curiouskitkatt

I stumbled upon intel that Pizza Beddia will not be shutting its doors entirely. A group of investors are interested in expanding Beddia's 40 dough max, operation. He is slightly apprehensive about the partnership, but at the end of the day, he wants to do more than sling dough. So maybe, just maybe, DonRocks will find his way to Fishtown, sans salacious persuasion. 

Daytrippin,

kat

9 Surprisingly good food citie you need to visit!

Lancaster, Pa made the cut! 

23 hours ago, astrid said:

We thought Troeg's is pretty good and likely is a great choice for Hershey.  However, since Millworks (which has a similar ambiance but superior food) in Harrisburg is between our house and Hershey, we don't foresee a lot of future revisits.

There are several craft breweries as well as craft distillers that have popped up all over Central PA. I am in agreement that as far as the food program goes, Millworks, by leagues, surpasses Troegs. Millworks takes  full advantage of seasonal offerings to craft their extensive menu. The service is well versed in all of the brews, and enthusiastically pairs them with their menu. The best time to go in my opinion, is an event tapped 3rd in the Burg. An event that offers attendants to meet artists, as well as engage in the best Harrisburg has to offer in Arts& Culture. Who knew so much was located right here in Central PA? 

Keystone Proud,

Kat

1 hour ago, dracisk said:

I have not, but I've heard about the Crayola Experience there, and that market does look amazing. I see the makings of a weekend trip at some point!

I highly recommend it. The town of Easton was a delightful surprise. 

12 hours ago, dracisk said:

Hurry over. Apparently the lease is up in less than a year and he's considering closing.

Thanks for the intel. I will make my way there soon! Speaking of places to hit in the Philadephia area, have you been to to Easton, Pa? I stumbled upon a great spot, well actually a market. Easton Public Market . Its incredible. I'll will stop over on my way to Philly. 

Will travel for food,

kat

I recently attended a book signing for Pizza Camp. This is a cookbook that Joe Beddia authored, and a foreward is written by Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appetite. He is originally from Lancaster, Pa. Lancaster culitvates good food, as well as great food people. I have been meaning to make a trip to Pizza Beddia. I will report back with my take. 

Hungry for 'za,

kat

On 2/12/2017 at 4:07 PM, Pool Boy said:

I cannot remember which of the markets has the Markethouse pickle stand, but their sweethot pickles are the most sublime pickles on the planet. Truly. And it is always fun trying all forms of ham spread at any of these markets.

Kitkatpaddywak - I have not been to Bel Paese (I think that is what it is called) in a while (maybe 3 or 4 years). Have you been recently? What do you think?

  So sorry for the delay in my response, but to answer your question, I have not been to Bel Paese in several years. Its was one of my favorites, and I need to add it back in my rotation. There are two other Italian restaurants that I may reccomend that I have dined at on multiple occasions.  Moonlight in Dover is most definitely worth the trip, as well as Tutoni's on North George St. 

  The market you speak of is New Eastern Market on the east end of town. Wonderful selections of what local purveyors have to offer fill that building every Friday afternoon. 

You should certainly make an effort to visit  Bel Paese, and report back! I look forward to reading your review! 

- kat

On 2/7/2017 at 6:11 AM, Tom Power said:

Parking sucks

At least at Tysons II there is valet. BTW, its complimentary if you are dining inside the mall. Tysons is free too. 

Free parking for all,

kat

Taste Test : A Pop Up Reimagined

 I wrote  about these several pop ups a few months ago. Taste Test now has a brick & mortar in the Royal Square neighborhood of York city. They serve a delicious selection of goods ranging from muffins  to bagels sourced  from Brooklyn.  While you are indulging on those amazin' pastries, you can sip on an espresso-based beverage drawn from La Colombe coffee beans. Anyone who knows, knows La Colombe. 

The location will serve as a cafe offering free wifi, and home to future pop ups. There are two listed so far, with many more to follow. The kitchen" incubator" will provide a place to mentor,& facilitate successful food businesses. Students, and advisors from York College Department of Hospitality will serve as a bridge of both support& mentorship.  This could possibly launch a new model for urban revitalization. I will certainly be following their progress. Bravo to York City!

Hometown proud,

kat

4 hours ago, Kibbee Nayee said:

I still have family there, and I occasionally hear from them about the Loft or Horse Inn or Rice & Noodles, the latter of which gets raves from my family. The places you mentioned are part of the Brooklynization of Lancaster, or so I hear.

I appears that you read the NY Post. The dining revitilazation has also been equated to" New Portlandia", if you read Paste. All good, if thats whats bring travelers to Lancaster. The city has seen an influx of artist, musicians, culinary talent(I may add have roots in Lancaster), as well as humanitarians that will no doubt receive recognition on the national stage. 

Locals travel away from their hometown for many reasons. I have been away for nearly twenty five years. I am home. My intent is to bring Central Pa their due. One bite at a time. I have cherished memories here in PA, and look forward to making countless more. Perhaps, I may become the food voice of Central Pa. Dare to dream.

Dreamer, 

kat

17 hours ago, Kibbee Nayee said:

Lancaster is my home town, but I don't get back very often. It's on my list when next I return....

Please do!! There are so many amazing choices. POUR on Prince, The Pressroom, John Jeffries, Ma(i)son, Luca,Square Coffee, Passenger, Barberet Bistro& Bakery, Silantra,Thistle Finch Distillery, and I could go on & on. I lived in the District for many years, and my expectations have been set high. All of these places are contenders even among DC's, as well as NY's finest. If you find your way back, please let me know. Ill be more than happy to be your guide to all things delicious in Lancaster County.

Food Guide,

kat

Dinner at Ma(i)son 

This is just a preview of what may be  instore for all who may be joining me on 2/25 for dinner. 

