Firefly Cafe Opens In Boyertown

Photo by Ashraf Khalil

Photo by Ashraf Khalil

Photo by Firefly Cafe

The Firefly Cafe has opened in Boyertown offering vegetarian/vegan breakfast and lunch options.

The cafe, owned by Michael and Loriann, uses the best locally sourced ingredients to prepare their delicious and healthy food.  So far, the reviews are very positive from folks around the area.

The hours of operations are:

Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. ’til 2 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. ’til 4 p.m.

Closed Monday

Phone: 484-415-5066

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fireflycafeboyertown/

Website: http://fireflycafeboyertown.com/index.php

Their menu is found on the website so you can peruse their selections.

We hope you get the opportunity to check them out and support a local business who uses locally sourced ingredients!  We hope they succeed!

The Holiday Spirit Comes To iCreate Cafe, Pottstown

Exterior, iCreate Cafe

With the Holiday Season upon us, many folks are busy preparing for Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanza. If you live in the Tri-County area or are adventurous and don’t mind making a trip, iCreate Cafe, located at 130 King Street, in historic Pottstown, is open to serve your holiday needs.

Whether you need a break from shopping and want a healthy meal alternative; if you are looking for a great gift to give the people you care most about or if you are looking for a place to gather with friends to celebrate the season, iCreate Cafe can fill all your needs.

Gift certificates are available and you select the amount.  Nothing says, “I love you” like the gift of great food!  Take the worry out of your holiday shopping!

iCreate Cafe, Vegan Heaven

If you are looking for a unique space to gather with friends, look no further.  The spa-like atmosphere and amazing vegan cuisine are a winning combination.  The food is filling as well as healthy.  The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous.  The new iMenu 5 food menu has been expanded, the drink menu has been expanded and more dessert options are available to please the most discriminating palate.

The owner and vegan chef, Ashraf Khalil (you can call him Ash) has created one of the most unique dining experiences in the Philadelphia region. The food is made from scratch, made with love and beautifully presented.  A feast for the eye as well as the mouth!

The cafe, located at 130 King Street in Pottstown, is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm.  Friday and Saturday the cafe is open from 11:00 am until 9:00 pm.  You can view the menu online at http://www.icreatecafe.com.  You can also check out reviews of the cafe on Yelp, Trip Advisor and Happy Cow.  If you want to inquire about gift certificates or make reservations you may call the cafe at (484) 312-0404 during business hours.

Interior Shots

Food Montage

Falafel wrap

Olive Salad

Veggie Panini, Baba Ghanooj

Juicing

Ashraf Khalil

Reviews

From Beers To Burritos, Cinco De Mayo A Big Boost For Restaurant Owners In York County

Cinco de Mayo may be a relatively minor holiday in Mexico. But for restaurants in York County, the holiday is a big boost to the bottom line.

El Serrano’s two locations in Springettsbury Township and Lancaster, for example, are expected to do three to four times the business they do on a typical Tuesday, said Melanie Torres, who manages the Lancaster location.

Read about Cinco de Mayo celebrations in our area.

Mexitaly, a Springettsbury Township eatery whose menu features Mexican food, pizza and craft beer made on the premises, is bringing in extra help for Cinco de Mayo and ordering 20 percent more food ingredients than usual, owner Greg Skirboll said.

Read more: http://www.ydr.com/local/ci_28047513/from-beers-burritos-cinco-de-mayo-big-boost

Top 15 Reasons To Visit Philadelphia In 2015

With 2015 comes plenty of reasons for visitors to plan a trip to Philadelphia. In fact, only-in-Philly projects, exhibitions, anniversaries and celebrations will give first-time visitors incentives to make that return trip and return visitors reasons to come back yet again.

So what’s on the calendar? The Tall Ships Challenge Philadelphia Camden 2015, showing off a dozen historic ships on the Delaware River Waterfront; Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel and the New Painting, featuring more than 80 works by a who’s who of painters at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and a special exhibition at The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland.

Of course, all eyes will be on Philadelphia when thousands of Catholic families from around the globe — and Pope Francis — gather for the eighth World Meeting of Families.

Here are some of the major happenings taking place throughout Philadelphia in 2015:

Read more: http://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/top-15-reasons-to-visit-philadelphia-in-2015/?utm_campaign=WinterSummer2015&utm_source=Philly.com

Pottstown “Chopped” Culinary Competition Winners Create New Sandwich For Local Eatery

Left to right Sheila Dugan, Gene “Grumpy” Dugan, Isaiah Robinson (winner), Adrianna Douglas and Ronni Yerk . Isaiah Robinson and Keelan Warren were the winners. Keelan Warren was not available for the photograph.

Chef Jackie Mathais , Isaiah Robinson, Ronnie Yerk and Adrianna Douglas.

