“Love conquers all…chocolate does the rest”. I think that says it all.And here at The Chophouse Restaurant our staff did their best to help our guests “celebrate love” on Valentine’s Day. Chef Dave offered a five course dinner for a set price per person.And what a menu it was! The courses were renamed just for the “love holiday”.
“First Date” was a choice of four appetisors featuring shrimp, crab cakes or beef. Two soup selections, Truffled Shrimp, or Asparagus Bisque, were placed under the heading of “Love Potions”. Delicious! Next, “Field of Dreams” featured two salads made with the delicate greens, and fruits of the season, like apples and pears, crispy Brie crouton, and tossed with a Champagne and Hazelnut vinagrette. The Wedge Salad combined Iceberg with house-cured bacon,beef steak tomato, red onion, and a bleu cheese dressing. It tasted so good, I thought it was summer.
For dinner, “The Perfect Match” offered guests a choice of Surf and Turf or Pistachio Crusted Sea Bass. Chef Dave gave our guests three more choices under “Sweet Heart Specials For Two”, of Chateau Briand, Seafood Lovers, or The Wildside. Just use your imaginations! And finally dessert came to us as “Happy Endings”. The selections included Death By Chocolate Cake… all seven layers, Banana Split Pie, Chambord Cheese Cake, and Chocolate Fantasy for Two, a selection of Hand-Rolled Truffles, Petit Fours, Mousses and Homemade Candies.
All we have to remember is to stay in love…It makes the world go round, you know.

A quiet Monday at Woodfield Manor and the weather has warmed to allow us to take off our coats and enjoy a beautiful day outside. Keith is working outdoors today getting a head start on our spring cleaning. Warmer weather isn’t the only harbinger of spring. The return of the turkey vulture is a sure sign warm weather is here to stay. Due to this year’s warm winter , I have noticed even in February, the graceful gliding flight of these large birds above the grounds at Woodfield Manor. You can’t miss them, with their 6 ft. wingspan, almost floating in the sky. But don’t be alarmed.Turkey vultures are not predators but carrion eating birds. They are non-aggressive, generally do not kill and are not dangerous to people or their pets. They soar above us as a way of locating dead animals in the forests by way of their excellent eyesight and highly developed sense of smell.They are recogized as birds that keep the forests clean of disease. Watching them from below you will notice they rarely flap their wings but glide with their wings in a shallow V shape with an occasional characteristic “wobbly” motion when in flight. You may spot a solitary bird, but generally you will see several turkey vultures making slow circles in the sky supported in flight by warm air currents. To many like myself, their flight is beautiful and inspiring to watch. Up close is a different matter though. Most people would find them “not so pretty”. But don’t worry, it would be rare to come across one on a walk in the woods. They keep to themselves in the skies or roosting high in the trees with other vultures. A group of vultures is called a venue. So, that said, to all my spring guests here at Woodfield, remember to look up and watch for the turkey vultures here. They may not be so pretty but they are a much loved and appreciated part of the natural world in the Pocono forests.

For some days now I find myself blocked about what to write for the first blog post of the new year. When I put pen to paper there is nothing. So, instead, I’ll backtrack to New Year’s Eve and write about our celebration at the Chophouse.
On the eve of a the new year, with a warm welcome “hello”, our guests were escorted to their table by Kate, our hostess, and a special menu selection for New Year’s Eve was presented. For many guests their evening began with glass of wine or cocktail made by bartenders, Ed and Sherry. Soft music and a glowing fireplace set the mood. Next, with a “gracious good evening” and a smile, guests were greeted by one of four servers, Larissa, Chris, Brittney or Angela. These lovely woman would have taken on the task of making their dining experience memorable. The tables were kept neat and water glasses filled by either Jason or Kim. In the kitchen Chef Dave Edukaitis and staff, Major, Jerry, Mike, and Rob served up the best Holiday fare the Chophouse ever experienced.
In the Manor bar at 9:00pm our DJ, Jack Martin, began “puttin on the hits”. The music along with a great display of lighting had dinner and hotel guests up on their feet. So festive was the atmoshere that our previously mentioned bartender Ed, a retired Broadway performer, put on his tap dancing shoes and amazed all in attendance. Ed couldn’t speak for 20 minutes afterward, but he enjoyed dusting off the old “shoes”.
It was great way to start the New Year, a year with all the makings of a record breaker here at Woodfield Manor and Chophouse Restaurant. “Happy New Year” to all.

