Where Should We Eat?

Redhound Grille

2011-10-16T10:24:00.000-04:00

Redhound Grille

We got married at People's Light & Theater, and the food was catered by Shane from Places Bistro. Shane left Places and opened Redhound. We usually go to Places for our anniversary & special nights, but now that it's a different chef, we'll be going to Redhound. Glad Shane has a new place!

The food & service is as fantastic as it was at Places. The menu is diverse and sophisticated, but will appeal to anyone. The complex flavors are incredible, with seasonally inspired specials. There is enough variety on the menu without being overwhelming. If you enjoy multiple layers of flavor & texture, then you'll enjoy Shane's menu.

Go here for a special night out or for a casual drink & burger.

Bull Durham's Texas BBQ & Steaks

2011-08-27T14:25:00.000-04:00

Bull Durham's

As you know, this blog is about locally owned restaurants. Bull Durham's prominently displays that they are not a franchise, so we wanted to check it out. They are located at the Dilworthtown shopping center on 202. From the outside, it looks like a franchise, and is in a newish shopping center that has the same look & feel as any other in the country. But they're locally owned, so go inside.

There are only a handful of local places to get BBQ. I've never been to Texas, or had much authentic BBQ to compare. I do smoke my own meets, so I'm aware of the time & effort that is needed, and also what the results should be.

We started with fried pickles. If you're wondering what that tastes like, I can't elaborate much, they taste like pickles smothered in batter and fried. They were great, served with a ranch style Jalapeno dressing. Good combination of textures and flavor. For her entree, Mrs. Where Should We Eat ordered mesquite smoked tenderloin with a mushroom demi glace. Meat was smoked perfectly and the demi glace was a wonderful accompaniment. I ordered the Sampler, with brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. All served with the same BBQ sauce, which had a nice simple flavor that didn't overpower the smoke. Every meat selection was smoked perfectly. Our sides selections included onion rings and hush puppies and sweet potatoes. The onion rings were fried in the same batter as the pickles (which is delicious on it's own) but were HUGE. Several rings of onion stayed together to form a single ring, so some rings looked like donuts. This is how it should be. The hush puppies were the same batter as the others, not too exciting. Mrs. really enjoyed her sweet potatoes served "Thanksgiving style" with candied walnuts, nutmeg, cinnamon & brown sugar. They were "friggen awesome" according to the Mrs.

Overall great food and service. We'll go back to try some other selections. They have weekly happy hour and early bird specials. Also have live music, so check they're schedule on the website. They advertise a $4.95 lunch special which looks like a great value.

Doc Magrogan's Oyster House

2011-03-06T10:39:00.000-05:00

Doc Magrogan's Oyster House

more details to follow!

Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar

2011-02-27T08:21:00.001-05:00

Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar

Delicious. Dave Magrogan knows how to run a restaurant. I know this is an understatement, but I'm officially a fan of all of his creations. His service model is clearly consistant with all restaurants in his group. Staff is friendly, energetic, and intelligent about their service and food selection.

As was explained to us by our server, the premise of the restaurant is the seasonal menu, changing 3 or so times per year. All food is sourced from local farms (local being within a 290 mile radius). This is an idea that fits into the "Buy Fresh Buy Local" theme in Chester County. Also, this blog is about supporting locally owned businesses; so supporting a local business goes beyond it's location. Who supplies the food is equally important. As you know, I'm opposed to spending hard earned money at national chain, foreign owned, 'big-box' style restaurants.

Reservations were made online a few hours before arriving. We were 15 minutes late but the table was not ready. "Have a seat at the bar...." But within a minute or two we were called to our table. Good. On to the food. So we looked at the menu on their website before arriving, thinking we knew what we wanted to order. That changed when we sat down and looked again and heard the specials. We ordered martinis (of course) and started with asiago flatbrad. Very nicely done, crisp with just enough cheese. The menu selection is nice, there's something to please every taste, but it's not overwhelming. One of the specials was bison meatloaf, served with garlic mashed potatoes and brussels sprouts. I am a fan of bison, so I couldn't resist. The Misses ordered the "award winning" Alaskan Halibut served in an Asian ginger broth. The menu includes meats & poultry, fish & seafood, vegetarian selections, sandwiches, etc. There's something for everyone. Oh, and most entrees are under 500 calories.

Desert is served in what looks like large shot glasses. I had apple crisp, Misses had s'mores. The other choices looked equally delicious. We're looking forward to going back when the menu changes next season. My only complaint is the noise...it's not a large space, but the noise control was lacking. It was a packed house, but the noise level seemed higher than it should for the amount of people.

Kiwi Frozen Yogurt

2010-11-28T18:28:00.000-05:00

Kiwi Frozen Yogurt

So normally I only post about small, independent, locally owned businesses. Kiwi may be a franchise, but all locations are local. That's good, so I'll make an exception, especially since it's a little different and good.

