tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6091382836549130472024-02-19T16:28:17.483-08:00Berks County EatsZach Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04062231455889255112noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-83585916219469704862014-01-01T06:43:00.003-08:002014-01-01T06:43:47.621-08:00Berks County Eats Has Moved!<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
</h3>
<br />
Berks County Eats has moved to a brand new home for 2014. The all-new BerksCountyEats.com will continue to provide honest reviews of the best Berks County restaurants and dining establishments. In addition, Berks County Eats will offer news and information on grand openings, restaurant closings, special events and more.<br />
<br />Thank you to everyone who has made Berks County Eats a success, and we look forward to making the future even better.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a></div>
Zach Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04062231455889255112noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-80798818897326488162013-05-27T11:30:00.000-07:002014-01-01T06:34:33.493-08:00Stouch Tavern<h4>
</h4>
<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF7JC467rDMyLvBE-osDZrAxrIlnLwmyDy1PSDzzhfphAR4ddYBkDNvrHRBsvF2inQntG-BLmN9RG2HV2wXtdtua9DiaGrOyO2eeqZIwOd-wXyRIn5leP640bm7YoI8DQdwoL4_5NLNI/s1600/Stouch+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAF7JC467rDMyLvBE-osDZrAxrIlnLwmyDy1PSDzzhfphAR4ddYBkDNvrHRBsvF2inQntG-BLmN9RG2HV2wXtdtua9DiaGrOyO2eeqZIwOd-wXyRIn5leP640bm7YoI8DQdwoL4_5NLNI/s320/Stouch+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
By Zach Brown</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The business section of the
Sunday <i>Reading Eagle</i> is not normally
a place to look for inspiration - I spend less time looking through section D
than I do catching up on the adventures of Prince Valiant and Hagar the
Horrible - but inspiration can strike at any time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
As I leafed through the
classifieds one week, one ad, in particular, stood out to me:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Historic</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Stouch Tavern<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Restaurant<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Real Estate, Business Equipment<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Liquor License, Living Quarters<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Plenty of Parking<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>$295,000<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
I already knew the business was
for sale before my last visit to the Womelsdorf establishment in February.
Former owners William and Diane Crumrine passed away within a few months of
each other last year, leaving the business in the hands of their children. To
the family's credit, the Stouch Tavern continues as it did in the years before,
minus William playing the piano in the first floor bar room. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
For more than 200 years, the
building has served as an inn, restaurant and meeting place in Womelsdorf, a
small town on the western edge of Berks County. Now the oldest tavern in the
county, the historic inn played host to George Washington during a 1793 trip to
Carlisle. Our first president now lends his name to the ghost that is said to
inhabit the building's upper floor. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
From the moment you walk in,
you can feel the building's history. A steep staircase rises in front of guests
at the main entrance. Portraits of former owners peer down on diners in every
dining room. The wooden floor creeks
with every step.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Tables are shoehorned into the
narrow rooms, fitting as many patrons as possible. It's a lesson in how not to
design a restaurant, but the building has lived through four centuries, and
sometimes you just have to forgo modern luxury. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvgruwI6jybJiTzPZhv5GByZj7FD8QyODAOAzSh7T7GzjR8ApOpx1_nmUjEIen2bLLIl5Q1srCOvDOnwJI2RsIN-jLq2TfeJsdSVOcl7voWI4JXE8H9hBAa5O_6lcThS0HWHGjWAIZ_0/s1600/Stouch+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvgruwI6jybJiTzPZhv5GByZj7FD8QyODAOAzSh7T7GzjR8ApOpx1_nmUjEIen2bLLIl5Q1srCOvDOnwJI2RsIN-jLq2TfeJsdSVOcl7voWI4JXE8H9hBAa5O_6lcThS0HWHGjWAIZ_0/s320/Stouch+9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Our waiter weaves between
tables and the salad cart to deliver my first course, a bowl of cream of asparagus
soup, the soup du jour for the night. I love asparagus so I loved the soup. Though
it was a little thinner than most cream soups, and a little saltier than I
would have preferred, I still lapped it up quickly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gpBLyhl6oFwLa_-4EXyh-KZpU50Tf1iMRcPVqmkuK-CWkhvnLthJWwXpDIPi6gsiyFbO4pVFmWOk9YxIXPkaSUuyiRpi_38IO-Q8FnVnzXaCJ1w5t789YxT1-qLg8ctc7ZDeFOb0ZGI/s1600/Stouch+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9gpBLyhl6oFwLa_-4EXyh-KZpU50Tf1iMRcPVqmkuK-CWkhvnLthJWwXpDIPi6gsiyFbO4pVFmWOk9YxIXPkaSUuyiRpi_38IO-Q8FnVnzXaCJ1w5t789YxT1-qLg8ctc7ZDeFOb0ZGI/s320/Stouch+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Then came the main course. a
juicy filet mignon, cooked to my liking (always medium well), covered in
mushrooms. There are no choices for the sides. Every entree is served with the
fresh vegetables of the day. Our waiter used the back of two spoons to grab the
potatoes, squash and carrots and place them, one at a time, on our plates. It's
an awkward process, but the vegetables are fresh and cooked to a perfect al dente.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU0hgv1Qd3ZcRHw1PZ0k5lxLK3vmXXAWBAi8F6hvmijdrosOwP0sOSoZ5KKeoVRuMG3IaEzLnncPOQGPKfqLoYccZaSQGk4WsLnTLwBeQe9LUjG2VSf-Vxj8-AYr2Kph7fmnS9v5cluk/s1600/Stouch+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUU0hgv1Qd3ZcRHw1PZ0k5lxLK3vmXXAWBAi8F6hvmijdrosOwP0sOSoZ5KKeoVRuMG3IaEzLnncPOQGPKfqLoYccZaSQGk4WsLnTLwBeQe9LUjG2VSf-Vxj8-AYr2Kph7fmnS9v5cluk/s320/Stouch+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
As good as my food was, I
suggest any first-time visitor try the Specialty of the House - beef medallions
and a slice of ham, smothered in mushroom sauce and Monterey jack cheese,
topped with a fried onion ring (a surprising addition considering it's the only
fried item on the menu). Everything melts together into one meaty, cheesy,
salty dish. It's a unique combination of flavors only available at the Tavern. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlkm7uY3p_EdGaw4Sgk8emqmnz1DETfIFsezrLYI2OBn3wt5-00rXLYZB6xekQ7e9KS5mfBB2-PZ4BKTm8EMj3Yro0aKm6sGO38nCYaMcriU1195jXYhphZeojJZB69UevS0X0HHZFfw/s1600/Stouch+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlkm7uY3p_EdGaw4Sgk8emqmnz1DETfIFsezrLYI2OBn3wt5-00rXLYZB6xekQ7e9KS5mfBB2-PZ4BKTm8EMj3Yro0aKm6sGO38nCYaMcriU1195jXYhphZeojJZB69UevS0X0HHZFfw/s320/Stouch+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpCtVscaBkXSihTRZhQrKocQ8zsohf86TBPBnpBX_8va7FRCDv5G0FoE5OxbBkDFvi5-5pI7mPDdQgU74DZxWBrnL0HSaLezdSPkwfLJEUj10yaUOl4PNFc39_a6yiHTRpuzGhRt5un8/s1600/Stouch+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpCtVscaBkXSihTRZhQrKocQ8zsohf86TBPBnpBX_8va7FRCDv5G0FoE5OxbBkDFvi5-5pI7mPDdQgU74DZxWBrnL0HSaLezdSPkwfLJEUj10yaUOl4PNFc39_a6yiHTRpuzGhRt5un8/s320/Stouch+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
