stormicans's Profile
zaccaria's creekside
Have to agree with most posters here. Loved the place when it was Ravenna's--went there often and always had a good meal and a pleasant time. Went when it changed To Z's and found the prices bordering on the outrageous considering what they offered--good food but not great food. I understand they lowered their weekday menu, but haven't been back. No big rush to go there. I much prefer 19 Bella in the immediate area there.
19 Bella
Anyone care to share some comments about the new restaurant called 19 Bella near Skippack? The few reviews elsewhere are mixed? This in not in Philly; it's 10/15 minutes north of King of Prussia.
New Greek Restaurant
Has anyone heard of a new Greek restaurant in the old Mimosa spot near West Chester? I think it is called Mykonos.
Alba's announces $7.00 corkage fee
I'm long over it; just reporting the facts, pal. I'll comment as I please--deal with it . . .
Alba's announces $7.00 corkage fee
Alba's corkage fee is now $10.00, up from $7.00 FYI
Alba's announces $7.00 corkage fee
Alba's has just purchased its liquor license, which everyone knows is expensive. But wait: I wonder where they got the money to now afford that license. Maybe they made money from selling quality food and providing good service over the years. Just a thought . . . By the way, I'll patronize restaurants with what I perceive as value (corkage fee or no corkage fee). Quite honestly, I'll start worrying about a restaurant's profits when they start worrying about mine.
Alba's announces $7.00 corkage fee
This is Malvern--not San Francisco or New York, etc. where corkage fees are more common and in many cases outrageously overpriced. Sorry, buddy, but am I really supposed to feel bad and sorry for a restaurant that has to supply basic stemware for its guests? Really? I've been to Alba's numerous times ( a terrific little restaurant but not a gourmet nirvana) and I've known personnel there over the years and the typical wine brought in by customers does not require top-of-the-line stemware and decanting. I understand business and they are free to do as they please but so are we as customers. And I couldn't care less about $7.00--but corkage fees (like paying for Internet news) may be a thing of the future, but it's not standard yet in these parts. See this link for a list of great restaurants that DO NOT have corkage fees.
http://www.localwineevents.com/Philadelphia-Wine/BYOB-restaurants.html
By the way, if a restaurant cannot survive without wine sales, then how do restaurants that do not have a liquor license make it? Perhaps cutting or lowering corkage fees might bring in enough business in food sales to make up the difference--plus the word would certainly spread that you don't have to pay a fortune for a good night out. And a new focus on craft beer? What's that all about?
Alba's announces $7.00 corkage fee
Alba's in Malvern has just sent out an email saying they now have a liquor license (and will also maintain a $7 corkage fee for BYOW). New wine offerings will apparently focus on Italian varietals (Piemonte) and craft beers. I hope this doesn't destroy the restaurant's charm and focus. Plus, with so many BYOBs, I am going to have a difficult time justifying paying this fee--relatively small as it is. Isn't providing decent wine ware just a part of doing business? Sigh . . .
A La Maison - BYOB - Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore
To each his own, but many good restaurants will not put salt or pepper on the table, preferring instead to let the food speak for itself, although the paying customer should have the final say.
DaVinci's - Collegeville
Fun for a quick bite I guess, but not a serious restaurant. I drive by frequently and they advertise two for ones, different music acts, a magician one night (seriously), goofy happy hour specials, etc. I don't think they know what they want to be as a restaurant.
Pittsburgh - looking for advice from the foodies (possibly moving here)!
The Oakland area, where CMU is located, is part of a lively college scene. I lived in Pittsburgh for 30 years and now live in Philadelphia. Surprisingly, no one has mentioned the South Side of Pittsburgh, which caters to a younger crowd, but still has a few good restaurants worth visiting. Also, the Strip District in the city has, arguably, some old world charm that is at odds with the would-be hipsters who continue to edge into that area. What Pittsburgh really lacks are good BYOB restaurants, which are everywhere in Philadelphia, if you like BYOBs. Finally, the best thing about Pittsburgh, IMHO, is the value you get for your money as a previous poster noted. I refer to Pittsburgh as a big, small city. And they have the Steelers of course, along with the nicest baseball stadium in the country.
Mirna's Cafe, Blue Bell PA
Food was pretty ordinary when we ate there a year or so ago. Seems like everytime I drive by this place, there are three or four cooks outside smoking.
Oh No - Majolica is closing on Sat!
We ate there a year or so ago and while the food was fine the proportions were ridiculously small. We never went back. If i'm spending $100-$120 for a meal, I don't expect buffet portions, but I do expect fair value for my money, particularly in this economy. Still, I wish them well--we desperately need more good independent restaurants in the northern suburbs.
R.I.P. Collegeville Acme and Wegmans
Just curious . . .where did you read this? There is nothing on their website about this.
Need to find another BYOB a bit away from the Ardmore area, Please help!
