Prime Time in Chadds Ford

Greetings again, Foodies! Thanks for your patience in hearing all about our recent visit to Brandywine Prime Seafood and Chops in Chadds Ford, PA.

I believe this restaurant used to be called the Chadds Ford Inn. The completely renovated ‘BP’ has managed to keep its rustic feel while its seasonable menu reminds you that you’re in Brandywine Country, just steps from the famed Brandywine River.

We met our delightful friends Theresa and Joe (who are not foodies but really appreciate good dining) at about 7:30 on a chilly Saturday night in October. The restaurant boasts two levels with a busy (smoke filled) bar on the first level close to the host stand. We thankfully were led to the upstairs dining area where it was a bit quieter albeit much colder. That’s when I reminded hubby why I wear longer skirts in the fall and winter.

So let’s get on to what really matters: The Food! We grooved on the very seasonal Pumpkin Bisque and Mushroom Soup. Both were really good and not too creamy, with the latter soup loaded with the locally grown Kennett delicacy.

For entrees, hubby was thrilled to see the very French Bistro Steak, complete with pomme frite. I had the crab cakes, while both Theresa and Joe opted for the straight-forward chicken dish. Everyone enjoyed the entrees, which were generally very good but not remarkable.

When I called to confirm our reservations I was sure to remind the manager that we were celebrating our friend Joe’s 4x birthday. Believe it or not, this has been a problem at some restaurants in the past. I’ve called ahead, many times at least twice, and still there was no candle or acknowledgement of the birthday we were celebrating. I was assured that there would be a candle placed on his dessert. The staff was efficient and friendly and did come through with the candle and a hearty happy birthday! In fact, the manager even came over to make sure that business was taken care of.

Now please bear with me, as the Foodie Hubby will have a headache for the next month if I don’t talk about this. The best part of the meal was the wine. For a very reasonable $10.00 corkage fee we were able to bring along our own wine, a 2003 Chatauneuf-du-Pape Vieux Lazaret Cuvee Exceptionel. Hub commented that the wine seemed to be in its ‘dumb period’ and not yet showing its full potential. I though it was delicious. This bottle would have cost $200.00 on any wine list cool enough to have such an awesome bottle on their list. We really wish more restaurants would have a policy as reasonable as BP!


So to summarize, we enjoyed Brandywine Prime. My guess is that once it is decked out for Christmas it will be really festive and cozy. We’ll also probably opt for a menu item a bit more daring next time. And once again, Happy Birthday to our friend Joe!

Brandywine Prime is located on US 1 south just before the intersection of Route 100 in Chadds Ford.

xoxoxo,
The Philly Foodie Girl