Mixing the ingredients!

The last touch – CHIPS – what else!

The Trojan BBQ sandwich in all its glory.

On March 17th, 11 Culinary Art Students were asked to create the next Grumpy PHS Sandwich – The Chopped Challenge II began.

The secret ingredients, which all needed to be used and were judged upon were: Goat Cheese, Cherry Preserves, Potato Chips & Pork.

The students were judged by Superintendent Jeff Sparagano, Principle Jeff Hartman & Grumpy himself.

The categories were, presentation, taste, use of all ingredients. They were also watched in the kitchen – and teamwork was a must!

The winners, though every one did a great job – were Keelan Warren & Isaiah Robinson.

Their sandwich – “THE TROJAN BBQ”.

The kids did a great job and having some real life experience is an awesome way to learn. The kids were a little stunned when we met them and told them that Grumpy’s has one oven, no fryer and is for the most part a one man show – Thursday, May 15th, they saw exactly how it works! The kids all received a t-shirt with the Chopped Challenge on the back, the year and Trojan BBQ – to remember the moment. As the winners, Keelan & Isaiah were also given a bag of culinary goodies including cook books, tools of the trade and $50 each.

Keelan had the pleasure of working with Grumpy two summers ago, he obviously learned what Grumpy’s tastes are and his expectations, because despite the blind taste test, HE was the winner!

Chef Jackie Mathais is an excellent asset to the school as well, helping these students understand the process of great creations in the kitchen!

Last year was the first year of the competition. Grumpy wanted to show support of the Culinary Arts Program in the schools and for every sandwich sold, he will donate $2 back to the program. Last year, close to $200 was donated from sandwich sales. The teachers use the funds to help the students be able to afford uniforms and such that are hard to do sometimes due to economics.

Grumpy’s is engaging the students with real life experiences and the reality that the TV shows are not always what it’s truly like to work in the kitchen. The Trojan BBQ sandwich will remain on Grumpy’s menu for the next year.

Grumpy’s is located at 137 E High St., Pottstown, PA 19464. Phone: 610-323-1232.

Geigertown Fire Company Sunday Breakfast Buffet, May 4

A Healthy Living Blog For People Who Are Gluten Free

GF FLAMINGO

Living a gluten free life and enjoying it!

I met the GF Flamingo blogger at iCreate Cafe in Pottstown over the weekend.  She and her boyfriend were enjoying a fabulous meal and soaking in the awesome vibe that is iCreate Cafe.  As one does at iCreate, we all had a great conversation and got to know each other better.

I know gluten is a great mystery to some folks, others think it’s “all in someone’s head” and other have gluten allergies and need to restrict their diet.  I have a good friend who has been gluten free for over 20 years so I have learned a few things about being gluten free, although I am certainly no expert. However, the owner of this blog, NICOLE FIAMINGO, is someone who can help those living a gluten free lifestyle.

What I do know is that eating out is difficult, finding gluten free food that tastes good is hard (and usually expensive) and finding someone who understands you is even harder.

GF Flamingo does restaurant reviews (with great food pictures), talks about living gluten free and offers readers helpful information like meals you can make in under 30 minutes at home. So check out this blog if you are gluten free by choice or out of necessity.  Happy reading!

Website:  http://gf-flamingo.blogspot.com/

America’s Disappearing Restaurant Chains

There is a school of thought that says the restaurant business is always a good business because people need to eat. A glance at the sales of many of America’s largest restaurant chains over the past decade quickly dispels that myth.

Using data provided by food industry research firm Technomic, 24/7 Wall St. has looked at the 10 restaurant chains with the greatest decline is sales from 2001 to 2010. In every case, sales have fallen 60% or more…

To find out who the 10 chains are, click here: http://money.msn.com/business-news/latest.aspx?post=3b851ddb-d3b2-4867-92a3-07abc068523b

Copperfield Inn At Lakeside, A Restaurant Review

Image via Wikipedia

 

Wednesday I had the pleasure of dining with my friends JoAnn and Betty at Copperfield Inn at lakeside in Limerick.  I enjoyed Lakeside Inn for many years and was interested in seeing what changes were made physically and to the menu.

 

Visually the space is very appealing.  Rich wood tones, copper accents and more.  We were seated in a booth that was large, comfortable and had a nice pattern on the fabric.

 

Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and was very patient as it took us a while to look over the menu and decide on one thing each.  While the selection isn’t vast, the choices are well thought out.  The majority of the menu items I would have liked to sample.

 

Another thing we liked was that entrées include a garden salad, choice of potato AND a choice of vegetable.  While I would not call this inexpensive dining, the fact that everything isn’t ala carte helps keep expenses down.