Try Mimosa in West Chester--new winter menu is terrific--check out their menu at their website. Alternatively, try Allegria'a near Exton--good Italian, very cozy.
http://www.mimosa-restaurant.com/mimosa_dinner_1-2009.htm
BYOB in Pittsburgh
Last time I was in Pgh, it seemed as though it was lacking in good BYOBs--very few of them in fact, compared to Philly. Any suggestions for a decent BYOB this weekend? Looking for something similar to Alba's in Malvern. Not necessarily looking for anything too hip, for example the scene on Southside--if that's still considered hip. But of course if you know of a place there, please advise. Anywhere in greater Pittsburgh area is fine.
Anything good in Valley Forge-King of Prussia???
By all means steer clear of Bahama Breeze--unless you're 17. Creeds is by and large a classic and reliable steakhouse. You might consider Legal Seafood in KOP mall, if you like seafood and can deal with mall crowds; more positives than negatives.
Allegria in Exton
Allegria is pretty good. Owners live upstairs. It is small and charming, and they have some very good dishes. I've read elsewhere on these boards that people claim the owners have some attitude issues. We eaten there maybe 15-20 times over the last two years and never really had any serious issues. Not really that hard to find--Mapquest it. It is a 17 mile drive from where we live in Royersford but it is one of our regulars. Our go-to three restaurants are Mimosa in West Chester, Allegria in Lionville, and our third was Ravennas--now replaced with Zacharias (which we believe is a bit overpriced). We are still looking for a third go-to place that delivers for the money. We have gone to Birchunville Cafe, and yes it is good, but I leave hungry and it is cash only; thus, it is not on our short list. Others we visit, Twin Bays Cafe (Phoenixville, good but a bit overpriced), Majolca (sp? in Phoenixville, a bit overhyped), and a few others for special occasions, but again not a default kind of place. I think $100/$115 for two is fair for a good experience in the suburbs. We have been to Alba's in Malvern once and enjoyed it and that may become our third go-to. I cannot bring myself to drive in the city anymore for a relaxing weekend dinner with the spouse. What is relaxing about sitting in traffic, wasting gasoline, and then having to drive an hour back (at least). Suburbs need better independents at fair prices. Restaurateurs: build it, and they will come.
Italian in the Burbs
Allegria is pretty good. Owners live upstairs. It is small and charming, and they have some very good dishes. I've read elsewhere on these boards that people claim the owners have some attitude issues. We eaten there maybe 15-20 times over the last two years and never really had any serious issues. Not really that hard to find--Mapquest it. It is a 17 mile drive from where we live in Royersford but it i sone of our regulars. Our go-to three restaurants are Mimosa in West Chester, Allegria in Lionville, and our third was Ravennas--now replaced with Zacharias (which we believe is a bit overpriced). We are still looking for a third go-to place that delivers for the money. We have gone to Birchunville Cafe, and yes it is good, but I leave hungry and it is cash only; thus, it is not on our short list. Others we visit, Twin Bays Cafe (Phoenixville, good but a bit overpriced), Majolca (sp? in Phoenixville, a bit overhyped), and a few others for special occasions, but again not a default kind of place. I think $100/$115 for two is fair for a good experience in the suburbs. We have been to Alba's in Malvern once and enjoyed it and that may become our third go-to. I cannot bring myself to drive in the city anymore for a relaxing weekend dinner with the spouse. What is relaxing about sitting in traffic, wasting gasoline, and then having to drive an hour back Suburbs need better independents at fair prices. Restaurateurs: build it, and they will come.
BYOB in Collegville area
We also visited Mama Vieto's near Target a few weeks back. While it is a step in the right direction for Royersford, the food is OK but pretty ordinary, basic pasta and chicken dishes. (Consider Royersford's dining savvy: A KFC and Taco Bell venture opened a few months ago and people actually stood in line to get inside for several weeks. Also, in Royersford: Outback and the Texas Lone Star lots are filled to capacity every weekend (and many weeknights). Back to Mama Vieto's; lots of teenage girl waitresses, kids and nice-looking families, and a bit cramped. Nothing too creative on the menu that I can recall. Still, the pizzas as noted above looked very good. We ordered one last week for pick-up and it was very tasty. I would order a take-out pizza again, but I don't think we would rush to eat there again. We are a bit more adventurous and willing to pay for good food in or around Royersford. Like KOP, this is the land of the chains. I did notice that the Gypsy Rose Lee place is for sale. Wouldn't this be a great location for a serious restaurant?
Looking for Sunday brunch spot - Limerick/Pottstown area
Gypsy Rose Lee of of 113 is terrible-and it's a shame because it is a lovely place. Food is bland, tasted like its right out of the microwave. Some one should buy this place who know show to run a restaurant. It could be a destination dining spot with the rigth owner and chef. Look at it--it is in a great site.
Help Me Decide Where to Eat - Anniversary Dinner
I absolutely agree--all of the places in Skippack are overpriced, and the food is nothing too great. my wife and I go go out to at least twice a month (usually three times a month) and we arrely go to Skippack. And we usually spend around $100 bucks an outing. Lots of better places for less money IMHO.
