MercuryMuncher

Brighten up your day with a meal at Sunshine Café

2011-03-29T07:32:00.000-07:00

LIMERICK – When it comes to creating the hometown feeling, Sunshine Café has got it right. And if the full parking lot and jovial patrons are any sign, there is definitely a great sense of community at this Limerick destination.

“We’re the ‘Cheer’s’ without the beer,” said owner Jamie Coulston.

As the Muncher looked left to right at crowded room of smiling customers enjoying coffee and breakfast, with servers speaking to customers on a first-name basis, it was hard to disagree.
Located at 207 West Ridge Pike, the property, which used to be a second location for Speck’s Chicken, has been operating as Sunshine Café for 10 years.

Throughout this time a number of different specials and unique items have made the diner a staple in the community of Limerick.

Stuffed French toast made with cream cheese filling and topped with strawberries complements specialty omelettes like Italian sausage, stromboli, and southwest steak.
After continuous customer requests, Sunshine Café made the decision to open for dinner on Thursdays to Saturdays. Offerings such as homemade chicken pot pie, chicken cacciatore, pork and sauerkraut, and meatloaf are a wholesome treat to evening diners.

The Mercury Muncher had the pleasure of sampling the sticky bun French toast, eggs benedict and kielbasa. The sticky bun French toast a sticky bun sliced into thirds, dipped in egg mixture, then tossed on the grill and doused with powdered sugar. The result is a tasty treat that could have been a dessert, as the sweet cinnamon and maple collided with a warm walnut crunch. And if you are coming for dessert, try the sticky bun ice cream sandwich, caramel apple cake, peach cobbler or homemade cheesecake.

The eggs Benedict were a familiar, and delicious, breakfast staple. The Muncher enjoyed the traditional version, but others can sample variations such as crab Benedict, where egg are placed on a crab cake instead of Canadian bacon; or eggs Benedict Florentine, where spinach is mixed into the hollandaise sauce.

A generous side of kielbasa was the perfect breakfast pairing, as the crispy skin gave way to the juicy, tender meat.

With daily specials, a menu that changes weekly to fit customer requests and friendly, speedy service, Sunshine Café is one diner not to miss.

Sunshine Café is open 7 days a week, Sunday to Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or to place a take out order, call 610-409-8420.

Nikka’s Kitchen Cafe shows you don’t have to drive far for great Greek food

2011-02-18T13:20:00.000-08:00

DOUGLASSVILLE – Nikka’s Kitchen Café offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu of recipes that combine modern innovation with the best of traditional cooking styles.

Owners Nikki and Karen (from which the name Nikka’s in derived) loved the charm of the building in which the restaurant is housed. This convinced them to offer their family recipes to the public when they opened in July 2010. The open-concept dining room is artistic and reminiscent of a quaint city-style dining establishment – without the city prices.

There are not many places in the area you can get Greek food, and adapting traditional meals with a personal chef’s touch separates Nikka’s from the rest. Spanakopita is one such dish. This rich spinach puff with ricotta and feta cheese, eggs and chopped onion wrapped in filo dough.
Chicken Byzantine is made of artichokes with capers, olives and wine with a zesty tomato sauce. The dish is a Greek delicacy. Ouzo tomato sauce is sautéed, and tomatoes and olives are added. Feta cheese is placed on top and the dish is baked in the oven.

For pizza lovers who love toppings, the flatbread pizza is a must-eat. Made with Roma tomatoes, caramelized onions, green peppers and goat cheese, this is an eclectic dish packed with plenty of flavor.
Soups are different each day, and offer a twist on traditional recipes. For example, a Tuscan clam chowder is made with penne pasta and chick peas instead of potatoes. To cap a fine meal, delectable desserts such as cheesecake, tiramisu, and Greek pastries like baklava complement popular offerings of brownies and cookies.

The Muncher tried the baked lemon chicken with pasta cooked with olive oil and white wine. The chicken was tender and seasoned perfectly – without an often common emphasis on salt – which combined with the pasta to create a delicious meal.

Tuesday night is pasta night, featuring a number of different pasta dishes, such as homemade mushroom ravioli. Fresh pasta is stuffed with mushrooms, seasoning and garlic. A half-chicken dinner is served on Thursdays.

The chicken is served with rice or lemon potatoes, Greek salad with homemade dressing and sliced bread. The healthy chicken dish is marinated in lemon juice and fresh herbs then baked.
Nikka’s is open for lunch Tuesday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located at 7 Old Swede Road (422 East) in Douglassville. The restaurant opens again for dinner at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and offers personal catering services. For more information call 610-914-0117 or visit www.nikkaskitchencafe.com.

Penny’s Pizza wants to know: Got cornmeal?

2011-02-18T13:11:00.000-08:00

ROYERSFORD — When Penny’s Pizza closed its doors almost four years ago, there was a resounding feeling of disappointment in the Royersford area.

When the renowned pizza shop opened back up last October, the only disappointment associated with Penny’s was that the wait time for pizza grew as high as six hours, with the last pizza typically coming out of the oven at 1:15 a.m. But for devoted Penny’s fans, the wait was well worth it.

Penny’s Pizza’s claim to fame comes from their sweet sauce and use of cornmeal in pizza-making. Each pie is made backwards. Cheese is laid on the dough, then sauce is added, a method that few pizzerias employ. The dough is kneaded with a healthy dose of corn meal to give it the signature Penny’s taste.

“It’s an old family recipe that we have kept,” said owner Jen Pengelly, pictured below. She added, “the sweet sauce is what the customers like most.”

The Mercury Muncher has sampled a fair share of pizzas, but nothing was quite like the crunchy corn meal concoction that Penny’s offered. Combined with the sweet sauce, the pizza was a tasty treat with distinctive character, something that does not come with just any slice.

Penny’s serves a small menu, but what they do serve they serve right. Available are Neapolitan and white pizzas with a wide variety of fresh toppings, lasagna, strombolis and calzones.

One of the most defining characteristics of Penny’s is the commitment level of their customers near and far. The restaurant has shipped their food via next-day-air to California and Florida. Two customers come from Lancaster twice a month to get pizza and strombolis for parties, and others from Penn State and the District of Columbia will order 10 to 15 strombolis and freeze them.

In the spirit of being back in action, Penny’s Pizza will host their first annual pizza - eating contest in the spring, and will have more details on their website, www.gotcornmeal.com.

Penny’s Pizza is located at 68 W. Ridge Pike, Royersford and is open Thursday to Sunday, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m for pickup customers. To place an order, call 610-489-3636.

Bella Pizzeria serves up a slice of history

2011-01-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

EAST VINCENT — In the late 1700s ,the Brumbach (later known as Brownbach) family built the building that today houses Bella Pizzeria.

Standing the test of time, much of the interior has remained the same over the years, including the fine stonework and floors. From a general store to a gas station where barbeques were held in the back to a Red Rooster breakfast restaurant, the building has seen a lot of transition.

Celebrating more than three years in business, Bella Pizzeria is making a name for itself by serving quality foods at reasonable prices. And while the outside maintains the traditional look, inside there is a restaurant that is keeping up with the times — and appetites — of the greater East Vincent community.

A huge menu unfolds to a variety of foods, included a wide selection of handcrafted pizza options, all cooked in a brick oven. Feedback from the customers is that the pizza is great, people love the wings, and because of some poultry-infused dishes it was suggested that the restaurant start calling itself “Bella Chicken.”

The restaurant features traditional pizzeria items such as steaks, hoagies and pizza as well as some more obscure dishes, such as the Red Rooster. This sandwich is made of grilled chicken, fried onions, mushrooms, roasted red peppers and pepper jack cheese on a freshly baked roll. Farmland steak and chicken is used, complemented by fresh vegetables and other ingredients.
Homemade desserts such as cheesecake, triple chocolate cake and cannolis complement the lunch and dinner menu items, all of which can be enjoyed in a large dining area. The dining room, featuring a small game room and television, makes Bella Pizzeria a relaxing family-oriented destination.

The Mercury Muncher sampled a tasty cheesesteak with hearty beef, gooey melted American cheese, thick-cut fried onions and cool sauce. Even a small sandwich was filling enough to satisfy the Muncher for the whole day. The Muncher’s only regret was that it didn’t get a large so it could snack on the sandwich again for dinner!

Pickup, dine-in and takeout service are offered, take out beer is available, and on Mondays and Tuesdays kids can eat for $2. Senior citizen discounts and a variety of specials can be taken advantage of and are promoted on the Bella Pizzeria Facebook, where the full menu and coupons are available.

Bella Pizzeria is located at 366 Ridge Road in Spring City and is open Monday to Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday to Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information or to place an order, call 610-495-5272.

CJ’s House of Wings N’ Things earns notoriety with variety

2010-12-21T12:25:00.001-08:00

It didn’t take long for C.J.’s House of Wings N’ Things to garner the attention of the community, as The Mercury’s Readers’ Choice winner for best wings has quickly made a name for itself with a stacked menu that includes 69 flavors of wings — and counting.

Open since May of 2010 at their Pottstown location, the family business is owned and operated by local firefighters including chef C.J., who has concocted wing sauces ranging from the sweet to the ghastly — literally. The “Fiery Ghost” flavor is an inferno sauce mixed with Ghost Pepper, and C.J. explained “if you like it hot, it’s good.” A creative flavor called the “Twisted Mexican” features a southern-style sauce of herbs, spices and cayenne pepper mixed with blue cheese and ranch.

And while in spicy heat measurement C.J.’s offers an extreme sauce that reaches 5 million Scoville units, the variety of fresh, never frozen wings offers something for everyone.

Though wings are C.J.’s specialty, smoked pork and ribs, hoagie and steak sandwiches and much more fill out a diverse menu. The Muncher tried the “Beech Street Melt,” a hearty portion of turkey, cheese wiz, onion rings and hot ranch sauce packed in a fresh Amoroso deli roll. The cool cheese was the first taste felt, but a zing of the hot ranch sauce on the backend made this dish a welcome distraction from the typical turkey sandwich. Offering a variety of specials, C.J.’s delivers a delicious and economical meal that doesn’t compromise quality.

Located at 203 N. York St. in Pottstown, C.J.’s House of Wings N’ Things is open Sunday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Free delivery available by calling 610-970-8646.

Fresh not frozen is the key at Kickin’ Chicken

2010-12-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

POTTSTOWN – As Kickin’ Chicken & More gears for their first anniversary at their new location, one thing that hasn’t changed is the emphasis they put on making high quality, delicious cuisine.

Now at 808 N. Charlotte St. in Pottstown after two years at High and Washington streets, Kickin’ Chicken now offers limited seating, though most orders are for takeout.

All menu items have been served at seven locations that the co-owner and chef Norm Taylor has managed in a long career in the restaurant business. Taylor features special recipes for homemade soups, hand-cut potato skins, sautéed corn, broccoli with onions and much more.

Large, juicy chicken strips and wings are what Kickin’ Chicken is famous for, as the portion size is significantly larger than the competition. Cooked from scratch and never frozen, it may take a few extra minutes to prepare some food items, but the wait is well worth the quality.

Special promotions for weekend football games and holiday parties are now being offered, and the staff will cater for large orders.

The goal of the restaurant is to provide quality home-cooked meals at affordable prices.

Kickin’ Chicken is open Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 3 to 8:30 p.m.

Get food that really delivers at Ice House Steaks & Pizza

2010-12-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

POTTSTOWN — When Craig Bolinger bought the historic corner building at King and Manatawny streets, he envisioned a restaurant that served the freshest food possible, delivered right to the customers’ doorstep. With the help of manager Lynn Mazza and his excellent team of employees, the dream was realized and continues today, as prompt service is complimented by a smile and friendly greeting.

One of the first independent pizza restaurants locally to use a computer ordering system, Ice House has evolved with the times to provide online ordering through their updated website, www.icehousedelivers.com.

Customers crave their cheesesteaks, wings and hoagies, and the Mercury Muncher was quick to hop on the specialty cheesesteak, which was served with Farmland sliced steak and served on a fresh-baked Conshohocken roll. Provolone cheese, sauce and fried onions made this mouthwatering dish a Muncher favorite.

For Ice House, the staff is not happy unless the customer is happy, stressing a commitment to their 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee. As they develop their expanded catering menu, quality and convenience are paramount as the restaurant has expanded to meet the catering needs of the community.

Delivering everything on the menu, Ice House Steaks & Pizza offers delivery, pickup, dine-in, catering and take out beer. They are open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For orders call 610-326-9999.

Customer satisfaction is tops as Dan’s Deli looks to 20 years in business

2010-10-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

COLEBROOKDALE – You only get one chance at a first impression. For Dan’s Deli, the appreciable impression they have made on their customers has kept them coming back for years, and the staff takes a lot of pride in being able to serve most of their clientele by name.

Staples including milk, eggs, bread and cheese are available — but that’s not the only reason it feels like home. A variety of homemade soups are featured, like Tuesday’s Tomato-Noodle Burger and Thursday’s Cream of Potato. The menu is extensive, including traditional deli products, wings, and potato and macaroni salad, as well as the locally-touted “Triple D”. This sandwich is half-cheesesteak, half cooked ham — and all delicious. Cool lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise complement the savory steak and ham, which is enveloped by a light yet crispy Amoroso roll.

A key element that Dan’s hones in on is the convenience of a quality local deli. They courteously provide business lunch delivery, hoagie and sandwich tray orders, and dine-in service for families that are often to busy to cook. Also, if there is something diners want that’s not on the menu, there is a good chance the staff will be able to make it.

As part of a bi-weekly contest, entrants have chance to win a $20 gift certificate to the deli. Looking in the basket of entrants, The Muncher could tell that there were plenty of patrons who would love the chance to win the special promotion.

Dan’s Deli is located at 1371 W. Philadelphia Ave., 3 miles west of Boyertown and is open Monday to Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For takeout orders, call 610-367-8681.

Hometown cooking at Perry's Place

2010-10-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

SPRING CITY – The lowering temperature and falling leaves seem to beckon a warm, inviting restaurant that can provide a hearty homemade meal that fills stomachs and spirits alike. Lucky for the Mercury Muncher and the community, that place is Perry’s Place, conveniently located at 60 N. Main Street in Spring City.

It helps that Perry’s, which opened in March 2009, utilizes local produce and food purveyors, with all food cooked on the premises by Chef Joy, and changes the menu weekly. Customers appreciate the freshness and variety as comfort food such as chicken and dumplings and meatloaf are balanced by specialty items like homemade pierogies, which Perry’s takes orders for weekly.

Keeping up with the theme of variety, the Muncher was fortunate to enjoy a sampling of Perry’s finest foods, starting with the creamy chicken corn chowder. Stocked with generously-portioned, shredded chicken and juicy corn, the hearty soup was the perfect beginning to a delicious meal. What followed was a panorama of flavor: soft jumbo lump crab cake, tender grilled sea scallops, a soft and crispy pierogi, a rich and moist potato pancake, and most creatively a “cheak” (chicken steak), made of breaded grilled chicken breast with a barbeque flank steak sprinkled with cheddar cheese.

A B.Y.O.B. restaurant, Perry’s Place is now taking Thanksgiving reservations, providing private and on-premises holiday catering. They can be found on Facebook. Dinner is served Wednesday to Saturday, 5 to 8 p.m. Breakfast is available Saturday and Sunday 6:30 a.m. to noon. Call 610-792-3224 for more information.

Pine Tree Deli feels like home

2010-10-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

BARTO — When Marilyn purchased Pine Tree Deli six months ago, she knew she was venturing into something different. What she didn't know was that she would turn the deli into a fresh and friendly destination that customers see as a second home.

The reason patrons continue to visit the deli is simple: The kind atmosphere and the delicious menu. For early visitors, a hearty breakfast of eggs, homefries, scrapple, and assorted hot sandwiches help to start the day off right, while the lunch crowd gets there early to grab the freshly homemade chicken and tuna salad sandwiches.

Hoagies are hand crafted using Dietz & Watson meats. And if you need a sweet treat, you can pick up baked pastries, AP cake and shoofly pie, and a Muncher favorite, peanut butter tandy cake made by Coventry Ice Cream Parlor.

While the food will get you in the door, the family-oriented approach to serving customers with respect and appreciation will keep you coming back.

Pine Tree Deli, located at 429 Hoffmansville Road, Barto, is open Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Muncher recommends:

Turkey hoagie with lettuce, tomato, mayo and onion

Fountain Coca-Cola

Peanut butter tandy cake

Classic Grill V opens today in Pottstown’s North End

2010-09-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

POTTSTOWN — Classic Grill V will open today at 6 a.m., ending the six-year vacancy at 1390 N. Charlotte St. in Pottstown. Offering generous portions at economical prices, owners Alex and Bruce are poised to make their restaurant a comfortable destination for families to sit down and enjoy a homestyle meal.

While the menu includes many traditional items, there is nothing old about the interior of the diner, which has been completely revamped to serve customers breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
After a long rehab process that included rewiring, plumbing, and a reworking of the layout, the former site of Dairy Queen was converted to the family restaurant that the owners envisioned. Both owners saw the location as an opportunity to make a positive impact on the local community.

“We want to give people what they want,” said Bruce, who is a 25-year resident of Pottstown. “We will offer good service in a friendly, happy environment.”

Culinary options range from the beefy to the healthy, including 10-ounce burgers, 16-ounce steaks, and healthy platters such as tuna salad and fresh garden salads.

Classic Grill V is providing senior citizens with a number of different specials, in addition to the daily specials that they will provide for other meals. Combine this with free WiFi for all patrons, and you will find that there is something for everybody at Classic Grill V.

Classic Grill V is open Monday through Sunday, 6 a.m. — 10 p.m.

The Muncher Recommends:

Seafood Kabob: broiled shrimp, scallops, salmon & fillet of flounder with scampi sauce
New York Strip: 16-ounce heavy cut with sautéed mushrooms

Java’s Brewin’: Filling mugs with coffee, hearts with kind service

2010-09-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

At 3:15 a.m., Java’s Brewin’ co-owner Bob Barretta starts baking for the day’s fresh batch of bagels, muffins, and much more. He could probably cut a few corners, sleep in a few extra hours, and sacrifice the quality and freshness of his products — but that just isn’t the way he does things.

Instead, Barretta beats the morning birds to produce one of the finest breakfast ensembles around. This includes an assortment of cupcakes, real egg and egg white sandwiches, and 12 varieties of locally-renowned gourmet muffins, including peach, blueberry, cinnamon crumb, orange pineapple, and Hawaiian. Combine this with a tastily diverse lunch menu, including delicious fresh baked meat and vegetable quiches, Boar’s Head meat sandwiches and apple honey walnut baked chicken salad — the store’s best seller — and you have one recipe for success.

It’s a family operation for the Barrettas, as co-owner and wife Lisa Barretta and their two children, Julie and Amanda, share the responsibilities of running the Java’s Brewin’s two locations. The main shop is located at 296 W. Ridge Pike in Limerick, while the more recently opened satellite location is housed in Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. And while the Barreta’s hold a high standard on food quality, the paramount value that is represented is an incredible commitment to treating customers with friendliness and compassion. “We have a certain way we want customers to be treated, and if they want something a certain way, we’ll figure a way to get it for them,” said Bob Barretta.

This attention to detail is evident in every item that the shop offers. All foods are made from scratch, chicken is baked, and fruits and vegetables are fresh. Drinks are made to order, including natural fruit smoothies with no added sugar, fresh-brewed iced tea, and an assortment of hot and cold coffee drinks, including lattés, cappuccinos, and frappes.

The Mercury Muncher encourages you to stop in for breakfast or lunch, have something to eat and drink (The Muncher recommends a caramel latte). You’ll probably be welcomed with a smile — and be smiling when you leave.

Expect more than you bargained for at Angelo’s Diner

2010-08-24T06:26:00.000-07:00

NEW BERLINVILLE – It’s no secret that lately people have been dining on a budget. For those who are concerned with cost but don’t want to compromise quality, Angelo’s Diner is just what the culinary doctor ordered.

The family-owned restaurant that used to be named Apple Dumplings has been working hard to improve the interior and exterior of their Route 100 business. The last six years have included indoor and outdoor renovations that have been capped off by enhanced landscaping.

But what really brings in the customers is the food.

Angelo’s is one of the only diners in the local area to feature a full salad bar, which complements the wide variety of recently updated entrees. Some currently featured dishes include Tex-Mex chicken, which is chicken and rice topped with chili and melted cheddar cheese. A number of Italian dishes such as shrimp fettuccini Alfredo and chicken Alfredo have also been added.

One of the best features of Angelo’s is their rotating daily soup option. Chicken noodle, lobster bisque, shrimp bisque, New England clam chowder and split pea soup make up a couple of the choices the restaurant provides. Manager Naz encourages patrons to suggest dishes they want.
“If you want something new or different, ask the chef,” he said.

Angelo’s is also a prime breakfast destination, offering the best in breakfast foods, including poached, over-easy, light and medium eggs, homefries, hash browns, oatmeal pancakes and much more.

While variety of foods is important, Naz emphasizes that keeping meal prices as low as possible to the patron is the No. 1 goal.

“We have the cheapest prices around, and you get more than you bargained for,” he said.

Comfortable air conditioning and free Wifi are available; business meetings are welcome. It’s the perfect atmosphere to read your newspaper or enjoy a song, as most tables feature Jukebox machines.

Angelo’s Diner is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, accepting takeout orders, indoor and outdoor dining and party reservations. For more information, call 610-367-1842.

Barrister’s Bagel Co.: New York Style bagels right in Royersford

2010-08-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

ROYERSFORD — For transplanted New Yorkers, sometimes the hardest thing about moving to a new location is finding a good bagel, because once you’ve had the real thing, there is no alternative.

At least there didn’t used to be, until lawyer-turned-shop owner Richard Welsh took matters into his own hands.

“I’ve been to New York, and I wanted the real thing,” said Welsh, who founded Barrister’s Bagels, located at 1814 Ridge Pike in Royersford. From the genuine New York bagel boil and baking process to the modish interior décor, Barrister’s takes a page straight out of Manhattan.
Preparing all food as made-to-order, using fresh ingredients, and sticking to the tried-and-true methods of bagel-making help the eatery deliver the perfect bagel shop experience.
The extra attention to quality makes a huge difference.
Bagels are boiled before baking, which creates a shiny outside and a fluffy inside. As Welsh noted, most chains don’t do that. Post-boil, the bagels are baked on both sides on burlap-coated cedar boards, which creates a more consistent, crispy bagel, with toppings on both sides.

When it comes to filling the bagels, Barrister’s has it covered. In addition to a wide variety of fresh cream cheeses, Barrister’s uses Boar’s Head sandwich meats and offers Taylor Pork Roll and Hatfield sausage with breakfasts.

Top sellers include the Everything, Plain, and Sesame bagels. Barrister’s has also kicked off a Flavor of the Month bagel, with August’s flavor being Banana Walnut.
Like a good bagel shop should, Barrister’s offers premium roast coffee, which they chose through blind taste-testing. Numerous coffees were examined before locally-produced Burlap and Bean coffee of Newtown Square was chosen.

For a business that is celebrating its 18-month anniversary in August, Barrister’s often has to dispel the impression that they are a chain store, although it is understandable how many might think that they are. With an agency-designed logo and old-fashioned (purchased) authentic Brooklyn recipes, Barrister’s is certainly becoming a leading culinary destination, but it is still a mom-and-pop store at heart.

For a new store to be so infused with the importance of tradition, Barrister’s Bagel Co. is one of the most special places in the “hole” world.

The Mercury Muncher Recommends:
• Large iced coffee
• Poppy seed bagel, toasted with scallion cream cheese

BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE BAGEL MAKING PROCESS!

Step 1: White dough is mixed in 100 lb batches using flour, yeast, salt, malt, conditioner, which includes vitamins, and water.

Step 2: Dough is cut into strips, then cut into plugs. The belt curves and then forms a circle.

Step 4: Bagels are laid out and cooled in a large refrigerator

Step 5: Bagels are boiled 4 dozen at a time in a kettle, then laid out on boards and baked 250 at a time.

And of course, fresh bagels are put on display for eager customers!

Coventry Pub: Where tradition and quality reign supreme

2010-07-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

NORTH COVENTRY – If you’ve ever wondered “where’s the beef?” the Mercury Muncher has found it. It’s at Coventry Pub, and they have the right to boast the roast.

Since 1960 Coventry Pub has served roast beef sandwiches, hand carved from a slow-cooked tender beef round while you watch, the same way since the restaurant opened. While 35-year tenured owner Bill Owen has been recently making improvements to the building, such as new air conditioning, and dining room and bathroom renovations, the roast beef is one untouchable recipe for success that is steeped in tradition.

Coventry Pub also offers appetizers, soups and salads, burgers, hand-carved sandwiches and desserts. A variety of home-style dishes are offered, including pot pie, shepherds pie, and beef stew.

Soups such as French onion and chili complement the soup of the day, which changes daily. There is one soup that Coventry Pub is especially known for: The fresh snapper soup is a delicious break from the ordinary culinary options. The snapper meat comes to the restaurant in a turtle shell and is cooked in house. Generous portions of the meat complement the thick beefy sauce to create a homemade delicacy.

Weekly specials such as “Yuengs and wings”, Taco Tuesday and pasta night give diners a reason to visit Coventry Pub every day. On Sunday’s, a dinner entrée purchase comes with a free dessert.

For those looking to fill a frosty mug, there are 11 beers on tap, including local craft beers from Lancaster Brewing Company and Victory Brewing of Downingtown, as well as Spaten seasonal beer from Germany.

For a sweet treat, Wert’s birch beer is also offered.

One of the best features of Coventry Pub is the hometown feeling you get when you walk in the door. A disc jukebox stuffed with oldies, doo-wop, classic country and timeless hits creates an enjoyable ambience that keeps regular customers happy and makes new ones feel comfortable.

With a friendly staff, televisions playing local sports games, and country furnishings adorning the building, it’s easy to feel at home. And that’s just the tradition Coventry Pub has been creating for more than 50 years.

The Muncher recommends:

Freshly-carved roast beef sandwich au jus on a crusty Kaiser roll

Homemade snapper soup: snapper meat, tomatoes, celery, onions, carrots, traditional herbs and spices in a thick brown sauce

Serendipity Café: Linfield’s best kept secret—for now

2010-07-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

LINFIELD – Tucked away next to a curving part of the road at 1233 Main St. in Linfield, Serendipity Café is one local eatery that offers the perfect combination of value and quality. For a restaurant that features 6-inch cheese steaks and hoagies for $2.99 and Italian Zeps for just $2.59, it is hard to disagree.

“I guarantee you won’t get better for less,” said owner Kenneth Kopystecki. Kopystecki is proud of the establishment, which he continuously worked to improve since 2004, when he purchased the restaurant formerly known as Randy’s Mini Market.

Renovations include adding pizzeria facilities in 2005, interior renovations including the installation of two wheelchair-accessible restrooms in 2006, and the implementation of SuzyQ’s ice cream shop to the facility in 2007. Services include local delivery, catering, and pizza, hoagie, and zep fundraising options.

Breakfast is served until 11 a.m., and after that one can enjoy a full ensemble of burgers, hoagies, grinders, steaks, pizzas, strombolis and much more. For dessert, treat yourself to hand-dipped Nelson’s ice cream and hand-spun super thick milkshakes.

Serendipity Café stands out from the crowd by offering some of the best specials in town. Where else can you enjoy free Yuengling lager or fountain soda with daily eat-in food specials? The inflation fighter lunchbox special includes a 6-inch cheesesteak, fresh-cut boardwalk fries and a fountain drink for just $4.99.

Pairing a stacked lineup of food options with a courteous hometown atmosphere is something that makes Serendipity Café stand out from the rest. The management and staff strive to provide prompt, friendly service, high quality food at a good value, and a pleasant and enjoyable experience for all.

Serendipity Café is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and is closed Sundays and holidays. For more information call 610-495-6239 or visit www.serendipitycafe.biz.

The Muncher recommends:

Zep: Cooked salami, Genoa salami, capicola, provolone cheese, tomato, onion, and an Italian oil that features oil, vinegar and Italian seasonings

Foresta’s Country Market: An enduring Phoenixville staple

2010-07-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

PHOENIXVILLE — Foresta’s Country Market was started in 1934 on Church Street in Phoenixville. Four generations later, the business is now at 1098 W. Bridge St. Daily offerings include full-service meat, deli and grocery products, as well as catering and prepared foods.
A special feature of Foresta’s is the grab and go selection, where shoppers can quickly choose from a variety of freshly prepared foods. Freshness is a staple at the market, where premium-quality foods are prepared on site.

The goal of the restaurant is to ensure the highest quality of foods by demanding high standards from all of their suppliers. The staff is happy to provide the combination of excellent food and service to the community. As the premier local butcher, the store’s meat case showcases a variety of cuts ranging from poultry, beef, pork and more.Visiting www.forestasmarket.com takes the viewer to an array of weekly specials, including a variety of specialty meat packages. Also offered are details of pig roasts and deer processing services.

Foresta’s is open Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 610-935-1777.

The Muncher recommends:

Steak Lovers Package

USDA Choice Beef

2 T-Bone Steaks ¾-inch thick

4 New York Strip Steaks ¾-inch thick

2 Boneless Sirloin ¾-inch think

4 Delmonico Steaks ¾-inch think

2 London Broil 2 1/2 to 3 lbs.

2 Top Round Steaks ½-inch think

Frecon’s Hard Bean Cafe offers a fresh alternative to the coffee shop norm

2010-07-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

BOYERTOWN — When you strive to make your products the best that they can be, it helps to have the freshest ingredients possible. For Frecon’s Hard Bean Café, using locally grown ingredients from Frecon Farms has created a bona fide recipe for success.

“We don’t cut costs to make a great drink,” said Hank Frecon, who has owned the business since August 2009. Fine distinctions, such as avoiding powder mixes and making their own whipped cream, separate the Hard Bean from the typical coffee shop.

Frecon, who helps run the family-owned Frecon Farms, bases the shop’s use of fresh products on the Frecon Farms model. He described the farm’s whole foods model as one where certain fats and sugars are done right and not processed.

Included on the drink menu is a full lineup of fresh-brewed coffee, espresso, cappuccino, lattes and other specialty drinks, including all-natural smoothies made with Frecon Farms fruit. Fresh wraps, breakfast sandwiches, cookies, cakes and pies round out the food assortment, and Frecon hopes to develop the full-service lunch menu.

Complementing the wide array of food and drink options, the Hard Bean offers weekly live entertainment, utilizing their recently upgraded stage and sound system to present the best in local music.

“We want to get in people’s Friday and Saturday night plans,” said Frecon.
Featuring live music every Friday and Saturday night from 8 to 11 p.m., The Hard Bean showcases artists from a number of genres, including singer/songwriter, bluegrass, country and jazz. Open Mic nights are held every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.

In addition to giving teens and families a place to go, the Hard Bean works to create a professional environment for their musicians.

“We built a new stage with new lighting and sound infrastructure. Artists just have to show up. (We’re) giving them a venue to feel like a true artist,” Frecon said.

For Frecon’s Hard Bean, creating the hometown feeling of friendliness comes natural to them. Frecon summed up the mission of the store, which is to “provide a pleasant atmosphere for the community to enjoy specialty drinks and entertainment.”

As the Mercury Muncher enjoyed a wrap and a coffee on the front porch, it couldn’t help but agree.

Giovanni’s Big Daddy’s Pizza: Superb cuisine with a hometown feel

2010-06-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

LOWER POTTSGROVE — When it comes to quality, Giovanni’s Big Daddy’s Pizza is one local eatery that slices through the competition.

The restaurant, located in the North End Shopping Center, 1300 N. Charlotte St., promotes a pleasant atmosphere that owner Giovanni Esposito said is based on “consistency and quality.” Giovanni has run the family business with Pablo Esposito and Joe and Heyleen Balcarcel for five years.

With 20 years experience in the pizza industry, including five at their Pottstown location, Giovanni has found success by building a menu of dishes created with the freshest, high-quality ingredients.

Specialty items include the grilled panini, sausage steak sandwich, Italian water ice, breaded zippy wings and, of course, delicious gourmet pizzas, including the new extra large pizza.

For kids celebrating birthdays, Giovanni’s adds a special twist. Kids receive a free personal pan pizza with the child’s age written out with pepperonis.

For those who wish to order from home, Giovanni’s provides delivery and welcomes you to order from their Web site, www.gbigdaddyspizza.com.

Giovanni’s is open seven days a week for eat in, take out and fast delivery. Hours are: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information or to place an order, dial 610-323-8055.

The Muncher Recommends

Zippy wings

Big Daddy’s Pizza – pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, ham, tomatoes, black olives and bacon

Italian Panini – ham, provolone, salami, capicola, lettuce, tomato and onion

The whole enchilada: Tortugas serves best authentic Mexican around

2010-02-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

COLLEGEVILLE — Around here, there are plenty of local hot spots to frequent for good, authentic Italian, Asian and Pennsylvania Dutch food. But where do you go to satisfy your hunger for authentic Mexican? Tortugas Mexican Eatery, of course, located at the MarketPlace at Collegeville Shopping Center, 305 Second Avenue.

“We are the best Mexican food around,” says owner Cathy Hvazda who takes great pride in the quality of their ingredients and homemade sauces. “Everything is fresh made to order, and nothing comes out of a can. All sauces are made from scratch and our chips, salsa and guacamole are made daily.”

The area’s eaters seem to agree with such sentiment, having voted it “Best Mexican” the past three years in The Times Herald.

And like any good Mexican eatery, the kitchen cooks up much more fare than just nachos, burritos and quesadillas. The hefty menu also includes a number of tasty delights made with fresh seafood, huevos (eggs), pollo (chicken), mexican sausage and carnes (beef).

Hvazda says their most popular dish is the Creamy Chipotle Chicken, a grilled chicken marinated in their trademark chipotle sauce (a smokey jalapeno cream sauce), served over rice with a side of beans and flour tortillas.

Other specialties include their Chipotle Shrimp, Carne Asada and Pescado Acapulco which is fresh catfish marinated in lime and cilantro, served with lettuce, tomato, rice and sauteed veggies.

To get some extra Mex for your buck, the Platos Combinados menu lets you make your own meal by choosing any two or three main items and filling them with your choice of fillings, all for a low price.

The menu also features a number of entremesas (appetizers), sopas (soups), ensaladas (salads), sandwiches, burritos and quesadillas.

Hvazda opened the restraurant nine years ago because she thought the area was in need of a good Mexican place. At the time, her sister was already running a successful Tortugas in Princeton, N.J., which has now been open for 18 years.

The dining room can comfortably accommodate large parties and is BYOB. They also provide take out service.

Phone 610-489-0600 or go online to www.tortugasmv.com for their full menu.

Tortugas is open for dine in and take out seven days a week, located at the MarketPlace at Collegeville, 305 Second Avenue, Collegeville. Hours are Mon. thru Thurs., 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. (lunch) and 5 - 9 p.m. (dinner); Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. (lunch) and 5 -10 p.m. (dinner); noon - 10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

Bravo Pizza thrives on serving quality ingredients, variety

2010-02-08T08:04:00.000-08:00

POTTSTOWN - Bravo Pizza, located at Pottstown’s Suburbia Shopping Center, 40 Glocker Way, offers a little something for everyone with their excellent selection of specialty pizza.

But it’s not the variety so much as the quality that makes the Italian restaurant stand out from the rest. Customers often rave about the fresh ingredients Bravo tops their gourmet pizzas and sandwiches with, especially the cheeses.

One of the finest examples is the chicken buffalo pizza, topped with finger-smacking hot sauce and bleu cheese. It’s baked on thin crust in a brick oven, and is delightfully non-greasy for a slice of pizza so tasty.

Because Bravo features a great selection of their specialty pizzas and other items at the counter display, it’s easy, and enjoyable, to chow down on a variety of pizza at once. Why not have a slice of of Chicken BBQ Pizza with your Bianca Pizza (topped with American cheese, mozzarella, ricotta, provolone & romano)?

The variety of quality toppings and brick oven crusts are certainly Bravo’s strength, but they also offer basic Neopolitan, Sicilian and stuffed pizzas.

Bravo’s stromboli and calzone menu is just as equally matched, offering a variety of options all customizable with Bravo’s long list of toppings. All personal sized ‘bolis and calzones are $5.49 and all larges are $15.99.

All hot subs and steak sandwiches are served on fresh, foot-long hoagie rolls. Options include mushroom, green pepper, pork steak and buffalo chicken cheese steaks as well as the cheese steak special which includes mushrooms, sweet peppers, fried onions, pepperoni and american cheese. They also serve chicken, meatball, sausage and eggplant parmesan sandwiches.

Cold sub options include Italian, ham & cheese, salami & provolone, cheese, tuna & cheese and turkey & cheese.

Pasta dishes include spaghetti, baked ziti, lasagne, ravioli, manicotti, chicken parmesan, chicken alfredo, eggplant parmesan, spaghetti with clams, penne alfredo, penne vodka sauce, chicken marsala, sausage scaloppini and more.

Sides include hot or BBQ wings, cheese fries (mozzarella or cheddar), brushetta, chicken fingers, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, rice balls stuffed with meat sauce and mozzarella cheese and more.

Salad options include Italian garden, Italian pasta, Cajun chicken pasta, Greek, antipasto, tuna, buffalo chicken and more, with a choice of dressing.

Bravo is also proud to help out in the community. They currently run a program with Owen J. Roberts where 10% of their profit every Wednesday and Sunday go to the school’s swim club.

They also offer an extensive catering menu for personal and business gatherings, specializing in birthdays, luncheons and other special occasions.

Bravo Pizza is located at Suburbia Shopping Center, 40 Glocker Way, Pottstown and is open seven days a week for eat in, take out and delivery. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Monday thru Thursday; 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday. Call 610-323-8003.

Fine Fixin’s Deli takes bite out of recession, offers $4 hoagie

2010-02-05T13:20:00.000-08:00

POTTSTOWN — While the economic recession has forced some eateries to hike up their prices, Fine Fixin’s Deli choose to do something a little different to face down the recession. Instead, they cut the price of their trademark hoagie down to $4.

“We offered the $4 Hoagie to help our customers during these tough times,” said owner John Lettiere who manages the shop with wife Ellen.

The Lettieres opened the deli — located at 16 S. Keim — four years ago because Ellen likes to cook, and it was a dream they had always wanted to pursue together.

And just because the hoagie is now a bargain, doesn’t mean Fine Fixin’s got cheap on their fixin’s. In fact, they are just as locally renowned for the quality and freshness of their ingredients as they are their bargain hoagie. They use Corropolese Bakery rolls - fresh as can be from Limerick, Boar’s Head Meats, and their soups and salads are homemade.

The menu is packed mostly with standard deli-sandwich fair, but certainly isn’t limited to it. Platters, finger-smacking wings, gourmet pizzas, breakfast sandwiches and a number of sides such as their homemade boardwalk-style French fries and onion rings help round out the menu. They also sell a limited selection of grocery items for added customer convenience.

Hoagies are made to order with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and a choice of American, Provolone, or Swiss cheese. Regular additions like salt, pepper, oil, vinegar and oregano are available upon request. Choices for the $4 hoagies include ham, italian, tuna salad, three cheese, or vegetarian. Turkey ($5.50), Chicken Salad ($6) and Roast Beef ($6) hoagies are also available.

Cheese steaks, clubs, burgers and wraps round out the rest of the menu, as well as a number of cold and grilled sandwiches, such as grilled cheese & bacon, the tuna melt, and the Haddock sandwiche. Other speciality sandwiches include a meatball parmagiana, as well as ruebens and grinders.

Inside seating is available, and they also deliver to all businesses and homes in the Pottstown area. Party trays, catering service, as well as hoagie & pizza fundraisers are available upon request.

And why stop there? The Lettieres are also fixin’ to soon open a second eatery on High and Franklin streets, called Scoopsters, which will feature 18 flavors of ice cream, eight flavors of true Philly-style water ice, gourmet hot dogs, and of course, the $4 hoagie. Take that, recession.

Fine Fixin’s is located at 16 S. Keim Street, Pottstown and is open seven days a week for dine in, take out, and delivery. Hours are: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Call 610-323-0180.

LOU'S TOO: Home is where the zep is

2009-12-22T12:57:00.000-08:00

TRAPPE — From Philly’s cheese steak to Norristown’s zep, there is no shortage of pride and tradition around here for a good, hearty sandwich.

Lou’s Too in Trappe, located at 732 W. Main St., is no stranger to this storied tradition, and if you grew up scarfing down zeps in Norristown, you know why. For the past seven decades, the original Lou’s of Norristown is largely responsible for popularizing the zep, a simple but locally adored variation on the common hoagie with no lettuce and just one meat.

Enough salami to cover a foot of wide, golden-crusted roll, enough provolone to cover the salami, thumb-thick chunks of raw onion and slabs of tomato across the whole thing. Add oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil to taste. Hot pepper relish if desired. And that’s it.

“You take any Norristown kid from the ’50s and you give him now, 50 years later, a zep,” said Jerry Spinelli , 68, a children’s book author and Norristown native in a recent Associated Press article, “and he will be transported back to his hometown.”

Owned by the same family — the Alba’s — Lou’s Too pride themselves in transporting people back to their childhood and home town as well. With a similar menu featuring dozens of zeps & other satisfying sandwiches, and the same strong family-oriented atmosphere, Lou’s Too is every bit as good as the original.

“Our goal is to treat everyone as family,” said Michael Alba who operates the store with wife Margaret and their sons Louis and Charlie. “And to build a relationship that transcends generations.”

The zep menu is undoubtedly Lou’s bread and butter (er, salami and provolone to be exact), but that shouldn’t stop folks from digging deeper into the menu. Lou’s Too serves up dozens of other satisfying sandwiches like cheese steaks, burgers, clubs, grilled cheese, chicken or egg salad and much more. They also make their own meatloaf, chili, meatballs, chicken, egg and tuna salads.

They also feature salads, pasta specials and have a vegetarian sandwich menu.

Breakfast is served Monday thru Friday from 9 - 11 a.m., Saturday from 8 - 11 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. The menu includes french toast, pancakes, eggs & omelettes, and a number of their signature sandwiches.

As for the zeps, they come in four sizes (round roll, medium, large, or half-large) and include the Chix Salda, Ham, Steak, Burger, Turkey Burger, Tuna, Beef, Turkey, Mix Cheese, Provolone Cheese, Genoa Zep, or the infamous Gut Buster.

And for those who still like lettuce on their hoagies, try Lou’s Special which comes packed with provolone, genoa salami, cappacola, tomatoes, onions, oil, oregano and lettuce.

Lou’s Too is open for dine-in and take-out seven days a week, and is located at 732 W. Main St. in Trappe. Hours are 9 a.m. - 8p.m., Mon. - Fri.; 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday. The entire menu is available for take-out. Call 610-831-1248.

GOOD SPORTS: The Bear's Den in Boyertown

2009-12-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

BOYERTOWN — There isn’t a place that offers a better taste of Boyertown than The Bears’ Den.

Located at 133 S. Chestnut Street, the unique community landmark is a cozy, sports memorbilia-themed restaurant — its walls lined with old photographs, jerseys and newspaper clippings from Boyertown’s long, storied sports history.

“The name speaks for itself,” says Kelly Frain, who owns the restaurant with husband Dennis. “There are bears everywhere!”

The Den will be celebrating it’s third anniversary this January.

“We loved the idea of a sports-themed restaurant all about the history of Boyertown,” said Kelly.

But it’s not just the eatery’s walls that celebrate Boyertown. The Den boasts outstanding customer service and is open to host any fundraiser or event that benefits the community, including a number of fundraisers they do with Boyertown School District.

And just like the decor, the menu is a grand slam too, offering a tasty assortment of mouth-watering sandwiches, hoagies and paninis. as well as salads, sides, pizza and items from the fryer.

All deli sandwiches are $5.95 grilled or cold and include the Roast Beef Special, Corned Beef Special, Turkey, Ham, and the popular Reubnen which is corned beef, swiss, sauerkraut and Russian dressing on your choice of bread.

Panini sandwiches are all grilled and served on tasty ciabatta bread, including the Grilled Chicken, Tuscany, Milan, Veggie and Caribbean.

Hoagies can be ordered medium or large and include the Italian, American, Turkey, Grilled Ham & Cheese, Cheese, Tuna or Roast Beef. And customers can add the Den’s own homemade hot peppers or sweet peppers for an extra 50 cents.

The Den’s trademark cheese steaks (made with sauce and onions) are also quite popular among guests. Other steak sandwiches on the menu include buffalo steaks, chicken cheese steaks, pepperoni cheese steaks and mushroom cheese steaks.

Special hoagies include the Twinburger Hoagie, Cheese Steak Hoagie, Pepperoni or Mushroom Cheese Steak Hoagie or the Meatball Parmesan.

Half-pound and quarter-pound burgers are also available, as well as hot dogs, grilled cheese, peanut butter & jelly, pizza, stromboli and even nachos with cheese.

The fryer menu includes Chicken Fingers, French Fries, Cheese Fries, Gravy Fries, Mozzarella Cheese Stix, Breaded Mushrooms, Breaded Veggies, Pierogies and wings.

The Bears’ Den is located at 133 S. Chestnut Street, Boyertown and is open six days a week. Hours are Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Mon., Wed. & Thurs. 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. and closed Tues. Call 610-367-2422 for more information.

Monte Carlo Pizza & Family Restaurant celebrates one year in Gilbertsville

2009-12-22T12:22:00.000-08:00

GILBERTSVILLE — The Bonsignore family has spent more than 30 years in the business serving up savory Italian-styled food and delicious, mouth-watering pizza. Early November, marked the family’s one year anniversary at their 1885 Swamp Pike location, Monte Carlo Pizza & Family Restaurant.

And how did they ring in the anniversary? By giving back, of course. During lunch time, Monte Carlo dished out a free slice of pizza and drink to all police and fire fighters who stopped in for a bite.

“Thanks to all customers, new and old,” said Fabrizio Bonsignore, who is helping nephew Joseph Bonsignore to run and eventually take over the restaurant. “Our mission is to get better every day and to provide the best food and service around.”

So far, so good. Monte Carlo has quickly made a name for itself as the place to go for pizza in the area.

“We specialize in any kind of pizza, especially gourmet pizzas,” said Joseph, who recommends their chicken fajita and buffalo chicken pizzas. “Quality and service are really important to us. We would like every customer to experience great taste.”

With an excellent, well-rounded menu that includes Italian-styled dinners, a wide variety of sandwiches, subs, wraps & burgers, and - of course - pizza, Monte Carlo offers plenty of great taste for customers to experience.

“Our goal is to provide customers with the best food at the best prices around,” said Joseph. “It’s top quality food in a friendly, inviting atmosphere.”

The pizza menu is the heart of their offerings, including Neopolitan, Sicilian and white pizzas. The popular combination pizzas include Margherita, Vegetarian, Hawaiian Style, Meat Lover’s, The Works, Buffalo Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Chicken Parmesan, Chicken Bacon Ranch, Chicken Fajita, Beef Fajita, Philly Cheesesteak and a Taco Pizza. Most pizzas are available as a small 12” or large 16”. Plain and Sicilian are also available by slice.

As good as the pizza is though, customers are short changing themselves if they don’t explore the rest of the menu.

Monte Carlo serves small and large subs and clubs, hot and cold. Cold subs include the classic Italian, Capicola & Cheese, Roast Beef & Cheese and more. The Hot Sub menu includes a number of favorites including the Sausage Italiano, Pizza Steak and the mouth-wateringly good Deluxe Cheesesteak, which comes loaded with mushrooms, green peppers, onions, pepperoni & cheese.

Salads, clubs, wraps, calzones, burgers, stromboli (try the Deluxe Boli with ham, salami, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers & mozzarella) fill out the rest of the menu, along with side orders that include fries, wings, mozzarella sticks, jalepeno poppers and more.

Monte Carlo’s is open for dine in and pick up only, seven days a week, and is located at 1885 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville. Hours are 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Call 610-326-4501 for more information or to place an order for take-out. Family package coupons are currently available in their take-out menu.

POLICE & FIREFIGHTERS: Free slice & drink at Monte Carlo, Wed., Nov. 4

2009-11-03T11:40:00.000-08:00

GILBERTSVILLE - To those who serve and protect, Monte Carlo Pizza & Family Restaurant has a special serving for you.

To celebrate their one year anniversary at their current location, the Italian eatery located at 18885 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville will offer a free slice of pizza and a drink to all police and firefighters who stop in Wednesday, Nov. 4 between noon and 2 p.m. for a bite.

It's just a little way of saying thanks.

But even if you aren't on the police or fire force, it's a great time to stop in and try Monte Carlo as their celebrate their one year anniversary.

Call 610-326-4501 for more information.

A COLLEGEVILLE CLASSIC: Family-run Speck's has served 'real food, real fast' for more than five decades

2009-11-03T10:46:00.001-08:00

The flourishing Collegeville area has seen a lot of change through the years, but few places have been a part of the community’s growth as much as Speck’s.

In business since 1953, and at their Ridge Pike location since 1965, the family owned and operated Speck’s has become a renowned community staple, thanks largely in part to their tradition of serving all guests “real food, real fast.”

And their trademark broasted chicken certainly hasn’t hurt their reputation either.

Speck’s began by serving serving burgers, hoagies and steak sandwiches, but business really began to boom after they introduced the broasted chicken in the 70’s.

Today, Speck’s is still run by the Landis family and retains their classic 70’s look in a clean, welcoming atmosphere. And the food is served as fast, and as fresh as ever by a friendly and dedicated staff.

Speck’s broasted chicken is available by the piece (breast, leg, thigh or wing), the bucket (4, 8, 12, 16, 24, 32, 50 or 100 pieces) or as dinners, all at an affordable price. Guests who plan to order a bucket of more than 24 pieces are advised to call ahead.

But there is more to Speck’s than just chicken.

The sandwich menu features quarter-pound burgers, chicken or beef steaks and cheese steaks, hot dogs (with cheese, chili, or kraut), hot ham and cheese, tuna with tomato, fish (cod) fillet, chicken fillet and chicken nuggets. They also offer small and large hoagies (regular, tuna, ham, or turkey).

Sides include french fries, cheese fries, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and garden salads. Macaroni & cheese, baked beans and mashed potatoes & gravy are available by the cup, bowl or large size. Chili is available by the bowl Wednesdays only.

Coleslaw, potato salad and macaroni salad are available daily by pint, quart, gallon or individual size.

Speck’s is open for dine in and take out, seven days a week and is located at corner of Ridge & Germantown pikes, Collegeville. Hours are 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday thru Friday; 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m, Sunday. Call 610-489-2110. More info online at www.dineindie.com/specks.

Argento's Pizza & Family Restaurant celebrates 17th anniversary with community

2009-11-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

BOYERTOWN — What began as a donut shop 17 years ago has become one of the most beloved family restaurants in the community.

Argentos Pizza & Family Restaurant, located at 833 E. Philadelphia Ave., is celebrating their anniversary this month with a number of great menu specials.

“We would like to thank the community for supporting us for the last 17 years,” says Vinnie, owner. “Without them, this wouldn’t be home.”

But any regular customer can tell you that it’s Argento’s who make it feel like home.

Over the years, Argento’s has held many fundraisers for the community, including car washes, award ceremonies, and feeding the football team every Friday.

After all these years, no one is questioning Argento’s pride in the community or spirit. But what about the food?

Well, that’s pretty special too.

Argento’s has built a renowned reputation throughout the area for their trademark pizza menu and wings. And their award-winning cheese steaks are comparable to any of Philly’s hot spots.

The impressive pizza menu includes a vast amount of varieties, styles and toppings suitable for any taste or appetite. From Sicilian to Hawaiian to classic meat lovers and stuffed pizzas, the menu does not disappoint.

Argento’s menu also features a number of burgers, melts, hoagies, grinders, clubs, wraps and other sandwiches — hot and cold.

Dinner selections include lasagna, ravioli, eggplant parmigiana, spaghetti dishes, stuffed shells and other platters. They also offer family platters large enough to feed four people. Soups, salads, sides and kids meals are also available.

New to the menu is Argento’s new Broaster Chicken, available by piece or in snack boxes and meal deals.

Argentos Pizza & Family Restaurant is open for dine in and take out seven days a week and is located at 833 E. Philadelphia Avenue in Boyertown. They deliver to the surrounding five-mile area. Hours are 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Monday thru Thursday; 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m., Friday & Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday. Phone is 610-367-4144.

Great food made from scratch with best ingredients: That's Italian!

2009-11-03T10:19:00.000-08:00

When a New York Times restaurant reviewer visited Gennaro Esposito’s former restaurant in Hopewell, N.J., the writer found that looks can be deceiving.

The nondescript building housing the former “That’s Italian Trattoria” was seen as an ordinary eatery — until the food came out. The reviewer raved about Esposito’s native Italian dishes as standouts in any location.

Three years ago, Esposito moved his restaurant to North Charlotte Street in Pottstown. Again, the exterior of the nondescript building that formerly housed the Blossom restaurant and then a pizzeria at 1483 N. Charlotte St. can be deceiving. Inside, a cozy dinner spot awaits with food that is among the best to be found this side of Naples, Italy.

“I like good food, and I put my passion into what I do,” said Esposito, a native of Naples, who adopted his mother’s expertise in the kitchen.

The ingredients used at That’s Italian are fresh and high-quality; sauces are made on the premises from fresh vegetables (no paste or concentrate), and the trademark mouth-watering bread is baked fresh daily and served warm at your table with olive oil.

On a recent visit, the Muncher sampled Capriccioso panini, a sandwich on homemade Italian bread stuffed with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil and served with a side of greens ($8.25) The quality of ingredients and respectable portions in this mouth-watering sandwich was an example of just one of several paninis that emphasize flavor over tradition.

That’s Italian also features a complete selection of hot and cold subs, cheesesteaks. chicken steaks, and burgers on their sandwich menu, and all rise above the norm because of the quality of meats, cheeses, sauce and fresh-baked rolls or bread.

The Old World Margherita Pizza is a thin crust with plum tomato, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. Even the Muncher, who considers himself a margherita pizza connoisseur, was impressed!

Other speciality pizzas include a bruschetta loaded with diced tomatoes, red onions and basil (another Muncher favorite); the Godfather with pesto, three cheeses and prosciutto; Tomato Pie Brooklyn style; a pizza stuffed with Philly cheesesteak, and gourmet white with mozzarella, spinach and ricotta.

The spotless front of the restaurant opens in the back to a candlelit dining room, perfect for dinner or a party. The restaurant is BYOB. Esposito is reluctant to name a house specialty because he says their specialty is making the best Italian food they can, and everyone has a different favorite.

Muncher’s is Veal Francese, with a side of linguini and red sauce. “We make everything fresh here, so you can’t go wrong,” says Esposito. Indeed, the thin-sliced veal is fork-tender, coated in light egg batter, in a white wine lemon butter sauce with fresh pasta and the Muncher’s requested red sauce, light-bodied but flavorful.

The dish — with enough to take home for lunch the next day — comes with soup (made-fresh specialities such as cream of portobello or white bean and sausage) or salad and all the fresh bread you can eat for $18.95

Other popular entrees are chicken or veal marsala, parmigiana, piccata, or cacciatore. ($15.95, $17.95); or sorrento with eggplant, prosciutto and fontina cheese in a pink cream sauce ($19.95), as well as seafood entrees including mussels, clams, or tuna.

The Muncher has also tried the house lasagna (Mama Esposito’s recipe) and found it an amazing taste of Italy for just $9.95. Other Italian dishes include stuffed shells, baked tortellini and baked gnocchi.

Since moving his restaurant to Pottstown three years ago, Esposito says he has encountered many customers with different tastes but all with an admiration for quality food.

This is the place to find it. Not a fancy building, not high prices, just great food.

That’s Italian.

ROLLIN' ON: Collegeville Italian Deli & Market moves across street to bigger, better establishment

2009-11-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

COLLEGEVILLE — The folks at Collegeville Italian Deli & Market know what makes a great sandwich. Great ingredients, of course!

That’s why the family-owned and operated eatery, located at 3855 Ridge Pike in Collegeville, makes every sandwich fresh with their own bread and rolls baked daily on the premises.

The freshness doesn’t stop there either. Every sandwich is filled with the finest ingredients, including Boars Head meats and imported cheeses.

They even have a fresh new location. After a decade at their previous location, owners Alex and Barbara recently moved the deli across the street to a bigger establishment to better serve their growing family of loyal customers.

But it’s the variety of their menu that’s really grown the most over the years. The deli started by serving hoagies, but has gradually expanded to include dozens of other specialty sandwiches, cheese steaks, clubs, burgers, specialty pizzas, sides, Italian import cookies, pastries, soup, salads, wings, homemade breads, pastas and more. The menu is lined with specialties and customer favorites. When the Muncher stopped by for a bite, one customer mentioned she treks all the way from Allentown for their pulled pork sandwich.

Other customer favorites include chicken salad sandwiches, their classic Italian Hoagie and the Chicken Italiano (a chicken cheese steak with spinach and imported provolone cheese).

They also have a wide selection of imported and domestic dry and canned goods, cooking needs, espresso coffees, candies and other assorted snacks.

The deli also provides full menu catering service which is popular during football season and around the holidays. Especially if your party is looking for a 6-foot hoagie.

But even as the Collegeville Italian Deli & Market has grown throughout the years, one thing has remained constant.

“Great customer service,” says Barbara.

Visit them online at their Web site www.collegevilledeli.com.

The Collegeville Italian Deli & Market is open for eat in and take out seven days a week and is located at 3855 Ridge Pike in Collegeville. Hours are 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Call 610-489-1850 to place order for take out.

SLICE OF HAVEN: Bob's Haven Deli serves area's freshest sandwiches, pizza & deli meats

2009-11-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

PHOENIXVILLE — The family-owned and operated Bob’s Haven Deli, located at Charlestown & Buckwalter roads for nearly 60 years, has earned a local reputation for expert service, fresh dough and delicious sandwiches.

And for good reason. If you’re looking for a great take-out place with fast, friendly service and top-quality made-to-order food, then Bob’s Haven is what you’re looking for.

The menu features dozens of slammin’ zeps, steak sandwiches, grinders, hoagies and other sandwiches served on fresh rolls from a local bakery. Other hot sandwiches on the menu include meatball, Italian sausage, kielbasa, hot beef, BLT, devil crab, egg plant on roll, veal, oyster, hot dog, chicken tender parmesan, reubens and a variety of burgers all made with fresh, lean ground beef. Cold sandwiches can be prepared on your choice of white, rye, wheat, kaiser or toast.

As satisfying as their sandwiches and deli meets can be, one of the best parts about Bob’s Haven Deli is the fresh dough they use for pizza and stromboli. All dough served at Bob’s is made fresh daily on the premises. The pizza menu includes red, vegetable, white and Sicilian pizzas, all which can be added to with a wide variety of toppings. And the stromboli is some of the best around. Choose from regular, ham, steak, meatball, vegetable, mixed cheese, chicken steak, Italian or pepperoni.

All dinner platters are reasonably priced and served with French fries, coleslaw and a buttered role. Featured platters include breaded chicken tenders, breaded veal, deviled crab, shrimp, oysters, chicken, scallops, seafood combo, breaded flounder and more.

Bob’s also serves box lunches with French fries, wheat or garlic herb wraps, nachos, wings, breakfast sandwiches, sides, appetizers, and salads.

While the deli provides take-out and delivery only, the service is fast, friendly and accommodating.

“We get a lot of long-time regulars,” said owner Barb Smith, who runs the deli with husband Bob. “We know the locals’ names and have memorized their regular orders.”

They also like to do special things for their customers, such as student discounts and Eagles & Steelers themed specials during NFL football season.

“We’re always looking for new ideas and trying new things out,” said Barb.

The Smiths have obviously put a lot of heart into serving the area with great food over the years, but Bob’s Haven Deli is also known to occasionally make hearts with their food. If you’ve ever eaten a heart-shaped pizza, chances are it came from Bob’s Haven Deli, or was an imitation.

“We were one of the first around here to do something like that,” said Bob. “And we still do.”

Bob’s Haven Deli is open for take out and delivery seven days a week, and is located at Charlestown & Buckwalter roads in Phoenixville. Hours are 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Monday; 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Tuesday - Thursday and Saturday; 10 a.m. - midnight, Friday; and 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sunday. Call 610-933-8788 to place an order for take out or delivery.

THE REAL DEAL: Dante's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant serves quality and quantity at reasonable price

2009-08-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

STOWE — There are three main ingredients that go into everything at Dante’s Pizzeria: quality, cleanliness and family.

It’s a recipe that owner Dante Di Donato Jr. has perfected since opening his first restaurant in 1982. (Dante’s spent 14 years in Birdsboro before moving into the former Vine Street Deli in February 2006.)

“What makes us special is that we’re really hands on,” he said.

Just about everything on the menu is homemade from scratch, and served fresh.

“If you order chicken parmigiana, I’m pounding the chicken meat and breading it up (as soon as you order it),” he said.

Their widely-renowned signature sauce is made with tomatoes imported fresh from Italy, they make their own meatballs, and their tender veal is the best around (trust the Muncher on this one).

The menu offers plenty of favorites for any budget or appetite and will never leave you hungry.

“Nine times out of 10, people leave here with a doggie bag,” said Dante. “We really give people their money’s worth.”

Naturally, Dante’s serves some excellent neopolitan and sicilian pizzas, but the menu also features some popular gourmet pizzas, such as the famous spaghetti & meatball pizza with “Mom’s homemade meatballs” and a Hawaiian pizza with Italian capicola ham, pineapple chunks, mozzarella cheese and sauce.

Dante’s also serves a wide variety of speciality calzones and strombolis.

The sandwich menu covers everything from cheese steaks, pizza steaks and buffalo chicken cheese steaks to hoagies, grinders, and clubs. They even serve fresh hand-pressed charbroiled burgers and gismos. And they feature some other speciality sandwiches too, such as a ribeye cheese steak, hot roast pork and eggplant parm.

Soups and chilis are all homemade.

Dante’s famous wings come in mild, hot, extra hot, BBQ, honey mustard, ranch, southwestern ranch, buffalo garlic and parmigiana peppercorn.

The menu includes a delicious variety of appetizers including brushetta, fries, mozzarella sticks, pierogies, fried calamari, fried ravili, French bread pizza, steamed clams and more.

And the cozy, well kept, dining room is a great place to come in for an unforgettable dinner. It’s BYOB, and Dante’s provides waitress service every day after 4 p.m.

Dinners include Dante’s famous spaghetti, manicotti, stuffed shells, cheese ravioli, lasagna, eggplant parm, baked ziti, fettucini alfredo, veal parmigiana, chicken marsala, Chicken Ala Dante, Chicken Carbonaro and more.

But really, it’s the care and dedication that Dante and his family puts into the food that makes Dante’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant such a Great Place To Eat.

Dante’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant is open for dine in, take out and delivery Monday through Saturday and is located at Vice & Center streets in Stowe. Hours are: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Call 610-323-2344 for delivery or more information.

Home, Sweet Home: Route 100's coziest deli & bakery strives to treat guests with care

2009-07-31T08:17:00.000-07:00

BECHTELSVILLE - Rhona’s Bakery & Deli may look like a snug little home nestled alongside Route 100... but boy is it sweet.

Not only does owner Rhona Farrence serve up a variety of homemade baked goods like pies, cakes and cookies all week long, but the eatery is also a deli and grill which provides fresh, savory breakfast fare, hoagies, cheese steaks, angus burgers, hoagies, and many other made-to-order sandwiches.

It’s the ideal place to stop in for a quick and affordable bite to eat, whether you’re on the run, on your way to work, or are looking to sit back and relax with a cup of coffee and some freshly baked pastries. There is a school teacher who stops in to grade papers. There is a guy who drives from Oley to get a breakfast sandwich “just the way he likes it.” And there is even a truck driver from Connecticut who stops in every chance he gets when driving down Route 100.

But it’s the manner of care Rhona puts into her food that makes the place so sweet and homey.

“I love to cook,” she said. “The biggest complaint I get is that I give too much. So if you walk out of here hungry, it’s your own fault.

“If someone asks me for something not on the menu, I do my best to accommodate what they are looking for,” she said.

Earlier this summer, Rhona whipped up some blueberry pancakes for a guest who brought in some freshly picked blueberries, even though pancakes aren’t listed on the regular menu. It’s that caring attitude which makes Rhona’s one of the greatest little spots in the area.

That, and everything is as home made and fresh as can be. Everything from sausage patties to meatballs, to the chicken in her famous chicken cheese steaks is made by Rhona, and made to order. She even breads her own chicken tenders. Indeed she does love to cook.

Rhona has owned and operated the place on her own since opening last November.

Some of her homemade bakery specialities include Jewish Apple cake, carrot cake, butter cake and peanut butter candies. But there is always a fresh assortment of cakes, pies and pastries on display to choose from.

The breakfast menu includes a number of sandwiches, including the famous sausage, egg & cheese sandwich, and Rhona occasionally features breakfast platters like french toast and scrapple.

The sandwich menu includes triple decker clubs, grilled cheese, roast beef, albacore white tuna salad, a fish sandwich, and a popular variety of hoagies and cheese steaks.

The menu also includes a number of salads, sides and a soup of the day.

Rhona is also available for catering your next event.

Rhona’s Bakery & Deli is open Tuesday through Sunday and is located at 1171 Route 100 in Bechtelsville. Hours are: 6 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tuesday & Wednesday; 6 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; and 8 a.m. -1 p.m. on Sunday. Call 610-473-DELI for more information.

For more from The Mercury Muncher, check out the Mercury Muncher blog online at www.pottsmerc.com/blogs.

Bridgeside Deli: A little place with a big following

2009-07-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

PHOENIXVILLE — It might have a little store front, but don’t be mistaken. The Bridgeside Deli & Grille holds a big place in the community.

Since opening in 2005, the corner deli & convenience store has earned a devoted following of locals who stop in every day for breakfast, lunch, dinner or groceries, says owner Eliana Bellos, who runs the shop with the help of her family.

Part of this following may exist because the food is fresh, filling and priced affordably, but it is also a likely sign of the pride and care the Bellos family puts into serving the community.

“It’s a really wonderful area and we have a great group of regulars,” said Eliana. “So we go as far as we can to make sure every guest who walks in the door leaves happy.”

In fact, the only complaint she gets is that the sandwiches are too big! Go figure.

But if you’re looking for a place with fresh, top-quality made-to-order food and a lot of choices to pick from, Bridgeside Deli more than satisfies.

The fast pickup & delivery menu is packed with dozens of slamming sandwiches, specialties, platters and sides to please any appetite for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

All sandwiches are made with premium Dietz & Watson deli meats & cheeses, and they use only the freshest eggs, meats, vegetables and bread.

Breakfast sandwiches are made with two extra large eggs on your choice of bread; hoagie, kaiser, white, wheat or rye.

Stacked club sandwiches are made with crisp bacon, lettuce and tomato on your choice of toasted bread.

Because they are made with higher quality meats, Eliana said their Italian hoagies are a crowd- pleasing specialty.

The large variety of steak sandwiches include a half pound of sirloin steak served on a 12” steak roll.

Still hungry? The menu also features 100% sirloin burgers, greek gyros served on grilled pita bread, cold deli sandwiches on your choice of bread, hot and cold wraps, grilled sandwiches & grilled chicken, seafood platters & sandwiches, as well as some sides like pizza or gravy fries, chicken fingers and brocoli & cheese bites.

And then there’s the speciality menu which features 18 sandwiches and deli classics like their Grilled Reuben and Homemade Roast Pork with Broccoli Rabe & Sharp Provolone.

They also have fresh baked goods every day.

Bridgeside Deli & Grill is also a convenient store to hit for some light groceries. All deli meats and cheeses can be sliced to order and fresh baked hoagie & kaiser rolls are available daily. Plus, they carry a large variety of Rosenberger’s Dairy products and teas, Coke and Pepsi products, Stroehman breads, Tastykakes, chips, snacks, candy and much more.

The menu is for fast pickup and delivery only, but they do have limited seating outside for anyone who cares to enjoy a meal on a sunny day. Call 610-933-7737 to place an order today.
Catering and party trays are also available upon request.

Bridgeside Deli & Grille is open Monday - Saturday for pick-up and delivery, and is located at 402 W. High Street, Phoenixville. Hours are: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Wednesday; 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Thursday & Friday; and 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday. Call 610-933-7737 for call-ahead take out or delivery.

Savory new sauce stirs up Nino's Pizzeria

2009-07-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

POTTSTOWN — Plain and simple, you gotta try the new sauce at Nino's Pizzeria.

Under new ownership, brothers Lee & Adam Phaneuf are intent on bringing the quiet little pizzeria in the Shoppes at 100 W. Schuylkill Road back to life as a classic family pizzeria.

And their new sauce is just the beginning.

The brothers took ownership of the restaurant earlier this summer and have since been working on a number of renovations to reinvigorate both the restaurant and its menu.

In addition to sprucing up the food, they recently installed a wi-fi network so guests can bring in their lap top and log online for free while enjoying a bite. Lee said they're dedicated to bringing in more little things for the family, such as games for kids, a new look, a new Web-site, new specials and coffee.

But even while all these changes are happening, the food and service offers plenty reason to stop in today for a delicious bite to eat.

The menu provides a little bit of everything, and all meals are made to order. Nino's makes their own dough fresh every day, and sandwiches are all served on fresh rolls.

As far as pizza goes, Nino's can serve up just about any pizza you desire, offering traditional, Sicilian, and a variety of speciality pizzas which include BBQ Chicken, Chicken Cheese Steak, Hawaiian and a Chicken or Beef Taco pizza. And any pizza can be stuffed at your request.

Lee said the stromboli and calzones are a big hit with guests, as are their trademark cheese steaks.

And they serve dozens more varieties of sandwiches, including half-pound beef burgers, hoagies, clubs, wraps and specialities like The Red Rooster (grilled chicken, fried onions, mushrooms, roasted red peppers and pepper jack) or parmigiana sandwiches such as veal, eggplant or meatball which are made fresh and heated in the pizza ovens.

Nino's also serves a number of fresh salads, appetizers, wings and Italian dinners such as chicken, eggplant or veal parmigiana with spaghetti, sausage pepper and onions with spaghetti and fettucini alfredo. All dinners are served with a side salad and garlic bread.

The kids menu includes chicken fingers, grilled cheese, mac-n-cheese. chicken quesadilla, spaghetti and a ham & cheese sandwich, all served with soda and a choice of fries or fruit cup.

Nino's also delivers to the greater Pottstown area and is happy to provide catering to your next party or event.

Nino's Pizzeria is open seven days a week for dine in, take out and delivery, and is located in the Shoppes at W. Schuylkill Road, Pottstown. Hours are: 10:30 a.m. -9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday. Call 610-323-0606 for call-ahead take out or delivery, or go online to www.mybythezip.com/companies/1000012153.htm for the full menu, directions and printable coupons.

For more from The Mercury Muncher, check out the Mercury Muncher blog online at www.pottsmerc.com/blogs.

Fry-R-Tucks puts new spin on Fridays this summer

2009-07-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

Are you the type of person who can't wait for Friday? Me either.

But this summer, Fry-R-Tucks is putting a new spin on Fridays with their "Fry-Day Cruise & BBQ" nights.

Every Friday from 6-9 p.m., Fry-R-Tucks invites guests to bring out their show cars and appetites for a night of good food, outside barbecuing, cars, and fun! Just park your car in the grass and mosey on over to the outdoor BBQ pit for some ribs, hotdogs or hamburgers. And the best part is that show-car owners who bring out their ride get a 10 percent discount.

Fry-R-Tucks is located at 500 Gravel Pike in Collegeville, right across from Perkiomen Valley High School. Call 610-489-3336 if you have any questions.

Don't be chicken: Try Fry-R-Tucks this summer

2009-07-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

COLLEGEVILLE — There’s lots of spots around here that serve some great food, can’t argue that. But the food at Fry-R-Tucks is in a league of its own.

Owners Jim and Valerie Pizzo pride themselves on serving some of the best home-style meals and fried specialties around.

Since opening last December, the full-service eatery has already established a number of signature menu items popular among regulars, including deep fried turkeys, deep fried hot dogs, dry-rub pork ribs and a unique offering of sandwiches.

“I wanted to separate myself from what’s around,” said Jim, discussing the menu. “We really try to give our customers something new.”

And if you’ve seen the full menu, you know he ain’t pulling your leg. (Although, you can bet he pulls plenty of turkey legs!)

For instance, you can get a steak sandwich at just about any place these days. But at Tucks, you get a juicy Grilled London Broil Steak Sandwich with homemade horseradish and your choice of cheese on your choice of roll (try it on a kaiser roll with swiss for some extra mmmm).

Other popular sandwiches at Tucks include the Turkey Dagwood (turkey, homemade stuffing and cranberries on a steak roll), Turkey Salad Sandwich, Turkey Club and an Open Face Hot Turkey Sandwich.

They recently expanded their menu to include hoagies and angus burgers too.

Some of the popular fried specialties at Tucks include deep fried hog dogs, hot sausage, red bliss potatoes and fresh sliced french fries or sweet potatoes fries, which make great sides.

Of course, the deep fried turkey makes for quite a meal too.

Likewise, the wings aren’t to be missed either. Flavors include mild, hot, suicide, sesame-teriyaki, cajun or garlic.

For breakfast, Tucks offers basic fare including eggs, sandwiches, meats, hashbrowns and coffee.

But perhaps even more noteworthy than the food is the amount of care the Pizzos put into it.

Pizzo says everything is made from scratch, including the stuffing, gravy, mac & cheese, and soups. All sandwiches are served on Conshohocken Bakery bread.

“I won’t serve anything here that I won’t eat,” says Pizzo. “And we cater to anyone as best we can.”

That includes bike riders and trail users from the Perkiomen Trail which runs right behind Fry-R-Tucks. Parched trail users can come in from the trail, which goes from Schwenksville to Phoenixville, and enjoy some world famous Via Veneto water ice, a cold beverage or even a bite to eat.

Every Friday this summer at Tucks is Fry-Day Cruise & BBQ night from 6 to 9 p.m. Not only will Tucks be firing up their outdoor BBQ to serve ribs, hotdogs and hamburgers, but guests can bring their show cars along with their appetite for a 10 percent discount on the bill. Just bring your car, park it in the grass, and stop by the BBQ.

•••

Fry-R-Tucks is open for dine in and take out Tuesday through Sunday. Hours are: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday; 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Sunday.
Fry-R-Tucks is located at 500 Gravel Pike (Route 29), Collegeville, across from Perkiomen Valley High School. Call 610-489-3336 for call-ahead take out, or visit www.fry-r-tucks.com for more information.

•••

Phoenix diner is more than diner; it's a place for family

2009-07-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

PHOENIXVILLE — The sign might call it a diner, but you won’t find a noisy counter lined with ranting “regulars” or any rude, raspy-voiced waitresses named “Alice” either.

Instead, what you find in the Phoenix Diner is a cozy, cafe-styled family restaurant where the food is plentiful, appetizing, affordable and the staff treats you like family.

Because of this attentive service, inviting atmosphere and a delicious menu, the Phoenix Diner has become something of a community fixture since opening last July.

Owner Alex Elsayed, a resident of the area for more than ten years, opened the restaurant because he likes the community and wanted to give back something special.

“I felt Phoenixville needed a place like this,” he says. “It’s the only place like it around. We have some really good relationships with the people here, and we try to treat them like family.”

While the family mentality may be the Phoenix Diner’s bread and butter, Elsayed says the food is pretty good too.

“We definitely have a dining crowd that comes here. People love the food,” he says, citing the seafood, quesidillas and the homemade creamed chipped beef as customer favorites.

One thing that is very “diner” about the restaurant, however, is the amount of food you get for low prices.

“You get more than what you pay for,” says Elsayed. “We want the door open for everyone and keep the prices fair.”

Customers can order from the breakfast or lunch menu all day long.

The breakfast menu is extensive and includes traditional fare like eggs, omelettes, buttermilk pancakes, french toast and belgian waffles. The lunch menu includes a variety of fresh salads, their trademark Mexican quesadillas, wraps, deli sandwiches, triple decker clubs, a dozen gourmet sandwiches, burgers and chicken sandwiches, as well as a number of appetizers and sides like BBQ Baby Back Ribs, Wings and Gravy Fries.

Dinner entrees include pasta dishes, Young Tom Turkey, Grilled Baby Beef Liver, Breaded Milk-Fed Veal Steak, and much more.

The popular seafood menu includes a variety of popular dishes, both broiled or deep fried. The broiled Maryland Style Crab Cake and The Fisherman’s Fancy (includes deep friend flounder, crab cake, shrimp and scallops) are popular.

The restaurant also features a number of money-saving breakfast and dinner specials each week and serves fresh pies and cakes for dessert.

If you haven’t tried the The Phoenix Diner yet, there’s no better time than now. The restaurant will celebrate it’s one year anniversary all through July with specials for the whole family.

The Phoenix Diner is open all week long with 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday through Thursday hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Phoenix Diner is located next to the Acme shopping center at 785 Starr Street in Phoenixville. Call 610-935-3566 to learn more.

Eagle's Nest Deli is a cut above the rest

2009-06-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

MONT CLARE — If you’ve got a jones for the area’s best homemade roast pork sandwich, fly yourself on over to the Eagle's Nest Deli.

Sandwiched between Phoenixville and Collegeville, this cozy little deli and luncheonette has become a popular spot amongst locals over the past 16 years, particularly for their homemade roast pork and beef.

In addition to the Nest’s homemade specialties, all sandwiches are made with Dietz & Watson quality meats and the zeps and hot sandwiches are served on fresh Conshohocken rolls.

The kitchen also features a number of specials each week.

For breakfast, the Eagle’s Nest offers a variety of sandwiches and specials from 6 to 11 a.m.

In addition to the sandwich menu, Eagles Nest also offers soups, chips, Doritos, crackers and other snacks, as well as assorted drinks from Rosenberger’s Dairies, juices, sodas, coffee and cappuccino.

The Eagles Nest is open for dine in or take out. The dining area includes table seating or counter space and is clean and inviting. But if you are in a rush, call ahead with your order for take out.
The Eagles Nest is located at 500 Bridge Street in Mont Clare.

Hours are 6 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Saturday; closed Sunday.
Call 610-935-8773 to place a take out order or for more details.

The Muncher Recommends:

Homemade Hot Pork Sandwich
$6.75 (large) or $5.25 (small)
Homemade Beef Zep
$6.95 (large) or $5.25 (small)
Cajun Pork Sandwich
$6.75 (large) or $5.25 (small)

Boyertown’s best kept secret is a real ‘sweet’ spot

2009-06-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

It’s no closely-guarded secret that Boyertown has its share of community treasures. But one of its best kept secrets is a real sweet spot.

Tucked into a cozy corner on the main drag, Sweet Beginnings may be little, but it’s one of the best eateries in the tri-county area to pop into for a bite to eat.

Part of what makes the spot so sweet is its inviting, homey atmosphere. The dining area is well-maintained, and decorated like a family room where guests can relax, enjoy a meal, read the paper and chat around the table. It actually feels like home.

But the best part about Sweet Beginnings is the food.

Open for breakfast and lunch, owner Jim Kochu says everything is made fresh and in house.

The breakfast menu features an assortment of classic fare, including egg sandwiches, egg platters, French toast, pancakes, grilled cinnamon buns, breakfast burritos and more. They also make their own assortment of pastries and muffins, which guest Joan Christman described as “the best.”

The lunch menu covers even more ground offering a savory variety of wraps, clubs, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, cheese steaks, wings, salads and items from the fryer like pierogies, mozzarella stickes, onion rings, fries, fish & chips and French-fried broccoli.

Sweet Beginnings also features a constantly changing menu of weekly specials that some regular guests sometimes help mastermind, such as “Taylor’s Wrap,” which is being served this week. These guest-made specials can be voted on to make the restaurant’s popular “Wall of Fame” located by the cash register.

Sweet Beginnings also provides full service catering with a very flexible menu.

“People can tell me what they want, and I’ll give it to them,” said Kochu.

Such little things are what makes this little place such a big part of the Boyertown community.

“Really, we’re just here to serve you,” said Kochu.

Sweet Beginnings is located at 43 E. Philadelphia Avenue in Boyertown. Hours are 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 610-369-0649 for more information.

The Muncher Recommends

Grilled Cinnamon Bun, $3

Lebanon Bologna Wrap, $6

Chicken Louisiana Cheese Steak, $6.50

Any fresh assorted pastries!

Family, quality and quantity are main ingredients at Giovanni’s

2009-06-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

POTTSTOWN – It’s rare to find a family-run Italian restaurant like Giovanni’s with food this satisfying, servings this filling, service this friendly and an atmosphere this welcoming.

“Here, you really do get what you pay for,” says head server Donna Saunders. “It’s quality and quantity.”

She’s not bluffing. You might even say you get more than what you pay for at Giovanni’s. Their dinners are served with a heaping pound of pasta, sandwiches are prepared on fresh, toasty 12” rolls and the sauce is better than ma’ used to make. Even the kids make out alright—especially on Mondays & Tuesdays when all Kids Meals are only $1.95.

The menu includes plenty to satisfy just about any taste. Appetizers include wings, fried calamari, jalapeño poppers, coconut shrimp, many varieties of French fries, salads and more. They offer dozens of tasty sandwiches, including clubs, burgers (try the pizza burger!), cheese steaks, hoagies, cold cuts and grinders. Dinners include a variety of classic Italian pasta dishes, (ravioli, manicotti, lasagna, stuffed shells, ziti, gnocchi, fettuccini, tortellini, etc.), some sea-food (shrimp, crab cake, flounder) and chicken, veal & eggplant dishes. The Kids Menu includes nuggets, grilled cheese, spaghetti, pizza and chicken fingers.

And because they use only the freshest ingredients, Giovanni’s makes some darn good pizza. They are especially proud of their Sicilian, which Saunders calls “the thickest and best.” But their gourmet pizzas are not to be missed either.

With food like that coming out of their kitchen, it hasn’t taken long for Giovanni’s to become one of Pottstown’s most treasured new restaurants either. They opened in March at what used to be the Kenilworth Deli, and now there isn’t a Friday or Saturday night when there isn’t a line out the door.

Saunders attributes much of the restaurant’s immediate success to young restaurant owner Joe Picone, who has brought a devoted family tradition and local following with him. His grandparents run the Giovanni’s in Royersford and his parents run Palermo Pizza in Pottstown. Of course, remarkably delicious food and polite, friendly service has helped too.

The dining area is small, but extremely cozy, inviting and well-kept. Picone decorated the restaurant himself, and you’ll notice pictures of his family and childhood at some of the tables. Outdoor seating is also available, perfect for the warmer evenings ahead.

Giovanni’s is open for dining in and take out, Monday thru Saturday. Hours are 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (till 10:30 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays). The restaurant is located at 1492 East Schuylkill Road (Route 724), Pottstown. Call 610-705-9800 to order take out.

The Muncher Recommends

Cheese Sicilian

$2.10/slice or $14/large

Veal Parmigiana Sandwich

$6.50

Pepperoni Cheese Steak

$6.50

Eggplant Parmigiana Dinner

$12.95

Sal’s Pizza II serves up ‘best Sicilian around’

2009-06-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

POTTSTOWN – The corner of Hanover Street and Rt. 724 has always been one of Pottstown’s treasured little joints for a pizza. But now under new ownership, the former “Ramble Inn” has a new name (Sal’s Pizza II), a new attitude and a new menu. Even the dining room has been given a zesty, Italian-themed makeover.

But it’s the food at Sal’s Pizza II that has the town buzzing. The extensive menu has it all—dozens of hoagies, cheese steaks and clubs, stromboli, calzones, Italian entrees, wings, sides, salads and weekly specials. All of which is made fresh with quality ingredients. And can’t forget about the pizza! With dozens of varieties, crusts, and toppings to choose from, it’s a pizza-lover’s Heaven.

“I think we do the best Sicilian around,” says owner Sal Mannino.

He ain’t kidding! The Mercury Muncher hasn’t scarfed down a better slice of Sicilian anywhere. And if it tastes familiar, it’s because Sal has been making the same great food in the area since 1979, with former restaurants in Phoenixville and Lionville.

To scope out the restaurant’s full menu and printable coupon specials, go to www.dineindie.com and search “Sal’s Pizza II.” Or just stop in for a take out menu that includes clip-out coupons.

They also feature regular menu specials which change every week or two.

Sal’s is open seven days a week for eat in, take out and delivery. Hours are: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. on Sundays. They deliver just about anywhere in the greater Pottstown area.

Call 610-327-4100 to learn more or order out.

Sal’s is located at 715 S. Hanover Street in Pottstown.

The Muncher Recommends

Try these:

Sal’s Cheese Sicilian

Italian Hoagie

Pizza Steak

Or if you’re feeling daring, try the 6-Foot Hoagie!