84 Main Street
Delaware Water Gap, PA
570-426-7226

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Sunday, June 29, 2003

Water Gap Wonder
Weekend Journey

In this patch of the Poconos, the Delaware River has created quite a spectacle.
Stylish new inns and eateries cater to admirers.

By Mike Shoup
FOR THE INQUIRER

DELAWARE WATER GAP, Pa. — First there was the part that feeds the soul: an arduous but exhilarating hike to the 1,527-foot pinnacle of Mount Tammany on a crisp, sunny spring morning, rewarded by sweeping views of the gap and the Delaware River that formed it eons ago. Not for nothing have generations of tourist promoters referred to this as the "Eighth Scenic Wonder of the World."

Then there is the part that feeds the body: a serendipitous stop at a relatively new restaurant in the town of Delaware Water Gap, a place named Antelao, that turned out to be every bit as spectacular in the culinary realm as the gap is in scenic and geologic arena.

... Antelao seemed as much living room as restaurant. We were escorted by the host into what was once the front parlor of a Victorian home, now furnished with six tables capable of seating 24 patrons. One other table was occupied by a woman and two men who were finishing up and raving about the tiramisu dessert.

The menu was not large: six appetizers, two soups, eight entrees. But it sounded so good that we wanted to try everything. Entrees were priced below $18.

My wife chose the special of the night: broiled, fresh Arctic char. I opted for the handkerchief pasta and scallops. This was a BYOB operation, but since we hadn't brought the bottle, we settled for iced tea.

After excellent appetizers, our entrees arrived. The char was simple but elegant, light pink and moist, with a touch of herbs. And the scallops? I can't remember a better preparation. The handkerchief pasta was obviously homemade, and layered with herbs. The scallops were served over the pasta, in a white cream sauce flecked with herbs.

Dessert was the tiramisu, of course, and it was no wonder the earlier diners had raved about it. Neither of us had ever tasted a close rival in this dessert category.

Antelao restaurant is in downtown Delaware Water Gap on Route 611; watch for the sign. Phone 570-426-7226