I love watching Restaurant Impossible. And they are coming to Exton PA to right the ship…as in The Ship Inn!!!
So can we all hope this means a beloved local landmark will be getting a second chance courtesy of Chef Robert Irvine? Can we breath a sigh of relief since we all saw that it was for sale? I remember when I saw the Keller Williams Commercial listing. I was sad. The Ship Inn long before I lived in Chester County was a familiar landmark when I was coming out here to see friends. Always a friendly looking and welcoming place on the outside…and inside.
So on April 20 they are welcoming diners for filming. We signed up. Do not know if they will pick us, but sure hope so. For me personally, it will be a signal of life returning to normal post COVID year from hell. And ironically, it was one of the last places we ate out at before COVID-19 hit.
Now a confession: I am one of the people who sent Restaurant Impossible an email about this restaurant. It was before COVID hit. I have no idea whose email got them to nibble, but I am sure I wasn’t the only one. I just always thought someone like Chef Robert Irvine would be good for them. I know it sounds crazy, but every time I have been there, I imagined how the place could look with freshening up and space reconfiguration. Especially with regard to the booths in the “grill room”. I just always found them uncomfortable. But I like the other tables and chairs, so I hope they keep them but maybe refresh the seat coverings.
The Ship Inn is an amazing historic resource along with being a lovely spot to eat. And the kitchen was never bad, but fresh eyes I am sure will help them too. So I am so hopeful that Restaurant Impossible is the shot in the arm that they need!
I signed up and will let you know if we are going! If chosen people have to get a COVID test before going. If fully vaccinated I am unsure how that works.
Fingers crossed!!!!
Historic buildings here and in New England continue to thrill me.
Doing research on The Downings, I discovered Charles Pennypacker’s “History of Downingtown” What’s below is from what could be page 4
An extract of a letter from Robert Parke to his sister, Mary, gives an interesting picture of the difficulties and opinions of the early settlers of this province. It says v “The land taken up was beautifully situated, stretching from one hill to another, here on the Great Road leading from Philadelphia to the West.” The first inn was erected by Abel Parke in August, 1735. It was called “The Ship,” and was for many years noted for the excellent character of its accommodations, and it was one of the most popular taverns along the great road leading to Lancaster. Of this 500 acres that Thomas Parke owned, he gave by will to his son, Abel, 100 acres; to his son, Robert, 124 acres, and to his son. Thomas, 275 acres, reserving thereout a maintenance for himself and his wife during life.
When is it airing? Thank you
I heard some time maybe this summer like July?