So here's how it works: there are many flavors to pick from, you grab a cup and fill it up. Then you put on your toppings, whatever sweet topping you want. Then they weigh your cup and you pay by weight. Good idea, unless you load up only on peanut butter cup toppings. Manage your load and it'll be a fair price. The concept is neat, but more importantly the yogurt is really good. It's smooth and flavorful, you won't miss ice cream.

Mas Mexicali Cantina

2010-11-28T18:11:00.000-05:00

Mas Mexicali Cantina, West Chester

Finally made it to Mas to check out the dinner menu. I have to say that I didn't have high expectations despite hearing some good reviews. I'm a fan of a couple other Mexican restaurants that I've posted about. And the restaurant that Mas replaced was overpriced, so I expected the same.

We went on a Saturday night expecting a wait or at least a crowd. There was neither, probably because it was Thanksgiving weekend. Never a good sign seeing an uncrowded restaurant on a Saturday night, my scepticism was still high. We were seated and greeted by our server. He was immediately helpful, brought drinks and chips and salsa quickly. The drink menu is large enough, with many options for margaritas and beer. The chips were warm and seemed homemade, and the salsa was fresh with a nice subtle garlic flavor. We ordered a quesadilla, which had a nice flavor. Our server was very knowledgeable about the menu and made several good recommendations. Mrs. Food critic had the Two Tacos, selecting fish and beef. Both were excellent. I ordered a slow cooked pulled pork burrito, the pork was marinated in tequila. Very nice.

We were too full to order desert. The service was fantastic, the food was delicious. It's more Mexican fusion than true Mexican, but that's a good thing. We'll be back to Mas.

Countryside Market & Deli

2010-08-14T21:38:00.000-04:00

Countryside Market & Delicatessen

610-604-4799

514 Yale Ave

Swarthmore, PA 19081

OK, I haven't actually eaten at this place. But Mrs. Should We Eat likes to frequent this establishment, and I hear about so often I feel like I've been there. Maybe, if I play my cards right, she'll take me there sometime. A boy can only dream.

Nudy's Luncheonette

2010-08-14T21:26:00.008-04:00

Nudy's Luncheonette

292 E Conestoga Rd

Wayne, PA 19087-2519
(610) 687-1345

I've only been here once so far. And it was for breakfast during the week. So I can't write about how busy/ crowded it can get during a rush. But the food was great, the menu was extensive. I'd like to go back.

Spence Cafe

2010-08-14T20:58:00.001-04:00

Spence Cafe

New menu. The stuffy atmosphere is gone. I went here with Da Philly Food Critic, he gave it his thumbs up. He had the burger (see his blog for details, I don't plagiarize!). I had the California BLT with avocado, sprouts and lime mayo. It reminded me of California. Yes, the state. There is good food there, it's nice to see that influence migrating to some places on the right coast.

My only complaint is the slight air of pretension that lingers in the atmosphere. Yes it's in West Chester. But, hey guys, there's other places to eat. Go see for yourself.

Saucey Pizzeria

2010-08-14T20:54:00.001-04:00

Saucey Pizzeria

My office orders from here frequently. If you like garlic, you'll love this place. They must own some commodities futures on garlic, it's in everything. That's not a bad thing though. Garlic is a bit of of an acquired taste, but it complements the type of food you get from pizzerias.

They make a nice pie, not extra thin crust (which I actually prefer), but thin enough. They have weekly lunch specials that are $5-6, you can't beat that. There's a lot of competition in West Chester, they came to play with prices. I like their chicken cutlet sandwich. Good prices, good ingredients. They could cut down a little on their salt though, I always have to drink a gallon of water with every lunch. I get my weekly salt intake in one day.

King Street Grill

2010-08-14T20:50:00.001-04:00

I've been here a bunch of times. This is a Malvern mainstay. Solid menu, not a culinary superbowl, but much better than a diner. They make their own seasonings which you can buy by the bottle.

Hula

2010-08-14T20:44:00.001-04:00

Hula

Nice fresh fish dishes served in simple style but with great taste. Just what you want when you're at the beach. There are daily specials and the usual menu. Technically a take out place, but there are tables inside and outside. Order at the counter and they bring it to you, but not a full service wait staff. That's fine, you don't need it. There are lot's of places to eat in OCNJ, especially on the boardwalk, but this is a good meal. When you get tired of pizza and fries, go here.

The Inlet Restaurant & Bar

2010-08-14T20:30:00.001-04:00

The Inlet Restaurant & Bar

On the bay in Somers Point, NJ (outside of Ocean City).

Restaurant and outside deck bar. Get one of the "pots". Enough to serve 2, they're seafood combinations. They even include a sausage (I guess a specially caught bay creature only available in Somers Point). Very yummy but crowded. Don't eat too many of the oyster crackers. Sit outside on the deck and have a beer (or three). Enjoy the breeze and sunset. And order some food. There might be some live music.

Oriental Pearl Restaurant

2010-08-14T20:24:00.001-04:00

Oriental Pearl Restaurant

Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai Cuisine and Sushi Bar.

