When John Hashem was a kid, his dad would frequently take him to work at the family restaurant. John’s job as a youngster was to wipe down tables, yet he has fond memories of his reward: playing games while he waited for the next table to be cleared.
Fast-forward to today. John and his wife, Lisa, have not one but two game rooms for kids of all ages to enjoy at what used to be the summer home of President James Buchanan. Welcome to The Craft House next to the Ingleside Golf Club.
Although The Craft House is family-friendly, it also serves up a vibrant bar scene, plenty of good eats in four unique dining rooms on two floors and, during the season, good times for golfers.
“We see families coming in [who are] excited their kids have a place to play air hockey, pinball and other games for a while before dinner,” John explained. “Couples come in for drinks at the bar. Friends come in to hang out for the live music on Saturday nights. We’re a part of this community and we created The Craft House for everyone.”
Beer lovers will swoon over the 16 beers currently on draft, but hold on to your pint glass: that list will grow by another 12 taps when the Tee Tavern opens with the 2015 golf season. Right now, you also can choose from 70 bottled beers, and that’s poised for dramatic growth as well. Those looking for a special libation may select from a nice wine list or order a mixed drink from the full bar.
“We intend to have the biggest craft-beer selection in the area once the Tee Tavern opens, which will coincide with the Ingleside Golf Club opening for 2015,” John added. “The Tee Tavern will be a friendly place for golfers to have a round after a round, or for anyone who wants to pop in for a drink and some fresh-out-of-the-kitchen bar food.”
John is a seasoned restaurateur, following in his dad’s footsteps. The family opened its first restaurant in 1970, and John opened his first pizza shop in 1994. Since then, he’s owned and operated a funky chicken and ribs joint and an Italian eatery, bar and jazz club.
The Craft House is John and Lisa’s biggest venture to date. The building was closed for some time, so much effort went into creating a comfortable, airy and bright space that manages to honor the home’s historic feel. The second floor was completely restored, and the main floor saw its own transformation thanks to a significant remodel and a fully refinished bar.
The kitchen is under Chef Robert Donovan’s capable direction. He previously delighted guests at Barra Rossa, Duling-Kurtz House & Country Inn, the Ship Inn and the Dilworthtown Inn, among others. He brings his creativity and talents to the upscale casual menu.
“We serve everything from wings to filet,” John said. “Bob has gone with a small-plate/big-plate concept and reinvented a scratch kitchen. We’re proud of that.”
Hungry diners will have choices, depending on the time of day and where they grab a seat. There’s a lunch and dinner menu Tuesday through Sunday in The Craft House proper, plus a late-night menu until 1 a.m. Until golf season starts, The Craft House is open Mondays for dinner with a limited menu that will become the Tee Tavern’s menu. When it opens, the Tee Tavern will boast its own bar menu until 2 a.m. seven days a week. Watch for outdoor seating when the winter melts away.
The Craft House is a friendly, welcoming spot that’s already gaining notoriety for its jumbo lump crab cakes. Very little breading kisses the generous portion of pan-seared Maryland crab atop a basil remoulade and accompanied by roasted red-bliss potatoes. And even though there’s slow-roasted sausage and sage-stuffed chicken breast in natural gravy, filet mignon, linguine with white clam sauce and steamed littlenecks, grilled Portobello mushroom pizza with slow-roasted tomato, caramelized onion and provolone, Applewood smoked bacon burger and sweet chili-glazed grilled Atlantic salmon on the menu, this writer had to sample the savory and tasty gulf shrimp and pickled ginger wontons with Asian veggie slaw and wasabi aioli.
Looking for something else to do at The Craft House? Pop in for live music on Saturdays from April through the end of summer. Over the next few weeks and months, you’ll see a full entertainment line-up including the ever-popular trivia night on Thursdays from 8 to 11 p.m. beginning March 19, monthly beer-pairing dinners starting March 24 and special events such as lunch with the Easter Bunny March 28.
The Craft House opened in mid-January, and its dining and tavern space, menus, libations and good times continue to evolve. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m. for lunch and remains open until the crowd wanes, usually around 1 a.m. Dinner is served until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. After that, dig into the late-night menu. Watch Facebook for expanded hours once the Tee Tavern opens in the spring, as well as updates on entertainment and events.
Find The Craft House at 300 N. Bailey Road in Thorndale, (484) 786-9008, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Beer taps photo credit: The Craft House; remaining photo credits: Nina Malone
