Enjoy Good Food's Profile
Piatto Grill, Conshohocken
For those who happen to be in the Plymouth Meeting/Conshy area, you might want to try Piatto Grill. The tiny, nicely decorated little restaurant is on Ridge Avenue directly across the street from Burger King in a tiny shopping center with lots of parking. I've had their pizza (white with spinach and black olives), mussels with wine and garlic sauce, and a veggie burger on a tasty (non Kaiser) bun with terrific beer battered fries. Prices are good, service was very attentive and the chef is congenial enough to stop by the table of all customers. The menu is extensive and creative. BYOB.
King of Prussia [Seasons 52]
Some people instinctively classify franchise restaurants as suboptimal. Some are -- and some aren't in my humble view. If a chain restaurant serves up a good meal at reasonable prices in a clean environment with efficient waitstaff, well, should you go to the small, independent business that struggles in those areas? To be specific, it never dawned on me that Seasons 52 is a restaurant chain. I wasn't judging the place on corporate structure. I wanted a decent meal for less than a bundle and it helped that the restaurant is stylish and immaculate. Perhaps I don't turn my nose up often enough.
King of Prussia [Seasons 52]
Here I go again....vouching for the decency of this restaurant despite others who dispute that. On two occasions, the waitstaff was welcoming and efficient. On two occasions, I experienced very tasty meals that were attractively presented, HOT when served (how unusual is that!) and reasonably priced. I'm not sure where the dissidents dine, but Seasons 52 scores highly according to my experience. The place was recommended to me by a couple who eats there occasionally and has enjoyed every meal. I've recommended the place to others and no one has has been disappointed. Am I off balance? For the price, I think the place is worthy of a visit! Unless you regularly dine at Le Bec Fin (sic), you will indeed be pleased. BTW, Seasons 52 is located close to where Bennigans used to be opposite Nordstrom's on the Sear's end of the Mall.
King of Prussia [Seasons 52]
At the risk of sounding like I own stock in Seasons 52, I'll convey my exuberant rave about the place. The decor is upscale and neat. Service is attentive and accommodating without being overdone. Prices are good (neither cheap or extravagant), and the food is well prepared and so tasty without excessive calories or carbs. I've had lunch there twice: beautifully presented blackened scallops once and cedar plank roasted salmon the second time. Accompanying vegetables were grilled/roasted and cooked to that fine edge between crisp and well done. How can such a high volume restaurant cook vegetables so precisely? The wide variety of mini desserts (served in the equivalent of a cordial glass) are to die for! Seasons 52 becomes incredibly crowded at peak times, so if mind-spinning commotion isn't your thing, go before or after peak hours. I typically avoid the bustle of King of Prussia but have changed my habits since experiencing this restaurant. It's worth it!
GREAT American Pub, Conshy
I've been to the Great American Pub on Fayette Street in Conshy more than a dozen times. It's a pub!
No crystal chandeliers or caviar but the meals are tasty, the service is good, prices are reasonable, and the bar is exceptional. I recommend the shrimp martini appetizer -- beautiful jumbo shrimp in a sauce with kick -- black angus sliders (absolutely memorable!) or any of the salads. Don't forget the sweet potato fries. If you are young and craving loudness, go during peak hours. If you seek something less, go off-peak. You will not be disappointed.
Roast Pork, Subs & Cheesesteaks - Plymouth Meeting/Conshy/Norristown
Thanks for the clarification about what you are looking for in sandwiches. I humbly suggest that you better direct the making of your sandwiches. For instance, Lenny's doesn't assume you want an extra wet pork sandwich with brocolli rabe but they will give you that if you ask. (I find that slow roasted pork becomes dry in the cooking process, but extra gravy/juice compensates for that. Regarding hoagies, ask for cappicola (Italian spicy ham), extra olive oil, hot/sweet peppers on the sandwich plus oregano, salt and pepper if you want something spicier than typically found. Talluto's and Pudge's make a good hoagie if you direct them according to your preferences. I still like the cheesesteak's at Pina's Pizza Kitchen on Ridge Pike in Roxborough. The meat is so tender and flavorful. The sandwiches are not mammoth but the quality is better than most.....IMHO.
