When I was growing up, my parents were always taking us on weekend drives. Not usually too far, not anywhere fancy – but we were always going somewhere. Often we would pick up bagels and head out to a place like Ridley Creek State Park, or the Brandywine Battlefield.
I look back on those times fondly, and every once in a while I will end up someplace now, as an adult, and think to myself – Hey! I’ve been here before.
That was the case when visiting the Chadds Café and Store last Friday. Of course, the café hasn’t always been there in it’s current iteration, but the Chaddsford Barn Shops have been there for quite some time, and I know I’ve visited in the past with my family.
I am so thrilled that a Facebook friend posted about her stop at the café, inspiring me to reach out to co-owner Bri Brant, to see if I could stop in for a visit. Bri and her father John Anderson recently bought the Barn Shops, and have been working to revitalize this beloved community village. If beautiful hand bags are your thing, you need to take a look at Bri’s craftmanship at Arden + James, also in the shopping village.
Bri was so warm and welcoming in her response to me, I was excited before I got to the cafe!
As relatively new bloggers, we are never quite sure how people will respond to us, but Bri made this experience so lovely. Unfortunately I did not get to meet Bri in person, but Pam Lau the chef behind the delicious culinary creations, and Rachel, the employee whom I met and chatted with during my visit to the café were both wonderful, and so willing to chat.
I do have a soft spot for country stores, quaint shopping villages, fond memories of my childhood, and scones. So this was set up to be the perfect morning. And, I was not disappointed.
I had done a fair amount of social media recon, and knew before I went that I was most definitely going to try a scone – though there are many sweet and savory offerings. The problem I encountered was making the choice of which flavor scone to try. I definitely should have sampled all of them, because the one I chose was the most delicious scone I have ever eaten – but I suppose that is more motivation to return! When I was there the offerings were blueberry lemon, apple cinnamon, ham and caramelized onion, and sundried tomato, spinach and feta. My mouth is watering writing this post.
Previously, the most delicious scone I have ever eaten was the orange scone from Au bon pain.
I am not sure if this is true of all Au bon pains, but the one I frequented discontinued the orange scone, and my heart was broken and my stomach was sad. So, ever since I have been looking for an adequate replacement. I sort of feel like it might be insulting to Pam to compare the two – but in consolation to her, the blueberry lemon scone she created was nothing short of amazing. It has become my new scone obsession, and I’ve only had one so far!
I also had a coffee, which I understand was specially formulated by Brandywine Coffee Roasters for the café. Chadds Blend, it’s called. It was yummy. There were samples of a brownie, which were also delish.
The café also offers strombolis from Romano’s, which I hear are amazing. I plan to go back and try one for myself sometime in the very near future. I may have a scone and a Stromboli if I am feeling really crazy.
While I was enjoying my coffee and scone, and chatting with Pam and Rachel, there was a delivery from Green Lion Breads, and a visit from other regulars – some of them I assumed to be the owners or staff of the other shops. It gave me the warm and fuzzies. A real community space that people congregate too and support.
In fact the working relationship between Bri and Pam was an organic one – two creators who met at WorKS in Kennett Square, a space I will have to check out soon from what Pam has told me. Aside from being a talented chef, Pam makes beautiful pottery, and Bri as I mentioned, makes beautiful bags. Together they are creating a beautiful space.
What I loved most about Chadds Café is it’s story, and it’s people, and it’s patrons. While I was there, there was a couple having coffee, and chatting with Pam and Rachel – pictured here.
They return to the Chaddsford Barn Shops every year during their annual trip to the area. That tells me that there is something special going on in this village. Something that people want more of, that people are seeking out. In a world of cell phone obsessions and social media addiction, people want real conversations and a space to connect with actual real life people. That is what can be found at Chadds Café, and I am going out on a limb here to say that is what John Anderson and his daughter Bri were going for when they bought the barn shops and opened the café.
Throughout the cafe you will find things that say ‘sit and stay awhile’, like a magazine rack, and coloring sheets for the kiddos!
You will find handcrafted and unique gifts throughout the cafe. Support your local artists – like Pam Lau herself, whose ceramics are on display – and choose the perfect something for the perfect someone!
The café is open Wednesday-Sunday 9-3p. They have a warm and welcoming indoor space, and fun outdoor space, with a fire pit and a covered pavilion. Pam told me that on weekends she makes a special funfetti scone for the kids, and kids at heart.
If you are planning a trip out to Longwood Gardens, or any of the Brandywine Valley attractions this season, please put the Chaddsford Barn Shops, especially the Chadds Café + Store on your list of places to check out!
-Kristin
Check out our post on the Darlington Arts Center, only a short drive from Chadds Cafe + Store!