Well, once again on the eve of a new year, I find myself reflecting on all that has come and gone in 2011. Two weeks ago another solstice sun had risen and winter began with the slow return of light. There is something special about a new year just around the corner. It inspires and renews us like nothing else. All of us get to start a new page in our life’s journal.
We find ourselves busier than ever celebrating this holiday season at The Chophouse with a new menu, fresh ideas, and a happy staff ready to make dining and celebrating a pleasure. Despite the lack of snow, guests, new and old, came to stay the week and be a part of all the Poconos have to offer. Just like an old friend, we welcome 2012 with arms wide open to embrace all the good things to come!

Just a few days ago I awoke to a golden morning, promising blue skies. It was glorious! But I think that might have been autumn’s last warm day. Today I can feel winter just at our doorstep waiting to settle in. Of course, there are other signs of change. The sparrows and chicadees have been flitting about gathering the last seeds from dead flowerheads from my garden and our healthy population of squirrels look a bit manic as they collect nuts and frantically bury them in the grass everywhere.
I think November will be a whirlwind month for all of us. Besides holiday parties and other events planned for the future, we have a “Meet the Chef” event at the end of the month we as a staff are looking forward to. It’s always good to have something to celebrate!

We are very excited and pleased to welcome our new chef, Dave Edukaitis to head our team at the Chophouse Restaurant. Dave comes to us from the position of Executive Chef at BB Kings’ Blues and Grill Club. Dave’s menu will reflect a “farm to table” cuisine with a French influence. “Farm to table” cuisine also implies fresher ingredients and cooking what is in season.
Dave is a member of the American Culinary Federation, having won numerous accolades in culinary competions, most recently being named “Chef of the Year” by NEPA Pro-Chef Association. Dave studied atThe Culinary Institute, International School of Confectionary Arts, and the French Culinary Institute including Molecular Gastronomy. We are looking forward to the coming weeks as Chef Dave introduces his new menu. Lucky us!

The winding down to the last warm summer days are now behind us. September brought the first cool days of autumn early this year and the experts say our leaf color may not be as dramatic as other years due to this summer’s generous rainfall. Thank you Irene and Katia! We could say the months of June, July and August here in Swiftwater sometimes felt tropical but our guests headed to the pool for relaxation and relief from the heat. The outdoor fireplace had it’s share of attention too. From early in the day to late in the evening, there was always someone enjoying this lovely spot tucked in at the edge of the woods. Early morning risers could sit with their first cup of coffee and the chatty birds. Afternoons were busy with families having lunch at the picnic area after a late morning swim. And at night several cottages would gather together to let the sounds of the crickets and a crackling fire add to their quiet conversations. Keith and I even managed to sneak in a few hours by the campfire to relax under the stars. Despite the extreme weather, sometimes endless rain, damaging winds, downed trees and lost electricity, I think our guests found ways to make the best of what nature sends us.
So,”remember to be grateful for the little things; they are the hinges of the universe.”

