Brick Farm Tavern is a farm to fork restaurant located on the rural Double Brook Farm in Hopewell, New Jersey, and is a neighbor to the farm that raises the pork, lamb, and fowl featured on the menu. The 800-acre grass pasture surrounding the establishment allows for organic and sustainable practices.
Other products and proteins, procured from local farmers and fishermen, are nourished using the same sustainable ethics and dedication to high-quality products.
Brick Farm Tavern’s property is also the home of the Troon Brewery and Sourland Mountain Spirits distillery. Both the brewery and the distillery have unofficial tasting rooms on the property, and the craft brews and spirits are featured on the extensive and original cocktail menu.
Location: Brick Farm Tavern is located at130 Hopewell Rocky Hill Road, Hopewell, New Jersey.
Menu: The menu is eclectic but upscale American and divided into sharing plates, small plates, and large plates. For example, the sharing dishes include charcuterie items like artisanal cheese boards and country pates while the small plates include Farm House onion soup, lamb carpaccio or a Double Brook Farm Egg with Picante Roja, chorizo, Serrano Ham and Crispy potato.
Large plates showcase the Double Brook Farm proteins like the Berkshire Pork Schnitzel, Lamb meatballs, Harissa roasted Chicken and Farm House Bolognese. A six courses tasting menu for $79.00 is available and (for an added price) paired with wines by the Double Brook Farms sommelier
Thoughts: The restaurant provides valet parking, and you enter the farmhouse through the front door; it felt homey and welcoming. The greeting was warm and efficient as the staff took our coats and guided us to our table. As we passed through the various rooms, I noticed the decor. The tiny rooms, exposed brick walls, and modern farm tables were inviting. Think, old farmhouse with classic modern touches.
The popular restaurant was busy and lively. The service staff (smartly dressed in checked button-down shirts and khaki pants) greeted us warmly and started us with water and an offer to begin our meal with a cocktail. The bartending staff, well trained and knowledgeable created a crafted cocktail list worthy of a look. We enjoyed our expertly poured Old Fashioneds.
We started with seasonal empanadas served on a board with pickled string beans. The empanadas were crisp and filled with a traditional beef filling and savory olives. They were so flavorful that we could have had several more.
Next, we tried larger plates, and although we did not share them, we tasted from each other’s entrees. I enjoyed the Double Brook Farm Pork Schnitzel with cabbage, fried egg, apple mustard, and apple cider jus. The Berkshire pork was crisp- tender and flavorful. The preparation was excellent, and the sides enhanced the entree. When paired all together on my fork they made a perfect bite.
My partner ordered the pasture-raised lamb meatballs with herbed Parisian Gnocchi, broccoli and Parmesan Espuma (the Spanish term for froth or foam). The enhanced flavor from the Espuma and the gamey taste from the lamb meatballs were a terrific combination. The Parisian gnocchi was tender, pillowy and was the perfect starch to soak up the sauce from the meatballs. Both dishes were filling and satisfying.
Lastly, I ordered an apple tart with homemade lemon sorbet, raspberry coulis, and apple gelee. Dessert was large enough to share and provided a deliciously light ending to our meal.
Price Range: Sharing plates are $16. Small plates including soups, salads, and dishes like lamb carpaccio range from $10 -14. Entrees are $16- 32 with the Market Cut Steak priced at $52. Desserts are $10.
- Lambertville House, Lambertville, New Jersey - March 25, 2020
- Roots Ocean Prime, in Princeton, New Jersey - March 12, 2020
- Review: Manon Lambertville, New Jersey - February 26, 2020