Mystery Muncher
Casual riverside dining in New Hope
By: http://go.philly.com/dining — June 2006
Hours.11a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturdays.
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Smoking permitted everywhere but the dining room
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Weelchair-accessible.
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Take-out available.
Price range. The restaurant has an all-day menu. Appetizers and salads are $3.50 to $11.95; wraps and sandwiches, $7.95 to $11.95; entrees, $12.95 to $32.95; desserts, $4 to $8.
Parking.There is a limited onsite lot, or try on-street meters or nearby municipal lots.
What’s the story?Chris and Ellen Bollenbacher have owned the restaurant overlooking the Delaware River for 30 years, offering both waterfront and fireside dining. A flood in 2004 ruined everything in the basement, and last year’s flood wiped out the dining room and kitchen. So, the whole place is new and stormproof, Chris says. “Everything in the kitchen is on wheels. The bar is built in pieces. We could empty this place in 12 hours,” he says.
The scene. From the front, Landing looks like a handsome Colonial house. Inside, a dining room and bar look perfect for a winter evening or a special occasion. But, out back, the view of the river and the New Hope-Lambertville bridge from the 120-seat brick terrace and 20-stool bar is as serene as it is scenic. White plastic chairs, tables covered with white linens, and huntergreen umbrellas provide a comfortable, classy yet casual setting.
What we had.The setting demanded we start with a leisurely drink, so I nursed a margarita while my wife enjoyed a frozen strawberry daiquiri ($9 each). They were out of the prime rib sandwich ($11.95), so we split a delicious, pan-seared jumbo lump crabcake sandwich ($10.95). That called for a second drink, so I switched to a house specialty, the Bloody mary ($8), which was not as good as the margarita. Still hungry, we split a dish of linguine with clams and mussels ($12.95). Delicioso. The clams and mussels were tender, and we soaked up every last drop of the broth with a basket of fresh rolls. We passed on dessert, but I'll return for the view and to try the chocolate Godiva ganache cake($8).
Chef’s suggestions.Chris Bollenbacher recommends the appetizer of mussels steamed in Corona beer with chorizo sausage, corn and cilantro ($10.95). “I'm partial to the pulled pork sandwich($7.95),” he says, and chef Eliel Vasquez “does a good job with the sauteed Chilean sea bass($28.95).”
Nice touches. The staff lets you eat and drink at as leisurely a pace as you want. And Fred, the restaurant's Bernese mountain dog and mascot, invites your dog to join you on the terrace.
After you eat. Stroll along Main Street and across the bridge ato Lambertville. Or take in a show at the Bucks County Playhouse.
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