Pennsylvanians and tourists from around the world know Longwood Gardens for its exquisite displays of botanical genius, from stunning outdoor topiary sculptures to fabulous dancing fountains, to an annual Orchid Extravaganza that you really have to see to believe. While the Kennett Square destination endeavors to uphold its reputation as a celebration of plants and flowers, one of its most exciting components focuses on edible plants. Its on-site restaurant, 1906 at Longwood has long been heralded as a world-class establishment. And now, the executive chef at the helm of Longwood’s culinary program, Will Brown, is being recognized by Restaurant Associates (a subsidiary of Compass Group) with its 2019 Chef of the Year Award. Chef Brown will be honored at the Compass-Be-A-Star Awards, on October 16.
Executive Chef Will Brown
“We are extremely proud of Chef Brown for receiving the 2019 Restaurant Associates Chef of the Year Award,” said Longwood Gardens President & CEO Paul B. Redman. “This important recognition is a testament to our vision of creating a memorable dining experience for all in the extraordinary setting of Longwood.”
Chef Brown is a Kennett Square native and received his culinary education at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. After a number of high-profile positions at institutions such as the Winterthur Museum and Country Estate in Delaware and the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, he took the reigns at Longwood Gardens in 2011. He oversees the Terrace Restaurant, which includes the full service 1906 dining room, as well as the Café.
1906, which is known for elegant, seasonal fare, is named for the year Longwood’s founder, Pierre S. du Pont, purchased the property. As you might expect from a place as lovely as Longwood, the restaurant’s design is also beautiful; it was named one of the 100 Best Alfresco Restaurants in America by OpenTable in 2018. The menu, which was just updated for fall, utilizes freshly harvested produce from the Gardens, as well as regional farms. Seasonal dishes include autumn gnocchi with butternut squash, beets, potato gnocchi, pistachios and brown butter and Jurgielewicz Farms Duck Breast with duck fat fingerling potatoes, broccolini, currant and port wine jus. Though the menu shifts with the season, some icon dishes will always be available, like the Chocolate Flower Pot at dessert, a clever construction of mousse, coffee ganache, chocolate cake, buttercream and lavender ice cream.
Some of the hallmarks of Chef Brown’s style, which are apparent across the menu, are combining classical French and modern techniques, incorporating local and seasonal ingredients in his menus, and using sustainable seafood and ethical food products. Congrats to Executive Chef Will Brown and the entire culinary team at Longwood Gardens for this prestigious recognition!
Find 1906 at Longwood Gardens at 1001 Longwood Rd. in Kennett Square; phone: (610) 388-1000.
- Feature and salad photos: Nina Lea Photography
- Chef headshot: Longwood Gardens