Incredible,

kat

any dish on the progress of A Rake's Progress? You may say Im a bit curious. nothing new. I may very well be the Kevin Bacon of the food scene. I worked for Spike & Charlie back in the early 2000s. Spike certainly has come a long way. Good for him. 

former waitstaff,

kat

1 hour ago, Pat said:

I think it's admirable that they ensure their employees are taken care of, certainly above and beyond what many other restaurants do, and that seems to be the reason for the increase.  There's only so much money in the dining out budget, though.

I applaud Chef  Silverman in his decision. In my opinion, $280 all inclusive, is a great value for not only for the food, but the experience of joy to be had by the diner. Not to mention moments that are your, & yours alone in sharing with friends about what an amazing meal that was created by a team that clearly enjoys what they do. I look forward to writing my review of Pineapple& Pearls after my birthday. I just wish it wasn't until May. 

So excited, 

kat

On 2/15/2016 at 11:45 PM, DonRocks said:

Can we have a dr.com dinner? If so, how many people max, and when?

I'm implementing mandatory rules for this one: carryout sandwicjes to take home - in addition to dinner - are a minimum requirement for attendance.

Did this dinner come to fruition? If so, awesome, if not, doesn't hurt to gather another!!  

See you soo, Ferhat!

Corduroy family,

kat

On 1/13/2017 at 8:14 PM, kitkatpaddywak said:

Meet Leean & Taylor Mason the owners of both Ma(i)son, and Luca. 

I find the more you know the backstory of a restaurant, the more inclined you are to support the them. This is solely my opinion. I will support this family, and hope friends will follow me.

Supportive,
kat

New York Times Travel feature for Luca:

"A Pennsylvania Restaurant That's Hot in More Ways than One" by Kathryn O'Shea-Evans on nytimes.com

A sister restaurant to Ma(i)son. Luca, unlike its sister, serves liquor. Its nothing short of amazing.

Central PA eats,

kat

Lancaster is not limited to the Amish

Several reasons to head north of the DMV for a weekend a fun, tasty adventure.

On 12/22/2016 at 3:01 PM, kitkatpaddywak said:

"Acclaimed Artist Koons To Speak at York Rotary" by Abbey Zelko on ydr.com

Im freaking out. 

best christmas present ever. well close..

No big deal. Jeff Koons speaking at Rotary Club in York.

Awestruck,

Kat

3 hours ago, Brian R said:

Hello, my name is Brian, and live in the Springfield/Burke area.  Love to cook, don't eat out as much as I'd like to, but enjoy trying new things.  Long time lurker who fell off the wagon, but am back and figured it was time to join, as this place sure beats following politics.  I love wine, go to Maine for vacation every summer, can spend hours reading cookbooks for fun, and spend most of my free time helping my wife raise our teenagers, one of whom has left for school.  Hence the free time to post!  I'm looking forward to the discussions.

Welcome, Brian!!

I fell off the wagon myself a few years ago, and landed in Central Pa. Several years ago I move into a once sleepy foodie city,who has exploded into an all out destination food giant. Youll find a wealth of resources here on the cite. You may even make new friends at one of the events. Above all else, you've landed in a good spot.

Welcome,

kat

Meet Leean & Taylor Mason the owners of both Ma(i)son, and Luca. 

I find the more you know the backstory of a restaurant, the more inclined you are to support the them. This is solely my opinion. I will support this family, and hope friends will follow me.

Supportive,
kat

37 minutes ago, lizzie said:

I cannot go on that date, but if there ends up being room outside of the donrockwell community, I have lots of friends in that area who might be interested, including one couple (Denise and Bob Harter) who just are celebrating their 2 year ownership of the 1777 Americana Inn and Black Forest Brewery (http://www.1777americanainn.com/).

I am more than happy to have people join us, regardless of they are part of the Don Rockwell community. Perhaps after our meeting, I will encourage  them to chime in. After all its free, and it will expand my base at the same time. In the meantime though, they can contact me directly at katthull@gmail.com, and I am more than delighted to add them to the event.

Thanks!!

5 hours ago, dracisk said:

I just watched "The OA" on Netflix. I'm usually turned off by anything along the lines of sci fi or fantasy, but I was pretty enthralled. Now I'm a few episodes into "The Crown," also on Netflix, which is excellent. Historical dramas are much more in my wheelhouse.

Men Who Built America is by far one of the most informative,binge worthy series I have found to date.

If this was the only available show to watch, I can honestly say I would not be disappointed.

Curiosity did not kill this,

kat

On 1/9/2017 at 11:57 PM, DonRocks said:

Thanks, but I think this is about as good as it's going to be:

There are worse things in life than playing Alabama to a near-draw.

dreams do come true!!!

On 1/5/2017 at 5:13 PM, DonRocks said:

Here is what I think and why:

* Clemson has slightly better all-around talent than Alabama.

 I hate myself for what I just typed. Ironically, if I was neutral, instead of being a Clemson graduate and lifelong fan? I might pick Clemson, but I cannot bear to get my hopes up, only to have them shat on by the football Gods, and I'd rather have a nice surprise than a bitter disappointment. In other words, this post means absolutely nothing, and is devoid of credibility.

I will Clemson to win. 

This is my first time watching.

Stranger things could happen. 

If Clemson wins, I hope to see you on the 25th!

fingers crossed,

kat

2 hours ago, DonRocks said:

If people want to go together, I'll be happy to rent an SUV or Minivan if we can find a designated driver and get 6-8 people.

I hope this endorsement will illcit interest for a group to come my way. I have no handbook that Im following in organizing this dinner. Im just following my gut. I have extended an invite to David Ramey of the famed Ramey Vineyards. If he considers my invite, and joins us for dinner, mark my words, I will be playing Powerball.

feelin like a million $$$,

kat