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.
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.
