By Cathy Kiley
Photo by Ryan Hulvat

It seems like only yesterday that I first met Mike and Rebecca Pichetto. It was back in 2007 when Vintage was only open a couple of years. At that time, they were together but not yet married and partners in a business that even back then was very successful. Now, in addition to a growing business, they have a growing family and it couldn’t happen to a nicer couple. They are both terrific.

My husband Tom and I began our recent visit to Vintage at the bar. It was a Friday night and as usual, the bar was filled with an eclectic group of lively people. I couldn’t help noticing the great mix of folks, from golfers lingering after a late season round, to neighborhood regulars. There had been a scheduled wine tasting earlier that evening so some revelers were sticking around for more. The bar area has a comfortable Grille Room atmosphere that is very appealing to not only duffers recovering from their very challenging rounds at Morgan Hill Golf Course, but to friends stopping by for lunch as well as those coming in for their first taste of Owner and Head Chef Mike Pichetto’s Vintage cuisine.

Bartender Hillary created Cosmos and Manhattans for us and we chatted with Pichetto who informed us that Chef du Cuisine Nick Coleman is now on board at Vintage. Formerly of Blue and Bravo, Chef Coleman will be at the helm here freeing Mike up to travel between Vintage and his new seafood restaurant in downtown Easton, now slated for an early spring opening. Local foodies are anxiously awaiting this opening but all I will tell you now is that there are very interesting plans for this eatery, situated in a beautifully-restored historical building on Easton’s restaurant row.

We were shown to our table and our attentive server Amy brought excellent breads – which are brought in daily from New York’s Rockland Bakery – to enjoy. The Raisin Walnut was particularly delicious and Tom said it may be one of the finest breads he’s ever eaten.

Rebecca Pichetto is one of only a few certified Sommeliers in the Lehigh Valley and at Vintage, she has created a well-priced, unpretentious wine list. We ordered a 2009 Hogue Cellars Columbia Valley Red Table Wine which we sipped while we decided on our appetizers. I think the Vintage Fries with bacon and chive aioli are outrageous and always order them to share. They personify the epitome of decadence. If you want to splurge on fat grams with the utmost in flavor – this is it folks! They are deliciously sinful. Tom opted for the healthier Duck Confit – deboned and shredded flavorful duck leg served with Chef’s home-made gnocchi, braised red cabbage, Brussels sprouts and a warm pinot noir sauce. Tom said it was a great appetizer and I totally agree. Other small plate selections include Pan Seared Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with bacon and lemon dressed frisee and garlic chive aioli; Jumbo Shrimp and Colossal Crab Cocktail served with gin-infused cocktail sauce; Steam Mussels; mini Kobe Burgers and Calamari Fries.

I had already picked out my meal before we were shown to our table. One of the evening’s specials was Grilled Tuna served on Lobster Risotto. A man at the bar was enjoying this dish and said it was excellent so I had to give it a try. I always order my tuna grilled rare and it was not only very fresh but done to perfection. The accompanying risotto was wonderful, with huge chunks of lobster and a savory blend of flavors. I loved this dish and was very happy to take half of it home with me to enjoy again the following day. Tom feels that Vintage never fails to serve up a great steak so he opted for Vintage’s 5 oz. Filet Mignon rare with a cabernet reduction that was perfect with the steak. Whipped potatoes and French beans accompanied the steak. Tom also ordered a side of sautéed mushrooms which were very delicious but simply too much food. We usually argue over whose meal was better but, I have to say, both meals were terrific as is usually the case at Vintage Restaurant and Bar.

In addition to their Signature Steak menu, other entrees include Sautéed Chicken Breast Marsala served with crimini and oyster mushrooms and homemade pasta; Chicken Under a Brick with country fried potatoes, baby carrots and white wine sage pan sauce; Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions with whipped potatoes, local apple, port braised cabbage, Dijon mustard, apple brandy and flax seed; as well as a Daily Fish Special and Poached Atlantic Cod. Homemade pastas are on the menu as well as interesting soups, salads and sandwiches that would satisfy anyone desiring something a bit lighter.

For dessert, we shared a White and Dark Chocolate Almond Tart served with caramel sauce which Tom exclaimed was “almost as good as the bread!” It was sweet with just a hint of sea salt which rendered this cake delicious. Coffee and espresso completed the meal.

Vintage Restaurant and Bar is an area favorite. We go there often because the food is consistent and the ambience is friendly and tastefully casual with a dress up feel. We cannot think of a nicer spot to enjoy a drink than on the deck of Vintage in warmer months – simply breathtaking. Because of this, Vintage is a popular wedding destination offering sweeping views of the Lehigh Valley in a lovely country club setting.

Vintage runs very smoothly due to a talented General Manager, Brad Wilson who has been there since the beginning. He oversees an obviously well-trained staff of friendly servers and bartenders which is always a plus for me. Mike Pichetto wrote on his website that Vintage offers “a fine dining experience that can be and should be enjoyed by everyone.” The Pichettos strive to offer this to every visitor to Vintage Restaurant and Bar. As far as I can see and according to many of my friends, they have been extremely successful at doing just that. Vintage Restaurant and Bar at The Club at Morgan Hill is located at 100 Club House Drive in Easton. It is easily accessible from Routes 78 and 611. Hours are 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM Tuesday to Saturday; and 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM on Sunday with Sunday Brunch being served 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Please call 610-923-8480 for reservations or visit their website at: vintagerestaurantandbar.com for menu, directions, upcoming special events and other information.