http://www.williams-sonoma.com/ 

04/07/09

TITLE: Review - ANTONS AND THE SWAN HOTEL - LAMBERTVILLE
DESCRIPTION:
Time: 07:21:35

ARTICLE

On the bottom of the county is the Swan Hotel, which shares space with Antons Bar, and this spot drips with romantic overtones that makes it perfect for an anniversary, Valentines Day or simply to show you're still thinking about the one you love.

When you walk through the iron gates of Anton's you find yourself in a courtyard facing the two story glass atrium and before you slide past the threshold you know you're somewhere the average traveler rarely finds. Sliding open the old glass door a warm burst of air hits your cheeks and you're ready to dispense quickly with hats, gloves and scarves. Eyes dart left and right, trying to suck in all that the dark wooded surroundings have to offer.

Immediately in the door you have a decision to make, bottom deck or top deck. The physical bar is located on the top deck of the room but leather couches and chairs sit on the bottom in front of the floor to ceiling glass window. This is a comfortable area if a seat or two is available and a waitress will wander her way down to you with your beverage of choice sooner or later. Another factor in your seating selection might be the open iron cast wood burning stove that is positioned to your right on the top deck. If you should be fortunate to grab an opening here you might stay, debating politics or the latest trends in fashion, for several hours. It is a position that can suck you in and caress your mid spring rainy blues until you look down at your watch in disbelief that so much time passed so quickly. The bar keep at Anton's is well versed in the latest vodkas on the market and if martinis are your pleasure don't be afraid to ask him for recommendations. The wine list is extensive and if you want to sample by the glass the ($5) Columbia Crest Merlot is the best value in reds and the Hess Select ($6.50) Chardonnay won't let you down on the white side. All other spirits are available so sit back for a few moments and absorb the atmosphere, any tensions that has built up shoveling snow is sure to diminish.

If you feel like eating in the bar room you may, it is enticing, but the space is sometimes tight so if you're going to go this route various items off of the grill menu are easy to physically manage. If you're looking for an unusual treat try the mashed potato and onion pizza ($7.50) it is truly an unexpected find. The grill menu also offers various salads and cheese platters ranging from $6 to $10 and hamburgers ($8.50) and steaks ($18)

If you truly want to take advantage of New Jersey born and bred Chef-Owner Chris Connors talents it is best to enjoy a quick cocktail and then venture into the stately downstairs dining room. Connors is an interesting story; he chose to bypass cooking school, opting instead to gain his expertise in different kitchens around the country. He has developed his own methods and isn't afraid to mix it up, which is evident in the ever changing menu.

 From the main dining room you can enjoy an appetizer favorite of grilled shrimp with coconut rice in a spicy peanut sauce, ($13) which Chris has crafted into an absolute zesty delight that will not disappoint. Other appetizers range from oysters ($12), to crab cakes ($12) to risotto ($10).

I was careful to inquire ahead from nearby neighbors what their favorite Swan entrée was so I could focus on one particular item. Over and over I was instructed, "you have to have the rack of lamb" and so armed with this information I selected a medium rare rack ($32) and it was divine, perfectly cooked, tender and mouth melting. I tip my hat in Connors direction for a job very well done. Also available that evening was a locally raised - in Readington - Buffalo Steak ($34) ; Swordfish ($27) ; Pork Chop ($26) ; and Seared Tuna with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes ($28) But as mentioned before the menu is ever changing and always delectable.  

Anton's at the Swan is located at 43 South Main Street, Lambertville A block and a half from the intersection of Rt. 29 and Bridge Street. Reservations are made by phone only - 609-397- 1960. Closed on Mondays, the restaurant is open from 6-9 Tuesday through Thursday, 6-10 Friday and Saturday and 4:30 to 8 on Sunday.  The bar is open approximately one hour before the restaurant opens and an hour after it closes.  

http://www.antons-at-the-swan.com/pictures.htm  for pictures 

Anton's at the Swan offers dinner in the restaurant and bar Tuesday through Sunday, and lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

CURRENT MENUS as of 4/7/09

Bar Menu

Salads & Starters

Mixed Green Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, $8

Classic Caesar Salad with Garlic Croutons, $8

Baby Arugula, Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese, $9

Massachusetts Goat Cheese, Grilled Bread with Sun Dried Tomatoes, $10

Burgers & Pizza

Grilled Sirloin Hamburger, $10

with American Cheese, add $1

with Blue Cheese, Goat Cheese or Cheddar, add $2

Low Carb Hamburger Plate, $14

Sirloin Burger, No Potatoes with 1/2 salad

Mashed Potato & Onion Pizza, $9

Sun Dried Tomato Pizza, $9

Entrees

Grilled N.Y. Strip Steak, Scalloped Potatoes, $21

Grilled Shrimp, Coconut Rice, Peanut Sauce, $15

Pork Chop with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, $16

Desserts

Dessert Selection, $6

Seasonal Dinner Menu

Appetizer

Sautéed Crab Cake, Red Cabbage and Tartar Sauce, $13

Five-spice Baby Back Ribs with Asian Cole Slaw, $11

Angel Hair Pasta, Smoked Salmon and Porcinis, $12

Sweet Corn Risotto with Parmesan Reggiano, $10

Bacon, Onion, and Gruyere Cheese Tart, $10

Grilled Shrimp, Coconut Rice, Spicy Peanut Sauce, $13

Salad

Organic Micro Greens with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, $11

Caesar Salad, Garlic Croutons, Parmesan Reggiano, $9

Salad of Baby Arugula, Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese, $10

Entree

Grilled Jamison Farm Lamb with Curried Lentil Daal, $34

"Flat Iron" Steak with Truffle Mashed Potatoes, $25

Filet of Beef, Fingerling Potatoes and Gorgonzola, $32

Griggstown Farm Chicken, Spinach Risotto, Porcini Cream, $25

Sautéed Red Snapper, Brown Butter, Lemon and Capers, $30

Grilled Swordfish, Creamed Spinach and Red Wine Saunce, $25

Dessert

Dessert Selection, $8