Saturday, December 3, 2016 Celebrating its 52nd year of tradition, this annual fundraiser for the Women’s Club of Odessa welcomes newcomers and those who return every year to enjoy the beautifully decorated homes and public buildings of the 18th and 19th century periods. This event helps fund college scholarships for local high school seniors. Funds are also directed to many community groups and projects. The self-guided tour offers visitors an opportunity to see these old homes and public buildings fully decorated for the season.
Marie and I were looking for a restaurant where we could celebrate our 47th anniversary. We wanted a place with good food and cocktails and a quiet atmosphere. We decided on the 1861 here in Middletown. We arrived about 6:30 on a Wednesday evening, and found very few diners, but about a half dozen people at the bar. We were very pleasantly greeted by Casey, who seated us and was also our server. The décor is brick and dark wood, reminiscent of an old cellar. Actually, it is on the lower level of the mall, so it is a cellar! We ordered cocktails which arrived promptly and were mixed to our satisfaction.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 pp at the Historic Odessa Foundation Visitors Center (the Bank) in Odessa from Nov.1—Dec. 2. Also, Hatton’s Watch and Repair Center in Middletown will sell advance tickets beginning November 10. Tickets will be sold the day of the event for $25 and $5 for children beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Old Academy on the corner of 4th and Main Street. Tours begin at the private homes and public buildings at 10 a.m.
The menu features Small Plates (basically appetizers according to Casey) Large Plates or entrees, and Sandwiches. Casey told us two of the most popular items are the 1861 Spicy Wings ($10) and the Lamb Burger with feta, caramelized onion and tomato ($16). We did not order either.
The Christmas Shop will be open all day at the Appoquinimink Training Center, 118 South 6th St., Odessa, from 9:30 – 5 p.m. Parking is available via Rt. 13 South. Enjoy beautiful crafts featured throughout. Fresh greens can be purchased at the Old Wilson Barn at 202 Main St., and a demonstration of Colonial Holiday Greens will be held there from 11-12 noon. The Antique Show and Sale will be held at Old St. Paul’s Church, 506 High Street until 5 p.m.
We both started with a Classic Caesar Salad with Asiago and brioche from the Small Plate menu ($8). The salad was a good size, cold, fresh, and most importantly, it was tasty. Tom ordered the Filet with Pommes Puree, bordelaise. It also had grilled Brussels’ sprouts on the attractively arranged plate. It was a large serving, tender and just a little underdone for a medium.
Santa and Mrs.Claus will be at the Ball House, 207 Main St. from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Not to be missed is a visit to Old St. Paul’s Church located on 506 High St. to hear a concert by “The First State Bell Ringers” from 11 a.m.-12 noon. At 1 p.m. hear Christmas music played on the historic Tracker Organ by Jeanne Hatton accompanied by Christmas carols sung by St. Paul’s United Methodist Church choir. Tea and refreshments will be served there from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Marie ordered Crab cakes with a basmati, walnut, romesco garnish. It also had grilled Brussels’ Sprouts. The crab cakes were excellent with very little filling. Dessert was suggested. And of course Tom ordered!! He chose Chocolate Bourbon Cade with Sabayon (Italian white wine custard). Marie ordered a fork and found the cake to be too rich. Tom of course loved it!
The Newark Fife and Drum Corp. will perform throughout the town until 4 p.m. Carolers will be singing in homes and public buildings throughout the day.
We spoke with Megan Babcock, the General Manager about the history of 1861. It is named that because 1861 is the year Middletown was incorporated. Prior to it being 1861, it was Maynard’s Piano Bar and prior to that it was Elements. The restaurant celebrated its fifth year as 1861 on Labor Day this weekend this year.
This year from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. gourmet sandwiches will be served at the WILDWICH Food Truck located in front of St. Paul’s Church, Main Street. Refreshments will also be served by the Knights of Columbus from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. outside the Christmas Craft Shop, Rt.13 South and also at the Odessa Fire Hall from 10 a.m. – 5p.m.
The owner, Jaspal Singh, was a Bar Manager at Fred’s in NYC. He has recently opened a restaurant in Philadelphia, Percy’s BBQ at 900 South Street.
If you miss the activities in Christmas in Odessa on Dec. 3, several events will occur at the Historic Odessa Foundation during December might also be of interest. They include: the Holiday Candlelight Tours, the first of which will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 pm. Reservations are required. Call the HOF at 302-378-4119. The remaining dates for the Holiday Candlelight Tours can be found by visiting the website at info@historicodessa.org. Another event that will appeal to families is an activity for children in conjunction with the Christmas exhibit, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
The restaurant is located on Rte 71 N. Broad Street, in the mall across the street from Elana’s flower shop. We parked in the back and entered through their back door into the bar area. We had to go down 4 steps to the entrance, and the outside light was not on. We could have entered from the front mall entrance, which is about 10 steps up. So beware! 1861 is not handicapped accessible. Although it is pricey, we would suggest it for a special occasion. Or just don’t eat as much as we did!
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1861 is open M-TH 5-10p.m, F & S 5-11p.m. Tom Rigg
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