Category Archives: Restaurants

Winter Fun and Delights in the Pocono Mountains Delaware Water Gap Area: A Culinary and Adventure Journey – 2024

Small Bites Radio has been named Top Hospitality Shows on the Planet from 2020 – 2023, #Bluejeanfood.com named Top Philadelphia Lifestyle Blogs, Websites & Influencers from 2021-2023, Best Philly Food Blogs and Websites 2023, nominated by Metro Philly Newspaper 2022 Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment, and winner of Metro Philly Newspaper 2023 Best of Philadelphia Arts & Entertainment.

As the winter season draws to a close, the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania stand as a haven for winter sports enthusiasts and culinary explorers alike. Nestled in the picturesque Delaware Water Gap area, the Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort beckons with its rich history and modern comforts.

The Shawnee Inn, dating back to 1911, has recently undergone a revitalization, offering guests a fresh new look while maintaining its old-world charm. Boasting eighty guest rooms in various configurations, the Main Inn promises the comforts of home amidst a backdrop of history.

River Room Restaurant at Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort – Shawnee on Delaware, PA

Convenience is key at the Shawnee Inn, where guests can indulge in a range of amenities just steps away from their accommodations. From the River Room Restaurant, offering buffet breakfasts with panoramic views of fresh snow and outdoor activities like dog sledding, to the Buckwood Café for snacks and coffee, every craving is catered to. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy the onsite Fitness Center, while business travelers can make use of the Business Center. For leisurely entertainment, the Arcade awaits, along with the indulgent Spa & Salon for relaxation. Golf enthusiasts can explore the Golf Shop, while those with business needs can utilize the Meeting Rooms. Just a heads up though, the indoor pool is currently closed until further notice, so it’s a slight inconvenience to visit another resort if you want to swim.

ShawneeCraft Brewing Company – Shawnee on Delaware, PA

The allure of the ShawneeCraft Brewing Company adds a unique flavor to the experience just steps away, offering handcrafted beers and hard seltzers paired with farm-to-table Neapolitan pizzas. The brewery sources its ingredients locally, fostering a connection with nearby farms and vendors. Savoring a Bourbon Barrel Porter that slowly takes its final form after months of aging in freshly emptied bourbon barrels from Boone County Distilling alongside a Bavarian jumbo pretzel with housemade pub cheese sauce, or relishing a Hot & Bothered red pie with spicy pepperoni and hot honey, promises a culinary adventure to remember. They are sourcing from local farms and vendors for their farm-to-table menu, including Apple Ridge Farms, Cherry Grave Farms, Pocono Apiaries, Shawnee Farm, Primordia Mushrooms, and Nello’s Specialty Meats, with more to come.

The Gem and Keystone Tavern – Shawnee on Delaware, PA

For a more casual dining experience, The Gem and Keystone Tavern, just a short walk from the Main Inn, offers pub fare in a relaxed atmosphere. From French Onion Soup, Steamed Clams, to Fried Catfish, and dessert of apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream, the menu delights with its variety and flavor and service was friendly.

Shawnee Mountain Ski Area Cafeteria – East Stroudsburg, PA

Of course, no visit to the Pocono Mountains is complete without indulging in winter sports, and Shawnee Mountain Ski Area, a mere 10-minute drive away, delivers the thrills of skiing against a backdrop of natural beauty. From skiing down glistening slopes to enjoying a quick snack of grilled hot dogs in the cafeteria, Shawnee Mountain offers fun for the whole family. At #MyShawnee there’s a unique blend of traditional charm and modern excitement awaiting you.

Bluefoot Cuisine – East Stroudsburg, PA

Venturing beyond the resort reveals hidden culinary gems like Bluefoot Cuisine, where authentic Ecuadorian flavors transport diners to distant shores. From mouthwatering beef empanadas to the out-of-this-world Caldo De Queso Con Papas soup, seco de pollo, and ropa vieja, each dish is a testament to the chef’s skill and passion. The owners couldn’t be nicer and they are a husband and wife duo. The husband is the chef and hails from the Galapagos Islands. Had a great time sharing stories of food and places we’ve visited in Ecuador. It’s such a beautiful country and the food is delicious. They have brought that delicious food here. Highly recommend a visit here.

Llama Ice Cream – East Stroudsburg, PA

Save room for dessert at Llama Ice Cream, where exotic flavors like lucuma and soursop await. Crafted with real fruits and premium ingredients, each scoop is a journey of taste sensations. They strive to provide the highest quality ice cream using real exotic fruits and premium ingredients. It is their mission to innovate and bring a unique and delicious palate experience every time you taste Llama Ice Cream. Let me tell you, you HAVE to visit her. The ice cream is GREAT! I really enjoyed the banana cream and vanilla combination. It was so creamy and tasty.

Sango Kura Sake Brewery – Delaware Water Gap, PA

A short ride away, Sango Kura Sake Brewery offers a taste of Japan with handcrafted noodle dishes, appetizers, and, of course, craft sake. Sango Kura Sake Brewery which is Pennsylvania’s first and only sake brewery, offering handcrafted noodle dishes, appetizers, rice dishes, and their craft sake. They also offer their own in-house brewed craft beer. The food menu consists of classic izakaya pub dishes from Japan. This means savory, carby, simple, but full of umami. I really liked their Bourbon Barrel Sake, the Karaage Chicken was amazing and so good, and Shoyu Ramen was delicious. They have some arcades and games to play while you wait for your food so lots of fun here for the whole family.

Village Farmer and Bakery – Delaware Water Gap, PA

Nearby, Village Farmer and Bakery charm with their selection of baked goods and take-out hot foods, providing a taste of homegrown hospitality. Village Farmer and Bakery, a family- owned and operated bakery right in the heart of Delaware Water Gap, PA. Over 30 years ago they opened as a farm market and have added the bakery and food items as the years went on. Everything food related under the sun it seems like you can get here, and dessert options galore. Went with their cheeseburger that hit the spot, fries that were perfectly cooked and salted, and a slice of apple pie that was hands down one of the better ones I have had in quite some time. 

In conclusion, the Pocono Mountains offer a blend of adventure, history, and culinary delights waiting to be explored. Whether skiing down snow-covered slopes or savoring farm-to-table cuisine, this region promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking winter thrills and gastronomic adventures alike.

Again, in 2023, Small Bites with Donato Marino and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com was blown away by winning the Best of the Best in the Philadelphia Region Arts & Entertainment category out of 80,000 votes tallied in total through Metro Philly’s Best of Philadelphia for 2023. Truly appreciate everyone who voted for us.

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