Traveling Far and Wide to Hopewell for a Great Escape!

Living in New Jersey, particularly in our neck of the woods, you tend to see your fair share of chain restaurants and fast food joints. That’s why I enjoy going off the beaten path and out of the way to bring you small, local, independently-owned restaurants. Sometimes I go quite far out there to find these gems, but they’re almost always worth it. 

That’s the case with this week’s Great Escape, The Brothers Moon Restaurant in Hopewell.  Chef Will Mooney, co-owner and executive chef, shares my passion for local food and sustainable farming, which is just one of the reasons I love to eat at The Brothers Moon. The other reason is that the food is simply amazing.

The menu changes seasonally, and is comprised mostly of locally grown produce and even locally raised meat and poultry.  There are also several special menus available during special days, like Valentine’s Day.  Chef Will is a master at combining foods in ways that are unexpected and delicious. Take, for example, the risotto of local corn shoots, or the orange olive oil cake.

In addition to the fine cuisine, the atmosphere makes The Brothers Moon one of my favorite places. It manages to be sophisticated, yet laid back; whimsical, but down to earth. I’d like the interior designer to come decorate my house, actually.  Also, as the weather is getting warmer, they do have outdoor seating available, which is a lovely way to get some people-watching in while enjoying a fabulous meal.

Now, believe me: I understand that Hopewell is a bit of a trip just for dinner, and that’s why I encourage you to go and spend the afternoon there. Hopewell is full of historic sites, some nifty boutique and antique shopping, and is home to the Hopewell Valley Vineyards.  

In fact, my perfect day in Hopewell starts with picking up some lunch at the Brothers Moon and bringing it for a picnic in Washington Crossing State Park, followed by some shopping. Then it’s off to the vineyard for a bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner, and back to the Brothers Moon!

The Brothers Moon Restaurant is located at 7 West Broad Street in Hopewell, NJ. The phone number is 609-333-1330, and, yes, I suggest you make reservations, particularly on weekends or holidays.  They are open for lunch Thursday through Saturday, brunch on Sundays and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. They are closed on Monday.  They are a BYOB establishment.