-----
Pizza Kitchen
4351 S Broad St, Trenton, NJ 08620
Roast Pork, Subs & Cheesesteaks - Plymouth Meeting/Conshy/Norristown
GDSinPA, folks have offered opinions about where you can find subs, pork sandwiches and cheesesteaks like you are "hoping for", but what are you looking for? Larger sandwiches? Different bread? Higher quality meats? More fat? More spice? Less sloppy? More sloppy? Cheaper? More expensive? My recommendations would be based on how you feel Lenny's and Lee's are lacking. There are many variations on the sandwiches that you mention.
Tilly Mint's Tea Room (Souderton)
Tilly's is on West Chestnut Street, a stone's throw from Main.
Tilly Mint's Tea Room (Souderton)
I rarely travel to the Souderton area but for those who do, Tilly Mint's Tea Room is a special treat. It won't appeal to the hearty appetite of a macho man but the British-style tea service provides excellent and creative fare for those who want to dine lightly in a dignified setting without spending a fortune. The assortment of teas is excellent, the tea sandwiches and shepherd's pie are memorable and the desserts are so tasty. The experience of Tilly's is sure to provide hours of conversation afterwards, as the place is just so unlike anything else you've experienced west of London.
What Make the Philadelphia Hoagie Different - The Results
OMG....that hoagie looks so good! Just had a hoagie calzone from Pina's Pizza Restaurant in Roxborough and it was wonderful. It looked every bit as good as the hoagie in your photo and the tasty memory of it tasted for days.
Lobster season in Mid-Atlantic?
The quality of budget-priced lobster -- like those sold in supermarkets -- hardly rivals what can be purchased at Hill's. I'm no great fan of Hill's but the quality of their lobster is superior. A small, ~1.25 lb. lobster is insufficiently matured in my humble opinion based on what I've read. The lobsters are harvested too young! Sadly, this delicacy just isn't what it used to be in terms of taste unless you're willing to refinance the house.
Capt'n Chucky's Crab Cakes
Just tried the breaded shrimp cakes for the first time and they are very tasty. There was an unexpected spicy flavor to them and big chunks of flavorful shrimp. BTW, I wish Chucky's would consider offering such salads as couscous, bulgar, lentil, tortellini, etc. I love their cole slaw and broccoli salad -- both are slightly different than what's typical -- but I'm inclined toward something different.
Southern Fried Chicken?
Chowhound folks cringe at the words "chain" or "fast food", but KFC is rated #1 for fried chicken. I think it helps that fried chicken is what the chain primarily focuses on.
Madray's, then Barson's, then Hymie's Too, now Moe's...Lafayette Hill
Did I say "Katz's Deli" in West Philly???? Must have been a senior moment. I meant KOCH'S DELI at 43rd and Locust. Close, eh? I haven't been to Katz's in Phoenixville.
Madray's, then Barson's, then Hymie's Too, now Moe's...Lafayette Hill
Jews aren't the only people who love and want a quality Jewish deli, but this location in Lafayette Hill (Madray's, Barson's, Hymie's, Moe's) just doesn't seem to work regardless of ownership. Under every moniker, the place has been really dirty and the food sub-par. I finally just gave up on giving the location "one more chance". You'll have to go to Katz' deli in West Philly to get what you want. At rush hour, the line to get into Katz' is a mile long. Or Pumpernick's in Montgomeryville. If others can do it right, how come it can't be done in Lafayette Hill?
Where to eat in Manayunk?
The original post is old, but for anybody wanting a meal without regrets in Manayunk, I suggest Derek's on Main Street. The decor is stylish and modern, the place appears to be spotless, the service is welcoming and efficient, and the food is well prepared and attractively presented. Derek's is competitively priced for Manayunk. Parking can be tough and the place does become very noisy during peak hours, but I've always gone there slightly before the rush and have always been pleased.
-----
Main Street Cafe
126 E Main St, Elkton, MD 21921
La Collina
Lucky you, Bigley9, to have a Mom with a robust appetite. What her favorite restaurant?
La Collina
I feel obligated to add this to my earlier comments about La Collina for a 92nd birthday dinner. Dinner out with somebody who is 92 should be based on their perspective and limitations rather than the preferences of people half their age. In old age, eating becomes a matter of survival rather than a source of pleasure. La Collina might be the best place in the world for your Mom, but it's possible that she might be just as satisfied with something more simple, more intimate, less expensive and less time-consuming. Wherever you celebrate your Mother's birthday, YOU (not the food, ambiance, waitstaff or decor) will be her main focus.