No true Stouch Tavern
experience is complete without dessert. More than just a sweet final course,
dessert is a show. The bananas foster (as well as the cherries jubilee) is made
tableside. Start with a heaping helping of butter, add brown sugar, bananas,
rum and fire, and you get part dessert, part performance art. The gooey bananas
mix is then poured over a giant bowl of ice cream. The sugar rush is worth the
wait. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The late William Crumrine used
to make the bananas himself. "I do the easy jobs," he said. "I
play the piano and make the bananas." The Crumrines can never be replaced,
but hopefully a willing buyer can be found, preferably one who is willing to
make bananas foster. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The Stouch Tavern is open every
day except Tuesday for dinner, and open for lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays,
Thursdays and Fridays. In addition to its regular menu, the Tavern offers a
buffet during lunch hours. <o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/193/1023948/restaurant/Lancaster/Stouch-Tavern-Womelsdorf"><img alt="Stouch Tavern on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1023948/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Zach Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04062231455889255112noreply@blogger.com1Womelsdorf, PA 19567, USA40.3617591 -76.184113940.3375621 -76.2244544 40.3859561 -76.1437734tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-88551586474285225492013-05-06T16:55:00.001-07:002014-01-01T06:35:00.875-08:00Panevino<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By Zach Brown</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Goggleworks has truly been
a blessing to the City of Reading. Thanks to this community arts center, the
neighborhood has truly blossomed into the city's cultural district. Reading
Area Community College opened the Miller Center for the Arts in 2007 and the
IMAX theater opened a year later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What the area lacked was a
signature restaurant, a place to go before or after the cinematic, musical and
theatrical events taking place every night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That changed in 2011 with the
opening of Panevino. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The restaurant actually sits
under the Washington Street parking garage, directly across the street from the
IMAX theater. It's nothing glamorous from the outside, but it's beautiful on
the inside with low lighting, fine china and glassware, and modern styling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Self-described as "rustic
Italian cuisine," the menu mixes traditional favorites like rigatoni and
thin crust pizza with Panevino's unique dishes, like the straw and hay -
spinach and egg fettuccini served with lamb meatballs, eggplant, tomato,
raisins and pine nuts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTQ3xmjRQlrO_ltK4nJQ0ER1a_ekdVus7pXGfW9bLN3ttW9Xs4RuzHxyo8pEPurSHc2d8fWkMwu65Dk4MOCimI9pGOecFHAMF0niMq5x0sxT6R-iquJq_AI7_1-_sxC6hp4Jfxj7fD0al/s1600/Panevino_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTQ3xmjRQlrO_ltK4nJQ0ER1a_ekdVus7pXGfW9bLN3ttW9Xs4RuzHxyo8pEPurSHc2d8fWkMwu65Dk4MOCimI9pGOecFHAMF0niMq5x0sxT6R-iquJq_AI7_1-_sxC6hp4Jfxj7fD0al/s320/Panevino_2.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every meal is served with a
unique appetizer I have never had anywhere else. It is served in two parts to
eat together or separate. The first is a slice of bread - more closely
resembling a thick pizza crust - topped with fresh tomatoes. The second, a
wedge of polenta and a thin slice of roast beef, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
It seemed like an odd pairing, but somehow it worked. All of the flavors
blended nicely together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-Zm3BKyNVv6UZY7Xtfryw8nZB2iKzZrTY4i-3q1V0w3IpSALXzvH2NKdQF8WTaaTJDEzCn7ZUzqveBKzzSLKEdhyspITCiThD1k221DgXb-qSgWkxsAmfa4bsE32YPmfM334EixpHCau/s1600/Panevino_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ-Zm3BKyNVv6UZY7Xtfryw8nZB2iKzZrTY4i-3q1V0w3IpSALXzvH2NKdQF8WTaaTJDEzCn7ZUzqveBKzzSLKEdhyspITCiThD1k221DgXb-qSgWkxsAmfa4bsE32YPmfM334EixpHCau/s320/Panevino_1.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I started my meal with a bowl
of pasta fagioli, a staple on any Italian menu, and a great indicator of the
meal to come. The fagioli is served in a small crock, a paper doily resting
underneath. It was very good, sweet and spicy, meaty with a hearty serving of
beans. The dish was completed with thin cut slices of farfalle pasta, one of
the many pastas Panevino makes from scratch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVBYEEHZv3JH8BWhBIbfpQcdn3Y5gyBJ4pWj5YTBqdpU0NRy_qGu04ShaIM_xbUfDPTh_lNtY7o21U_PJewQBZ_96w4jP4sDCTZeNdmYuymKa9MngQzuZ8qt3S-hBAQcuyhDqBua52hfr/s1600/Panevino_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVBYEEHZv3JH8BWhBIbfpQcdn3Y5gyBJ4pWj5YTBqdpU0NRy_qGu04ShaIM_xbUfDPTh_lNtY7o21U_PJewQBZ_96w4jP4sDCTZeNdmYuymKa9MngQzuZ8qt3S-hBAQcuyhDqBua52hfr/s320/Panevino_3.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salads have never been my favorite,
but I had to try the Arugula, a mixture of arugula leaves, pears, gorgonzola
and leafy greens drizzled with white balsamic vinaigrette, and served in a parmesan
bowl. Despite my general disdain for salad, I found myself enjoying this,
especially the edible bowl. The parmesan flavor was strong and concentrated,
much more so than the flavor of grated parmesan. The closest thing to compare
it to is the pre-packaged breadsticks some restaurants serve, but with a better,
fresher, stronger (sometimes a little too strong) flavor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was a long wait in
between courses, not unexpected because every dish is prepared fresh. Panevino is
not a diner. It's dining - a living reminder of the old adage, "good
things come to those who wait." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMM4MeDEURt9L4evo3BSpVwEgoZiIflFkjUSLQdrarhIyP3HgIbjN8AOvXDwGuEzCnm700blNgRKeh-8kMqw7J3_bWWRlIFQ4AvK9vtX5I0jZRRtbba-IrSG0T60fnbuj3brFpyUW170C/s1600/Panevino_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMM4MeDEURt9L4evo3BSpVwEgoZiIflFkjUSLQdrarhIyP3HgIbjN8AOvXDwGuEzCnm700blNgRKeh-8kMqw7J3_bWWRlIFQ4AvK9vtX5I0jZRRtbba-IrSG0T60fnbuj3brFpyUW170C/s320/Panevino_4.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The main course was, by far,
the best part of the meal. Thick, fresh cavatelli pasta with pork meatballs,
peas and broccoli raub in a light cream sauce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Everything worked well
together. The pasta was cooked perfectly, starchy enough to absorb the sauce.
It was a rich sauce that continued to thicken as I ate. The meatballs were
tender and moist - with all the spices, they didn't taste much different than
traditional beef meatballs; the peas didn't add much flavor, but the broccoli
raub was delicious, with a hint of smokiness that I wasn't expecting.
