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We four, Jean, Ruth and Betty, were ready to dine - three to recall past experiences and one who had never been there before. We entered through the double doors into the foyer. A large bar area is off to the left, with a stunning waiting area to the right. There are low oblong and round marble topped tables, and seating with red and brown leather coverings. The windows are draped with velvet burgundy swales and valances, complete with tuft tassels, set against deep red walls. But the carpet, ah the carpet! The colors are marvelous and the patterns so different that it's difficult to describe. After our meal, we just sort of hung out in that area, not feel ready to leave for some time.
I was so enamored with this waiting area, it didn't occur to me until I was back home that something was missing - a wall and fireplace in the foyer between the bar and waiting area. Gone! I called to ask what had happened and learned that no one working in the restaurant was around during renovations and so no one knew what had happened. So the mystery of the missing fireplace is still open waiting for an answer.
The next joy was the open door into the old Washington Room. It had been shut off and used as an office on my last visit. Now it is used for small groups. In Lavendar Hall days, it was always a Friday night favorite for dinner in the old days.
Before going down the steps to the main dining area, we surveyed the mezzanine, where tables were ready for visitors. We remembered when the buffet was once set up in this spot. From this area, you can oversee the diners below and the open kitchen activity.
Seating arrangements are varied, with window watching out the rear offered or more secluded dining in large booths against the stone wall. The outside view includes a gazebo and seasonal outdoor dining areas waiting for spring and summer. The inside walls are covered with abstract paintings - a horse of many colors, a bass player, a woman at the bar with a drink and in another area we saw Marilyn Monroe and Elvis depicted.
Menus are really eye catching, with much to study. 552 just recently opened for lunch from Tuesday through Friday, offering an expanded bar menu. Ruth, Jean and I began with soups. Two were offered, French Onion ($6) and Oyster Chowder ($5), both served in bowls. Jean chose the Oyster and was ecstatic with her selection. One of her favorites, she told me she had hit the 'jackpot' of oyster chowders. Ruth and I raved over our French Onion. It was thicker than what we had expected, with cheese melted over a flat piece of toast. The cheese was not stringy, making it much easier (and less messy) to eat. Full of onions and a rich flavor, it was one of the best ever French Onions I've had. Ruth and I admitted we could have made a meal of just the soups.
Ruth and Jean both had omelets ($6.50). These were not standard omelets which you chose from the menu, you could build your own. They just told our server, Patricia, what they wanted on their omelets and that's what they received. They both chose different ingredients ranging from peppers to tomatoes to ham, a selection of cheeses, mushrooms and onions. A huge pile of French fries and salads accompanied the omelets. After a quick taste, I was as impressed as they were. Jean said it was like nothing she had had before and loved each and every bite of her meal. Ruth left a little salad and a few fries on her plate, but everything else disappeared - the same held true for Jean.
Patricia, a Council Rock grad and college grad, still lives nearby, and told us some of her memories and I told of having three of my daughters work here through high school and college years.
Betty went for the 552 Black Angus Burger ($10). She ordered hers medium rare and was shocked when it arrived - a perfect medium rare! She said, "This is a rare sight - to actually be served as ordered." She kept murmuring "yums" and "mmms" as she enjoyed the classic burger with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, fries and salad mix.
I chose the Risotto Milanese, with creamy saffron rice and with shrimps and scallops ($12.50). Diver scallops with mini shrimp were buried in the rice, but were not skimped on. I took half home. It was another adventure in eating for me with such different tastes - the saffron taking a prominent taste spot.
Executive Chef Michael Kanter is a classically trained chef with over 15 years of restaurant experience. Part of that experience, especially in French cooking, was gained at Le Bec-Fin, Philly's Blue Angel (no longer in existence), and the Dilworthtown Inn in Chester County. Just knowing Kanter is on the premises is exciting for dining enthusiasts.
Soups available during the evening are Lobster and Butternut Squash Soup ($8.50) and Cream of Wild Mushroom ($6.50).
Menu choices from the lunch and bar menus are: Baby Spinach Salad and Cabarales (both $8); Cheese Fondue with Miniature Boule ($11); Scallop Fritters with Corn Pancakes ($9); Toasted Coriander Dusted Calamari ($9.50); and a Crab and Shrimp Roll with avocado salad and sweet and sour sauce ($9.50). The Raw Bar offers a Seafood Sampler, Tower and Grand Tower.
Between courses I asked my friends for Lavender Hall remembrances. We spoke of the tree which once grew in the dining room near where we sat and the pillared frontage with balcony (from which my youngest daughter threw her wedding bouquet), also no longer there.
Ruth recalled the old days when they had no car (living in Philly) and an uncle would pile the family in his car and drive them to Lavender Hall. Betty said she and her husband would come up from Bensalem on anniversaries without the children. On one special occasion he brought her to Lavender Hall to get her out of the house for when they returned and she got out to open the garage door there was a garage full of friends and family to surprise her for a birthday.
Special occasions - they have always really been the downfall of this wonderful eatery. Yes, it's special, but to be successful, diners must include it in regular outings as well. It is now open six days a week, closed Monday, with entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. Happy Hour is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with half price bar menu and drinks.
Contemporary American cuisine are the featured choices both at lunch and dinner. Appetizers include Crab and Avocado Salad ($12), Lobster Pot Pie ($11), Vegetable Dumplings ($8.50); Main Dishes range from $20-$30, and they all sound ddelicious. Offered are: Pan Seared Barramudi, Vanilla truffle beurre blanc and broccoli mousse; Polenta Crusted Diver Scallops, roasted fennel, tomatoes and spinach in saffron garlic broth; and Giannone Free Range Chicken, served stuffed with dried figs, cherries and apricots with roasted shallot mashed potatoes. And there is much, much more available in seafood dishes, beef and veal.
Room for dessert? Created by Pastry chef Jennifer Haigh (whose husband is Christopher Haigh, the Chef de Cuisine, here is a hint of what is offered. Lemon Pudding Cake with a raspberry sauce and lemon glaze ($6.50), a cheese Plate ($13), Warm Chocolate Truffle Cake ($7.50), and my choice for the day...Mocha Pots de Creme, with coffee custard and Irish cream ($7.50).
I did share it with the others, although I felt greedy and could have eaten it all. It came in a glass mug with a shortbread spoon and cream topping. It was smooth, rich, and flavorful.
Go for it - make 552 a frequent stop. relax and enjoy!
552 Restaurant and Bar
- 552 Washington Crossing Road (Route 532), Newtown Township, Bucks County
- Open Tuesday through Sunday. Serving lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner served from 5 p.m.
- ADA Accessible with adjacent parking lot, and additional parking across the street
- Major credit cards accepted
- 215.968.5300
- Web site: 552restaurant.com
