Gettysburg Gourmet: Good Grub at Gateway Gettysburg

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The Gateway Gettysburg complex in Pennsylvania was built in anticipation of legalized gambling. Gambling was not approved for the area, but hotels were built. A cinema complex and two major hotels, including the Wyndham, are owned by Interstate Hotels and Resorts.

Hans Schreiber, director of sales and marketing, took the time to point out a collection of photographs taken by farmer Charles Lott in the 1940s. The black-and-white photos use light creatively to capture pastoral scenes of the area. They highlight the large lobby and rooms. Oil paintings depict leaders and military officers of the Civil War looking youthful and relaxed—far different depictions than so many others seen around Gettysburg of wan, wrinkled, and war-weary veterans.

The 248-room hotel opened in 2006, and was named Hotel of the Year for the Wyndham brand. The 1863 restaurant is off the main lobby, well-lit, with high ceilings, carpeted with a bright rosette and star pattern.

Tables are set with linen, hallmarked utensils, and fresh flowers. Executive sous chef Andrew Ernst works miracles in the kitchen. “I helped open the Wyndham in August 2006. When we opened, the restaurant was to be more upscale but we changed it to be more family-oriented with more salads and specialty items on the menu,” he said. “We also offer fine dining.”

The wine list reflects selections of Pennsylvania wines from the local Adams County Winery. Majestic white, $7.50 by the glass or $37 a bottle. Seducente dry red, $9.50, and $42, respectively. Sparkling wines include Korbel brut, $44 by the bottle, Piper-Heidsieck brut rose “sauvage,” $110. Whites by the bottle include Ecco Domani Pinot Griggio, $34, Mirassou Chardonnay, $34. Redwood Creek, California Merlot, $6 by the glass or $32 for the bottle.

Hot round rolls are served with garlic and cinnamon butter. Starters include shrimp bisque, savory with large bits of shrimp, $4.50, smoked duck salad, $8.50, and a special that Andrew prepared of foie gras with grape reduction. Main courses include pan-seared scallops with asparagus and dry vermouth sauce, $23.95, certified Angus filet, $29.95, and Angus strip, $27.95. Specials, depending on the day of the week, include $13.95 all-you-can-eat fish and chips. Friday and Saturday is prime rib night, $19.95. Every course was prepared to perfection. Andrew is certainly on his way to becoming a world-class chef. The meal was efficiently served by Ali.

The Old Eagle Grill is located nearby. Wednesday through Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. dining is informal with happy-hour specials in the bar or patio. Draft beers are $2, house wines, $4.50, with tasty dishes like Yuengs and Wings, 8 wings and a pitcher of beer, for $7.90.

Starters include fried calamari, $8.90, Pickett’s chicken wings with a secret recipe homemade honey glaze and blue cheese dressing, $8.99. The wings come out glazed to perfection and are crunchy and tender. Backfin crab cakes are served with corn relish and tartar sauce for $9.90. Specialty salads like Cobb with lettuce, avocado, tomato, and mango, $11.90.

Main course meals include fish and chips, $13.90, barbecue baby back ribs, $12.90 to $17.90, depending on rack size. Grilled filet of salmon is $17.90. Prime rib, when available, comes in 12-ounce or 16-ounce portions, $19.90 to 25.90. Sides of potatoes and fresh vegetables are included.

Old Eagle Grill has a kids’ menu they call Junior Recruits. For $4.90 kids can order macaroni and cheese and a 6-ounce slice of prime rib or spaghetti marinara or with meatballs.

The restaurant is modern but in keeping with the ambiance of historic Gettysburg. Wood beams on stone pillars support the ceiling. Banquettes are comfortable with maple wood-trimmed tables, decorative lamps, and bright lighting overall. A huge stone hearth with a large copper awning dominates the main dining room and is used in cold weather. The open dining areas and light provide a welcoming atmosphere, and the food is good. Save room for their desserts. Chocolate sundaes, lava cake, crème brûlée, or cheesecake run $4.90, and, as the menu proclaims, “Give you the perfect reason to linger.”

There is something for every taste and budget in the Gettysburg area. Fine food abounds with culinary arts at their finest. Offerings include amazing selections of local wines and farm produce brought fresh to table. Savor history and then a good meal among Pennsylvania’s rolling hills.

To contact the Wyndham Gettysburg call 717-339-0020 or visit their Web site at wyndhamgettysburg.com.

To contact the Old Eagle Grill call 717-338-9200.

The Web site for Gateway complex is gatewaygettysburg.com.

Dr. John Christopher Fine is the author of 24 books. His articles and photographs appear in major magazines and newspapers in the U.S. and Europe.