Unfortunately, there was no way to finish the meal so half of it had to come
home with me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSukA2_OBXeaglrBflOYUBB_2zKeD2fMbLsTjtzff_aamsRD0ZLUVq8qF3ZVJOMboZ7W_Pnz0YyADky9-1vTO17ywWuFsSxMS-Mspgy22BJZYysNBkAYlcoouuDmnEdf9DJ_1j89vYqopz/s1600/Panevino_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSukA2_OBXeaglrBflOYUBB_2zKeD2fMbLsTjtzff_aamsRD0ZLUVq8qF3ZVJOMboZ7W_Pnz0YyADky9-1vTO17ywWuFsSxMS-Mspgy22BJZYysNBkAYlcoouuDmnEdf9DJ_1j89vYqopz/s320/Panevino_5.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That didn't stop me from
ordering dessert, a warm piece of pecan pie with caramel drizzle and vanilla
ice cream - good, but nothing special as far as pies go. The crust was a little
overcooked, but the ice cream hid it well.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The wait staff worked as a team
- at times this was helpful, and at times it wasn't. At the end of the night,
it took long time for us to get our bill, and two separate team members wanted
to take our dessert order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For all the food we got - two
entrees, a cup of soup and dessert - the bill was surprisingly reasonable,
about $25 per person. With the delicious food in a fine dining atmosphere, it
was $50 well spent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/193/1651670/restaurant/Lancaster/Panevino-Reading"><img alt="Panevino on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1651670/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-7356984099497151382013-04-14T18:19:00.000-07:002014-01-01T06:35:17.225-08:00Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Chicken<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVvYIUwEXQBSLBqeeiIPPS-1mzCV9FBXsGX-w2MakkOwu6WMRHYuYUNmdhZ8BHaphHvIfDMWD3KOlfbIKhrUKjrFOKO6z-cxjfAKOAosYZX6oZuisJXeBSfC6Lg9PKLxEYE5C_p1Vn9Z7/s1600/Kauffmans_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVvYIUwEXQBSLBqeeiIPPS-1mzCV9FBXsGX-w2MakkOwu6WMRHYuYUNmdhZ8BHaphHvIfDMWD3KOlfbIKhrUKjrFOKO6z-cxjfAKOAosYZX6oZuisJXeBSfC6Lg9PKLxEYE5C_p1Vn9Z7/s320/Kauffmans_3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
If you live anywhere near <st1:placename w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Berks</st1:place> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:placename>,
you're familiar with Kauffman's BBQ chicken. The wagons are everywhere during
the summer, selling the famous chickens and baked potatoes at fundraisers
throughout Berks and its neighboring counties.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
But the aluminum foil-wrapped
dinners are just a tease – a taste if you will. To get the true Kauffman's
experience, you have to make the trip to the ranch, Kauffman's BBQ Restaurant
in <st1:city w:st="on">Bethel</st1:city>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Kauffman’s is found as close to
the middle-of-nowhere as you can find in Berks County, just south of Interstate
78 and the Lebanon County line on a winding country lane, appropriately called
Gravel Pit Road. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
An 18-hole miniature golf
course spreads across the lawn with an old-fashion plow, a wishing well
and a wagon wheel guarding the holes.
The ranch’s pet peacocks roam free through the parking lot. A giant rooster
stands guard at the entrance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1VspvFc3D-DsbJRzwHYX_-FcU2yR_INr2tKBA_CQ8QXzj-WnQSiBzDxDz1dYQvfsapw-OcSq4om_6ds6rMov4o3lU-Qe7JRPvHDPa3MelJpfmPclRgXx-B_aFqJFk2R3nblLmt-01JzV/s1600/Kauffmans_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1VspvFc3D-DsbJRzwHYX_-FcU2yR_INr2tKBA_CQ8QXzj-WnQSiBzDxDz1dYQvfsapw-OcSq4om_6ds6rMov4o3lU-Qe7JRPvHDPa3MelJpfmPclRgXx-B_aFqJFk2R3nblLmt-01JzV/s320/Kauffmans_2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
If you aren’t hungry when you
arrive, you will be. Inside, a picture window reveals the magical process,
allowing diners to watch the chickens as they rotate in the rotisserie ovens,
flavor dripping onto the birds below and marinating the potatoes that bake on
the bottom rack. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Meals are served
cafeteria-style, and the line for the dining room winds through the take-out
area, and sometimes out the door. A pair of menu boards announce the platter
options, including baked ham, Salisbury steak and clam strips. But for most
diners, the only real option is whether to get a ¼ chicken or ½, and white meat
or dark. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyTQKRUtQW8GUBwTe5tlOqEttnWcvjAlxyVyucgo12RVklP54MAyb-dFf_mcLNCYsFVPNKzZWHa-he6G7S6fhQ8TjnjHBjuezy6oDK6EwSYZVPTOPo6KKw7lJrbe5Xl3EYyrsH9RZ4qeL/s1600/Kauffmans_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyTQKRUtQW8GUBwTe5tlOqEttnWcvjAlxyVyucgo12RVklP54MAyb-dFf_mcLNCYsFVPNKzZWHa-he6G7S6fhQ8TjnjHBjuezy6oDK6EwSYZVPTOPo6KKw7lJrbe5Xl3EYyrsH9RZ4qeL/s320/Kauffmans_4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Customers file down to a narrow
lane where you pick up your tray and pick out your desserts from a refrigerated
case (sneakily located at the front of the line) before placing your order.
Meals are served on disposable paper plates and cups. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAUmA4jyAdqPkHyCSDXptzVpkUzbQfeqJs-qEIBUF-th8SHmBjdAi3hf9-xPL_fcTRgzpffowlPTRXuttqOxhNZBpOf2cMd_O5sl7HwEELLgKO63zEJGXPCu8lwwtSfX0l2DLRDeLiB4O/s1600/Kauffmans_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAUmA4jyAdqPkHyCSDXptzVpkUzbQfeqJs-qEIBUF-th8SHmBjdAi3hf9-xPL_fcTRgzpffowlPTRXuttqOxhNZBpOf2cMd_O5sl7HwEELLgKO63zEJGXPCu8lwwtSfX0l2DLRDeLiB4O/s320/Kauffmans_5.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
All platters include a trip to
the salad bar, which has all the staples, including a flavorful macaroni salad
that can be used instead of dressing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMc0yyLIG_UpINkmL5wnYdIPGASnRGc4i7aaVDJDQXeLUiGU0gvo1RWAqNHW3R0tvsi4EzH_agyp8Qnc4c-rRxNu8xsw_EVKF3bJagW-ZLoQVbnJ4nLeEoZCXagQofDcWTd_vpcEJ9t_U/s1600/Kauffmans_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMc0yyLIG_UpINkmL5wnYdIPGASnRGc4i7aaVDJDQXeLUiGU0gvo1RWAqNHW3R0tvsi4EzH_agyp8Qnc4c-rRxNu8xsw_EVKF3bJagW-ZLoQVbnJ4nLeEoZCXagQofDcWTd_vpcEJ9t_U/s320/Kauffmans_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Naturally, the best part of
every meal is the chicken. Cooked to a golden brown, the skin is full of flavor
— a little sweet with a hint of spiciness, especially in the blackened edges of
the wings and thighs. There is no extra sauce because it doesn't need it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Every platter comes with a
choice of potato: baked potato, french fries or potato filling, a delicious mix
of mashed potatoes, bread crumbs, celery
and herbs, loaded with brown gravy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
And of course there's the
dessert options, a variety of fresh baked cakes and pies, including a classic
apple crumb pie with a thin, flaky crust and apples that melt in your mouth. Or
if you prefer something a little colder, Kauffman's has a full ice cream stand
in the take-out area with soft serve and a freezer full of Hershey's hard ice
cream. Grab a cone and enjoy it on their enclosed porch, furnished with retro yellow
fiberglass picnic tables. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
All of the platters at
Kauffman's are priced under $10, and the miniature golf is just $4 a person,
the perfect prices for an afternoon outing with the whole family. Make sure you plan your trip for later in the week because the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If you can't
make it to the bar-b-que ranch, you can get the same quality chicken at
fundraisers all summer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/193/1158215/restaurant/Lancaster/Kauffmans-Bar-B-Que-Chicken-Bethel"><img alt="Kauffman's Bar-B-Que Chicken on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1158215/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-29970302936439371872013-03-24T18:03:00.000-07:002014-01-01T06:35:25.383-08:00La Cocina Mexicana - Kutztown<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
</h3>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
By Zach Brown</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
I have high expectations every
time I visit a restaurant for the first time. I want a reason to come back,
something that sets it apart from the hundreds of other restaurants in Berks
County. I'm looking for a unique experience. I'm looking for attentive service.