I'm not sure how long they've been in that location, but I just sorta stumbled onto them even though I've probably driven by there 150 times. So we took a chance and gave it a try. We were pleasantly surprised by the expansive menu. This is the place to go if you have multiple people in your party with varying tastes. The quality is as good as it gets outside of Chinatown.

Bamboo House of Noodle Soups

2010-08-14T20:22:00.001-04:00

Bamboo

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

They had only been open about a month when we went for dinner. It wasn't crowded (fortunately), but for their sake I hope it gets more crowded. This place adds a touch of internationality to an already crowded restaurant selection in the area. It seems to be family run (I'm just guessing) which can be good or bad in the restaurant world (right former restaurant workers??). So it will be interesting to see how the fare against the world.

Good thing for them the food is good and service is good. The menu looks interesting. I'm not very experienced with Vietnamese cuisine; and if you aren't either, an oversimplified description is "China meets Thai". If you like either, you'll like Vietnamese. You'll find something on the menu you like. Venture a bit out of your comfort zone and go here.

George's Homemade Ice Cream

2010-08-14T20:16:00.003-04:00

George's Homemade Ice Cream, Ocean City NJ Boardwalk

They have some interesting flavors and a selection of cones. My personal favorite is a waffle cone. Don't talk to me if you eat ice cream from a paper bowl. Sacrilege. At least get a sugar cone. But if you like that you wouldn't be reading this blog. Get the chocolate chip cone, then we can talk.

Yes, the cone is just the conveyance to eat the frozen treat, but it's equally important. More so because there are so many flavors. Our most recent trip had us enjoying Blueberry (there are real, whole blueberries in there, and it smelled like the blueberry basket we get from our local farm) and Monkey Fudge, which is banana ice cream with walnuts and chocolate. Yum.

West Chester Scoop

2010-08-14T20:12:00.001-04:00

West Chester Scoop

mmmmm ice cream. A good old fashioned ice cream shop. They're nice to the borough, so keep them around by patronizing the establishment. Good ice cream, not many flavors but enough to satisfy everyone. Prices are from 1982. But don't tell them that, just go by more ice cream.

Buddy's Burgers Breasts and Fries

2010-05-08T13:31:00.000-04:00

Buddy's Burgers Breasts and Fries

I was just turned on to this place a few days ago; it's in West Chester, but I've never known it was there. The curiously named place is just what it sounds like: they have burgers and fries (and I assume chicken, but I didn't get that far on the menu). The prices are low. The food came in a brown bag that was completely stained by the time I got it back to the office (3 doors down). I needed a nap about an hour after I ate. Enough said.

By the way, I have to give these guys credit for having the cojones to be next door to, nay, in the same building as Salad Stop.

Kildare's Irish Pub

2010-05-08T13:22:00.001-04:00

Kildare's

It's hard to classify this place in one category; it's a bar, it has good food, and more importantly it has good burger. I've been here for drinks. I've been here for food, which is pretty good, not a huge menu selection, but you're better off without too many options (which tends to dilute the food quality). The best part is $5 burgers on Tuesday. There's a few to pick from, comes with fries, and it's a nice size with quality meat & toppings. You can't beat a 5 buck burger.

I've only been the the West Chester location. So I have to assume the menu is the same at the other locations. Service is good, but not the best you'll find. Go there anyway, it's a good value.

Chickie's & Pete's Crab House and Sports Bar

2010-02-21T09:26:00.000-05:00

Chickie's & Pete's Crab House and Sports Bar

It's big, it's loud, it's crowded. These are all good things. Chickie's and Pete's is a Philly sports fans' mecca; all things Philly and all things Philly sports are wrapped up into one.

I put this in the "Entertainment" category not just because you'll be entertained by the patrons, but because they have live music, radio personalities, and other various events scheduled depending on the sports season.

But it is a bar & restaurant, and this is a food blog, so let's get down to business. The food menu and beer menu are not very extensive. But they are simple and straightforward, you don't need huge variety when a pared down menu is executed well. You have to get the "world famous crab fries". Just like it sounds, they're fries with crab flavoring served with cheese sauce. Get ready because these things are incredibly addictive, the fries are light and crispy, and the crab flavoring and cheese sauce complement each other nicely.

If you like crabs, this is the place for you. The Dungeness crab is 2 pounds of fury, it's as big as your head. Crab legs are on the menu, served in a not-so-stingy serving size. Clams and mussels are on the menu, get them with the house sauce. And, yeah, there are other non-ocean originated options for the landlubbers, like sandwiches, salads, and pizza, so there's something for everyone.

Primo Hoagies

2010-02-14T09:57:00.000-05:00

Primo Hoagies

I started going to Primo's back when I worked in Cherry Hill. Now there seems to be a Primo everywhere in the area.

Each hoagie is freshly made in front of you. The menu is expansive, you'll find something you like. I recommend getting the "Primo" size, it is better bread with a harder crust and sesame seeds.

My favorite is the BADA BING: Chicken Cutlet & Sharp Provolone Topped with Fresh Broccoli Rabe. But you won't go wrong with any choice. You better be hungry though, the hoagies are packed full. Ingredients are fresh and high quality.

