EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY OF BEING PART OF THE FABRIC OF FRENCHTOWN

Grateful. It's the word that comes to mind. EIGHT YEARS AGO TODAY, with fresh keys in hand after all the legal and financial meetings to make the purchase of The National Hotel a reality, we stand hand-in-hand not only with our daughters (now in college), but with the Frenchtown community.

July 2009, shuttered

Our lives have become immensely intertwined and joyfully transformed. And The National Hotel--the edifice itself--appears to have taken on new life, breathing, singing, embracing. This is a complete metamorphosis from how we found the building, shuttered for nearly 18 months, with renovations that awaited us, and challenges we had no idea we'd have to face.

It's trite, but honest: We had, and continue to have, a love affair with this grand old establishment. Every step of the way, every room that had to be renovated, refurbished, and restored, was just another chapter in the lives we were building that would include each of us. In a small way or in a big way, our daughters, Pete, and I, along with so many friends and friends-yet-to-be-made in and around Frenchtown, contributed to the business we are proud to call our home away from home, in the very best little gem of a town anywhere in the world.

Turning the corner onto Race Street from
Route 12 during Gay Pride month

Every time we drive down Route 12 into Frenchtown, with the beautiful vistas of Pennsylvania across and behind Frenchtown, we remark at the beauty of this part of the world. "People pay money to vacation where we call home," Pete has often remarked to me. True. Simply true.

Today, we have new programs and events to announce. Remember to get up-to-the-minute information by liking our facebook page. Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming evenings that will be filled with music, but for now, please mark your calendars with the following:

• Tuesday: Bi-Weekly Trivia continues in The Rat on August 8th, 8 - 10pm
• Wednesday:
• Announcing half-priced appetizers and drinks will now be available in BOTH our bars (upstairs and in The Rat): 4 - 7pm
• Karaoke in The Rat: 8pm - midnight
• Thursday: 
• Weekend Additions to the Menu are posted (Thursday - Sunday)!!
• Weekly Open Mic night, 9pm - ?
• Friday: Spotlight Friday Music Series launch!! 
• August 4th: Join Mike Wojk and his Trio of Madness starts 
• Saturday:
• Prix-fixe BRUNCH: 10am - 1pm
• Saturday Night Live Music series: August 5th--Scofflaw with Mojo Creeksnake and Jesse Ketchel
• Sunday:
• Prix-fixe BRUNCH: 10am - 1pm
• Sunday Musical Afternoon series RETURNS: August 6th--Steve Myers on our Front Porch

Eight years later, we have learned the ebb and flow of life near the Delaware River, always with the support of our Frenchtown community. From bringing music back into the building, to adding new programming to engender that sense of community that is inexplicable in so many other towns and cities, it has always been the Frenchtown residents and the surrounding communities who have come to our aid and who have buoyed our spirits. THANK YOU!

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.

VALENTINE'S DAY EXTENDED TO THE PRE-VALENTINE'S WEEKEND!!

Before I could even acknowledge the New Year, I see March already ready to run away with the end of February. The pages on our calendars turn much too fast these days. I suppose the older I get the more I will find myself trying to hold onto just a few more minutes from the present. Living in the present, securely embracing the moment--each moment--is my goal for 2017. There are so many wonderful neighbors that Pete and I have had the privilege of getting to know in Frenchtown; so many new faces that have already become frequent guests this month; so many things for which to be grateful.

It's in this spirit that Pete and I are pleased to announce our 4th annual Valentine's Day Contest, with three (3) great prizes to be awarded:

1. one overnight stay at The National Hotel for two;
2. dinner for two in The National Hotel's Restaurant and Bar;
3. dessert and after-dinner drinks for two in The National Hotel's Restaurant and Bar.

So what do YOU have to do? Simple. Send us a 250-word minimum/400-word maximum essay about the most meaningfully romantic moment of your relationship, and why you think your particular story is relevant to Frenchtown, NJ or any of the surrounding Hunterdon County, NJ or Bucks County, PA areas. Deadline for submission is Monday, February 13th, and winners will be announced on February 14th on our facebook page.

Historic photo of original backyard of
The National Hotel, provided by a
descendant of the Apgar family.