The Chophouse at Woodfield Manor was once again identified as an award winning restaurant during Pocono Restaurant Week 2011. Votes were collected earlier in May. The Chophouse at Woodfield Manor won in two catagories including: Best Atmosphere and Best Steak in the Poconos.
The restaurant is a repeat winner and has won high praise and acclaim among food connoisseurs since it’s opening in 2008. In the first year of operation, the Chophouse won for Best Chop and Best Server. The top honors for Best Prime Rib and Best Steak went to the Chophouse in 2009. The gorgeous and classic interior is unbeatable for the Best Atmosphere catagory for three years running and their flavorful steak is a two time winner. “Customer reaction to the restaurant has been overwhelming,” said Restaurateur Tina Dowd. “Everyone raves about the unique menu, friendly service and beautiful setting. I’m proud of the Chophouse staff who successfully implement on the plan to be the best dining experience in the Poconos.” In addition to their award winning steak, the distinct menu at the Chophouse also offers unique choices including wild boar, elk, and ostrich. Impeccable service, and a cozy atmosphere make the Chophouse a perfect choice for dinner, small business meetings, or a sure fire way to impress a first date.
“I understand that people LOVE steak and we’re very happy to comply and give them a mouth watering flavorful choice but our Chef, Bradley Kreider, showcases his talents on many of the other dishes. My personal favorite is the Ostrich Boursin. Chef Kreider’s sweet potato gnocchi is my kid’s most requested dish.” The Chophouse at Woodfield Manor hours of operation are as follows: Monday-Saturday from 4pm-10pm and on Sunday from 4pm-8pm.

By April and May Keith and I are well into preparing for the summer season. Cleaning the grounds of winter debris, mulching the beds, opening the pool and spring cleaning the hotel fills the weeks leading to Memorial Day, the official start of summer. We were almost there, then Mother Nature changed our plans.
On Thursday evening, May 26th, severe thunderstorms moved through the Poconos and left a large area of destruction. Winds in excess of 60 miles/hour swept over the grounds of Woodfield Manor and in a matter of minutes 7 trees were down due to the storm. Four 70-100 ft. pine trees were snapped in half and three large deciduous trees were uprooted. Branches and leaves littered the roads leading to the cottages.In a cul-de-sac area near cottages 17-20, 40 feet of a pine tree came to land on the road shared by these cottages. Very close! Within the hour we lost electricity.There was nothing to do but wait. Fourteen hours later, a little past noon on Friday, our service was restored. Thank you PP&L. We’d also like to give a nod to our guests who were very patient with a situation out of our hands. But I also want to send a BIG Thank You to George for coming to our rescue with two strong arms and his chain saw. We couldn’t have done it without you. All in all it turned out ot be a great Memorial Day weekend!

Traveling the back roads, not far from Woodfield Manor, is what Keith and I encourage our guests to do. With rolling hills, deep forests, mountain views and abundance of wildlife, it makes for a great afternoon road trip. One road to follow is one that takes you through the villages of Barrett Township. Less than 10 minutes away, you’ll begin your journey as you travel onto Rt.390/191 from Rt. 940. From here you’ll pass a variety of places to stop as you move on an uncongested rural road.
Begin with a stop at Momma Carol’s Cafe in the big red barn, for breakfast or lunch. Soups, signature sandwiches, and homemade baked goods await. Across the road sits Callie’s Pretzel Factory. Pick up a bag or two of snacks to take along. Continue on and you’ll pass The Stonehedge Gallery and Mountainhome Antiques.You may find yourself lost, lingering over their beautiful gifts and jewelry.
As you continue into Moutainhome, the road splits at a Y, with Rt. 191 to the left and Rt. 390 going straight. Rt 191 is a great ride as it takes you through the woods and into La Anna, a quaint village, and Holly Ross Pottery with it’s colorful selection of Fiestaware pottery. There are also other gift items as well. Continue on and you’ll come across Blueberry Hill Furnature and nearby town of Newfoundland. The Hotel is a great eatery.
If you decide on Rt 390 instead, at the Y continue straight onto Canadensis and visit The SkyTop Lodge. The entrance road to Skytop is on the left. Once you travel over the small bridge, the view of the Hotel is stunning. Go inside and have a look at a great old style grand hotel. At the front desk ask for a map of the grounds and explore some of their 5,oo acres or just take a walk around the lake.
Now this was just a short version of a great day on the road. Maps for this drive are available at Woodfield Manor. It’s all up to you! And remember, watch along the road for deer, turkey and the occasional black bear. You just might get lucky!