Just because overlooks the links of in Easton doesn’t mean it caters exclusively to golfers. The parking spaces are large enough to accommodate more than just a golf cart, and you certainly don’t have to be a club member to dine here.
“‘Country club restaurant’ has a stigma to it,” according to owner and executive chef Mike Pichetto. “We worked hard to get away from that.”
Pichetto was living in northern New Jersey and was going on his twelfth year working for Marriott when a few caterer friends already involved in a golf course restaurant were hired to develop the Morgan Hill location. However, they eventually declined to take on the project.
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That's when the Pichettos stepped in, and the Vintage Restaurant & Bar opened its doors in 2005.
Although Vintage has plenty to boast -- scenic views, a large outdoor patio and fireside dining tables -- it's still described as a casual restaurant, but with the flair of a fine-dining experience.
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The stained-wood wainscoting and classic style lend to the overall high profile atmosphere. The outdoor deck can seat around 50 guests and overlooks the golf course and surrounding landscape of the Morgan Hill development, which sits just off Route 78.
Pichetto describes his menu as “classic American, rustic Italian and provincial French.”
The lunch and dinner menus are separate. Lunch is generally geared toward the golf crowd, and includes sandwiches, burgers and salads. Dinner is decidedly more of a fine-dining affair. Popular dishes include Chicken Under A Brick, which is half a chicken seared under a heavy weight (usually, a brick), and the filet mignon is always popular, according to Pichetto, as well as his Pappardelle Bolognese, an Italian dish made up of wide noodles topped with a unique beef and pork sauce.
Vintage prides itself on being a "scratch kitchen," meaning everything is homemade, right down to the desserts. Meats and produce are always fresh and always local whenever possible.
The restaurant recently increased its by-the-glass wine list to 26 selections, and approximately 80 varieties are available by the bottle. Rebecca Pichetto, the owner’s wife, is the Vintage sommelier.
A recent demographic survey of the Vintage Restaurant & Bar revealed the average patron’s drive-time is around 30 minutes, reaching nearly to Clinton, N.J., and as far west as Allentown.
It’s no small wonder; Vintage has won all sorts of awards, from "Best Wine List" to "Favorite Chef." The Sunday brunch, served every week from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., was voted "Best Brunch" by Lehigh Valley Style.
Vintage Restaurant has daily specials for every day its open, which is Tuesday through Sunday. Live music is performed every Wednesday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Happy Hour is Tuesday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The restaurant is also a popular spot for weddings. Almost every Saturday during the 2011 wedding season is booked, and the popular wedding website, The Knot, named Vintage Restaurant its 2010 "Best Pick."
Vintage accepts reservations, and is group- and kid-friendly. Catering for off-premise events is available as well as on-site private dining. In the warmer months, Vintage sets up a climate-controlled outdoor tent on the scenic lawn for weddings and other gatherings.
Vintage Restaurant & Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
For daily specials, Happy Hour drink specials and Sunday brunch details, visit www.theclubatmorganhill.com.
