KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Longwood Gardens, renowned for its breathtaking horticultural displays, celebrated the grand opening of its latest dining establishment, the 1906 restaurant, on Friday. Nestled next to The Fountain Room, a prominent events space, the restaurant introduces George Murkowicz as its Executive Chef, bringing a fresh culinary vision to the gardens.
The 1906 restaurant is part of Longwood Reimagined, a $250 million development initiative led by the acclaimed architecture firm WEISS/MANFREDI. This new dining destination maintains Longwood’s legacy of excellence, offering upscale American cuisine crafted with seasonal ingredients. Many of these ingredients are sourced directly from the on-site Ornamental Kitchen Garden, which features over 200 rotating crops, ensuring each dish reflects the freshest produce available.
The menu at 1906 is inspired by local heritage and divided into Flora, Fauna, and Funga. Standout dishes include the Flower Salad with sunflower sprouts and bee pollen, Wellington with porcini and petite greens, and Roasted Green Circle Chicken with a unique preparation that includes a lavender brine and foie gras stuffing. Desserts like the whimsical Apple with caramel mousse and green apple sorbet offer a sweet ending to the dining experience.
A full-service bar now complements the restaurant, offering a selection of cocktails that change with the seasons. The opening menu includes innovative drinks like the Celestial Beet and Harvest Festival, each capturing the essence of autumn with locally sourced ingredients. The wine list is thoughtfully curated to pair seamlessly with each dish, enhancing the dining experience.
The culinary team at Longwood Gardens is led by Director of Culinary Will Brown and Executive Chef George Murkowicz, known for his expertise in farm-to-table dining. The team also includes Stephanie Carney, Executive Chef of the Café and Beer Garden, and Cecelia Gaudioso, Executive Pastry Chef, who together bring a wealth of experience and creativity to Longwood’s culinary offerings.
Sustainability is a core value of Longwood Gardens, reflected in the installation of a Geothermal Ground Source Heat Pump System that efficiently heats and cools the restaurant and adjacent spaces. This system, alongside green roofs and other environmentally friendly practices, underscores Longwood’s commitment to energy conservation and stewardship.
The opening of the 1906 restaurant marks a significant milestone in Longwood Gardens’ ongoing transformation, offering visitors a dining experience that is as lush and varied as the gardens themselves.
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