The Waterford Hotel
Traveling south of Erie, wishing to dine somewhere different, even historical, rather than supping at an establishment promoting itself with garish signs or neon, Le Gourmand decided to grace The Waterford Hotel, a landmark structure built within the 1840’s. In Waterford.
Visiting the site for a late brunch, the place contained an upscale bar and two well-attended dining rooms on its first floor. Curious enough to read about the hotel’s history that was posted on a wall, but too hungry to focus upon it when the menu arrived, my companion and I eschewed the usual burger/sandwiches to dine on something a little more eclectic: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo and the Black Bean Burger.
Grandma’s Secret Soup was our spiced-just-right appetizer. A thick golden-brown creation containing corn kernels, potatoes, black beans with tiny pieces of ham or bacon, it offered up just the right amount of saltiness to the clandestine concoction.
With its plentiful cubed chunks of chicken, fresh, crisp broccoli florets and pasta served in a bowl topped with the warm Alfredo Sauce”and a soft hot, bread stick to boot!”the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo (above) served up much to appreciate. However, the house made Alfredo Sauce was somewhat bland. How bland? Le Gourmand found himself adding salt and pepper twice to perk up the taste of the otherwise delectable pasta dish.
Consisting of roasted red peppers, melted asiago cheese, lettuce with a topping of chipotle mayo, the Black Bean Burger (above) promised to offer up a delectable, inventive sandwich–but alas!–it was not to be!
For while the toppings did their part to spark Le Gourmand’s salivary scrutiny, the sandwich’s main event, the vegetarian burger, disappointed. The patty itself crumbled out of the bun a few times as one tried to eat it. When one tasted the burger separate of any other ingredients, Le Gourmand discovered a distinct lack of flavor. Sadly, when a carnivore such as Le Gourmand tries something vegetarian he always hopes to be impressed, not distressed.
While the Coconut Creme Cheesecake sounded to be the perfect rebound for the entrees, we chose to cross our fingers and find a dessert oasis on our culinary odyssey southward.
Traveling not much further on Route 19, we drove past Kandy’s Adult Playground, a place we were informed offered up, ahem, a sweet cuisine of a different kind!
Wherever you dine, Le Gourmand wishes you Bon Appetit!
The Waterford Hotel is located 213 High St, Waterford, PA 16441. For more information visit www.wtfdhotel.chm or call (814) 796-4053.
