The Charm of Rat’s Restaurant and Brick Farm Tavern
Mercer County, New Jersey, is a treasure trove of culinary delights, with hidden gem restaurants tucked away in unexpected corners. Today, we’re going to explore two of the most intriguing and delicious hidden gems in the area: Rat’s Restaurant and Brick Farm Tavern. These establishments may not be on every tourist’s radar, but they offer unique dining experiences that are well worth seeking out.
Before we dive into our featured restaurants, let’s consider what makes a restaurant a “hidden gem.” These are often establishments that:
- Offer exceptional food and service
- Have a unique atmosphere or setting
- May be off the beaten path or lesser-known to tourists
- Provide a memorable dining experience
- Often have an interesting history or concept
Rat’s Restaurant: A Whimsical Journey to Impressionist France
Address: 16 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619 Phone: (609) 584-7800
Don’t let the name fool you – Rat’s Restaurant is far from what you might expect. This hidden gem restaurant is a culinary destination that transports diners to the charming world of impressionist France, right in the heart of Mercer County.
Rat’s Restaurant is nestled within Grounds For Sculpture. It is within a 42-acre sculpture park and museum founded by artist and philanthropist Seward Johnson. The restaurant is designed to resemble a village in Claude Monet’s beloved Giverny, complete with a lily pond, stone bridges, and weeping willows. The effect is nothing short of magical, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into an Impressionist painting.
The Intriguing Name
The restaurant’s unusual name comes from the character Ratty in Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind in the Willows,” a favorite book of Seward Johnson. Ratty was known for his love of picnics and fine dining, making it a fitting namesake for this epicurean haven.
The Culinary Experience
Rat’s Restaurant offers a menu that beautifully complements its Impressionist-inspired surroundings. Executive Chef Alex Gheres crafts dishes that blend French country cuisine with contemporary American influences, using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible.
Menu Highlights:
- Moules Frites: A classic French dish of mussels steamed in white wine, shallots, and herbs, served with crispy fries. The broth is so delicious you’ll want to sop up every last drop with the crusty bread provided.
- Canard à l’Orange: This traditional French dish features perfectly roasted duck breast with a zesty orange sauce. It is accompanied by seasonal vegetables and wild rice. The combination of flavors is simply exquisite.
- Crème Brûlée: For dessert, don’t miss their take on this French classic. The delicate vanilla custard is topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust, offering a satisfying crack with each spoonful.
The Atmosphere
Dining at Rat’s is an immersive experience. Whether you’re seated in the cozy interior with its rustic beams and fireplaces, or on the terrace overlooking the water lily pond, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to another time and place. The attentive yet unobtrusive service adds to the overall enchanting ambiance.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem
While Rat’s Restaurant has received accolades from critics, its location within Grounds For Sculpture means it’s often overlooked by those not visiting the park. However, it’s absolutely worth a trip on its own merits. The combination of exceptional food, unique setting, and connection to art makes Rat’s a true hidden gem in Mercer County’s dining scene.
Brick Farm Tavern: Farm-to-Table Dining at Its Finest
Address: 130 Hopewell Rocky Hill Rd, Hopewell, NJ 08525 Phone: (609) 333-9200
Our second hidden gem restaurant takes us to the charming town of Hopewell. Brick Farm Tavern offers a farm-to-table dining experience that’s second to none. Brick Farm Tavern is housed in a beautifully restored 1800s farmhouse, lending a sense of history and place to every meal. The restaurant is part of Double Brook Farm, a 800-acre, sustainably-managed farm that provides much of the produce, meat, and poultry served in the restaurant.
At Brick Farm Tavern, the term “farm-to-table” isn’t just a trendy phrase – it’s a way of life. The restaurant is committed to sourcing ingredients from their own farm and other local producers. This ensures that diners enjoy the freshest, most flavorful dishes possible while supporting sustainable agriculture.
The Culinary Approach
Executive Chef Max Hosey’s menu changes regularly to reflect what’s in season and available from the farm. This approach not only ensures peak flavor and nutrition but also provides diners with an ever-changing array of dishes to explore.
Menu Highlights:
- Double Brook Farm Charcuterie Board: A selection of house-made cured meats from animals raised on the farm, served with artisanal cheeses, pickled vegetables, and crusty bread. It’s a perfect representation of the restaurant’s farm-to-table ethos.
- Pasture-Raised Chicken: This dish elevates the humble chicken to new heights. The bird, raised on Double Brook Farm, is perfectly roasted and served with seasonal vegetables and a flavorful jus. The difference in taste between this and conventional chicken is remarkable.
- Seasonal Vegetable Tasting: A celebration of the farm’s produce, this dish showcases a variety of vegetables prepared in innovative ways. It’s a joy for vegetarians and omnivores alike.
The Beverage Program
Brick Farm Tavern doesn’t just focus on food – their beverage program is equally impressive. They offer a carefully curated wine list, craft cocktails made with local spirits, and a selection of beers that includes brews made with hops grown on the farm.
The Atmosphere
The restaurant’s interior strikes a balance between rustic charm and modern elegance. Original wood beams and fireplaces create a cozy atmosphere, while large windows offer views of the surrounding farmland, connecting diners to the source of their meal.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem
While Brick Farm Tavern has gained recognition among food enthusiasts. It’s location in Hopewell means it’s often overlooked by visitors to the more touristy parts of Mercer County. However, for those willing to venture off the beaten path, it offers a dining experience that’s truly special and deeply connected to the local landscape.
Mercer County’s Hidden Gem Restaurants Await Your Discovery
Rat’s Restaurant and Brick Farm Tavern represent the best of what hidden gem restaurants have to offer. They provide not just meals, but experiences – transporting you to an Impressionist painting or connecting you deeply with the local landscape and agricultural traditions.
These hidden gems showcase the diversity and quality of Mercer County’s dining scene. While they may require a bit more effort to seek out than your average chain restaurant, the reward is a memorable meal that goes beyond mere sustenance to become a true adventure for your palate.
Next time you’re looking for a special dining experience in Mercer County, consider venturing beyond the well-trodden path to discover these hidden gems. Whether you’re drawn to the whimsical charm of Rat’s Restaurant or the farm-fresh flavors of Brick Farm Tavern, you’re sure to have a dining experience that will linger in your memory long after the last bite.
Remember, the joy of hidden gem restaurants lies not just in the destination, but in the journey of discovery. So get out there and explore – your next favorite meal might be hiding just around the corner in beautiful Mercer County.
Be sure to check out our other blog posts for more hidden gem restaurants!