 

We finally decided on crab cakes (chef’s signature entrée) and jumbo lump crap meat over whole wheat pasta.  The pasta dish had artichokes and other awesome ingredients in it…a Mediterranean touch.  We all chose creamed spinach, I got a baked potato and Betty chose French fries.  The pasta dish doesn’t come with starch, of course.

 

A basket of warm bread (maybe sourdough) and everything flat bread was brought to the table along with ample butter. 

 

Our salads arrived.  They were fresh and crisp.  Homemade croutons, I believe.

 

Entrées arrived at the perfect time.  Betty and I each got a single crab cake.  Frankly, it was sufficient.  It is all jumbo lump crab meat and was cylindrical in shape.  Nice portion.  The creamed spinach was very good as were the French fries and baked potato.  JoAnn’s pasta dish was spectacular and ample.  She took some home.  She said it was fabulous!  Plates were garnished with candied orchids!

 

Betty and JoAnn shared a strawberry Napoleon which was good, but messy.  I think using a knife would have possibly made things easier.  The dough didn’t cut well with a fork and the filling gushed out.  But again, it was very good.  Maybe not the ideal dessert to share??

 

The ladies also had coffee which they said was good and it was nice and hot.

 

I certainly look forward to a return visit and having the ability to try more menu items!

 

They were very busy for a Wednesday night.  I was glad to see they are doing so well.

 

I give two Roy’s Rants thumbs up for a superb dining experience! A+ 

 

Voice: (484) 938-7082

 

Internet: www.copperfieldinn.net/

A Review Of Dolce Ristorante in Oaks, PA

I had the pleasure of eating at Dolce Ristorante in Oaks this evening.  A friend of mine was treating me to a belated birthday dinner.

The restaurant is located near the Regal Cinema and right behind Max and Erma’s, off 422. We arrived around 6:30 p.m. after our movie was over. The restaurant was not very full but Tuesday night is not a big “dine out” night.

We were promptly greeted and seated. Our waitress was quick to come to the table and take our drink orders. She also told us about today’s specials.

My friend Chris took advantage of one of the specials, which was a mixed grill. The mixed grill featured a rib eye steak, two lamb chops and a chicken breast ($19). Included with that was a choice of soup, salad or pasta. My friend ordered the soup which was Pasta Fagioli.

I decided to go strictly old school and ordered Veal Parmigiana ($18). I ordered a side of pasta with that, of course.

While we waited for our entrees, we were severed some bruschetta which was quite delicious along with a basket of fresh bread.

Chris’ soup came out fairly quickly. It was a BOWL, not a cup. It was light in color but despite the appearance being different from what we are used to, she said it was delicious.

Our meals were served an appropriate length of time after Chris finished her soup. Excellent timing!

Both portions were generous. Chris’ mixed grill came with grilled squash and egg plant. My veal was beautifully presented and fork tender. Just enough breading and mostly veal…the real deal too! My side of pasta was penne. Chris said her meat was all perfectly prepared, juicy and tender.

I asked for some cheese for my pasta which caused a commotion in the kitchen.  I do not speak Italian but when she told the chef that I wanted cheese, it sounded like somebody wasn’t thrilled with my request.  It took a while to make its way to the table.

Neither of us had room for dessert.  We skipped appetizers as well.  I did notice that it is mainly ala carte. The prices were typical for our area.  I did not see the dessert prices but based on everything else, they are probably what you would expect to pay as well.

The décor is nice, upscale Italian. If you have Facebook you can check out their fan page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oaks-PA/Dolce-Ristorante/166951746007?v=wall

There are pictures of the interior along with the hours, telephone number, address and some basic information.

I recommend this restaurant.

Special At The Brick House Tonight!

Every Wednesday is create your own pasta night at The Brick House ($12.99).  Choose from Penne, Linguine, Fettuccine, Rigatoni with meat sauce, marinara, Alfredo, garlic, wine or butter/oil.  Top with shrimp, meatballs, chicken, sausage or clams and onions, peppers, mushrooms and sautéed veggies. Your choice of Mozzarella, Cheddar Jack or Parmesan cheese.

$19.99 any house wine bottle!

Tell ’em Roysrants sent you!

Out Of Control Children In Public

Why do some parents think it’s acceptable to allow their child to disrupt other people while they are trying to eat in a restaurant???  This brat  child was hanging over the divider and basically yelling in the ears of a couple who were trying to enjoy a meal.  The child was also taking decorations off the divider, including a faux poinsettia, while the mother totally ignored this inappropriate behavior.

Personally, I would have found the manager and let him/her deal with the problem.  Not sure how those people could even hear each other talk.  This went on for 20 minutes until the mother’s friend took matters into her own hands.

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I blame the parent, not the child!