil, are sure to make us all look forward to an even better 2011.

If ever there was a need to say thank you, it is right now.  Pete and I have definitely put our hearts and souls (oh...so trite...but it's absolutely true) into The National Hotel.  But so has this grand old building reciprocated a thousand times over.  There isn't a day that Pete doesn't come home after closing up, that he doesn't share stories about our patrons--from jokes they tell, to the history they share, to the fun they have.  And there hasn't been a moment when I have been there, that I don't encounter someone who brightens my day with conversation, moments shared, memories recalled.

Our daughters are blessed to also be a part of this establishment, as everything that we build will eventually be theirs.  And they LOVE being there.  It's such a joy to see them interact with our staff, kid around, feel at home, and all the while still understand that it's the customers who are at the center of this business.  Our girls come with us shopping for the best quality ingredients, listen to our conversations and planning of future events, and have participated in creating a kids' menu that's sure to please...actually...truth be told, they created the menu.  The credit goes to them.

And our other "grown-up" menu, has surpassed all of our expectations, thanks to our executive chef, Lisa Frederick, who took the reins several months ago, and has not disappointed.  In fact, she has brought her love of exotic cuisines and seasonings to complement our vision of a Restaurant that incorporates Pete's Indian background and my Chilean and Spanish heritage.  The dishes that come out of our kitchen are exceptional!  OK, I know this is a subjective comment, but we've had sooooo many hotel and dinner guests tell us how much they've enjoyed their meal, that I am confident in sharing this comment as an "objective" viewpoint.  I hope that when you visit us next, you too will walk away with this same feeling.  Be sure to say "hi" to Lisa when you are there, as she is the most gracious chef I've ever had the pleasure with whom to work.

And it's not just Lisa.  Let's not forget Kasey Goyette, our lead bartender, who without fail, produces the most incredible drinks, pairs wines for our dining guests who would like to have a professional's opinion on what wine will best bring out the flavors of their dining choices, and who livens up our Bar area with wonderful and engaging conversation, all the while keeping her eye on what her regular customers like to drink.  She is a consummate professional and we are so pleased to count her as part of our family.

But many of our guests who dine upstairs finish their evenings at The National Hotel's Rathskeller Pub downstairs, affectionately known as The Rat.  And that experience would not be complete without a drink served by Donna Jane Sampler.  She truly has become someone on whom we rely, and who consistently provides our patrons with a comfortable atmosphere where they can not only get the drink of their choice, but also close out the night with a friendly face and a conversationalist that keeps them coming back.  Yay Donna!

And like Donna, Kasey, and Lisa, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by individuals who work for The National Hotel and who come in with smiles, with a positive attitude, ready to serve, ready to provide the patrons with their very best service, and ready and committed to make tonight the best night ever.  You can always find information about us by posting a comment on this blogpost, following us on Twitter, friending (is that a real word???) us on facebook, subscribing to our YouTube channel, or emailing us directly at marie@thenationalhotelnj.com.  Thank you once again for your support and the wonderful embrace you have given us since the very day we were given the keys to The National Hotel.

So to you, your families, and your friends, Pete and I want to wish you the very best New Year's ever.  May 2011 grant you much happiness, health, and continued success in all your endeavors.  Happy, Happy New Year!!!!