Monday, January 21, 2008

Ardmore Station Cafe

6 Station Road, Ardmore, 610.642.3889

Always packed when we go for a weekend brunch, but worth waiting for a table. The menu is extensive, however on our last visit, I noticed no waffles! Pancakes and French Toast come with just about any kind of topping you can think of, including stuffed with cream cheese. Think dessert for breakfast. They have healthy options too, but why do that? If they're serving La Colombe coffee (which they are), you can be sure they know a thing or two about quality food. Although the syrup comes in the plastic containers with the pull back tops, you can order pure maple syrup for $2. If you go with more than four people, you will be waiting extra long for a table - no reservations. Prices aren't dirt cheap, but definitely affordable. They also serve lunch, but I haven't tried that yet. I've read a few other reviews and they're all positive.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Pizzicato Ristorante

248 Market Street, Philadelphia, 215.629.5527

We stopped in here with the kids for something light after the Sleeping Beauty performance at the Arden Theater on Sunday. At 5 p.m., there was just one table for four left. Score! They also offer kids entrees, which aren't on the regular menu or even posted on the menu outside the front door. They had the basics: pasta with butter, chicken fingers, french fries, etc. They even had kids cups and milk! Our little ones opted for the chicken fingers and fries. Four good size, but rather flat, chicken fingers arrived. Way too much for our distracted group. It might be wise to split the dish next time. I didn't taste them - they looked fine, for what it's worth.

The grown-ups started with Spicy Fried Calamari with portabella mushrooms, parmesan cheese and raspberry coulis. It had a nice kick and wasn't overly breaded, but I didn't realize it was a raspberry coulis until I pulled it off their website to write this. Then, we had the Grilled Chicken Pizzette with spinach, fresh mozzarella and red onion. It normally comes with Proscuitto, but we asked that they keep it off. The Pizzette is about 10 inches round and had a light crust. One hungry person could easily polish this off. The concensus, however, was that it was just okay, not really bursting with a ton of flavor. There's a lot on the menu, though, so I'd give it another shot.

The staff was amazingly friendly and accommodating. And, by 6 p.m., there was only one table left of people. Good time to go, I guess.

Siamese Princess

36 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, 610.896.2755

Based on how it looks from the outside, the Siamese Princess is not a restaurant you would normally walk into on a whim. A neon OPEN sign in the window is never a good sign. It has the potential to be intimate, but the small and narrow room is brightly lit, tables have vinyl coverings and black aluminum chairs. Fresh flowers on each table is a thoughtful touch, but the decor overall is pretty tacky and generally lacking warmth. Needless to say, we had pretty low expectations for the food. But, it was surprisingly good, and inexpensive (Prices range from $4.95 to $16.95, and 10% off if you pay with cash.)!

We started with the Tom Yun Goon soup- shrimp, lemongrass, mushrooms in a broth and spicy enough to make your mouth numb. The traditional chicken satay on skewers with peanut sauce did not disappoint. The three large chicken breasts could have been my whole meal. For entrees, we had Bold and Spicy Shrimp (Clearly, there's a theme here.), sauteed shrimp, lemongrass, basil, mushrooms and hot chili peppers. A few too many capers, but fresh vegetables were crisp. The sauce was just spicy enough. The Green Chicken Curry came with a side of white rice, had julienned vegetables and was also spicy, but they can dilute it for you. It could have had more chicken, but overall it was fresh and really good.

The staff of two were friendly. We didn't have to wait long at all for our food, but that could have been because it wasn't crowded, even for a Saturday night. People don't know what they're missing! I overheard the diners next to us, evidently frequent visitors, talking about sending friends there who also loved it.

This restaurant will be getting a return visit!

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Marrone's

2744 East County Line Road, Ardmore, 610.642. 9567

Marrone's Pizzeria is the quintessential Del-Co dine-in Italian fare, pizza-and-more restaurant. And, you get the classic Delco warmth and attitude, which by my experience is hit or miss. The place is deceivingly big. There's a room in the way, way back that makes you feel nearly out of the restaurant. But, gosh darn it, you will get a seat.

Portions are large. Pizza is good, if not a little too cheesy. Not an overwhelming selection of toppings. Order a salad and the Italian house dressing comes in a Grolsch bottle.

Basic kids menu. Plus, they get crayons and paper to keep them busy. Worth a try.
 
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