Fireside dining on Valentine’s Day and beyond

The sky threatened rain, but inside the General Warren, a lively fire welcomed guests. Proprietor Patrick Byrne added another log and mentioned the carved mantlepiece - one of more than a dozen fireplaces throughout the Malvern inn.

“The 274-year-old fireplaces at the General Warren are what makes us sizzle,” he said, standing near a table of entrées from the new menu and champagne-filled flutes with heart-shaped strawberries. “When it comes to a romantic holiday, the classic Gen- eral Warren is as good as it gets fireside.”

Table for two? Yes, please! Tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day.

“When you’re dining on Valentine’s Day, the warmth of the fire helps you connect better,” explained executive chef Fred Duerr of Rising Sun Inn, a Telford landmark since 1739. “That’s what I want them to remember - that they love each other, and they loved the food.”

“People are always enchanted by fire,” agreed chef Martin Gagné of La Maison in Coventryville. “And when you’re anticipating something coming out of that fire that you can eat, it’s even more enchanting.”

At his 1717 home and French country restaurant, hearths provide more than heat and ambience.

“Some of the things we serve right out of the fireplace,” he said. “When we’re cooking meat in the fireplace, it’s a lot easier to clean the kitchen.”

With just 22 seats, La Maison’s “very personal and very intimate, very warm and comfortable and inviting.”

Another place with fire power: Vickers Restaurant. Named for potter John Vickers, the restored 1820s Exton farmhouse features three working fireplaces.

“There’s nothing that beats a perfectly chilled cocktail next to a perfectly warm fireplace,” described Amanda Burigatto Brogan, creative director. “You don’t need a special occasion to treat yourself.”

In other words, siting fireside with someone special elevates any night.

“There’s always fireside dining at the General Warren - inside in the winter and out on the springhouse terrace in the summer,” Byrne said. “We shine on Valentine’s, but we’re here the other days of the year too.”

PHOTO BY EMILY RYAN - FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP This romantic table’s set with dishes from the General Warren’s new menu.

PHOTO BY EMILY RYAN - FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP La Maison dates to 1717.

PHOTO BY EMILY RYAN - FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP Try the domestic lamb tenderloin, a new addition at the General

PHOTO BY EMILY RYAN - FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP Outside the General Warren,you can smell the wood-burning fireplaces.

PHOTO BY EMILY RYAN - FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP General Warren serves beet risotto with sweet peas and shrimp.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RISING SUN INN At Rising Sun Inn, two fireplaces keep guests warm.