There is so much history and natural beauty in our little corner of the world, with the Delaware River providing countless poems and art renderings, to the sheer romance of establishments such as The National Hotel, that has provided comfort to so many throughout its long history. And to us, Valentine's Day provides us with the opportunity to showcase the exquisite labor of love by our executive chef, Geoffrey Thomas. Our Valentine's Day menu that is available all weekend starting tonight, is a testament to his passion:

Of course, between the live music this weekend featuring Jimmy Garabo on Saturday (9-11pm) and Gary Reed on Sunday (5-7pm), you just can't go wrong with making Frenchtown your Valentine's Day/Valentine's Weekend destination!

Don't forget to make your reservations NOW so you can properly plan that special person in your life. Better yet, contact us via email or at 908.996.3200 and make it a getaway or a staycation, with our Valentine's Day exclusive overnight packages. You will not be disappointed. Our knowledgeable General Manager, Marlon Aranha, will take care of every detail. With enough lead time, he could even schedule an appointment for massage sessions at Euphoria Studio, designed exclusively for our overnight guests, just a short stroll from The National Hotel.

Our programs don't stop there, because we will have a post-Valentine's Day special Karaoke celebration on the 15th of February. FUN, all in caps!! Remember to join us for our weekly Thursday Open Mic Night in The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a. The Rat), and every other Tuesday, catch our Bi-Weekly Trivia, but not February 21st, because we will be closed for our annual building re-fresh. This is when we close our doors for one week and do all the work that needs to happen to continue our high standards to better serve you when we reopen on February 28th. 

Frenchtown provides so many choices, all unique, all sure to be memories you will long treasure. We hope to welcome you to The National Hotel in the very near future. And if you agree with us and have a little bit of time, please take a minute to vote for us in this year's Hunterdon Happenings List--just vote one time per email address in any (or all) of the categories listed below--and THANK YOU in advance for your help in sharing how much you care about The National Hotel:

• Best Hotel
• Best Specialty Cocktails
• Best French Fries
• Best Happy Hour
• Best Kept Secret

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.

        

FEBRUARY HAS TURNED OUT TO BE A SUPER MONTH

We're so proud to be part of the fabric of the Frenchtown community. It's always a rewarding experience to get feedback from guests, and we are so pleased to have a 4-star rating from TripAdvisor!! Even after closing for one week for our annual "re-birth" (in order to make sure we re-do floors, paint, and make the necessary work that ensures an optimal experience for our guests when they enter our historic 19th century building), there is always such good will from the community when we do this, such patience and support, that it buoys our spirits.

We are incredibly grateful to ALL of you who have voted for us in the Hunterdon Happening List for our award-winning French Fries--and if you haven't, there's still time! 
http://hunterdon.happeningmag.com/happeninglist/french-fries-2016/

Our dedicated staff also deserves a lot of praise--that so many of you recognize and share with us--each and every one going above and beyond helping us through the process, and returning to The National Hotel when our doors reopened on Tuesday, full of energy and a desire to exceed all expectations.

Frenchtown itself is like that from my vantage point. Each individual and unique business has established that same spirit driven by a communal goal to provide the best customer service experience to residents and visitors alike. This attention to detail and passion is evident day in and day out. Whether you stop by to experience the beauty of the products and well-designed spaces of Designs by Tranquility; or the thrilling atmosphere of a high-end oil and vinegar shop, Olive with a Twist, that encourages customers to taste the products, to just STOP time and be in the moment expanding one's palate; or walk up the steps of the quintessentially Victorian building that says, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," and "Peter Pan." Walk through its front door to a bevy of rooms intricately organized to include a most delicate collection of books for all ages at The Book Garden. Frenchtown delivers a one-of-a-kind spirit-lifting experience every single day.

It's the townspeople, it's the shops, it's the restaurants, it's the Delaware River...it's all of it. With such close proximity to other river towns, and even to metropolitan cities such as Philadelphia and New York City, Frenchtown offers the opportunity to not just have life, but to enjoy it. From live music 3 nights/week at The National Hotel (Th Open Mic Night, Sat Night Live Music Series, and Sunday Musical Afternoons), to Wed Karaoke Night, and our bi-weekly Tues Trivia Night, you'll have additional motivation to come to Frenchtown and also visit our neighboring river towns in March, during our Restaurant Week, March 20th -24th. Each one has a unique Restaurant Week experience waiting for you.

When you come to Frenchtown, make sure you don't walk down Race Street or Bridge Street in a hurry--there are faces that soon become familiar and there's a joy in greeting each other, and in looking at the store windows, just taking it all in. And of course, there's Harrison and Trenton Streets to shake things up too.

