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By The
Mystery Muncher
Ghosts and satisfying grub at colonial inn What's the story? The General Lafayette is rich in history. It has offered a roadside respite since pre-Revolutionary War times. There are many interesting tales about the colonial-era building, including a few colorful ghost stories. In 1999, Christopher Leonard became the restaurant's brewmaster and, five years later, its proprietor. The scene. Working fireplaces, hand-hewn ceiling beams, genuine muskets, and native American Indian artifacts provide an authentic backdrop. Besides the cozy bar (with live music several nights a week) and several dining rooms, there is a convivial billiards and darts room, a pretty outdoor garden patio, and in the cellar, an impressive array of shiny brewing tanks from which Leonard creates his liquid magic. Behind the main structure, Leonard operates a quaint, five-room guesthouse. What we had. My dining partner began with a satisfying bowl of seafood bisque ($6), brimming with large chunks of fresh shrimp, scallops and clams. I also opted for something oceanic: mussels steamed in beer, tomatoes, lemon confit, shallots and parsley - almost a meal in itself and a value at just $8. Together, we paired our starters with Leonard's Belgian-style trippel ale. Next, we split a tasting round of beers (six three-ounce samples for $5.50) while enjoying our entrees (served on pewter plates) - roasted chicken breast with ginger-scented spring vegetables ($18), and blackened catfish with wild rice and collard greens topped with a chili lime aioli ($17). A shared dessert of house-made white chocolate bread pudding topped with warm caramel sauce ($6) completed a very satisfying meal. Chef's suggestions. "I really like our Lafayette's charcuterie and cheese plate [$12]," says chef Phil Falcone, "because it goes so well with our beer and wine selections." He also recommends the ale-marinated pork chop ($17), as well as his popular crabcakes ($21) over vegetable "spaghetti." Leonard chimes in - "Don't forget my hand-crafted ales, stout and barleywine!" Aficionados haven't. His inn is a sought-out destination for beer-lovers from around the region. Nice touches. Take a tour of the brewery, ask about the inn's "ghosts," or sign up for open-mike night, Wednesdays at 9. After you eat. Chestnut Hill's shopping district is just two miles away. Or, hang out late to enjoy some live entertainment, then stay the night in one of the guest rooms.
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