Photography by Bill Whaley
With a “heart of town” location, bespoke ambiance that feels “upscale lodge,” and top tier menu with plate presentations to match, it’s small wonder why Tidewater Inn’s Hunters’ Tavern has been a favorite dining destination for Easton locals, and visitors alike, for more than 15 years. The pedigree of the Inn—in which the tavern has resided as the dining centerpiece since extensive renovations in 2009—actually dates back to 1947 when the concept of the Tidewater property was conceived and built by A. Johnson Grymes. Nearly 80 years later, we paid a visit to experience this hallmark restaurant, situated at the corner of Harrison and Dover streets.
First impressions are important, and Hunters’ hit the bullseye, as we (just my wife and I for this visit) were welcomed by the hostess and led to our patio table where we’d enjoy an early dinner fireside on a brisk autumn day. With a sprawling courtyard and outdoor fireplace, guests may enjoy dining al fresco, weather abiding. And when it’s too cold (or searing in summer) to sit outside, the cozy confines indoors are just as charming with touches of brick and beadboard surrounding a modern dining room of wooden tables, black leather-back chairs, and a few high-tops in the adjacent, nautically-themed Skipjack Bar area. There’s also wood paneling overhead and flooring underfoot, plus walls painted in hues of white and gray that complement the entire look. It’s an impressive space.
Photography by Bill Whaley
The kitchen is presently helmed by Executive Chef Hampton Turner, who served for several years as sous chef prior to taking the leading role about twenty months ago. He’s making his mark on the menu with special recipes such as his signature meatloaf, and ensures that time-honored favorites, like the famed snapping turtle soup, remain true to tradition and taste. But it’s the kitchen’s elevated approach to such a wide variety of offerings that’s sure to please parties both large and small. We certainly were.
Our foray into the Hunters’ Tavern dining experience began with several shared starters. The Tavern Brawl was a bivalve brew of steamed mussels, clams, and oysters in a chardonnay broth accented with diced tomatoes, shallots, and garlic. If this wasn’t enough to make one salivate, the dish was punctuated with a massive dollop of crème fraiche. Served with slices of grilled baguette, the delicious concoction offered a balanced briny ’n luscious mouthfeel. Continuing a seafood forward start, we shared a plate of BBQ Scallops—a novel take on bacon-wrapped scallops that incorporated pumpkin spice, apples, Brussels sprouts, and jicama as a slaw atop the two jumbo morsels set within an acorn squash puree. This rich beginning to our meal was buoyed by Chris’ Flatbread with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses anchoring pepperonis to a pillowy-yet-crisp crust base, fresh tomato sauce, and chiffonade-cut basil. Each bite was this pizza-lover’s dream come true.
Photography by Bill Whaley
To wash down this first pass through the menu, we enjoyed fresh iced teas. But if you crave a little more zing—something to warm up your senses and whet your whistle—then the creative signature cocktails will do you well (e.g. “Fall From the Tree” mixes Koval cranberry gin, apple cider liquor, lemon juice, cranberry juice, and champagne). So, too, will the robust selections of wines, single-malt scotch, rye, bourbon, port, and cognac. The drink menu is lengthy and very tempting. From morning rise to evening respite, the tavern’s barkeeps have your comfort in mind.
Dinner entrees show off the kitchen’s talents (which are equally impressive during breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch). Our selections hit high marks. The Duck Ravioli boasted a duck breast confit in a marriage of sauteed butternut squash, chanterelles, caramelized onions, and a couple large ravioli medallions, all bathed with a sage blanc sauce. The dish was pure harmony from fork to mouth. Likewise, the Iberico Pork Chop was a hefty cut of the iconic, premium swine seared, grilled, and plated with maple bacon Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese (interesting!), and laced with a citrus gastrique. Again, a dance of flavors with each bite.
Photography by Bill Whaley
With intriguing options aplenty for dessert, you may want to leave room. We overindulged with the first two courses, but my eyes were drawn to the likes of the Strawberry Pretzel Salad Bomb, Orange Dreamsicle Cheescake, and Kagan’s Baked Alaska (how often do you see a baked Alaska on a menu?). Alas, dessert will be had on our next visit, which may come sooner than later. With an experienced kitchen, fine service, and exquisite cuisine, Hunters’ Tavern has ample reasons to return.
Hunters’ Tavern | 101 E. Dover Street, Easton • 410-822-4034 • tidewaterinn.com/hunters-tavern