I hope you'll make some time for yourself, carve out a little piece of every day to enjoy our hidden gem, even if just to stroll through town to enjoy a healthy walk or bike ride on the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park (a.k.a. town path). Walking our dog with our daughters now that one is already in college and our youngest will also be off soon, has left an indelible footprint in my mind for which I am forever grateful to Frenchtown.

I hope you too will join me.

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.

        

2nd Annual Valentine's Day Essay Contest

It's such a difficult thing to have to choose just 3 winners from all of the submissions we received at The National Hotel this year, and yet, we made a commitment to our participants and we are sticking with it.  So tonight, we announce that we have our top 3 writers who have shared stories from the heart.  They are meaningful, they are truthful, and they help de-commercialize this annual celebration of love and family.

Our winners are Skye, Ann, and Lauren.  We cannot thank them enough, and all our other participants, for taking the time to put pen to paper and share their stories.  Pete and I don't need to write another word on this month's blog, because their words say it all:

• Skye (Frenchtown, NJ):  

"My mom married at 18 in the middle of World War II. They rushed, before my dad who joined the Army Air Corps before Pearl Harbor, was shipped out again. After the wedding, my dad had to take a troop train to Florida and snuck my mom on board. Two weeks later he was overseas and didn't see my mom again until she was 20. He always joked he heard the first year of marriage was the hardest so he thought he'd stay away.

"Five years ago last November, my parents were moving to Frenchtown ahead of the movers so they became the second guests at the D’Costa’s newly renovated National Hotel. Almost exactly three years later, they drove to a routine appointment in Flemington. They sat down side by side in the outer waiting room and he, as usual, dropped his head and fell asleep. My mom watched the clock and nudged him when it was time. There was no response. She rushed into the cardiologist’s office and they all came running, working on him for an hour, but he never woke up. He was 94. My mom was 87. That day was the first in 68 years that she was alone.

"A year and a half later, at lunch at Homestead General Store, Bucks County, PA, we spotted a very tall man wearing an Air Force Veteran baseball cap across the room. My mom bumped into him at the lottery machine and asked about his cap. Soon the conversation got to their both being widowed. A few days later they got together and I don't think there’s been a day since that they haven't been.

"John, a former bomber pilot and 35-year airline pilot, is two years younger than my mom who delights in calling herself a cougar. They hold hands, she rides in his pickup, he calls her last thing at night and first thing in the morning, and when it snows, he stays over.

"Their most meaningful romantic moment is a daily occurrence because they don’t take any for granted. Even more special is the joy they bring to everyone else, the smiles as “the lovebirds” walk through town. The fact an almost ninety-year-old woman and eighty eight year old man can serendipitously find each other is the very symbol of love – and that it’s never too late to find it."

• Ann (Bucks County, PA):

"This year George and I will be sharing our 22nd Valentine’s Day together.  Sometimes I think it is a miracle we met at all.  He lived in Pennsylvania and I lived in NJ.   We met in March 1993 thanks to a winter storm with a foot of snow that forced the rescheduling of many St. Patrick’s Day Parties including the one we both ended up attending the following weekend.  The delay of the festivities meant that I was now free to drive across the Delaware River and attend the party I would have missed.  That night I met the kind, handsome man I would someday marry.  I’m still amazed that this wonderful person I admired from the other side of the room chose me.   

"Our first date was a disaster.   Open mic night at John and Peter’s in New Hope where a friend of his hogged the conversation.  George was never going to call again but when he dropped me off I, accidently and unknowingly (I swear), left my wallet in his car.  He HAD to call me the next day and we decided to try again.  Despite me leaving on two long trips and moving back in with my parents, we made it out on a real dinner date where I impressed him by not only eating my own dinner but some of his as well.  Surprisingly, he asked me out again. 

"We were engaged in December 1994.  His family lived in Pennsylvania and mine in NJ so we had to find an in-between place to first have our parents meet and eventually to be married.    We treated our parents to dinner in Lambertville at a place which was probably the fanciest restaurant I had ever been in.   Ever since then, I love to go walk along the Delaware and stop for drinks and dessert.  We were married at St. John’s in Lambertville with a reception at Peddler’s Village.   Now, 20 years later, we live in Bucks County.  This past Mother’s Day my husband and kids told me they would do anything I wanted.  My choice was Frenchtown and we spent a beautiful spring day walking around the shops.  Even though there were six of us, it was memorable and romantic.   Choosing to spending time with someone you love is romantic even if you are not alone and when you have four kids you never seem to be alone."

