PAUL F WESLEY
Isaac Newton's
by Frank Quattrone
From the apple serving as an apostrophe at the end of the restaurant’s name, to the proliferation of apples popping up on tables and gazing down at you from photos on the wall, you just know you’re in for some “Fun Food and Drink,” as Isaac Newton’s promises in its menu’s motto.
The brainchild of history buff and historical reenactor Glenn Blakely (think Washington’s crossing of the Delaware on Christmas day 1776), Isaac Newton’s has been delighting patrons in Newtown and beyond for more than thirty years. According to night-time front-of-the-house manager Kevin Braun, a youthful fourteen-year veteran of this lively eatery, “We offer a twist on classic American food, with a different style. We take pride in our burgers and sandwiches and use good-quality meat from Dutch’s, a respected purveyor in Trenton, New Jersey.”
Kevin notes that he and head chef Chris Shemeley enjoy trying new flavors to enhance traditional offerings. A case in point is the Candied Bacon, Brie, and Poached Pears Flat Bread, with arugula and lemon vinaigrette (plus the candied bacon, of course) to add a little zing to an increasingly popular menu item. Another favorite is the Pickleback Burger, topped with bacon, Pepper Jack cheese, and fried pickle spears, glazed with Jameson Irish Whiskey. Fun, no?
Regular patrons won’t let the restaurant stop serving top-sellers such as Steak Salad, with flat-iron steak accompanied by fries, crumbled bleu cheese, red onions, diced celery, and grape tomato in a lemon vinaigrette; Blaine’s Burger, a veritable onion nest surrounded by bleu cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomato; or the impishly named Yuppy Brie and Turkey Sandwich, with hand-carved turkey tucked between Brie, green apples, and honey on multi-grain bread kissed with honey mustard.
The evening of our visit, Eve and I shared one of the most intriguing starters we’ve seen in some time. The huge plate of Steak & Sprouts, recommended by Kevin and our affable server, Mike Coffey, was terrific, with fried Brussels sprouts tossed in a gorgonzola cheese sauce, topped with flat iron steak, Korean BBQ, and a touch of cherry peppers (which we had on the side) atop Newton’s ubiquitous onion nest. Eve also ordered (and thoroughly enjoyed) the lean Pastrami Reuben, which she’s not seen on many menus these days. Topped with sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing on grilled rye, with excellent fries on the side, it brought back pleasant memories of deli visits gone by.
Isaac Newton’s prides itself for straddling the line between familiar American comfort food and some cutting-edge offerings. So, Eve chose the restaurant’s scrumptious homemade Crab Cakes, with Caesar Salad and fries on the side, while I reveled in the relatively recent addition, Shrimp & Pappardelle. The long, flat, broad pasta now finding its way onto many menus is complemented beautifully by roasted tomatoes and chopped asparagus tossed in a blush sauce and topped with arugula and grilled shrimp. A standout!
We didn’t order dessert (maybe next time), but our eyes popped when we saw the gluten-free Peanut Butter Explosion on the menu: A chocolate candy bottom topped with peanut butter ganache and a mound of chocolate mousse, coated in ganache and finished with chopped peanuts and peanut butter drizzle.
Our server, who also works in the kitchen, fully approved our choices. He should know. Mike studied at Philadelphia’s Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College, worked at Suraya, Fishtown’s acclaimed restaurant, and studied the culinary arts for a time in France. Another measure of Isaac Newton’s transcending its modest motto of “Fun Food and Drink.”
Speaking of drink, guests can enjoy a full slate of imported, domestic, and craft beers and wines and some sizzling cocktails. Count among them Pear Pomegranate Martini, a blend of Absolut Pears Vodka, Pomegranate Liqueur, Triple Sec, lime, cranberry, and club soda; Vanilla French Martini, made with Stoli Vanil Vodka, Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur, with a splash of pineapple; and Mango Tango, a refreshing blend of Three Olives Mango Vodka, cranberry, Malibu Caribbean Rum, and pineapple.
Isaac Newton’s, located adjacent to the parking lot for nearby First National Bank, is a spacious restaurant with plenty of room for private parties on its second floor. The restaurant is also actively involved in community affairs and recently hosted a fundraiser for breast cancer research.
And now that patrons are feeling more comfortable about dining out, the restaurant plans to resume its popular annual Russian River beer event this January. Isaac Newton’s is also pleased to have introduced some fine craft beer to the suburbs, among them Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, and Belhaven Scottish Ale.
Kevin Braun credits the restaurant’s ongoing popularity and commitment to “Fun Food and Drin” to a web of super staffers, including Bar Manager Tim Gannon, day-time front-of the-house manager Madison Striluck, Chef Chris Shemeley, and, of course, owner Glenn Blakely’s active support.
Isaac Newton’s is located adjacent to the First National Bank parking lot, 18 South State Street, Newtown, PA 18940; 215-860-5100; www.isaacnewtons.com. Open Sunday and Monday, 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m., and Tuesday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Kids menu available. Bar open daily, 11:30 a.m.–2 a.m. Available for takeout and private parties. Reservations recommended Sunday to Thursday for parties of seven or more.