Above all, I'm looking for great food. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Unfortunately, it's inevitable
that I will be disappointed from time to time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
La Cocina Mexicana is
successful enough for two locations, one in Temple and one in Kutztown. The
Kutztown location sits in a nondescript two-story brick building on the corner
of Main St. and Constitution Blvd.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
But inside the building comes
alive. Vibrant shades of red, yellow, orange and green pop from the carved
wooden tables. A self-portrait of Frida Kahlo hangs on the wall, her ominous
unibrow staring at the diners below. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP53CbekluRBWUcRHWoFcCrWD0woMUnRKRPES83_CVktwjOQ6bWRsRTDVCkw00LHLZaE2mobircuI936rxQ3qkJVmQ221ivHa3T0bZSQh-n20WJhzASvWORkK4HaaWvd0Tk3xPIbZwqz-/s1600/La_Cocina_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhP53CbekluRBWUcRHWoFcCrWD0woMUnRKRPES83_CVktwjOQ6bWRsRTDVCkw00LHLZaE2mobircuI936rxQ3qkJVmQ221ivHa3T0bZSQh-n20WJhzASvWORkK4HaaWvd0Tk3xPIbZwqz-/s320/La_Cocina_3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
I ordered the mole poblano,
described as "pieces of chicken smothered in rich, red or green
mole." Mole poblano is normally a delicious dark sauce made of chili
peppers, a dozen different spices, and sometimes chocolate. The flavors should dance across your tongue, a
perfect blend of spicy and salty. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fZlKJpe5UHYH9X2gx9Prl9x9EKw28f_HLcpLyZfsN4xaK-3gENYsSzRPuxXCg_vDVzpUhfBpkIOpM-yDITwPO4JowKYDzsCtqyTatrqaFKDp_alQi4lLv1Z4_eVpJi6vC8-AN5WE5Y9n/s1600/la_cocina_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fZlKJpe5UHYH9X2gx9Prl9x9EKw28f_HLcpLyZfsN4xaK-3gENYsSzRPuxXCg_vDVzpUhfBpkIOpM-yDITwPO4JowKYDzsCtqyTatrqaFKDp_alQi4lLv1Z4_eVpJi6vC8-AN5WE5Y9n/s320/la_cocina_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
My meal hit none of those
flavors. The chicken was boiled, dry and tasteless. "Pieces" is a
great way to describe it because it was hard to tell what type of meat I was
eating. Some of it was dark, some white, all of it flavorless. The sauce was as
flavorless as the meat. There was no hint of chili peppers, or any other flavor
to speak of. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Every order comes with rice,
refried beans and a side of guacamole. The rice was yellow and dry while the
"beans" were a brown, watery mess that was all filler and hardly any
beans. The guacamole at least looked appealing, even if it didn't taste it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Mexican food, when done right,
is flavorful and exotic. It uses spices that other ethnic foods don't, and
opens diners to a world of flavors that otherwise go undiscovered. My meal at
La Cocina wasn't even close. There were four of us in total, and everyone left disappointed
with their meals. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The only redeeming part of our
meal was dessert, fried ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce piled high
atop a fried tortilla shell. The shell was like one you would get for a taco
salad, deep fried, yet still light and airy. The ice cream was covered in a
delicious, crumbly fried shell. It's the only reason I would have to go back
again. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPo9VgAwVsxrAYLbWj0j5jqyuukVpCA9LvJjJmGcZi2a8Re7x8UEoLf6t2u4F_avcFvRybX_XnepsgODtJ_OWyAixKBHid0XX0Qx26YBIimqGscPTR8nf9lRvsRSkl68OmsAc-8Ux9G7C8/s1600/La_Cocina_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPo9VgAwVsxrAYLbWj0j5jqyuukVpCA9LvJjJmGcZi2a8Re7x8UEoLf6t2u4F_avcFvRybX_XnepsgODtJ_OWyAixKBHid0XX0Qx26YBIimqGscPTR8nf9lRvsRSkl68OmsAc-8Ux9G7C8/s320/La_Cocina_4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The service wasn't much better
than the food. The food came very shortly after we ordered, which should have
been the first clue that it wasn't going to be a hand-crafted meal, but we had
to wait a long time to order. When the meal was finished, we split the check,
part cash and part credit, but our waitress missed a $10 bill and charged my
card for the additional amount. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
I want to try the original La
Cocina in Temple because I can't imagine business was good enough to expand
without better food and service than what we got. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Berks County has plenty of
other options for Mexican dining, so save the trip to Kutztown and try someplace
else. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Share your stories in the comment section below, or share your suggestions and comments using #BerksCountyEats on Twitter.</div>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/80/1661191/restaurant/Allentown/La-Cocina-Mexicana-Kutztown"><img alt="La Cocina Mexicana on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1661191/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-39696519883069585692013-03-10T08:44:00.001-07:002013-03-10T08:44:53.641-07:00Berks restaurant to be featured on Food Network tonight<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maniaci's Italian Bistro in Mohnton will be featured on tonight's episode of <em>Restaurant: Impossible</em> on the Food Network. The episode, which airs at 10 p.m., shows the transformation Maniaci's by chef Robert Irvine. </span><br />
<br />
<div>
<em><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maniaci's Italian Bistro in Mohnton, Pa., was a thriving family business that was run by Mrs. Maniaci until her death: Five years later, her three sons are running the business into the ground. Chef Robert Irvine has two days and $10,000 to overhaul the menu, décor and give the Maniaci brothers a fresh start to keep their mother's dream alive.</span></blockquote>
</em></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Berks County restaurants have been featured on television in the past. Ady Abreu of Ady's Cupcakes in West Reading was the winner on an episode of <em>Cupcake Wars </em>that aired last May on Food Network. The Peanut Bar's Chef Andrea Heinley was a contestant on season five of the FOX show <em>Hell's Kitchen</em>, and the Peanut Bar itself was featured on the Travel Channel special <em>Bar Food Paradise. </em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Tune in tonight at 10 p.m., and support a local Berks County restaurant!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-20920307275540769322013-03-03T14:45:00.000-08:002014-01-01T06:35:35.014-08:00The Steak Shack<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGq5PX6v60-sRtd7vt0nYelsAvPIh-2mMQKNyD1IhNALiadxPZvJP7u_4vMdggnCRB7bT0qLy-nC_FG9m90YporOWD9XPvIrOOR-rO6bdrnTryPzTy2s0IjSTCQv2nVKZr9cFRPnSrakk1/s1600/Steak2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGq5PX6v60-sRtd7vt0nYelsAvPIh-2mMQKNyD1IhNALiadxPZvJP7u_4vMdggnCRB7bT0qLy-nC_FG9m90YporOWD9XPvIrOOR-rO6bdrnTryPzTy2s0IjSTCQv2nVKZr9cFRPnSrakk1/s400/Steak2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By Zach Brown</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For some restaurants, it's the location that makes it special, like a country restaurant with a riverside view. For others, it's the ambiance: a rustic inn with Victorian furnishings or an upscale wine bar with chic modern style.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">When the Steak Shack opened three years ago, it was, quite literally, a shack. The small wooden structure was set in a parking lot along Route 61 in Leesport. Surrounded on one side by a roadside flower stand, and a utility shed salesman on the other, the location was less than ideal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">So last year the Steak Shack packed up and moved inside Body Zone Sports & Wellness Complex, just off Route 222 on Paper Mill Road.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now instead of watching cars pass by on the highway, you can enjoy your dinner while watching amateur hour on one of Body Zone's ice rinks. The view is great, if you enjoy middle age Mennonite men trying to play ice hockey in jeans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">But while the Steak Shack has always lacked in ambiance and location, it has always delivered on the two things that matter most: food and service.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I knew from its time in Leesport that the Steak Shack is Cash Only, but I somehow managed to forget until after I placed my order. A walk to the ATM at the entrance of Body Zone proved useless - instead of the $20 I asked for, I got a "communication error."</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With my tail between my legs, I returned to the counter with four $1 bills and $2 in change, all that I had on my person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Don't worry about it," the cashier said as I emptied my pockets. I insisted on downsizing my order, but he refused. "I'm owner," he said, "Don't worry about it. I want to make repeat customers." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This above-and-beyond personal service can only be found in small, local establishments, and it's one of the reasons that I am loyal to the Steak Shack. The other reason is just as important: the food. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The sign proclaims "Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks," and that's what the Steak Shack delivers. The meat is sliced thin, and cooked to perfection. Rather than choose from the selection of cheeses (American, Swiss, Provolone, American Whiz or Cheddar Whiz), I took my steak sandwich with sauce and onion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhtpnEHxHdAKK3FJgdJubhVj6lQcbf83wTVS9kC1NsAkrMhOcmxMu1RczyAZsxMEd-lxdQdaXKxmH3hgzAjVOT-KBD3sQA7OvsVlWfYgVrctJyqwiK-KEgK6fVrrwmXkI7CKpaAnSJBdO/s1600/Steak1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhtpnEHxHdAKK3FJgdJubhVj6lQcbf83wTVS9kC1NsAkrMhOcmxMu1RczyAZsxMEd-lxdQdaXKxmH3hgzAjVOT-KBD3sQA7OvsVlWfYgVrctJyqwiK-KEgK6fVrrwmXkI7CKpaAnSJBdO/s400/Steak1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There's something about the Steak Shack's sauce that just blends well with the other ingredients. The sauce is the perfect texture - not thick like a marinara sauce, but thick enough that it doesn't run out of the roll. And the roll itself is ideal: soft on the inside, but with a crunch on the outside so it's sturdy enough to hold everything together until you're finished. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Then there are the fries. At Leesport they were short, thick "race track" fries, but now they're cut thin like fast food restaurants. But the flavor is still the same - a fresh-cut flavor with a little grease. Add a little vinegar and the fries reach a whole new level. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Other menu items at the Shack include chicken cheesesteaks, homemade potato chips, and New York style pizza with over 25 available toppings. When another customer asked about the chicken cheesesteaks, the owner summed up why the Shack is the best. "We use real chicken, not that processed stuff," he said. "If you don't like it, I'll give you your money back." The Steak Shack takes pride in its food, and it has a lot to be proud of. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Shack is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. Just remember to bring cash. Even if the ATM is working, it's a $2.50 surcharge. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Want to share your own experience? Have a suggestion for where I should go next? Leave a message in the comments section, or tweet using the hashtag #BerksCountyEats<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/193/1735281/restaurant/Lancaster/Steak-Shack-Reading"><img alt="Steak Shack on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1735281/minilink.gif" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; height: 36px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-40377953530618947172013-02-09T20:08:00.000-08:002014-01-01T06:35:46.506-08:00Risser's Family Restaurant<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
</h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
By Zach Brown<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Cooking with a Touch of
Pennsylvania Dutch: The words are printed on the mural that spans the dining
room wall at Risser's Family Restaurant in Stouchsburg. The wall is covered
with Amish farm scenes and proverbs like "Kissing wears out, cooking
don't" and "we grow too soon old, and too late schmart."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Part diner, part family
restaurant, Risser's has been serving local favorites in western Berks County
for decades. The original dining car opened in 1954 as the Blue Star Diner, and
it still maintains its retro styling, with stainless steel trim on the counter
and stools. The dining room has a more rustic feel, with the mural on one wall
and country primitives throughout. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
One of the highlights of dinner
at Risser's is the soup and salad bar that comes with most meals. Six varieties
of soups, from chicken noodle to clam chowder, are available on any given
night. The salad bar includes more than 10 different dressings-including hot
bacon dressing, homemade macaroni and potato salad, and some of the best red
beet eggs anywhere. Fresh baked muffins and breads are also included. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
And with every salad bar order
comes soft ice cream, vanilla and chocolate, with topping options that include
chocolate syrup, crushed Oreo cookies, peanuts, and chocolate sprinkles.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
Risser's has all the standard
diner fare: french toast, pancakes, and omelets at breakfast; soups and
sandwiches at lunch, and meat and potato platters at dinner. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
But Risser's specialty is traditional
Pennsylvania Dutch entrees: chicken pot pie, pig stomach, beef heart, and a
personal favorite, schnitz und knepp - warm, baked apples served with a
dumpling and four thick slices of baked ham. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKhrqq1jJBMnUkx7jk3qSMRfYzNp2hCBVqaMwa64Pe0ZD-Lw6H1HxRQc-IlHvmKdBkAs_QzErhAX-Iv2_EZ9GrZvssQskdXq3cDcrbChUYgePB2rAGdjYf3_SEO6yDgvIE7LtqmzGGm6D/s1600/Schnitz+Und+Knepp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKhrqq1jJBMnUkx7jk3qSMRfYzNp2hCBVqaMwa64Pe0ZD-Lw6H1HxRQc-IlHvmKdBkAs_QzErhAX-Iv2_EZ9GrZvssQskdXq3cDcrbChUYgePB2rAGdjYf3_SEO6yDgvIE7LtqmzGGm6D/s320/Schnitz+Und+Knepp.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
The flavor combination is unexpected,
a mix of dinner and dessert. As the dumpling soaks up the glaze from the
apples, it tastes more and more like apple pie. The saltiness of ham is a
strange, but welcome addition to the dish, and it only gets better as the
ingredients have time to blend together. The only downside to the dish is that
it's only offered every few weeks as a special, and is not part of the daily
menu. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
If you're looking for the
unique taste of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, Risser's is a great choice. Entrees
run between $10-$15, and many are available in small and large portions. Check
their website or local ads for weekly and daily specials.<br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/193/1023946/restaurant/Lancaster/Rissers-Family-Restaurant-Womelsdorf"><img alt="Risser's Family Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1023946/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>
<br />
<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-3218030484771893932013-01-30T19:05:00.001-08:002014-01-01T06:36:06.192-08:00Hall of Flame BBQ & Wings <h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
</h3>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hall of Flame BBQ & Wings is the latest edition to Berks County's
growing list of bar-b-cue restaurants. Opening in late 2012 in the former Pizza
Time building on Lancaster Avenue, the Hall of Flame specializes in wood-smoked
meats and deep fried chicken wings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A plain white and brown exterior is not nearly as appealing
as the smells coming from inside. A small counter sits in front of the kitchen
area, which is in full view of customers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A couple other customers were standing by the counter
waiting for their food. One of them sampled one of Hall of Flame's <i>fatality</i> wings, which he managed to eat
without taking a drink. He raved about the flavor of the wing, and how you got
the heat without the messy sauce. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wasn't nearly as brave, but my black cherry habanero BBQ wings
were the highlight of the meal. The wings were deep fried to perfection, and
the sauce was one of the best I have ever tasted, with an incredible sweetness
from the cherries, and a slow burn from the habanero that built up as I tore
through my order. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqOx7bIz8lbf1jg7nbuMCxP1QIFVzzNE0iNfKy04F64JjCSveNeOBlNF4cyf83h_OnTMXF4EPGXk-51xl9RphSXwjMAGYaqsxlk7NfMwcXE6eZR-91vIv8Jbm2l6s8QW8541vz6k71XNy/s1600/photo+(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzqOx7bIz8lbf1jg7nbuMCxP1QIFVzzNE0iNfKy04F64JjCSveNeOBlNF4cyf83h_OnTMXF4EPGXk-51xl9RphSXwjMAGYaqsxlk7NfMwcXE6eZR-91vIv8Jbm2l6s8QW8541vz6k71XNy/s320/photo+(16).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the main course, I chose the Hall of Famer sandwich, an
oversized roll loaded with beef brisket and pulled pork, with potato wedges on
the side. The meats were tender and flavored well, but the brisket still had
