The Gables at Chadds Ford sits directly on the West side of Route 1 in Pennsylvania.  It was a great place to go out for an impromptu “date night” on a Friday.  Despite the restaurant’s proximity to the highway, there isn’t  excessive noise indoors.  Because the March weather was on the chilly side, we opted not to sit outdoors, which is probably a popular option in fair weather.

Instead, we sat at the bar, which was very inviting, and decided to have our dinner there.  It is nicely finished, with a touch of rustic Brandywine Valley mixed with business casual.

The menu was pretty extensive, with a bunch of great sounding starters, salads, and a raw bar.  Entrees ranged from handhelds and burgers to flatbreads and pastas, with full course chef specialties for those looking to get their fill.

After our adult beverages arrived, we decided to start with mushroom soup and deviled eggs.  The soup was outstanding.  Kennett Square, just a few miles south on Route 1 produces more than 1/2 of the mushrooms in the US, and you could taste the freshness!  Farm-to-table, without a doubt.  The eggs were delicious and creative, with 3 different toppings.  My favorite was the prosciutto crisp.  Nom!

We sampled the fried green tomatoes, which were very good, but lacked the freshness of the mushroom soup.  Burrata, served with the tomatoes, always kicks butt.

I inhaled the beet salad with goat cheese, but on the way down I was able to slow down on occasion to savor it.  I’m a sucker for that dish, and I order it often, but this is one of the best I’ve ever had on Route 1.  Not over-dressed, and really fresh.

The biggest disappointment with the meal was the steak frites.  The fries were tasty, crispy and perfectly done, but the meat wasn’t especially savory.  To their credit, they brought it our medium rare, just as we had ordered.  Because it was the most expensive item of our date night & I was expecting a little more.

All in all,  The Gables got two solid thumbs up.  We hope to return another time in warmer weather to enjoy their outdoor seating.  I encourage you to give it a try the next time you’re in the Brandywine Valley!