The Mallard at Mainland Inn is a family-owned and -operated culinary endeavor “inspired by extraordinary delicacies found around the world. This sensational new restaurant opened Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 17 Mainland Road in the Harleysville section of Lower Salford Township.
The new restaurant is complete with global cuisine, artisan cocktails, and an elevated dining atmosphere. This full-service restaurant is operated by chef Manuel Jiménez, his wife, Cindy Jiménez, and their daughter, Jessica. Manuel Jiménez has owned restaurants in Spain, and Puerto Rico and studied at the Hotel Montpelier in Switzerland.
The culinary team is led by executive chef Greg Vassos, whose career spans Forbes Five-Star restaurants and collaborations with Michelin-starred chefs around the world. According to the restaurant’s Facebook page, Vassos brings 25 years of international experience and “commitment to delivering hyper-seasonal dishes in a creative and comforting way to The Mallard.”
“Chef Greg's journey took him from iconic establishments like the Ritz Carlton and the James Beard House to his role as Sous Chef at Eric Ripert's five-star restaurant, Blue, where he developed a deep love for seafood,” the online post reads. “His commitment to farm-to-table cuisine led to the opening and partnership of the Brick Farm tavern, a 400-acre farm and pasture-to-table property located in New Jersey.”
“We’re offering flavors from around the world,” Cindy said of The Mallard’s menu. “Our duck is a signature dish.”
The Mallard is offering a limited dinner menu, in its first week with main dishes including squid ink bucatini, prime beef tenderloin, Big Glory Bay salmon, Pekin duck breast, and roasted Colorado lamb loin.
Starters include foie gras torchon, yellowfin tuna tartare, crisp Berkshire pork belly, and Kennett Square mushroom veloute, among others. There are also desserts such as apple crumble and maple bourbon crème brulee.
They also have an extensive wine menu and a variety of signature cocktails. A new fireplace has also been added so guests can relax with their drink of choice in a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
The Mallard features two dining rooms – each accommodating around 40 guests, along with a private wine room, featuring a VIP chef’s table.
The stone building that dates back to 1890 has been home to various dining establishments over the years. The Jiménez family spent the past several months reconditioning the stone building’s interior. They added new lighting, wallpaper, kitchen equipment, and other improvements. They also added new landscaping and updated an outdoor patio.
“The Mallard radiates warmth and intrigue, drawing inspiration from the restaurant's namesake and subtle nods to its historic use as a 19th-century hotel and inn,” a message on the restaurant’s Facebook page reads. “This layered ambiance makes it the perfect choice for intimate dinners, large gatherings, and special occasions.”
The Mallard is currently open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, starting at 5 p.m. La Bodega speakeasy bar opens at 4 p.m. The restaurant plans to introduce lunch and brunch service down the line.
Location: 17 Mainland Road, Harleysville, PA.
Author’s Note: This article is solely for information purposes. The embedded links and information shared in the article are attributed to mallardrestaurant.com, facebook.com, and wfmz.com.