Page 34 - Indulge August 2017

dining out in the valley
1774 GrilleandTap
brings inventive food and
drinks to historical location
By Shannon Sigafoos
Since its opening in February, 1774 Grille and Tap
in Hellertown has become a popular dining space
that caters to the community. Whether patrons are looking
for a relaxed happy hour, a celebratory meal filled with
fine dining, or a breezy summer night alfresco experience,
the restaurant offers an atmosphere and menu that is sure
to make any occasion memorable.
Owners Kim Culver-Adams and Richard Adams took great
care in restoring the historical building, which dates back
to the 1740s and was once owned by William Penn’s sons.
From the Colonial flag that proudly flies on the building’s
stone exterior, to the cozy dining room where screens display
old photographs of the area, the ambiance invites patrons to
sit back and enjoy.
“That’s what it’s all about.”
“I wanted the décor to be comfortable and inviting, with
soft colors and stone on the interior that makes it feel like
home. I wanted comfortable chairs and a casual bar,” says
Kim Culver-Adams. “The outside was a must. People love
outdoor dining and we had the side space to do it, plus the
front, as well. Adding flowers and fresh herbs that we cook
with adds to the comfort.”
In a partnership with the community, 1774 Grille
and Tap also sources other ingredients and products
in its restaurant from local vendors — something the
couple considers to be an important part of running their
business, and a way to both give back to and partner
with the community.
“I wanted to offer upscale dining at an affordable price,
using local vendors that also included local farmers,” says
Culver-Adams. “This also includes Monocacy local coffee
roasters in Bethlehem, the Wayfare Baker in Bethlehem,
Indian Ridge in Telford, and fresh fish picked up at
Barnegat Bay, New Jersey.”
The owners’ favorite dish on the menu is one that
comes from Barnegat. The restaurant’s current menu
features Seared Scallops, which are dayboat scallops
seared and served with sweet corn risotto and sugar snap
peas, with lemon brown butter.
The dish is one of several dinner entree options for
seafood lovers on the current menu (the others are Seared
Tuna and Grilled Salmon). Meat lovers needn’t worry; entrée
options also include Beef Tenderloin, Ribeye Steak, Bone-in
Pork Chop, Australian Lamb Rack and Roast Chicken.
For those who have less of an appetite but still want
to sample 1774’s imaginative menu, small plate options
include everything from Mac & Cheese and Duck Confit
Tacos to Little Neck Clams and Lump Crab Salad. The
restaurant also has a long list of classic cocktails, specialty
cocktails, lagers, ciders, ales and wines.
“We strive to make every dining experience a great one.
We want our place to be a place where friends can gather,
laugh and dine with amazing food and inventive fresh drinks
and feel comfortable and relaxed,” says Culver-Adams.