Check out the menu on their website. They also have party trays. And you can ship a hoagie anyway in the U.S.

Carlino's Specialty Foods and Catering and Gourmet Take Away Market

2010-02-06T09:42:00.000-05:00

Carlino's
There are 2 locations: West Chester and Ardmore.

High quality Italian selection of meats, cheeses, bread, pasta, pre-made dishes, etc. They also have a catering service which is a nice alternative to the usual events that serve bland sandwiches and wraps.

At a recent visit, we were looking for some anchovies for a gift. They had a nice selection but we couldn't decide which brand. A staff member saw us looking and suggested a particular brand as "the best you'll ever try". Sounds good to me, albeit a bit skeptical, we bought it. Turns out she was right, they were fantastic. We also got some nice sopresata (pronounced like "supra-sahd") which is a like a high quality salami. You can't get this quality in a regular supermarket.

Spend some time browsing around, you'll find some interesting foods.

Trader Joe's

2010-02-06T09:33:00.000-05:00

Trader Joe's

The purpose of this blog (mostly) is to talk about and promote locally owned small businesses and support the "Buy Fresh Buy Local" ideal. Trader Joe's is a large chain, but we like it anyway and I'll tell you why.

Sometimes you can't get everything you need at the smaller farms & markets that we usually blog about (they tend to be seasonal). Sometimes you need a supermarket for convenience and value. Trader Joe's fills the gap between the two. It has everything you'll need, but it's physically smaller than most supermarkets. There just aren't as many options, but you don't need them. The products at TJ are high quality and value priced.

If you've never been there, you should go, it's fun to shop. They usually have samples in the back to try out. There's an interesting selection of unique and "exotic" foods. We recently got some tabbouli and chicken shu mai.

Hill's Quality Seafood Markets, Inc.

2010-02-06T08:57:00.000-05:00

Hill's Quality Seafood Markets, Inc.

We like to cook at home regularly. We like fresh fish, so we go to Hill's. There's 4 locations in Delaware and Chester Counties, so there should be one close for you readers.

Some of our favorites are: mahi mahi, grilled straight up; red snapper, good for fish tacos; halibut, it's versatile, you can cook it like chicken...spice it up and there you go.

If you're not familiar with fish or how to cook it, no worries. Go to Hill's, ask for some suggestions, and they'll even give you recipes. Spices and other goodies are available at the store to supplement your fish.

Edgemont Beer and Cigars

2010-02-06T08:50:00.000-05:00

Edgemont Beer and Cigars

So you're wondering why Beer and Cigars is a category on Where Should We Eat. Here's why:
1. Beer is a food
2. Beer is good to drink with food
3. Beer is good to drink without food
4. I like cigars too

This is a small shop that has a big selection of interesting beers. The owners are very knowledgeable about the inventory and are helpful with information. Even if you don't know what you like, go browse around, ask for suggestions, you'll find something you like. Get on their email list to be notified of tasting events for both beer and cigars.

Here's a pic of a recent favorite:

Oh yeah, they have cigars too.

World Cafe Live

2010-01-31T16:26:00.000-05:00

World Cafe Live

This isn't the most exciting culinary experience, and the menu isn't very broad. But the choices are interesting enough and very nicely done.

So why am I posting about it? Because it's a cool place to go eat. You get to combine two simple pleasures in life: eating and listening to good music. Just as the theme of this blog is to support your locally owned restaurants, when you patronize the World Cafe you are supporting your local musicians. The artists scheduled at WCL span a wide range of musical styles, so there's something for everyone.

Good food, great entertainment. What else do you need?

Tony Luke's

2010-01-31T16:19:00.000-05:00

Tony Luke's

OK so this category has been missing from this blog for a while. It's time to address the category. You all know about the Other Two places to get a cheesesteak, but I don't like either one. You need to go to the original location on Oregon Ave., not the one in the stadium. Of course they have sandwiches other than cheesesteaks. My favorite is the chicken cutlet with broccoli rabe & provolone. The roast pork is pretty good too. You can't really go wrong. My only advice is to know what you want to order before you get to the counter.

The 320 Market Cafe

2010-01-12T20:47:00.000-05:00

The 320 Market Cafe
Swarthmore

NOTE: This entry was written by Mrs. Daotherfoodcritic.

This is one of my favorite little tucked away places! Berries that burst with flavor even in the grey bleak winter months, homemade tortilla chips that are crunchy and crispy paired with their fresh lively pico de gallo salsa, and an ever changing array of soups and salads that are easy to grab and go are just a few of the delectible delights offered at this market.

In addition to these treats, they have frozen pasta and fresh pies from local bakeries, and their own frozen stromboli in many flavors is one of our favorites...especially the pepperoni and cheese.

Looking for dinner? Stop here, they have a full case of homemade treats from chicken parm and rollitini to fresh sides and grilled veggies.