some fat on it, and there was just too much meat for the tiny cup of sauce that
came with it. A little more sauce would have made a world of difference. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2vk7WWjrML78dIOijYq9nm656-BaDCCLMmWiIwcqYoXJhW4yqJp28DYG3r7nrTU3mwk8pIyXbhxf6otG2YhiIc3Yv8ClRmV5tylROT9Y_AnfvCCmKUGYJSbi839gO96IiILP8Wyv_fz8/s1600/photo+(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2vk7WWjrML78dIOijYq9nm656-BaDCCLMmWiIwcqYoXJhW4yqJp28DYG3r7nrTU3mwk8pIyXbhxf6otG2YhiIc3Yv8ClRmV5tylROT9Y_AnfvCCmKUGYJSbi839gO96IiILP8Wyv_fz8/s320/photo+(15).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The wedges were about six inches long and golden brown, but
I was expecting more flavor. There are several seasoned and loaded options that
I would suggest trying instead. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Hall of Flame's most intriguing menu item is the BBQ
parfait, a monstrous mountain of barbecue, sides, and cheese sauce. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSBUKLkQa7H4rmrWQjUeYemLgTauqvTZM7n70SVgYil3DLqAxV__NAVvzquF8FqOBoQ_tQ5PZIPh-Et-TXx34qs6675f__aWsYNv5F4xCAi7hUSi3LUaFOwb74eGMbABH1jx1qv40zeZO/s1600/photo+(17).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnSBUKLkQa7H4rmrWQjUeYemLgTauqvTZM7n70SVgYil3DLqAxV__NAVvzquF8FqOBoQ_tQ5PZIPh-Et-TXx34qs6675f__aWsYNv5F4xCAi7hUSi3LUaFOwb74eGMbABH1jx1qv40zeZO/s320/photo+(17).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I don't sell too many of them," the owner told me
when he delivered the parfait, "but it's more of a novelty item. You can't
get it anywhere else."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The parfait starts with your choice of side dish on the bottom,
then it gets covered in BBQ and cheese sauces, followed by your choice of meat
and more sauces. The whole thing is topped off with a big scoop of coleslaw. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's definitely not for everyone. The flavor combination is
interesting to say the least. The coleslaw can be overpowering as its flavor
seeps into the whole dish. If you don't like coleslaw, you're not going to like
it. If you do like it, and you like trying new things, give the dish a try. For
$5.95, it's worth it to say to you ate a BBQ parfait. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sandwiches range from $6-9, while BBQ platters run $9-23. The
Hall of Flame has only three tables so it's best to plan for take-out. Wing
prices vary depending on quantity. Open seven days a week until 10:00 pm.</div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/193/1729208/restaurant/Lancaster/Hall-of-Flame-BBQ-Wings-Reading"><img alt="Hall of Flame BBQ & Wings on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1729208/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-24246778215277852072013-01-06T18:05:00.003-08:002014-01-01T06:36:17.178-08:00Chrstine's Creekside Inn<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
</h3>
<br />
Nestled along the Allegheny Creek south of Gibraltar,
Christine's Creekside Inn seemingly appears out of nowhere on Green Hills Road.
Built originally as a grist mill, the 18th century building was transformed
into a restaurant in the 1970s, and finally became Christine's in 2008. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On a Thursday night in December, my wife and I made our
first visit to the Christine's. Three chandeliers hung from the center of the
ceiling, their light revealing the beauty of the nearly 250-year-old building. Every
table was covered in white linen, with red napkins that matched the upholstered
chairs. One original stone wall remained untouched on the far side of the room.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcgohB49vQPsoW-dBWMwisWxMgVVVvnt1U8Q-btgDO4EHYo-s7XPXfuGkYqWk99CCI1emEHPejUK5IDs0J8aHWdml18sSD-Tez3zufoz24-gsCk__7ns5nwdf3dYmqa5HMDsdfvFcxyeE/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcgohB49vQPsoW-dBWMwisWxMgVVVvnt1U8Q-btgDO4EHYo-s7XPXfuGkYqWk99CCI1emEHPejUK5IDs0J8aHWdml18sSD-Tez3zufoz24-gsCk__7ns5nwdf3dYmqa5HMDsdfvFcxyeE/s320/photo-5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was disappointing to see such a beautiful room nearly
empty as only one other couple was in the dining room with us for most of our
meal. The waitress's footsteps on the hardwood floor echoed through the
cavernous room. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe it was because it was a slow night, but our service
was incredible. Our waitress doubled as
the bartender, and she went out of her way to make sure we enjoyed our dinner. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To add to the ambiance, all diners receive a warm towel to
freshen up with before their meal. It's a nice touch that really makes it feel
like you are not just eating out, you're dining. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started my meal with the soup du jour, a tasty ham and
bean soup, which like the rest of the menu, is made from scratch. The dinner
rolls were also fresh and still warm from the oven when they arrived at our
table. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My main course for the evening was the "Touch of Italy,"
which features grilled chicken, sausage, peppers, mushrooms, onions and
linguine tossed in a light tomato sauce. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zM4DKLa4fAEoV32uxrR0dT0F0i26Z8OT8-ZI9hyikH1qzWxxn8x66dV8R8jxvi2e-hkkDpoBZbdxDT5mW89eHpR4mFpEwLQQE8el8V4prNBtQcMMQKCyc8B49JU8Mn6PRYPMB9LvaOtM/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zM4DKLa4fAEoV32uxrR0dT0F0i26Z8OT8-ZI9hyikH1qzWxxn8x66dV8R8jxvi2e-hkkDpoBZbdxDT5mW89eHpR4mFpEwLQQE8el8V4prNBtQcMMQKCyc8B49JU8Mn6PRYPMB9LvaOtM/s320/photo-11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The "Touch of Italy" could easily have fed two
people. The waitress brought it out in a large serving bowl, and after filling
my plate it looked like the bowl had barely been touched. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The natural sweetness of the fresh tomatoes came through in
every bite. Unlike a thick marinara sauce, the oil in this sauce helped it
stick to everything, blending flavors perfectly. My side of vegetables tasted
like they were picked from the garden that morning. The bright orange color of
the carrots glowed in the room's soft lighting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My wife ordered the Steak Alexander, served with red onions
in a confit sauce, a balsamic base that was still sweet, which added a unique
flavor to the choice cut of steak. The home fries were more like potato wedges,
deliciously seasoned with an herb blend. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only downside to our meal was the portion size left us no
room to try any of the Inn's homemade desserts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our bill totaled about $65, but we took advantage of a restaurant.com
coupon for $25.00 off. Christine's website also offers coupon promotions throughout
the year so be sure to check before you go. Because the food is made fresh, reservations
are highly recommended, so try to plan your visit in advance. It's definitely
worth the visit. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/193/1690795/restaurant/Lancaster/Christines-Creekside-Inn-Birdsboro"><img alt="Christine's Creekside Inn on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1690795/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-29598140929560486172012-04-19T16:04:00.002-07:002012-04-19T16:06:33.112-07:00Berks County Restaurant WeekToday begins the annual Restaurant Week presented by the Greater Reading Independent Restaurant Association (GRIRA) where 19 of Berks County's eateries will be offering special multi-course, fixed price menus. From now until April 29th, patrons can enjoy the lower-priced offerings to get a sampling of the establishments. Included here, I have listed all of the participating restaurants, along with pricing and a short description (note: some entrees have sides included). For the full pre-fixe menus for these restaurants, visit <a href="http://www.grira.net/">www.grira.net</a>. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