La Collina
The food at La Collina is good but the place is pricey and the place is overly rehearsed. Reminds me of when I took my Father to a La Collina-type restaurant when he was 93 -- when he received his $26 miniature lamb chop dinner, he loudly announced "I could have bought the whole lamb for TWENTY-SIX DOLLARS." He, of course, was acting out. He might not have been so chintzy and brash if the place had been more welcoming.
New crab place in bluebell opening soon
I just couldn't resist adding my three cents worth! Capt. Chucky's is a really wonderful experience. I've purchased so many different items there and have enjoyed every one. My strong suggestion is for newcomers to stop there, enjoy the samplings that the owners offer everyone, and buy small amounts of numerous offerings. I guarantee that you'll return for more! It's rare to find such well prepared fresh food in such a spotless establishment owned by such welcoming people. My favorites are their jumbo, very flavorful, perfectly cooked shrimp; desserts, broccoli salad and crab balls.
Sangkee Noodle House (West Philly)
For anyone who is lucky enough to be near the corner of 36th and Walnut Streets in West Philly, I suggest that you stop at (or take out from) Sangkee (located in the lobby of the Sheraton. I'm not a keen fan of everything on Sangkee's menu but I do especially like their shrimp rolls, Chow Fun (with shrimp or chicken or beef) and grilled lemon grass chicken. I've tried the Big Bowl Broth Soups (meal in a bowl comprised of noodles, vegetables and meat or seafood) but found the flavor to be off-putting. The Asian rice bowls (rice, veggies, meat or seafood) provide lots of food at minimum cost compared to Chinatown. I'm suspecting that bone marrow serves as the base for those soups and that concept doesn't appeal to me. The prices at Sangkee are very reasonable, the restaurant appears to be immaculate and the hostesses and waitstaff and efficient.
-----
Noodle House
2313 US Highway 1 Ste 4, North Brunswick, NJ 08902
Blackfish, Conshy ("....not so much")
I finally made it to Blackfish for lunch in late Fall after reading so many rave reviews. Since Conshohocken is in the vicinity of my local travels, Blackfish was a convenient stop. I'd been dying to try Blackfish and was lucky to find a parking spot right in front of the restaurant! My first impression was the starkness of the dining room (under-decorated and too much hardscape) and the stiffness of the waitstaff. I would have preferred a hint of warmth from the waiters but I settled for impersonal flawless efficiency. My lunch choice was tempura soft shell crab with vegetables. The crab was indeed delicious but sadly, the tempura accounted for half the size of the crab. (You know what I'm saying.....like those jumbo fried shrimp at some restaurants that are three-quarters batter.) I treated myself to coffee and vanilla crème brulee afterwards and felt underwhelmed. I suspect that the same meal in a cozier environment might have really impressed me. Or perhaps I should return and try dinner.....
Lenny's, Conshy (a must try!)
I finally made it to Lenny's Deli on Fayette Street in Conshy. My first stop was for an Italian hoagie with hot and sweet peppers on the sandwich. The sandwich was very tasty -- this was one of the best hoagies I've experienced in years -- for something like $6.25. The roll was marvelous and identifiably from the Conshohocken Bakery: dense, chewy but neither crusty nor tough. The meats (cappicola? salami?) were delicious and the provolone was thinly sliced and freshly cut. My second stop at Lenny's several days later was for a roast pork sandwich. Oh, my gosh. It was so out of this world that I raved about it for days and cannot wait to return for another! Hard to believe that pork could be so tasty. The meat is thinly sliced, piled high and heaped with flavorful juice. I did not request provolone on the sandwich, as suggested, and don't regret that -- I wouldn't want anything to compete with the flavor of that pork and its gravy! If Lenny's was open on Sunday's, I would have gone there yesterday for another!
Sweet Potato Pie? Manayunk? MANNA?
If you have a hankering for tasty sweet potato pie, I suggest that you head to The Sweet Potato Bakery in Media (Delaware County). The bakery is a conglomerate of local cooks who produce an awesome sweet potato pie. My first and only experience with SPP was from that bakery and I'll never forget it. The location isn't convenient for me, but I hope to return over the holidays for another pie and some of their wonderful assorted muffins! I think the bakery is on State Street (the main street in media). BTW.....lots of interesting eating places in Media.
Roasted turkey take-out?