• Lauren (Phillipsburg, NJ):

"My name is Lauren , this is just one of those moments that made me realize how lucky and in love I am with my husband.  Back in 2009, last week of September my husband and I had an argument over god knows what. His way of fixing it, a delivery of flowers my way was a card, a greeting card.  About a week later, I found out I was pregnant so I was so excited and couldn't figure out how to tell him. Our thing has always been cards, greeting cards for everything. I found the perfect card, it stated how he didn't have to be nervous I knew he would be a great father even if he couldn't get the crib together on his first try. He would have Nine months to figure it out. Well I had to run out and FORGOT the card on the kitchen table, he got home and saw it was for him. Assuming he was in trouble for something else he hesitated to open it, but did. Unfortunately I was not there to see his reaction. When I returned he was just standing in the kitchen so excited smile ear to ear and then he tried to ask me a question but just started to cry and held up the card. Eventually got the word "really" out. I nodded yes."

To all of our contestants, THANK YOU!! You made this day truly special for all of us.  Pete and I hope that you will continue to participate in this annual contest, and continue to enjoy our beautiful little corner of the world.  There just isn't anywhere else we'd rather be.  

I'd like to close with a simple reminder about our annual "cleansing," when we close The National Hotel for a week (Monday, February 16 - Monday, February 23, reopening on Tuesday the 24th), in order to necessary maintenance work that will sustain this historic establishment for the rest of the year.  We hope that you understand, and that you will return on 24th and thereafter to continue to make memories in Frenchtown.  

Please continue to send us your comments via email or on this blog.  Happy Valentine's Day weekend!!

          

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! It's a Season Filled with Gratefulness

Our fifth anniversary came upon us faster than we could have imagined. It really is unbelievable that on November 3rd, 2009, we re-opened the doors to The National Hotel, and our very first patron, Henry, entered through The Rathskeller Pub (a.k.a. The Rat) entrance. He ran across the street to vote and to share the news with others. And then more of you came in, making it an incredible opening night, filled with stories about the town, about The Rat, and about The National Hotel itself.

And on November 3rd, 2014, we celebrated together, by announcing that The Rat would now be open every single Monday, 5 p.m. to midnight! Our local patrons soon started to drop by and, between the wood burning fireplace that adds warmth to the room while providing a comfortable vibe, the sports programs on the TVs, and the new Monday Happy Hour (5 pm - 7 pm) with 1/2-priced drinks, we just couldn't be happier seeing how many of you are able to carve out a little time to join us. Grateful.

Last night we had the pleasure of hosting the Creek Snakes band once again as they helped everyone unwind and have a little time "off" before today's big day. The music was wonderful, but more importantly, we are so grateful that you made the time to come by, to share with your friends, and to enjoy a night in our little gem of a town.  Thank you!

Today is a special day for us, because we are able to be home as a family and also know that our staff will be able to do the same. They are so dedicated to The National Hotel and have such an incredible drive to be the very best, that we know they'll be back on Friday ready to help cater to our patrons' every need. And your feedback about how well they took care of you, from serving you dinner to helping you make sure your overnight stay is memorable, makes all the difference to us. Yet another reason to be thankful.

A lot has happened this year at The National Hotel, from launching new programs (like our weekly Wednesday Karaoke Night), to our mid-week special ($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!) to continuing to renew our commitment to support local and sustainable farmers, to upgrading some furniture (new chairs in our private dining room; brand new flat screen TVs in each of our 10 guest suites), and more. This is in addition to all of the other special programs that have become weekly and bi-weekly traditions in Frenchtown (e.g., Thursday Open Mic Night, Tuesday Trivia, Saturday Night Live Music Series, and Sunday Musical Afternoons). None of it would be possible without the continued support of patrons like you. Again, grateful.

Thank you to Terry Earhart for sending us this historic photo of The National Hotel and Frenchtown

Love is in the details, and at The National Hotel, it is reciprocated daily, because we know how much you love this wonderful, historic building. Pete and I will continue to do everything possible to honor the trust you have placed in our abilities to take good care of it. 

We send you our warmest wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving. May it be filled with joyous moments and the opportunity to share a day with friends and family. Pete and I thank you for all you do to help us stay the course, better ourselves and improve every day. Do continue to email us or post a comment here if you like. Thank you for your continued patronage and support. Happy Thanksgiving once again!

       

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!!!