10th wedding anniversary in Brandywine

[cncsmom45]

Ok, I've searched "Brandywine" and read through the messages, but I was wondering if any of you out there can rank, suggest and share thoughts on the following:

Simon Pearce
Dilworthtown Inn
Gables
Pace One
Brandywine Prime
Gilmores
High Street
Vala Vineyards
Half Moon

Being we're celebrating our 10th anniversary, we're looking for an upscale/fancy setting. Of course, good food being a priority. Decent price would be nice too! :-)

Thanks!

[JanR]

Of your list, I've only been to Dilworthton Inn, Pace One, Gilmores and Half Moon. Of those, I would choose Gilmore's first for a wedding anniversary -- followed by Dilworthton Inn, Pace One and Half Moon, in that order.

[wcat]

Brandywine Prime was reviewed in the Philadelphia Inquirer today. They called it "hit or miss". The entrees ranged from the $25 to $35 range, which I think is high for around here.

Pace One has become much more casual than it used to be, and the past few times we've been there, the food has been disappointing.

[CindyJ]

Except for VaLa Vineyards, I've dined at all of the places you've mentioned, most within the past year. I don't think VaLa has a full-service restaurant. I know they have a dining room, but I was under the impression it's for private parties. It's an okay place for a visit and wine-tasting, but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there. Pace One -- I'd just skip it. My impression is that it's old and rather boring, with an outdated menu and inflated prices. B'wine Prime, as someone noted, was given a thumbs-down (1 Bell) by Craig LaBan in Sunday's Inquirer. I've been there twice, once during the first week they were open and once again at someone's invitation. We thought the food was fairly good and the service was excellent, but nothing to really rave about, and I must say, given the other choices in the neighborhood, there are several others I'd choose before I'd go back to B'wine Prime. The Half Moon is fine for a casual lunch or dinner, but it's NOT what I'd consider to be a special-occasion restaurant. Same for High Street Caffe -- good food, but I don't consider it to be a "special occasion" spot.

Of those on your list, Dilworthtown Inn and Gilmore's are at the top of my list. Dilworthtown Inn is beautiful and elegant. They've earned an outstanding reputation for their food preparation and presentation, their service, and their extraordinary wine list. Gilmore's is trendier, with superb food and service, but it's a tough table to get on a weekend evening. Gilmore's has the advantage (in my opinion) of being BYO. Both Gilmore's and Dilworthtown Inn are pricey but well worth worth it.

You also might want to consider Sovana Bistro, just outside Kennett Square. Great food with an emphasis on locally produced ingredients, casual atmosphere, BYO.

Happy Anniversary and Bon Apetit!

[bluehensfan]

If you've been married ten years, I would seriously consider driving to Philly to celebrate. The Gables was awful the last time and the Half Moon can get loud and smoky dowstairs. Sovana Bistro has taken a dive since Bryan Sykora left and LaBan had little good to say about Brandywine Prime.