The Birchrunville Store Cafe

We visited the Birchrunville Cafe this past Saturday evening (5/24) with two other couples.  

Birchrunville is a BYOB place and one of our other diners had secured a reservation for the outside table on the deck.  This is the only table outside (can accommodate up to 8) and it was a bit nerve wrecking leading up to the night of the meal because there is no contingency plan if there is inclement weather.  The weather held during our meal with one ever so slight spritz of a few raindrops and that was it.  So we were lucky on that front!

For my appetizer, I enjoyed the Caesar Salad ($9) which was described as a romaine heart caesar salad wrapped in parma prosciutto and truffle dressing.  The salad was delicious and the meal was off to a nice start.  My dining companion ordered the gnocchi ($11) served in a blue cheese cream sauce which was unbelievable.  The gnocchi were reminiscent of only one place from all of my years of dining out-- that establishment is no longer there, but was in South Philadelphia at 11th and Ellsworth (Felicia's).  The other two couples tried some of the other appetizers and were equally pleased with them.

My main course was the Veal Tenderloin served in a balsamic wine reduction sauce with walnut risotto ($34).  The main course was even more delectable than the appetizers.  The veal was tender and succulent and the risotto was perfectly cooked to accompany the veal.   My dining partner ordered one of the specials which was a duck breast wrapped in pancetta with foie gras and dried cherries ($34).  This was served with some sauteed peppers, broccoli rabe and sweet potatoes.  My companion raved about the dish-- I tasted it, but decided mine was the better of the two by far!

The other couples ordered a variety of  dishes from the menu and were equally pleased with the food.

Since the first two courses were so good, we struggled and took one for the team to both order a dessert.  I had the chocolate molten cake with vanilla gelato ($9).  As many like to say, this wasn't your father's Oldsmobile!  This molten cake was unbelievably moist and delicious.  It would be difficult for me to think of another establishment that makes one any better.  My companion ordered the butterscotch cake with dolce deleche gelato.  This was equally impressive when I sampled it, but as I always say, "you can never go wrong with chocolate!"

This was a very pleasant evening from beginning to end and the food just accentuated the experience.  I have been to many of the fine restaurants in Chester County over the last 20 years and would have to say that Birchrunville was the best!  It is difficult to find anything wrong to comment on-- I would say maybe there could be just a few more menu choices (there were only about 6 to choose from) and that they need to make sure there is a better contingency in place if there is inclement weather.  These are very minor points when dealing with a restaurant of this quality.

Dinner for 2 was $138 after tip and tax.

Overall rating:  5 Brownies