Linvilla Orchards

2009-12-15T13:32:00.000-05:00

Linvilla Orchards

It's long overdo that I post about Linvilla. We've gotton our Christmas tree here for the past couple years. They also have the apple orchard and pumpkin patch in the fall. And of course hay rides. Check out their website for "Pick Your Own Crops".

I know, by now you're saying, "Daotherfoodcritic, this is a blog about where we should eat, not about pumpkins and trees". I say, pumpkins and apples are food. And oh, by the way, there's a farm market there with a bakery, fruits and vegetables, and other good stuff. I just ate some "pepperoni pull-apart bread". Kind of a cross between a pizza and monkey bread.

A quote from their website: "Buy Fresh, Buy Local, Be Green, Pick Your Own! Most fruit in the United States is grown in California and travels 3000 miles by truck to the Philadelphia area. Support local agriculture and reduce fuel consumption while making lifelong memories by picking your own fruit at Linvilla Orchards."

The Whip

2009-09-25T17:51:00.003-04:00

http://www.thewhiptavern.com/home.html

English Pub.

The Four Dogs Tavern

2009-09-25T17:39:00.004-04:00

http://www.thefourdogstavern.com/
Located a few miles west of West Chester Boro (I believe in Marshallton or West Bradford), stumbled onto this place by chance. Needing to meet Da Philly Food Critic for lunch, it was a convenient location that neither of us have been to prior.

I arrived and was pleasantly surprised by the outdoor patio. It was a nice day, so we sat outside. There's a fireplace on the patio that looks like it gets used. We'll have to come back when it's fired up.

There was a nice selection of beers, draft and bottled. We started with the fried oysters served with tarter and cocktail sauce. Lightly battered and very meaty. Next was the French Onion soup for Da Philly Food Critic. He gave it 2 thumbs up, I believe he said the best he's had. I had the black Angus burger and fries, both excellent. The fries were crispy and airy, just right. Da Philly Food Critic ordered fish and chips. It was served in a basket; I tasted the fish, it was light and flaky, better than I've had in England. Then we had desert: I had a homemade chocolate chip cookie, Da Philly Food Critic had brownie sundae. Good stuff.

Great food, good service, cool vibe.

Hill's Quality Seafood Markets

2009-08-29T10:21:00.002-04:00

There are a few locations, we go to Newtown Square. Fresh fish and shellfish, and they have recipes/ cooking instructions if you ask (some of us don't need that though). Everything is always fresh, high quality. We recently got Alaskan snow crab legs, very nice!

Char-Lee's Burgers & Fries

2009-08-29T10:15:00.003-04:00

So the wifey works a hop skip & a jump from this place and occasionally will pick up some bags of food on her way home. The bags are greasy by the time they get home. I'm not suggesting this is good or bad, draw your own conclusion.

The burgers looks homemade, not like a frozen perfect circle. The fries are potatoey. Enough said.

Pete's Produce Farm

2009-08-29T10:10:00.003-04:00

Go here for your supply of fruits and veggies. They have a nice selection of bacon. Yes, I said bacon. It's good for you, puts hair on your chest.

Big selection of flowers, we go here for our spring plantings. We get our mozzarella here to have with tomato & basil.

Wynoor Farm

2009-08-29T10:09:00.002-04:00

Go here for corn, the bi-color is my favorite. It's part white, part yellow. They also have the best pies, they look ugly but are damn good. They have other stuff like eggs (real farm eggs, not supermarket sissies), fruit and veggies.

La Tolteca

2009-08-29T09:59:00.003-04:00

Located in West Chester on the south end of High Street near 202. It's a BYO (thumbs up!) and has an fairly extensive menu. We had a chorizo quessadilla as an appetizer and drank tamarind soda. Good stuff. For dinner, we had a family (serves 2) fajita with beef, pork, chicken & shrimp. Served sizzling on a skillet with peppers, onions, mushrooms. Delicious. My favorite was the pork, must have been marinated for hours. The wifey really liked the beef, had a nice flavor.

Prices are very fair, portions are huge. Oh yeah, they served chips and salsa with dinner (like any good Mexican restaurant should) and the salsa seemed homemade.

Jimmy's BBQ

2009-01-25T09:07:00.002-05:00

Authentic Slow Cooked Barbeque

Finally a BBQ place that isn't frozen, boiled, liquid smoked. Open the door and smoke comes out. Stay for a while and you'll leave smelling like hickory. Try the chorizo. I had ribs (you can see the smoke ring) and pulled pork. The sides are home made. I need to go back and try the brisket.

It was goooooooood. We left full and planning to go back for more. A new favorite.

Located in Westgate Shopping Center, Frazer (right on Lancaster Ave.)

Mack & Manco

2008-09-27T12:46:00.002-04:00

So they are a bit further than our other favorite listed places, but we do go here regulary. We've been frequenting Ocean City NJ as our beach of choice, and when we go, we can't leave without going to Mack & Manco. Fresh baked, thin crust, many choices of toppings with quality ingredients. Nothing beats walking up to the counter, ordering your pie/slice, and a few minutes later eating on the boards.

