We saved you a bite: Pollinator Dinner (Lebanon Valley Food Critics)

Editor’s Note: Last year, Michael and Nicole Borrell began reviewing Lebanon Valley’s restaurants and eating attractions as the Lebanon Valley Food Critics. Since then, the couple has aimed to offer unbiased reviews of the eating and drinking establishments the Lebanon Valley has to offer. LebTown is pleased to be partnering with LVFC to share these reviews with our readers. Bon appétit!

For this week’s review, we are doing something special. We saw a special dinner being hosted by The Timeless Cafe and Under The Bridge – Hard Cider. Why not give our take on this; we are foodies, of course.

The event was the Pollinator Dinner ($50 per ticket). Dinners such as this don’t happen too often in the Valley. And when they do, we love to attend. This four-course meal highlighted the role bees have in many foods we eat every day. In addition, each course was paired with a finely crafted cider from Under the Bridge Hard Cider, and poured by owner Kevin Smith.

At the beginning of each course, the dish and cider were introduced. Between courses, a local beekeeper from Lititz spoke on the importance of bees to the global food supply and told us about how bees live. It was all very informative.

We could speak of each dish, but then we’d be here all day. We included the menu in the photos. But we will highlight a few items from the night which stood out to us.

The sunflower seed crusted artic char from the second course was a healthy portion and, to this critic, gave a glorious bite with the honey crisp apple slaw. The mild tart flavor gave a delicate contrast to the savory char. The Lemon Crush cider for this course will satisfy and lemon fan.

The third course probably won everyone over with the exquisitely made pork belly. But for me, the creamy beet risotto was the best food of the night. This varied texture side exemplified its main dish pairing. Seasoned well and tender, this was delectable from start to finish.

Our take: This was the first paired meal hosted by this crew. Each course was handcrafted with robust flavors and delicate presentation. The garnishes on the side may have been better incorporated into the dish while leaving some on the side for presentation as well. The ciders accentuated each course with their generous pours. Overall, this was a high-class meal for an incredible value. If you see another meal offered, do yourself a favor and get yourself a ticket.

We give this place .

If you have a restaurant you would like us to visit or review, whether a place you like or are nervous to try, please message us on Facebook or email lvfoodcritics@outlook.com and let us know. We thank everyone for the recommendations and the kind words we have received.