Family-Friendly Fun in Frenchtown

It's such a privilege to be able to provide top-notch service to our guests. As we approach the 7th anniversary since we received the keys to The National Hotel later this month, we are so grateful for the opportunities that have come our way. Those keys did not only open the shuttered doors of The National Hotel; they unlocked a hidden gem within one of the best kept secrets in New Jersey.

Amazing cake created by Stephanie Market Haver

Through our involvement with so many patrons who choose to make The National Hotel a daily part of their lives, we have witnessed friendships blossom, and relationships deepen. This little historic building has its "finger" on the pulse of our quaint and unique Delaware River town. From being nominated as Frenchtown School's "favorite historic spot in town" by its students with a celebratory evening at Frenchtown's beautiful and thoughtful bookstore, The Book Garden--which is an HONOR in and of itself!!!--to receiving the warmth and support of our vibrant community from day one seven years ago that has never wavered, we are in awe of our neighbors and the surrounding communities.

It's going to be such a joy being able to share in the festivities on the 16th! Pete and I hope that you'll carve out time to enjoy the annual Bastille Day family-friendly celebrations on Saturday. From the River Union Stage Puppet Show behind The Book Garden to live music and entertainment on the streets of town, it's sure to be an unforgettable day.

"Local Pogo-Stick Extreme athletes Nik Taylor and Henry Cebalus, students at New Hope Solebury High School, have performed for the Pope in Vatican City, on the Great Wall of China and at the Eiffel Tower in Paris! And now they will be bringing their show to Frenchtown thanks to Village Toy Shoppe!" [frenchtownnj.org] There'll be a "fashion show highlighting its je-ne-sais-quoi couture," a stilt walker, a mime, and so much more. Considering the news recently, it feels so good to be able to celebrate France, to lift spirits, to share life, and to scream loudly, Vive la France!!

At The National Hotel, we're ready to roll out the carpet for you, with weekend Additions to the Menu already posted, where you can catch the "action" while sitting on our front porch and cool off with "THE SUMMER BREEZE" (Stoli Raspberry, Chambord, Fresh Lemon Juice, Splash of Sprite and Club Soda, Lemon Wheel Garnish) and take a respite from the day's activities. The fun will continue through the night. John Sontag will perform live from 9-11 pm in The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a. The Rat), where the conversation is always lively, and everyone is welcome. And mark your calendars for Sunday's live music performance featuring the return of David Falcone (5-7 pm).

That's the beauty of Frenchtown. It's the human capital--it's the residents who share their lives with each other, who say "hello" to each other on the street, who care for neighbors and who are warm to visitors. now this is a town that has integrity! Join us!!!

Please continue to send me your comments via email or on this blog. I look forward to seeing you soon at The National Hotel. Thank you for your continued patronage.

        

LABOR DAY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES IN FRENCHTOWN, NJ

Argentina's Danisa Fagan

After a week of Tuesday Trivia, Wednesday Karaoke, Thursday Open Mic Night following on the heels of Argentina's Danisa Fagan's live performance in The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a. The Rat) last Saturday night (performing sets that included jazz, bossa nova, tango, bolero and French songs), and Rob Lanter's live music performance on Sunday, we have an equally exciting weekend ahead!!  Frenchtown, NJ holds its annual Riverfest celebration, 10 am - 5 pm.  There will be lots of in-store special events around town, music, and food! And, you can start your day by supporting our local farmers, by visiting our Farmer's Market, 10 a.m. - 2 pm. The National Hotel is also ready to welcome you.



From noon till closing, we'll have a lot of fun in town and the surrounding areas, and live music seems to be the common thread. Join us tonight from 9 - 11 pm in The Rat, for a live performance by Den and Sue, always a crowd pleasing duo.



And don't forget about tomorrow's Sunday Musical Afternoon performer, David Falcone, 5 - 7 pm.

Sit on our porch, relax a little from the busy week, and take in the sights sipping on something refreshing, while you enjoy a delicious choice from our weekend Additions to the Menu:

DRINK SPECIAL

PASSION FRUIT MARTINI

Vodka, Rum, Grand Marnier, Passion Fruit Juice, Served in a Shaker $9 

GREENS

ARUGULA & WATERMELON SALAD

Baby Arugula, Diced Watermelon, Feta Cheese, Yellow Cherry Tomatoes, Cirtrus Vinaigrette $11 

SMALL PLATES

OYSTERS

Wellfleet Oysters, MA – High Salinity, Sharp Flavor

Umami Oysters, Rhode Island – Intensely Sweet, High Brine

$2.5 each, 6/$13, 12/$25

ROASTED FIGS

Roasted Fresh Figs, Topped with Blue Cheese Crumbles, Balsamic Drizzle $6 

PLATES

FISH

Pan Seared Tilapia, Ripe Mango Salsa, Black Rice, Sautéed Zucchini Squash $19

STEAK

Braised Beef Short Rib with the Bone In, Black Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Locally grown Roma String Beans $28

PASTA (Vegetarian/Available Vegan)

Penne Pasta, Mushrooms, Sweet Peas, Mascarpone Cheese, Vegetable Broth, Drizzled with White Truffle Oil $18 

DESSERTS

Chocolate Truffle Bomba – Zabalone Crème, Covered with Chocolate Ice Cream, Hazelnuts & dusted with Coco powder $6 

ASK YOUR SERVER FOR ADDITIONAL DESSERT OPTIONS

CAPPUCCINO, ESPRESSO, FRENCH PRESSED COFFEE

While we're talking about food...mark your calendars to come by on Wednesdays, where you can take advantage of our newest promotion:  $25 FORKS & CORKS WEDNESDAYS (1 lb.-100% grass-fed-Porterhouse steak w/mashed potatoes and vegetable &/or 50% off a bottle of wine of YOUR choice!).  Come earlier and make it a super day:  Ladies' Night, 5 - 7 pm in The Rat with 1/2 priced drinks!

And if the night gets long...why not make it a mid-week escape and stay with us overnight?  We are so grateful to our overnight guests who wrote these kind words in our Guest Book.  THANK YOU!!  It means so much to us every time we read these pages, especially when we see that guests return time and again, continuing to enjoy our guest suites, and making Frenchtown their chosen destination, whether traveling from afar or accommodating family and friends who are visiting our lovely little town.

Pete and I hope to see you in Frenchtown and at The National Hotel in the near future.  Please do 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.  We have a lot coming up this coming month.  Stay up-to-date with all of the activities and programs we have planned:

      

Thank you again.  Here's to a wonderful, long, & restful Labor Day holiday weekend!!!