Ambience aside, we actually really like the pizza. Follow it up with Curley fries a block away.

Hawaiian

2008-09-27T10:57:00.005-04:00

This past summer we hosted a Luau at our house. Established by Da Philly Food Critic. Check his blog for actual Hawaiian restaurants and future luaus.

We had a lot of food:
grilled veggies
short ribs
Kalua pork (slow cooked for about 6 hours)
chorizo
smoked salmon with bbq sauce
pineapple upsidedown cake soaked in rum

Dutch

2008-09-27T10:11:00.007-04:00

We like Dutch food since the wifey is half Dutch (not to be confused with Pennsylvania Dutch, which is German). We haven't found a Dutch restaurant yet, but I'll settle for German since she's half German (which for her is PA Dutch, that's quite an international circle). Here's some favorite Dutch foods the wifey makes:

Bitterbalen: take your leftover roast, chop it up real fine, coat it, deep fry it, eat it with hot mustard.

Dutch pancake: big pan size pancake, like a pancake pie.

Oliebollen: little round doughnuts with orange zest and rolled in sugar. Yummy!

Beer: of course it's better in Netherlands. Amstel & Heineken, don't drink it in the USA.

San Nicola

2008-08-30T19:31:00.002-04:00

In Paoli, right off Lancaster Ave. There is anothe location, I believe in Berwyn; I've only been to the Paoli restaurant. I've been there many times for lunch, I think once or twice for dinner. The food is excellent, decor is nice but not pretentious. The staff is friendly and effecient. I've had several things on the menu. The most recent was tilapia with capers and olives in red sauce (I'm a sucker for fish with capers and olives). My guest had lasagna, which is made with crepes, looked interesting, I didn't try it. I don't go here with any regularity but highly recommend it. You all know I'm picky about Italian restaurants for obvious reasons.

J&A Gourmet

2008-08-30T19:02:00.004-04:00

This is takeout or catering only, not an eat-in. I regulary order lunch here. They make everything you can think of; the lunch menu changes daily. I've had German, Italian, cajun...I could keep going. Everything is excellent, too many good things to list.

Located on West Chester Pike in East Goshen.

http://www.jagourmet.com/

Nino's

2008-08-30T18:59:00.002-04:00

We order from here regularly. They're located on 202 & Street Road, but we've never been there, we always get delivery. I frequently see the Nino's delivery car in our neighborhood (a good sign?). We usually get a pizza, salad, wings. They have everything else you'd expect from pizza place. They're consistant, nothing to get excited about, but we know what we're getting.

Mr. Pizza

2008-08-30T18:56:00.003-04:00

Located in the shopping center in Edgemont on West Chester Pike. They have good wings. The pizza is inconsistant; we've had good pizza, bad pizza, and mediocre pizza. But they have good wings. We haven't tried anything else. It's under new management, so I'm sure we'll try it again.

Baja Fresh

2008-08-30T18:45:00.002-04:00

Ok, let me preface this by saying that I'm going against my better judgement by putting a franchise (let alone "fast food") on my blog. As you can see, the other posts are primarily family owned/ small business establishments. However, I'm putting this one on for several reasons:
1. I've been here several times and it's consistantly good
2. There are real Mexicans making the food
3. The food is fresh, not frozen/premade/packaged/precooked, etc.
4. There is a sign is the store that says something like "you won't find freezers, can openeers or micowaves"

You order from the menu, as a typical fast food style ordering system. You have to wait several minutes for them to prepare the food. You get nachos. There is a toppings bar which includes several types of real salsa. The menu consists of burritos, tacos, quesadillas, fajitas, taquitos. You can sit down and eat like a regular restaurant. The prices are fair. Not the place for a date, but good enough to eat on the go.

Valley Market

2008-08-03T17:59:00.004-04:00

The Valley Market, located on 352 near West Chester Pike, seems to be a family run business. Set up as a real market, there is fresh lunchmeat (hoagies and sandwiches are available) as well as a nice selection of cheeses, pasta, canned food, etc. There are also some premade dinners, we got a lasagna (I'll follow up with the food review when we actually eat it). The people were very friendly. Support your local businesses!!!!!!

Update: we go here frequently. The lasagna was excellent. We have also had their gravy (pasta sauce to you 'Mericans). They have a nice selection of condiments too (lupini beans, fried peppers, etc) Go check it out.

Shanghai Delight Inn

2008-06-17T20:40:00.003-04:00

Located in the shopping center at Rts 352 & 3. They have eat-in, pickup and delivery options. We've done all. Food is good and fair priced, friendly service. I recommend the pork fried rice and steamed meat dumplings. For entree, we like the peppersteak and scallops. We've had several other entrees that were all good. The food is obviously fresh and quality. Our new favorite Chinese restaurant.

UPDATE: This place is closed. There are 2 new places that are good substitutes (if not better).

