STILL MARSHA'S

 

Anyone who knows me, then knows one of my guilty pleasures is eating out. Insert jokes here...no silly, that is nice, but I meant eating out as in restaurants! I love eating out! When I lived in New Hope, there was an old church that had been vacant at first. Shuttered from a lack of congregation I suspect. That was till a lively woman, named Marsha Brown, from N'awlins bought it in 2002 and opened it as a high end southern and creole restaurant and lounge. The old place dating to 1862 provided some of the most interesting and unique food and vibes for any dinning in the Philadelphia and tri-state region and maybe even well beyond. The place was injected with a makeover from her, with bold colors, fun artwork, done by locals, art deco and Victorian touches, and the famous Redemption mural by Valerie Belikin- the historic mural remains a focal point in the dining room that stands at 30 feet tall and is visible from every single table.  Live Jazz could be heard seven days a week. After the pandemic and on my first trip back since moving I was shocked to see Marsha had sold the place, which the locals did a great job of keeping it going with take out, but none the less, sold it, and passed the baton to selected new owners, all of whom she knew, of the famed property in New Hope, along with her recipe collection. Marsha reluctantly stepped away to go back to New Orleans to take care of ill family members. She is definitely missed from her nightly appearances, but Oldestone's has kept her, and her spirit going in the place and even has many areas dedicated to her and her legacy.  When I did my New Hope post the other day someone had commented on seeing some of the place... It's a fun place with beauty and conversation makers. I'm sure far right would have an issue with this place...but New Hope loves it.

I always loved these....

The Holy Shit was in the comfort room!

My dinner mate Amy on Friday evening.

A Smoked Old Fashioned...a wonderful night cap drink...before the lumbersexual joined.

It's nice to know the place, food and the cock-a-tails are still up to par and not disappointing. Its always been one of my go-to haunts to be seen regularly. I would go in and eat at just the bar many a time. The street also shares legend and pleasure right next door with another town favorite, the Mansion Inn, now also under new owners and being renovated.

It's nice to know that Oldestone's is keeping the menu and Marsha's traditions going. Like the ringing of the church bells and playing Christmas music to the passerby during the season, and between Thanksgiving and Christmas, will continue a beloved Marsha Brown tradition of giving away complimentary bells to each dinner guest as a special souvenir.

Marsha Brown's Southern Creole

The Mistress and Boy-Toy had a gift of a visit to Marsha Browns we received, and it was burning a hole in our pockets. Marsha Browns always makes for a wonderful dinning experience. It's one of our favorite places to dine in New Hope. Marsha Browns specializes in Southern cuisine. After years in the restaurant business, Marsha Brown (yes, there is a Marsha Brown) decided it was time for the divine flavors and bold personality of her Louisiana upbringing to ascend north of the Mason-Dixon line. Her idea was to create a refined Creole Kitchen, bar and lounge that made the authentic taste and charm of New Orleans available– A place that was an extension of her own dining room, where she could share her family’s most cherished recipes. So Marsha opened up in New Hope in an old abandoned church, and we have been happy ever since! One time when we dined there we actually got to sit on the alter, but I must say I did fret a little as I was afraid that lightening would strike the Mistress after not being in a church for so long. I later understand that they did have the structure checked after we were there, you know, just to be sure the building was sound! Upon entering the church is the bar and lounge area where you can have communion. Then you take a lovely staircase to the main dinning area. There are also many private cul-du-sacs too.





Everything we have gotten there has been phenomenal. And the best part is the tasty bread and lettuce wedge.





Always a lovely evening. If any of you ever come to visit, most likely we will end up here. And Ricky the bartender is very personable and very funny. To tour the church, see the menus and a video of Marsha herself you can see it at Marsha Browns site. Tootles!