Cold Mountain Cafe is a perfect stop to turn a long drive into a nice date!…read more
We definitely recommend this place, it's a solid 4 that comes off like a 5!
We've passed through Bethlehem, NH a few of times as we've traveled between Maine and New Hampshire. A couple weeks ago I noticed a glowing little eatery as we hurried west on Route 2 en route to UMass Amherst.
I didn't catch the name of the restaurant I'd noticed, but our return l timing worked to stop for dinner in Bethlehem, so as we headed back, Cary scoured Google and Yelp ...and based upon the menus and ambiance, we settled on Cold Mountain Cafe. Turns out this was the spot.
Inside was just as welcoming as I'd anticipated. Nothing against small New England towns, ...but IMO you can't EXPECT a well-rounded professional restaurant package when you're in "two-hours-from-anywhere, New Hampshire". And IMHO, sometimes these fresh-movement country places are presented like funky hippy brightly lit hardscaped cafe's with busy chalkboard menus that look like 60's concert posters. Not Cold Mountain Cafe -the music, lighting and decor was perfectly contemporary ...relaxing ...inviting comfortable conversation.
The menu and pricing were well thought out, offering an assortment of cultural fare with asian, french, American, East Indian entrees that ranged from smash-burger, pot pie comfort food, to bistro steak and seared scallops. Unexpected additions like bean cake and Indian lamb stew entrees offered a pleasant, funky twist. Entrees ranged from $19 to $38.
The two drinks we tried were really great! I had the Brooklyn and Cary had the Espresso Lovers Martini. I think Cary put it perfectly when she said that the Brooklyn was like desert! The espresso martini was notable because it was made with rum, instead of vodka and it used fresh espresso, giving it a luscious Tia Maria feel. Both drinks had a wonderful silky smooth mouth feel.
The waitstaff was not uniformed, but in semi-formal server attire with all black garments and waist aprons. The service was friendly, professional and attentive... our waitress brought us some warm crispy tender dinner rolls with garlicky seasoned oil dipping sauce, took our orders at our pace and checked in on us throughout the meal.
The mushroom polenta app was great... smooth, creamy and fresh with balanced earthy woodsy and smoky notes. The pea soup was a bit brighter and fresher than I'm used to (growing up in Boston, my mom made the best pea soup ...a more hearty version with pork meat always made in the days following a smoked shoulder meal), but in the New England small town country, farm-fresh motif, we liked the bright, fresh pea flavors...
Cary was concerned about what she would order because she was put off by the steak entree's smoked Gouda sauce. So she had the lamb stew, which was a compromise. Me? I'd spent the previous couple of days at a hotel hanging around UMass, which means a lot more carbs than I want... smash burgers, burritos, eggs Bennies... oof! So I definitely was feeling like something light... and decided to be crazy and try the bean cake.
Cary's stew was nice. It didn't hit you over the head, but it had balanced signature Indian flavors, and was nicely presented. We're not volume-conscious but both thought it could have had a couple more pieces of lamb.
I enjoyed my bean cake -although I don't really have anything to compare it to. The waitress said it was hearty, so I rolled the dice. I'd probably try it again... it flavorful and satisfying. The chèvre and ginger dressing supplied a good level of moisture and flavor notes to the breaded spiced bean and rice patty. I'd add that the plating on a bed of fresh spinach presented a little bit of a challenge as I had to pierce a few baby fresh spinach leafs at a time, then add the bean cake... but it was manageable...
The menu changes seasonally, so we're looking forward to checking in on our next pan New England journey.