Bar Ferdinand

2008-05-04T21:43:00.003-04:00

I typically will only post restaurants that we frequent; if we like it, we go back. If we don't like it, we don't talk about it. But I'm going to break that rule this time because we enjoyed this restaurant so much.

The wifey and I were looking to try something new; Da Philly Food Critic always knows where to go, so we called him and twisted his arm a bit to go out to dinner with us. We decided to try this tapas bar because of Pete's raving reviews. This was our first visit.

It's located in Northern Liberties. For those of you unfamiliar with Philly, you won't go here. Fine, stay away, more for us. The restaurant has a cool Spanish decor, the vibe was fun. There's seating outside (unfortunately wasn't warm enough for us, but we'll go back and sit outside next time). We arrived around 8:00pm on a Saturday. Expecting to wait a while for a table, we were seated right away.

Tapas is different from what most of us consider a "normal" meal. It's served in appetizer size portions, which allows you to sample many more items on the menu. Actually, it encourages you to try many things. That's the best part...have you ever gone to a restaurant wanting to try several items, but you can't because you can only eat so much? Well, tapas is the solution to that.

We ate a lot. The service was great. We met the chef and the manager. Check out Da Other Food Critic's blog for details on the food. After the meal, Pete asked us which dish was our favorite. It was impossible to answer, everything was that good.

Home

2008-04-24T19:44:00.002-04:00

That's right, at home. We eat at home much more often than we eat out, easily 95% of the time. Go to the store and get some food to make at home. It's fun, it's cheaper, it's healthier (probably) and it's exactly what you want. We make dinner almost every night, anything from simple grilling to full several course meals. The wifey is a great cook, and I know my way around the grill, makes for a good combination. You name it, we can make it, or at least try.

This blog is called "Where Should We Eat", you can eat at home, you have a kitchen, use it.

Dilworthtown Inn

2008-04-24T19:24:00.003-04:00

My lovely wife took me here for my birthday this year. Last time we ate here was about 6 years ago, again for my birthday. Isn't she nice?

Dilworthtown has been there for a long time. I don't know how long, but a long time. The food is excellent (but uninspired), service is top shelf. The wine selection is good, food is traditional fare but excellent. This time I had lobster and sirloin, the wifey had lamb. Both fabulous.

We'd go back, not very frequently. The prices are high enough that we wouldn't frequent the inn. However, they recently opened a new bar/restaurant next door with a supposedly more relaxed atmosphere. Can't wait to check that out, sounds more like our typical place when we ask "where should we eat?".

Reading Terminal Market

2008-04-12T15:08:00.003-04:00

It has any type of food you're looking for. Quick and fair priced, you can't beat that. Some places are better than other, but most are pretty good.

Haven't been there in a while, but been there many times. If you have to ask where it is, I won't talk to you anymore (so that's incentive for those of you who don't want me to talk to you anymore).

Lancaster Farmer's Market

2008-04-12T15:07:00.000-04:00

I've never been here. My wife has. Ask her.

Booth's Corner

2008-04-12T15:02:00.003-04:00

Holy shit. Food, knives, socks, they have it here. You buy meat & producs from local farmers. You eat anything you can think of. Then you buy stuff. It's huge, it's ridiculous. The food looks great and fairly priced. My wife likes coming here. I might come back.

We ate a sausage sandwich with peppers and onions, it reminded me of a street vendor in Germany. Good stuff. Many other food options, similar to Reading Terminal Market. But the interesting part is the "other stuff", you need to go here to see for yourself, I can't put it into words.

It's Amish meets Nascar. You do the math.

Burger Stand on Main St

2008-04-12T10:55:00.003-04:00

I don't know if this place actually has a name, it doesn't matter. It's on Main St in Manayunk, it's a hamburger stand. An actual burger stand, not a restaurant. You can sit outside at a picnic table if you want. They serve burgers. It's a burger stand. How cool is that.

You can go here at 1:00am when you have a burger craving (maybe after having some tequila across the street).

McGillin's Olde Ale House

2008-04-12T10:34:00.003-04:00

Right around the corner from Ludwig's. I won't tell you where it is because you have to know Philly to find it. Tourists won't, but you will if you bleed green.

We go here on our annual bar tour. There should be another blog just for this (Bill & Andrew...hello??). It's the oldest bar in Philly, even made it through prohibition. You can still see the speakeasy door at the back.

Has a cool vibe, it's a must.

Ludwig's

2008-04-08T08:10:00.003-04:00

Beer, brats, kraut, saurbraten, schitzel. With a side of potatoes and beer. I should have been German. Served by German speaking people. On Sansom Street. You'll find it.

Tapas Anybody

2008-04-04T15:59:00.002-04:00

Bar Ferdinand is a must in North Liberties. The decor makes you feel like your in Spain. The tapas are typical of a Spanish tapas bar. And service from the bartender to servers amazing.

Bourbon Blue

2008-03-30T09:54:00.003-04:00

Cajun/Creole, whatever it's called. It's good. Just off Main Street in Manayunk, we've been here a few times. Good service, good food, doesn't seem to ever be too crowded (because it's on a side street?). Good for us and you. They serve martinis and good dinners. I like Andouille sausage, and they have it there. Did I mention you can order a martini?