Thanks for all of the great suggestions. Whoever I choose, I shouldn't be lacking turkey on Thanksgiving! BTW, does anybody remember when turkey was 29 cents a pound? Times sure have changed.....lol
Roasted turkey take-out?
Call me fussy, weird or lacking adventure, but I'd love to avoid the noise and expense of Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant. I'm also not wanting to spend half a day preparing Thanksgiving dinner at home and another half a day cleaning up afterwards. Is it possible that through all of your travels, you've encountered a reliable vendor for a cooked Thanksgiving Day dinner for 4? A local market wants $39 for such a dinner. Whole Foods wants $139. I'd be happy to order a cooked 8-10 pound bird with stuffing and tasty sides without dessert.
Capt'n Chucky's Crab Cakes
I spent a pleasant 20 minutes at Capt'n Chucky's in Blue Bell (Route 202 near Route 73) today. I was given tastings of numerous items, every one of which was so delicious that I couldn't resist purchasing them all.....plus some unbreaded, creamy lobster cakes. Useful cooking tips were provided to ensure that I would get maximum pleasure from my purchases. I brought my feast home and treated myself to a heavenly lunch for less money than a mediocre lunch would have cost at a nearby restaurant. Chucky's shrimp salad is excellent! The jumbo shelled shrimp with Sami sauce (horseradish, cream and seasonings) were huge and exceptionally flavorful. The Sami sauce is a wonderful dipping sauce with just the right amount of kick (spice, life!) and it'll sure to go perfectly with meats and other fish. The jumbo assorted grapes (in what I call "heavenly sauce") were dusted with pecans, comprising a refreshing, delicious dessert! Lastly, I purchased lobster cakes which I'll bake/broil for dinner tomorrow night. The cakes aren't huge but they are loaded with chunks of lobster and if they are as good as the other items I purchased, they will be well worth the money. After my pleasant shopping spree at Chucky's, I stopped at the Pepperidge Farm outlet in the next door shopping center. Lucky me! It was Senior Citizen Discount Day and I've just turned 65. I saved enough money at Pepperidge Farm to offset the extravagance of Chucky's......but since when is excellent food extravagant!
Finally tried Mina Cucina in Springhouse
I was taken to Mina's for my birthday celebration, at my request. I couldn't wait to try the place based on many positive CH reviews. First I was seated facing the open kitchen and glass door refrigerator.... a big turn-off while I ate my $17 lunch (bowties with crabmeat and shrimp). Note that one side of the restaurant is attractively decorated while the open kitchen half resembles a kitchenette. Then there was the FLY, an annoying sucker that made its home at my table for the full 60 minutes that I was there. Service was unsophisticated and seriously lacking finesse and warmth. My friend -- the one who was treating me to a birthday lunch -- was very dissatisfied with her Grilled Scallops and shrimp over spring mix in a white vinaigrette dressing. The dressing was distastefully heavy on the vinegar and the shrimps were rubbery. There were just too many mistakes here.
Breakfast/Brunch near Conshy?
I'm not sure if breakfast comes non-greasy unless you eat oatmeal (grin), but here are some recommendations....Boccelli's on Fayette Street prepares a wonderful breakfast if you can ignore how extremely casual the place is. If you go to Boccelli's, order an omelet. Hard to believe an omelet can be so delicious! Someone I know loves breakfast at Friendly's (yes, Friendly's) on Ridge Pike near Bells Mill Road on the border of Roxborough and Conshohocken. Hymie's in the Lafayette Hill mini-shopping center should be able to produce a decent breakfast. .....but my even better choice for breakfast is on the Johnson Highway in Norristown, "Astoria". It's superior to Ray's (on Germantown Pike two miles away) in terms of price and quality/quantity of food although it's not as attractive as Ray's. If you go to Astoria, order the corned beef casserole with poached eggs for breakfast. NOT GREASY and perfectly cooked. Fast, efficient service at Astoria.
PTG Restaurant, Roxborough
Somebody mentioned to me that PTG Restaurant and Catering on Ridge Avenue in Roxborough is quite good. It's a small, refined (linen tablecloth and dignified service), Italian BYOB that's located a stone's throw from ShopRite supermarket. The area is awfully congested so parking is probably hard to find. I found the menu on-line and see that entrees run between $18-$22 and there's a nice selection of appetizers and salads. Has anyone been to PTG? I'm planning to take a former Roxborough "girl" to PTG for her 85th birthday on Sunday, March 21st.