201West - Shillington<br />$8.00 lunch specials<br />$20.00 dinner - entrees with salad, side, and dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Blind Hartman's Tavern - Temple<br />$7.99 lunch - soup and salad, or soup and sandwich<br />$19.99 dinner - entree with soup, salad, and dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brewer's Bar and Grill - West Reading<br />$8.00 lunch - entree with appetizer<br />$20.00 dinner - entree with soup or salad, and appetizer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Building 24 - Wyomissing<br />$20.00 dinner - entree with appetizer and dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cloud 9 Cafe - Wyomissing<br />$5.95 soup of the day with tossed salad<br />$6.95 quiche of the day with fruit<br />$7.95 sandwich of the day with pasta salad</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deitsch Eck - Lenhartsville <br />$15.00 entree with appetizer, 2 sides, and dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Emily's - Reading<br />$10.00 lunch - sandwich with soup or dessert<br />$22.00 dinner - entree with salad, vegetable, starch, and soup or dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Flanagan's Pub - Shillington<br />$8.99 lunch - entree with appetizer<br />$21.99 dinner - entree with soup or salad, and appetizer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Go Fish Seafood Market & Sushi Bar - West Reading<br />$10 lunch - entree with side<br />$30 dinner - entree with appetizer and dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Hitching Post- Reading<br />$9.99 lunch - entree with side salad, and dessert or wine<br />$19.99 dinner - entree with side salad, dessert, and wine or beer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Judy's on Cherry - Reading<br />$10.00 lunch - entree with dessert<br />$20.00 dinner - entree with Mediterranean bread, salad, and dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Klinger's on Carsonia - Reading<br />$10.00 lunch - entree with soup or salad<br />$20.00 dinner - entree with soup or salad, starter, and dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Panevino - Reading<br />$20.95 dinner - entree with appetizer and dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Penn Werner Hotel - Wernersville<br />$8.00 lunch - entree with fries<br />$20.00 dinner - entree with appetizer and dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sofrito Gastro Pub - Reading<br />$8.00 lunch - entree with appetizer<br />$20.00 dinner - entree with appetizer and dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Suburban Tavern - Mt. Penn<br />$20.00 dinner - entree with salad and dessert<br />$17.00 wine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Winedown Cafe - West Reading<br />$8.50 - $12 lunch - entree with wine pairing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Works at Wyomissing - Wyomissing<br />$8.00 lunch - entree with fries or salad; and soda, tea, or coffee<br />$20.00 dinner - entree with appetizer and dessert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yellow House Hotel - Douglassville<br />$10.00 lunch - sandwich with soup or dessert<br />$20.00 dinner - entree with salad, vegetable, starch, and soup or dessert</div>
<br />
I know I'll be heading to at least one of these restaurants during the week, and I hope that you will, too. I'll be sharing my experience with you, and as always, feel free to comment here about your own dining experience.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-89341731283354651272012-04-09T14:54:00.003-07:002014-01-01T06:36:28.054-08:00Muddy's BBQ<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
</h3>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The smell of barbecue wafts through the air along Route 12. About a mile south of the Route 73 intersection, a small trailer sits on the side of a hill. Parked cars line the narrow stone driveway that winds its way around. Dozens of people are crammed around the five adjacent picnic tables as they devour beef brisket and pulled pork that took hours to slow cook. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A sign along Pricetown Road points the passing cars to Muddy’s BBQ, one of Berks County’s newest dining hot spots. March 1st began the outdoor barbecue joint’s sophomore season of business, with fans flocking in after a township-induced four-month fast from the tender meats that Muddy’s began serving up at this spot in the Spring of 2011. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the south, places like Muddy's are everywhere. I fell in love with barbecue five years ago on a trip to the Gulf Coast. There, outside the otherwise sleepy little town of Oceans Springs, Mississippi, I found The Shed, a literal shed in middle of nowhere that had people lined up for over an hour just order. Since then, I've eaten in barbecue joints from Texas to North Carolina to New York City, unsuccessfully trying to find something that could rival The Shed. Never did I dream I would be able to find it in the Oley Valley. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While you wait in line, the smell can drive you crazy. If you go during peak hours, you could be waiting to order for fifteen minutes to a half hour before waiting just as long for your food. But a little patience goes a long way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh0pxYooINBpWdYA5C13wAqJsebsLgG3b9OYZy6T6cckQyXVSepW_BX_YibrYvBvWvQccpf5PYrxWKBiIo_S9B1FXa4t_Bd01LeWbBc91_kEX059onmiOLDD43r1ivAmEhIIaV-uN6A6j/s1600/muddys.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlh0pxYooINBpWdYA5C13wAqJsebsLgG3b9OYZy6T6cckQyXVSepW_BX_YibrYvBvWvQccpf5PYrxWKBiIo_S9B1FXa4t_Bd01LeWbBc91_kEX059onmiOLDD43r1ivAmEhIIaV-uN6A6j/s320/muddys.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On my most recent trip, I decided on a platter of pulled pork with a side of french fries and barbecue baked beans. Each platter comes with two slices of white bread, which come in very handy for cleaning up extra sauce. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Their pulled pork, like all their meat, is slow-cooked and I can just imagine it falling apart as they prepare it. It's tender and juicy, but a little extra sauce never hurts. The fries are fresh-cut and dashed with Old Bay. The uneven coating gives a little different flavor in each bite. The baked beans are some of the best around. Whatever is left from yesterday's meats get thrown in with the beans. It almost has the consistency of chili, but the much sweeter flavor of barbecue. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you want to give Muddy's a try, start with lunch if you can. It's not as full, and you can usually find an open seat on the picnic tables. If you're going for dinner, especially on the weekend, you're either going to have to take your food home with you, or make new friends because the tables are full through the whole dinner rush. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My meal cost about $12 including the drink. Sandwiches are a more economical option, and come with slaw and a side for a few dollars less. For families, Muddy's offers several combos that can be shared, including The Feast, which features almost everything on the menu, can feed five or more, and runs about $60. </span></div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/80/1610213/restaurant/Allentown/Muddys-BBQ-Fleetwood"><img alt="Muddy's BBQ on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1610213/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-53253742151792611522012-04-02T14:55:00.000-07:002014-01-01T06:36:37.911-08:00The Works at Wyomissing<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
</h3>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">When the Works at Wyomissing opened in 2003 it was a playground for adults, an abandoned textile factory turned into two-story bar, restaurant, and game room. The upstairs bar doubled as a nightclub on weekends where local bands and DJ’s kept the crowd on the dance floor until closing time. The game room below was open until 11:00. Here, adults turned into big kids again, trying to amass enough tickets to buy a lava lamp or pizza oven. A smaller bar downstairs featured acoustic performances, and the main restaurant was a home for casual fine dining. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
In the last few years, however, everything has changed. Gone is the upstairs restaurant, replaced by Ballocity, a Chuck-E-Cheese-like ball pit and maze. The game room is populated by whiney little kids. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The restaurant is more casual than fine dining since Building 24 opened next door. And, everything, including the downstairs bar, closes at 9:00 pm. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The only thing that hasn’t changed is the quality food. The Works still delivers the same quality food that they always have. One of the highlights on the menu is this “healthy” offering, the towering taco salad. A giant bowl made of crispy taco shell is filled with fresh lettuce, red peppers, and grilled chicken, and topped with a Mexican cheese blend. And, it is definitely towering, measuring almost a foot around, and standing almost as tall. </div>
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVA582aocXh3-ROYL8bLhMVNgxgzN9v0PBFKJfrgUzFBgNsOx20dldfBNCNgjgTLQDylurRU_m_Zgo0UAPdXfo5fDEcnfXALUEdVgS0zZMauKLVeA57MUoYPncnBhJ7PhuUgWhvWcxjLg/s1600/photo%5B2%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVA582aocXh3-ROYL8bLhMVNgxgzN9v0PBFKJfrgUzFBgNsOx20dldfBNCNgjgTLQDylurRU_m_Zgo0UAPdXfo5fDEcnfXALUEdVgS0zZMauKLVeA57MUoYPncnBhJ7PhuUgWhvWcxjLg/s320/photo%5B2%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Works also features their signature molten iron chili, which uses pulled pork instead of ground beef. The chili is excellent on its own<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>just enough heat to go with the sweetness of the tomato base and not too many beans<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span>but the Works uses it in a multitude of dishes, including to top off an order of Slag Pile Nachos (an appetizer for four that features nachos topped with lettuce, melted cheese, jalapenos, and just about everything else in the kitchen) and the Scrap Pile Burger, a ¼ pound hamburger patty grilled your way and covered in chili, cheese, and sour cream. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
The Works has a long menu that does include a couple misses. The menu features build-your-own pizza. If you’re looking to take the family out for pizza, you can do better by going to one of dozens of pizza shops in the county. If you want an individual pizza, you’re better off ordering a pepperoni roll appetizer which is packed with more flavor for the same price. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
No trip to the Works is complete without dessert. Some of the best dessert in Berks County is found here. The Peanut Butter pie is the perfect blend of chocolate of peanut butter, the ice cream sandwich features chocolate and vanilla ice cream smothered between two gigantic fresh-baked cookies (and is occasionally topped with a Hershey kiss, sprinkles and/or M&M’s, depending on who’s manning the kitchen that night). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
But the real treat is the Black and Tan Tower, a massive concoction that can feed at least three people. The base is a still-warm brownie oozing with melting chocolate chips. A hefty scoop of vanilla ice cream sits on top. Then comes my personal favorite, the blondie<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—a chocolate chip cookie in bar form. Next is a scoop of chocolate ice cream, capped off with another triangle-shaped brownie. It is then covered by dollops of whipped cream and a pool of chocolate syrup large enough to drown a small child (and depending on who is in the kitchen, a smattering of M&M’s). The monstrosity is held together with a wooden skewer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Entrees run between $10-$20. Burgers and fries are between $8-$10. Desserts are $5.00 and up, but the dessert menu doesn't list prices so be sure to ask your server before ordering. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChEOvHIkhpqdJbnxFFggjn9FszsL7Y3ElDcyw7-_EBuIXX7w_H4fLUaGZdTPJDBvWYN7GVtpZi5QMiENXhMHU5h9uV0qUTgNQF0RHKf2RzLG43627iwUpEGADs7iPwskcLpzX03Z9nIzw/s1600/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgChEOvHIkhpqdJbnxFFggjn9FszsL7Y3ElDcyw7-_EBuIXX7w_H4fLUaGZdTPJDBvWYN7GVtpZi5QMiENXhMHU5h9uV0qUTgNQF0RHKf2RzLG43627iwUpEGADs7iPwskcLpzX03Z9nIzw/s320/photo%5B1%5D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
</span><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/193/1024005/restaurant/Lancaster/The-Works-at-Wyomissing-Wyomissing"><img alt="The Works at Wyomissing on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1024005/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-21522897951226565772012-03-24T18:56:00.002-07:002014-01-01T06:36:45.972-08:00Jimmie Kramer's Peanut Bar<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Berks County Eats is now BerksCountyEats.com!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Visit our brand new site!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/"></a><a href="http://www.berkscountyeats.com/">www.BerksCountyEats.com</a></div>
</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Over 80 years ago,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jimmie Kramer began offering free peanuts to the patrons at his cafe along Penn Street on the west side of Reading. Today, Jimmie Kramer's Peanut Bar is a local institution. Empty peanut shells litter the floor, and it takes a conscious effort not to look every time you hear a crunch beneath your feet. Every little nook has a piece of local breweriana including an Old Reading Beer barrel and a miniature Yuengling delivery wagon. And, like most central Pennsylvania bars, Yuengling's are always flowing from the tap. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As you enter through a pair of heavy wooden doors, you notice the darkness. Strings of white Christmas lights are woven through twigs suspended from the ceiling, casting a dim glow on the red and white checkered tablecloths. Antique-looking lamps jut from the walls surrounding you, illuminating framed posters that adorn the walls of all three rooms. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Seating stretches out across what was once two storefronts, the bar having outgrown its narrow urban building decades ago. Once seated, a waitress appears with a wooden bowl full of shelled peanuts, and two large laminated menus. The Peanut Bar offers all the bar food staples you expect like wings (AYCE on Monday nights), burgers, and fresh cut seasoned fries. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">But the menu is full of fine dining surprise. Panko-breaded salmon and free range organic chicken grace the same menu as southern style po' boys and Philly cheesesteak. There are not many places you can go to enjoy a gourmet meal while tossing empty peanut shells onto a solid wood floor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
My wife and I went on a Monday night and were surprised to see such a big crowd. We were put in the back, the third of three rooms. Our waitress appeared quickly our peanuts, but never gave us her name. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
I got one of about ten daily specials, chicken and peppers with cheese ravioli. In all, it was a solid pasta dish, but if the sauce were improved, it would have been great. The chicken, the peppers, and the ravioli were all flavorful on their own, but the tomato sauce was on the bland side and hurt the overall dish a little bit. If the sauce was a little sweeter or a little spicier, the dish would have been near perfect. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw5CIsf5_O3ID-0zs5fFIcp025jiIHfeXkekkJy4fdnsOaCIqsNbrfaharMR7WbMoS1iTLPh9StDc1Ob1jQwvi4OFbmONOo8ThRGWhJwqgp1cxCfedAT5KRTr9STuRs9NJUqF6jhBfccu/s1600/peanutbar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIw5CIsf5_O3ID-0zs5fFIcp025jiIHfeXkekkJy4fdnsOaCIqsNbrfaharMR7WbMoS1iTLPh9StDc1Ob1jQwvi4OFbmONOo8ThRGWhJwqgp1cxCfedAT5KRTr9STuRs9NJUqF6jhBfccu/s320/peanutbar1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
My wife opted for the crab cakes, which came served to her a fish-shaped wooden platter. The dish came with fresh cut fries and homemade slaw. Personally, I'm not a crab cake eater, so I'm going to take her word for it. She said they were good, and was glad that they didn't have much filler. If there was a negative, it was that she likes hers broiled, and a little wetter, and these were on the dry side, but worked well with the tartar sauce she got with them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgZD2zKSBrmjejLUQbNS60_wB4F5lWYkLiQnm9Ij4x0mzEWzwri2udfg3U3cMCp9fwEGYMZ54dEwmY5gxdwHe1G7_K7PEKXmltZ4vW_-e0MsGgdEe0Ky9dTPD4oy-L8-NcuOQ401QGzk5/s1600/peanutbar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgZD2zKSBrmjejLUQbNS60_wB4F5lWYkLiQnm9Ij4x0mzEWzwri2udfg3U3cMCp9fwEGYMZ54dEwmY5gxdwHe1G7_K7PEKXmltZ4vW_-e0MsGgdEe0Ky9dTPD4oy-L8-NcuOQ401QGzk5/s320/peanutbar2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
Our total bill (drinking only water) was around $25, definately a good price for the large amount of food we got. If you're looking for a cool, comfortable place for a night out, you can't go wrong with the Peanut Bar. </div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/193/1023447/restaurant/Lancaster/Kramers-Peanut-Bar-Restaurant-Reading"><img alt="Kramer's Peanut Bar & Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1023447/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-609138283654913047.post-74725135118091606852012-03-09T17:41:00.000-08:002012-03-09T17:41:17.153-08:00Welcome to Eat Up, Berks County!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Welcome to all those who have stumbled upon Eat Up, Berks County! I'm no food expert, just a regular guy who loves to eat. In this space I hope to take everyone on a culinary tour of Berks County, PA. Reading and Berks County are a place of diverse cultures, and that diversity is reflected in the county's dining offerings. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm not being paid by any of the restaurants I visit (though I will admit to using coupons whenever possible). I don't like everything I eat, and I tell it like it is. Hopefully you find my blog informative and helpful, but if you don't, feel free to give your own opinions. And remember, wherever you go, eat up!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0