Solstice Restaurant Sets Target Opening Date In Newtown

NEWTOWN, PA — Solstice, a new restaurant coming to the Village at Newtown Shopping Center, has set a target opening date of March 9, spokeswoman Lisa Schwartz tells Patch.

The restaurant will be a 9,245 square-foot indoor and outdoor dining spot located in the new building on Durham Road. Schwartz said the restaurant space itself is constructed, but furnishings and additional details need to be added ahead of the eatery's debut.

Solstice, the first project from Captivate Hospitality Group, will offer "thoughtfully prepared, seasonally curated dishes" in a "dynamic social environment," representatives said.

Solstice will boast a "city-like dining experience" with "modern, whimsical plating," according to Schwartz. The indoor dining room and bar will have 165 seats. A 2,500 -square-foot outdoor patio space will seat 92.

Features will include an open kitchen design, which will put the inner workings of the restaurant on display for guests. For example, during service hours, chefs will make fresh pasta regularly for guests to watch.

On sunny days, the indoor and outdoor dining rooms will merge "to create a dynamic, multi-sensory environment," Schwartz explained. The patio will have elements like a fire feature and an outdoor garden with seasonal herbs and vegetables to be used in the dishes.

The outdoor patio is seasonal, so it won't be open in March for the restaurant's debut. However, a May opening for the patio is anticipated, Schwartz said.

The executive chef is Jason Audette, who most recently served as chef de cuisine Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York. Previous positions include Del Posto in Manhattan, where Audette worked with chef Mark Ladner to earn a Michelin star.

The menu at Solstice will rotate four times a year by season. Once every quarter, Solstice will unveil a special "Peak of Season" menu that will be available for just four to six weeks.

The signature Solstice menu will be made up of a selection of snacks to share, including baked apple Parker house rolls and mason jar deviled eggs. For starters, there will be a variety of appetizers, soups and salads.

Entrees will include items such as hand-rolled ricotta lobster cavatelli, braised wagyu pappardelle, Cape May seared scallops, roasted chicken, Lancaster butternut squash risotto, and more.

The restaurant will offer seasonal, handcrafted cocktails, along with a curated wine list featuring bottles and by-the-glass selections. Large punch bowls will be available to share among a table.

"We are really excited to open," Schwartz said.

Here's a sneak peek of the inside of the restaurant, and some dishes:

The patio:

The dining room:

The bar:

Scallop starter:

Roasted chicken entree: