Italian

BYO, Eating out, Italian, Philadelphia suburb, Restaurant, Reviews

Arugula Ristorante-Plymouth Meeting, PA

May 6, 2021 ILoveEatingOut

HELLLOOOOO Everyone! It’s so good to be dining out again! Wow what a trying time it has been for all of us foodies. I must admit, however, I didn’t just cook at home the last 400+ days. Noooo Way Jose! We contributed quite a pretty penny to many of our favorite local eateries and got take-out many times. While I enjoyed most of the orders, I was really missing going out so now here we go!

Recently, I have slowly made my way back to the outdoor dining scene since I’ve been fully vaccinated and more and more folks are being vaccinated. I feel I am finally ready to get back into doing what I love to do…EATING OUT AND TALKING ABOUT IT!

First stop…Arugula Ristorante in Plymouth Meeting. To my surprise I have never done a review on Arugula and it really is one of our favorite local Italian restaurants. So what better place to start for you with this “welcome back, happy vaccination, enjoy eating out again” dinner.

Arugula Ristorante is located in the Cold Point Village near the intersection of Plymouth Road and Butler Pike. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. I’m still very cautious and prefer to eat outside but Arugula’s indoor seating is very comfortable as they have floor to sealing windows which they will open weather permitting. Outdoor seating is first come, first serve so by the time we got there it was full so we decided to eat inside and sat right by one of the open doors/windows and it was absolutely the best seat in the house.

Our server, who was clearly from Italy, greeted us with a small plate of complimentary bruschetta. One perfectly sized piece for each of us. He opened our special bottle of red………IMPORTANT MESSAGE!!! IT’S BYO!!……..Shortly after, he also brought us freshly baked Italian bread with a side of high quality olive oil.

Our first course is an all time favorite of ours…the grilled octopus. It is not on their regular menu. It is only offered occassionally as one of the appetizer specials. Since we love it so much we always ask if they have it and when they do we order! This dish is fresh, cool, lemony and briney. The ingredients all go together so well. It’s simply freshly grilled octopus tossed with peppery arugula, ripe diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers, salt, pepper, lemon and olive oil. (I’m no chef but I think that’s the ingredients😆). The portion is very generous so it can easily be shared between two people. If you are watching your weight you might even consider it as an entree. I know I have BUT the entree dishes are way to good to pass up. The cost was $19 (I believe) and worth every single penny. (The picture below is only my portion so more than double it and that’s what we were served…score!).

My husband’s entree was the Vitello Milanese which is breaded & pounded bone-in veal chop, pan seared and topped with chopped arugula & tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil & lemon juice for $27. I personally am not partial to veal but my husband really enjoys it, especially this dish. He craved it over quarantine and was so happy to finally be able to enjoy this meal. It was as amazing as it looks. The chop was cooked perfectly with a deliciously seasoned crispy brown crust. The fresh salad on top was the perfect accompaniment to the chop.

I ordered the Pollo Romana which is sautéed chicken breast with mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes, topped with asparagus spears and melted mozzarella cheese in a shallot brandy tomato cream sauce for $21. Man was this good. Seriously the brandy cream sauce was absolutely delicious. The chicken was pounded thin and was super tender and not overcooked one bit. The sun dried tomatoes and mushrooms complimented each other perfectly. However, I don’t recall any asparagus on this plate. Very odd 🧐. Seriously though I didn’t miss it because they added homemade mashed potatoes and broccoli which were both mouthwatering. The portion was huge. I was able to get three meals out of this bad boy but that’s because I ate bruschetta, bread and oil, and octopus all before this was served. I also ordered us a side of broccoli rabe (see below) sautéed in garlic and olive oil. I don’t know about you but broccoli rabe is hard for me to cook so I never prepare it. When I do see it on a menu I make a point to order it as a side. Arugula’s brocolli rabe was sooooo garlicky and juicy and satisfying 🤤.

As their website states, “EXPERIENCE EXQUISITE AMALFI COAST ITALIAN CUISINE” for reals. I highly recommend this place. Their website also indicates that they offer family style meals for larger parties. They also offer private party space but I think you might have to book the entire restaurant floor since it is not very big but don’t quote me on that one. Now I don’t know about you but I’m definitely keeping that in my back pocket for when I have a special occasion to celebrate. Me likely Arugula so much that it is getting a pretty good score based on this (almost) perfect experience (where’s my asparagus??). 4.5 forks out of 5 forks!! Well that’s all for now folks. Thanks for reading and get out there and EAT OUT!

Eating out, Food, Italian, Philadelphia suburb, Restaurant, Reviews

Valley Forge Trattoria & Lounge, Phoenixville, PA

September 8, 2019September 15, 2019 ILoveEatingOut

I had heard from two different people that this was the new place to be so I wanted to try it. We went on Sunday of Labor Day weekend with out neighbors and friends. They actually recommended it too as they heard it was good.

The decor was beautiful. It had a very fitting Mediterranean Tuscan decor. There was a lovely inside dining area with a beautiful and large bar as well as an outdoor patio. We sat outside since the weather was lovely. Note if you decide to eat outside, the patio is directly across the street from the newly renovated Valley Veterinary Hospital so be ready to hear some howling and barking dogs intermittently during your meal. It only happened a couple times so it wasn’t too distracting.

They have a very interesting cocktail list with drinks at an average cost of about $13. Below you will see two Manhattans, one gin and vodka martini with blue cheese olives, and a pomegranate martini. We all were very happy with our drinks. The waitress did have some difficulty serving them but that’s because they were filled to the brim which is fine by me!

We shared a seafood stuffed egg roll appetizer. It was crispy and delicious. It was served with a sweet and tangy Asian style dipping sauce which complimented it nicely. It was a generous portion and perfectly prepared. Yummm I would order again.

Each of our meals started with either a house salad or a cesaer salad. I had the cesear and it was just okay. The dressing was a bit to vinegary for me. It needed more parm cheese I think and lose the tomatoes. I don’t think tomatoes should be in a cesaer. Other than that, the ingredients were crisp and fresh.

All tables are treated to complimentary garlic knots. They looked a lot better than they tasted. The knots were a bit chewy. It almost reminded me of the texture a roll gets after its been microwaved. I hope they don’t microwave their knots before serving. That would be so bad. I believe the sauce was their pizza sauce. It was sweet…just okay. I will pass on them next time. They are not worth the carbs or calories.

I had linguini with mussels and clams in white sauce. The pasta, sauce and clams were devine. After a few bites the mussels became questionable. Some were nice but others were mushy. Also there was one mussel that was not cleaned properly (see the bottom left mussel in my picture). It had the hard hairs still attached to it. Please if you can’t remove them, toss it and don’t put it on the plate. It grossed me out. I don’t know that I would order mussels here again based on this experience. I want to know that each mussel I put in my mouth is going to be good, not take a gamble.

Mussels, clams and linguini with white sauce

So not to bore you too much I decided to put a collage together of the dishes my husband and neighbors enjoyed. No one complained and all said their food tasted good. Dan had the lobster ravioli (looks a little too saucy to me), my neighbors had the spaghetti with seafood and a chicken dish with a side of pasta. I try not to be too annoying to eat with so I didn’t ask too many questions so pics is all your gonna get regarding their dishes.

Would I go back again? I don’t know. Probably I would but I won’t go out of my way for sure. If someone invites us I’d go. Hopefully the experience would be a bit better. I’ll surely avoid the mussels though.

As a side note I’ve decided to increase my forks to 5. It’s too difficult with only 4 so for this place, I give it 3.5 out of 5 forks.

Thanks for reading and be sure to eat out more often folks.

BRUNCH, Burger, Eating out, Food, Italian, Philadelphia suburb, Restaurant, Reviews

BRUNCH series! First review from Panache in Blue Bell, PA

August 24, 2019 ILoveEatingOut

Previously I reviewed Panache for dinner and it was a huge hit so I thought I’d start the BRUNCH series with this fab establishment and let me tell you this was no mistake.

It was Sunday morning at 10:30. We had a reservation but we certainly didn’t need one. It wasn’t like dinner when it is packed and always a wait. We started with a cocktail. I had a Ruby Red Spritzer for $7.00. It was champagne, pineapple infused vodka and a splash of pineapple juice. It was very fizzy and refreshing as well as STRONG my goodness! Dan had a Bloody Mary also for $7.00. I tasted it and it was fine for a regular Bloody Mary but for me, I prefer a Bloody with a little more pizzazz. Chuck a chunk of cheese and a pickle on a skewer and throw it in there! A crunchy piece of bacon or a fresh, crunchy piece of celery!

Ummmmm can you say dang good mini croissant? I have never been a huge fan of the croissant but these complimentary mini croissants have changed me. They were still warm and buttery and oh-so-good. The picture does not do them justice. We were given 4 croissants for the two of us. I let out server know how delightful they were and she offered us more. I wanted to say yes but my thighs said no.

The menu had a nice variety of meal choices. It offered Belgian Waffels, steak and eggs with Béarnaise sauce and your regular ol’ eggs with bacon or chicken sausage. Or you could get something lunchy like the Panache Burger (that’s what I had). If you are feeling like you want something a little different maybe try the Sweet Potato Pancakes or what Dan enjoyed the Shakshuka Merguez.

The Shakshuka Merguez was served in a piping hot cast-iron pan. It was as delicious as it was beautiful to see. It was served with two sunny-side up eggs baked with spicy tomato sauce and lamb merguez sausage for $13.00. I tasted the “sausage” and the sauce and both were yummy, however, I don’t really know that you call call it sausage. Their was no casing and it reminded me of lamb kofta which for me is fine because kofta is exotically delicious. But overall it was a home run for a new and exciting brunch entree.

I had the Panache Burger. I am a lunch kinda girl rather than breakfast. I know I know, what is wrong with me? lol Anyway, presentation was just okay but that’s fine because the burger was cooked perfect and that my friends makes for the perfect burger. It was served on a soft brioche bun which frankly is the only way to serve a burger. The fries were….well fries. Nothing special. A little drizzle of truffle oil and a sprinkle of parmesan and parsley could really elevate this plate. Don’t get met wrong, it was good. I bet they would have let me substitute the fries for a side salad. Maybe next time I’ll ask. OH just so you know, they have 1/2 price burgers during Wednesday happy hour so you have no excuse not to give it a try.

Panache did it again my friends. The atmosphere like evening atmosphere was lovely with soft Italian music playing in the background. Our server was kind and attentive. I had a question about the menu and since she wasn’t sure of the answer she quickly went to the chef to find out for me. Everything was timely and delicious. I did notice though that it wasn’t crowded like the evening and maybe because people just don’t know how good their brunch menu is? Well thank goodness I’m here to tell you! I give Panache brunch 3.5 out of 4 forks. Thanks for reading my blog all! Their is more to eating out than just dinner. Try some BRUNCH!

Eating out, Food, Italian, Philadelphia suburb, Restaurant, Reviews

Pepperoncini Restaurant & Bar in Conshohocken, PA

May 16, 2019May 17, 2019 ILoveEatingOut

Pros: (1) Great food and (2) Fantastic Service (3) Good value

Cons: (1) Dining area layout and (2) location/parking

Me, my Mom and Dan (the hubs) went for dinner on a Monday evening at 6 PM to celebrate Mother’s Day (a day late). We had made a reservation and good thing since this place filled up quick. I have dined here once before and appreciated the smaller room to the left upon entry and requested a table there, sadly I was told that wasn’t possible as it was being reserved for a large party coming in shortly (NOOOO!). We ended up being seated in the main dining room and the only thing wrong with this was that no matter where you are seated in the room, you can feel the cold air blow from the outside every time someone comes in or out and made it a bit uncomfortable. I noticed about half of the diners there had their coats on because of the chill however, it was an oddly cold and wet evening so we have to take that into consideration. Take my word for it, ask for one of the tables in the smaller area to the left and take it if you can. It’s a bit more intimate of space. Alternatively, you can dine in the bar area to the right which has an upbeat environment as you would expect.

Dan and I ordered a Caesar salad with anchovies for an appetizer. Not all restaurants will have anchovies available so for me this was a plus. The lettuce was cool and crisp. The croutons were crunchy (not stale like may places) with a delicious garlic herb blend covering them. The Caesar dressing was made in-house and it had a lovely hint of lemon that really made it stand out from other Caesar varieties. Lastly it was coated heavy with grated Parmesan cheese (but I like it heavy). The salad was a hearty serving and well worth the $11. My mother’s entree came with a house salad. It was very simply made with greens, onions and tomato. She enjoyed it and especially loved the light and fruity dressing. We also shared complimentary Italian bread (with seeds) served with “herb” olive oil (I believe it was just salt and pepper and to me it was a bit too salty).

My main dish was Gnoochi alla Sophia Loren! (Love the name). The menu indicates it is a signature dish made of gnoochi, baby spinach, toasted pine nuts all coated in a port wine gorgonzola cream sauce for $15. Personally, gnoochi is always quite heavy and this dish was not any different. For that reason, I could only eat about 1/3 of the serving provided but that is a good thing because I had leftovers! You could tell the spinach was cooked super quick right before serving because it was not mushy and still maintained some of its shape.

Dan ordered the Pappardelle Bolognese for $15.50. He said he liked it! I’ll say, just look at the evidence below LOL!!

My mother ordered Chicken Parmigiana served over a bed of linguini for $19. Now my mother isn’t a fan of pasta sauce that has chunks of tomatoes in it so whenever she asks and they say it is with marinara, she asks if they can substitute the sauce with their meat sauce. And sure enough this substitution was no problem at all! Her plate was huge. It was two thinly pounded pieces of chicken, breaded and fried perfectly and smothered in meat sauce with the perfect amount of melty cheese. Her linguinie was cooked al dente (although I’m not sure if it was made homemade in-house….I should have asked!! regret…).

The location is on a corner and the streets around are very steep which make it difficult to walk in heels so note this ladies when choosing your footwear. Parking is street parking so be ready to look for parking and walk a block or two. There was no valet the evening we were there so I am not sure if they offer it or not.

The menu is incredible. There is so much I have not tried so I plan to go back for sure. Personally I cannot wait to try the Cherry Pepper Chicken made with spicy cherry peppers, baby spinach, sharp provolone and white wine herb sauce for $19 (salivating…), or even something from their large list of thin crust pizzas, especially the Italian Stallion made with imported pepperoni and long hots for $12 (OMG). They have a full bar along with a wide variety of wine by the glass or bottle. Honestly, this place is suited for almost any type of group whether it’s a girls night out, a romantic meal with your special someone, or even a meal with co-workers. The modest prices coupled with delicious food are totally worth the ticket. I give Pepperoncini a 3.5 out of 4 forks. You have to give this place a try if you like Italian food.