Fuji Mountain

2008-03-30T09:50:00.004-04:00

In Bryn Mawr, just off Lancaster Ave.

Vegetable tempura. Sushi. Sashimi. Served on a boat, literally. Never too crowded, fresh food, good service. We like it here, we go here when my wife has a craving for sushi. I like eating with chopsticks and drinking sake. It's good for everyone.

Farms

2008-03-30T09:27:00.003-04:00

Your local farm/ farmers markets. Fresh food at fair prices. Good for the environment. Good for the local economy. Stop buying everything from the big box store and contribute to your township, county, commonwealth or state.

We have 2 local farms: Pete's and Wynoor, both on 926 (Street Road) near 352 . Both have fresh produce and other good stuff like homemade pies. Check them out. Then go back and check them out again. It's worth a few extra minutes of your shopping trip. We get much of our food from them (when they're open) so it's not much less convenient, if at all, then going to a supermarket.

Super Cucas

2008-03-30T09:12:00.002-04:00

This blog is called "Where Should We Eat", which implies local restaurants only. However, I'm taking literary liberties and it's my blog so screw you.

This place is in Santa Barabara, CA. Recommended to my by Robert "Hollywood", a native of SB. We went to Cali a few years ago and went to SB just to have a go at Super Cucas. What you order is a burrito. What you're served is as big as your head. What you leave with is the best damn burrito ever. Made by Mexicans.

Jimmy John's

2008-03-30T09:08:00.001-04:00

I have 2 words for you: Hot Dogs.

If you don't like hot dogs, don't go here. Seriously, don't bother. They have been there for what looks like FOREVER. They serve quickly and efficiently as evidenced by the frequently filled parking lot. Every possible topping for the dogs is available. Damn good dogs.

My 2 cents: you are not allowed to put ketchup or catsup or any other red squeezable substance on the dogs. I will disown you if you do.

Country Deli

2008-03-30T09:01:00.004-04:00

Country Deli

We go here for breakfast. Located on 352 in Middletown, it's another sleeper. Crowded with locals, it's not a fancy place, probably hasn't changed in 20 years, and doesn't need to. If you like good breakfast food, this is the place.

Limoncello

2008-03-30T08:52:00.001-04:00

Hands down the best Italian restaurant around here. Consistantly good food and service. Has a European atmosphere which I hope doesn't change when they expand. They were a BYOB, but have applied for a liquor license (Why???).

Located in West Chester. Best calamari I've had. With capers and olives, fantastic.

We've been there many times. We'll go back many times.

Places Bistro

2008-03-30T08:48:00.002-04:00

Attached to People's Light and Theater in Malvern. We got married here so we're a bit partial. However, we got married here because the food is incredible. In an old farmhouse, has a really cool atmosphere. Shane, the owner/chef is friendly and makes good seasonal menus. Excellent service. Good martinis.

Goose Creek Grill

2008-03-30T08:46:00.005-04:00

Brick oven pizza and full entrees. My favorite place. We actually moved so we can live closer.

Has a deck, when it's warm you can sit outside. They always have a beer special; can't beat a 2 buck draft. Food is great, not a huge selection, but it doesn't need to be. Very laid back, good service.

There are 2 appetizers that are our favorites: fried zucchini & buffalo shrimp. The pizza is the best around, order one of their selections or build your own.

Adobe

2008-03-30T08:44:00.001-04:00

Mexican restaurant in Roxborough. It's a sleeper. When it's warm, you can sit outside. It's never crowded, the food is consistantly good, the margaritas are just right.

We go here frequently. We'll go back frequently.

Saigon

2008-03-30T08:39:00.001-04:00

So we left Chuck E Cheese and were driving home trying to decide where we should eat. My wife had a craving for Chinese food; we were passing through Paoli and I thought there would be a restaurant to satisfy that request. We found Le Saigon, located in the shopping center on Lancaster Ave and Rte 252.

We were seated immediately. Ordered a hot and sour shrimp soup for 2. Delicious. Becky ordered a dish of mixed vegetables. I ordered dried beef with lemongrass. Both wonderful. The food is Vietnamese, so it's similar to other Asian food, but with subtle differences. Good food, good service.

We'd go back.

Restaurant (and I use this term loosely) #1

2008-03-30T08:35:00.002-04:00

So my wife decided she wanted to go out to dinner and try a new restaurant. Before we figured out where we should go eat, my nephew and neice called inviting us to go to Chuck E Cheese. Usually I'd rather poke out my eye with a sharp pencil, but it's my neice and nephew, so we went for a unique dining experience. After "playing" several games, the kids were hungry and we ordered food. Again, I'll use that term loosely, what was served was a pizza; the kids ate, and so did the adults. This fulfilled my wife's requirement of trying something new. While it satisfied our hunger, it certainly didn't satisfy our craving for food.

This is the catalyst for creating this blog. See you at the next restaurant...