Help Me Decide Where to Eat - Anniversary Dinner
Great food? Geez, it was average at best. Poor value for the money. Lots of better choices around.
Zacharia's Creekside Cafe in Lansdale?
I ate at Zacharias the other night and here are my first impressions. Let me say that we ate regularly at Ravennas and will use that as the some type of benchmark. First, be assured that you will be pay more--cheapest item in the entrees is $22 (pan roasted Frenched chicken breast), the most expensive $34 (grilled filet--9 oz). There are 9 entrees--nothing too adventurous IMHO. Appetizers start at $8 and top out at $15--an antipasta offering (although the latter claims to be big enough for two). Finally, there are two salad offerings and a trio of soups. I can remember two eating at Ravennas for under $50, although we paid over $100 on other occasions. No half portions that I noticed.
I'm not a food critic by any means (I like what I like) but I'll share my impressions. My Caesar salad was OK; my partner's mixed green salad was much better. My friend had the French onion soup which she enjoyed and the crab cake appetizer was good, but not worth $14. The crab cake came with a few other items including several lime pita crisps, which tasted cold and like they came out of a box. Again, not horrible, but a bit overpriced.
The pan seared scallops I had ($28) were very nice, but my partner's pork tenderloin at $24 was a tad dry, although the portions for both entrees were generous. We passed on dessert. Rolls were served promptly with olive oil and a tapenade of sort--very tasty.
Service was fine, bit it bordered on hovering--understandable given they just opened up this week. Different people swung by our table frequently asking whether everything was fine, and it generally was. At one point, I counted seven waiters/personnel standing behind the redesigned bar counter at one point. Lack of wait staff was sometimes a problem at Ravennas (the regulars were great, but too often they only had one or two wait folks on staff). Not the case here--at least not on opening week.
We feel things are a bit over-priced for good tasty food, but a somewhat limited menu. Total bill with tip was about $113, much higher than our average bill at Ravennas, where we would sometimes spend as little as $45 or as much as $100 and be satisfied.
The decor has changed--more contemporary looking--quite nice actually. The back room is still intact and they added a bunch of seats outside--but it was too chilly to eat out there and will be too hot (for us at least) to eat out there this weekend.
Bottom line: IMHO, the menu is a little unexciting and a bit overpriced. I'm willing to give it another try and try a few other items on the menu, but again expect to pay at least $100 for a full dinner. (By the way, we generally avoid most of the Skippack restaurants, because we believe that are all overpriced--some are decent, but I think you can do better for $100. That may be standard for decent suburban eateries, but I guess I'm spoiled by the moderate prices of Ravennas. We loved going to the old Ravennas (close, affordable, good Italian fare). If you loved the comfy, relaxed feel of Ravennas, you might may or may not find it here, although, again, the help was very pleasant and attentive. We were worried that the place was going to be "dumbed down" and cater to family and kids when we read they would have a takeout counter--bit it is relatively small and discreet. One of the things we liked about Ravennas was that there were never too many kids in there, which suited our middle age dinner temperament.
Consider going to Mimosa's out in West Chester (a little gem) or Allegria near Exton. You can pay $100 for two meals there as well. Try them and Zacharias and see where you get more bang for your buck.
Finally, I realize that a $100 is not a lot to spend for a good night out, but if you eat out frequently and are looking to a default go-to kind of place like Ravenna's, I'm not yet sure this is the place. I hope this doesn't sound like I'm trashing the place, I'm not; I guess I still miss Ravenna, but all things change.
I'll be anxious to hear how other people respond as they eat there.
Zacharias Creekside Cafe
Hi all,
Was a big fan of Ravenna. Eating at Zacharias tonight. Will let you know how it goes.
Majolica
Majolica was disappointing for us. After waiting months to get Friday night reservations, we we're really pumped up about going here. Service was OK, the food was tasty (although our waitress rambled on about how fabulous the mussels were--mussels are mussels for the most part), but what was stunning to us was the portions--they were ridiculously small. I suppose if you are Kate Moss they would be fine, but I'm talking really small portions. I understand that Majolica is not a buffet and they take great care in the selection of local ingredients, but the Gnocci entre my SO had was so small and overpriced we wound up ordering the cheese plate to finish our wine and to simply fill up. I know people have raved about this place (including the Inquirer editor) but I have had appetizers larger than the entry. Again service was OK and the ambience was stark (lots of would-be hipsters running around in black) but I truly felt cheated at the portions. Am I alone in my assessment of their portions; little is said about this on other restaurant review sites and boards. Is it possible that once a restaurant becomes fashionable they become off-limits for criticism? Again, our experience wasn't bad, but the portions were nearly criminal. Finally, I don't pretend to have any great restaurant expertise, but we do eat out nearly every week and won't be going back for reasons stated above.
