Ashley's Signature Restaurant — Restaurant in Easton

First I have to stress the server was very pleasant and it wasn’t entirely her fault for the experience we had. We had reservations for 4 (3 adults 1 toddler) @530pm on a Friday evening. We sat down about 525pm. After placing our orders about 20min in of us sitting, We waited another Hour and a Half (1.5hrs) for one appetizer and our 4 entrees. The owner came over to apologize for the delay about 45min of us waiting, explaining they had a health inspection halt all services. I know this to be a false statement as health inspectors insist you continue service as usual so they can INSPECT you and the goods being served. I know this to be true as I myself am a chef and have been in the food industry for over 20years. I know the usual practices and procedures of unannounced health/food safety inspections. If the line was shut down it was because of a major public health issue that was probably resolved with completely removing said product(s) and starting anew. Well my hypothesis was confirmed when the serve did confide in me the cooler was at a higher temperature then it should have been so the cooks had to Throw away and start service anew. I wasn’t completely disgusted bc like I said I’ve been in this business many years and everything that could go wrong usually does during a State Inspection. BUT during this horribly long time of waiting, and don’t get me wrong we were chatting away with an old friend so the time wasn’t standing still, per se. BUT we were only offered ONE small plate of cheese n crackers AND ONLY after saying we (especially my 5 year old child) were starving. There were 3 other tables in the front dinning room that had already finished eating or were in the process of being served during our wait time. So I really didn’t understand the massive hold up until the sever told me about the line products being ditched. At the one hour mark my toddler was so starved we were about ready to just leave when the server said she will bring us more crackers n cheese (it never came). Our food arrive almost exactly at 645pm and in my “risotto” was long grain rice cooked with milk, my daughters salmon (that was served way LAST btw) was fishy so she couldn’t eat it, my fathers crab fried rice didn’t have any crab in it 😒, and my friend was too starved and embarrassed for suggesting this place she didn’t say a word about her lamb. I paid for our dinner (ZERO COMPs offered), only to then be asked aftet payment if we all wanted desserts. “Ok, Sure” we all said. How nice of them, we thought bc SHE really was a very nice server…. But nope! Got a separate check for that too. So 2hours and $200 later, it’s Safe to say that we will never go back...

After a day of hiking in spectacular Fall weather, my wife and I decided to stop in Easton for dinner on our way home to NYC. The last time we were there was when the Crayola Experience opened about over 20 years ago. Had we known so many restaurants were closed on Monday night, I doubt we would've stopped in town. Ashley's was really the only place that seemed open so we took a chance...and we're glad we did. We were warned as soon as we walked in the door that they were overwhelmed and understaffed but were welcome to stay for dinner if we didn't mind the wait. We get it...and deal with it at our own place, so patience was an easy thing to offer. Tia was as attentive as she could be and did everything she could to make our visit enjoyable. Little did we know that not only were we in for a good meal, but also a show! Some regulars were sitting across from us and had been drinking just a leetle bit before politics crept into their conversation. Of course, politics and alcohol don't really go well together so you can close your eyes and let your imagination run wild...and at times, their conversations did! It was quite entertaining and took our minds off the wait times and the cold night air that had begun to creep in...but back to the food. The fall salad was so delicious I had to ask where the slight bit of heat was coming from in the Spiced Maple Dressing. The "Roags" (potato perogies) were fine but frankly bland. The caramelized onions weren't that sweet and both the perogies and the onions needed salt. My wife's Rikki Tikki Tappi pasta was tasty, but the pumpkin wasn't really evident in the cream sauce and in my humble opinion, I think the tomato confit and caramelized onions were lost by being tossed into the pasta (perhaps garnish these ingredients on top?)...and my wife wished Parmesan had been offered. My Adam (short rib) was very tender, served on a bed of mashed potatoes and roasted baby carrots. Tia promised it would be filling and it was! My only two constructive criticisms would be that there could've been more sauce, and it needed salt and a few twists of a peppermill...but it was very good and just what I wanted after a long day hiking. We ended the meal with warm bread pudding served with cinnamon ice cream which was a pretty good ending to a pretty good meal. 3 stars for the food and a fourth star for the service and the owners hospitality. We'll be sure to let our friends and family know about you and If we ever find ourselves back out in Easton, we'll be sure to...

This place!

The location:

As we made last minute reservations based solely on good reviews and food pictures we were a little thrown off to find it right off the street in easton, a house. We all looked at each other like, alright. Here we go! Don't run away, run to! Fantastic place. Atmosphere was cozy/intimate. And waitstaff was knowledgeable, kind and patient. Young girl who has worked there for a year and really knows her stuff. The have trivia nights and Mac and cheese nights etc. Sounds like plenty of opportunities to go back to me!

Dinner:

I had the best scallops of my life here this weekend. The Venus did not disappoint. The Venus is an espresso rubbed scallop dish with a cherry chutney and walnuts and I was absolutely blown away by the layers of flavor that danced so beautifully together. Scallops were cooked to perfection!

My son had the burger that was cooked perfectly and he had no complaints.

Prime rib was flavorful and the plate was left pretty clean when it was finished with it.

Mac and cheese, made in house was wonderfully creamy. Wanted there to be more of it.

The Chop was a big portion and stuffed with goat cheese and mushrooms that my husband who detests mushrooms devoured. The description didn't list mushrooms so he was a bit shocked when he realized, but loved it nonetheless.

The sides overall, mashed potatoes and greenbeans weren't exceptional, they were pretty average but the main courses more than made up for it.

Dessert: A nice selection of choices, cheesecake was a big hit around the table, and the chocolate cake that my daughter got looked rich and delish.

I ordered creme brulee which was not listed on the menu. It was good. While the sugar was burnt, I didn't mind it after the amazing dinner I had.

Drinks:

Plenty to choose from and some really great drinks that change with the menu every couple of months. (The owner was present and let us know)

I had the strawberry field drink and it was good pretty standard. The second drink was a chocolate cranberry concoction that was a rich blend of chocolate and a sweet pop of cranberry that when combined was reminiscent of a chocolate covered cherry.

We will be...