Gourmet Comfort Food: PA Soup & Seafood House

Pennsylvania Soup & Seafood House
22 S. Main St Doylestown, PA  18901
215-230-9490
Hours: M 11a–3 p, Tues. 11a–7p; W & Th 11a–8p; F & Sat. 11a–9p; Sun: Closed   

One of the joys of having this blog is having others make personal recommendations for places to try.  A shared meal or enjoying a favorite spot with others is a small piece of offering one's self to another in relationship.  It's personal, making the experience that much more meaningful.

A friend & co-worker shared this gem in Doylestown, a town already stacked with hot dining spots.  Inside the Main Street Marketplace is an open, yet cozy spot for a quiet lunch or an out-on-the-town dinner.  

Creamy Crab

Its menu takes bar & comfort food to a sophisticated level.  Some of its offerings include:  Potato-encrusted crab cake entree ($14.99), pan seared scallops ($16,99), crab-topped sirloin steak burger ($10,99) and a variety of sandwiches offered on focaccia bread or a wrap ($8.99-11.99)  

Minestrone

A highlight of the menu was its soup selection.  Wow--a perfect lunch on a cold, winter day--but how does one decide between the 14 options on the menu?  Thank goodness for samples to experience more than one.  While the butternut squash & minestrone sounded delicious, I settled on a bowl ($7; cup: $4.25) of the Creamy Crab, in keeping with their Name: "Soup & Seafood."  Made on the premises & a generous-sized bowl, this soup was completely 
satisfying.

A favorite highlight was the all-you-can-eat, self-serve bread bar.  Olive oil & balsamic vinegar accompanied these delicious freshly-baked selection of bread.  A perfect addition to complete an enjoyable lunch.  I can't speak for the rest of the menu, but if you're looking for a soup that bring the comfort of home with a modern gourmet flare, this is an ideal choice.



   
     

Bakery Month #2: J Scones

J. Scones
4119 E. Swamp Road
Doylestown, PA
215-489-9198
Hours:  Wed-Fri 8a-6p; Sat 8a-3p

An inconspicuous small shop with a subtle sign offers uniquely delightful scones.  While the baker's retail hours are limited, scones and other pastries and cakes can be ordered.  Frozen bundles of scone dough can also be purchased---a wonderful item to have on hand over the holidays for those out-of-town guests.   In fact,this enables other local businesses such as Brig O' Doon Cafe to offer freshly baked scones. 

Scone lovers will appreciate the flavor selection and their moist consistency while those who typically pass over a scone should think twice if you make the stop at J. Scones.  Follow the small sign by the   Keystone Diner on Route 313.  The friendly owner will take the time to beautifully wrap your purchase. 

Bagel Month #2: Bagel Basket

Bagel Basket
1850 Friedensville Road
Bethlehem, PA (near Hellertown)
610-838-7980
Hours: M-W 6 am-3 pm, Th-Fri. 6 am-8pm; Sat-Sun. 7-3pm

Where is your favorite spot to get a bagel?  I've discovered a few out-of-town spots that I love to visit as I can...one of my new favorites is Village Bagel in Warrington, PA because of their generous-sized, flavorful specialty bagels or Fill-a-Bagel in Jenkintown, PA because of their great store-front, delicious bagels and La Colombe coffee.  In addition to these recommendations,  Bagel Barrel in Doylestown, PA, is another that not only offers a great product but the community-friendly feel that accompanies it.

This is what stands out to me at Bagel Basket.  Offering a wide assortment of on-premises freshly baked bagels, the typical line and full tables show that it is a favorite morning stop for many local residents.  One of its best features is the outdoor seating under their porch. On a side road in Hellertown, it feels tucked away, providing a serene setting for a chat with a    friend or reading the morning paper.


Although I've heard mixed reviews about their bagels, my husband and I are among many who enjoy an opportunity to stop by.  Bagel  Basket can win the local prize for the vast assortment of flavored cream

Annie Energy Bagel w/peach cream cheese

cheese--including peach, blueberry and apple cinnamon to some of the more standard sweet spreads.  For the bagel sandwich lovers, the consensus is "they know how to fry a mean egg and their bacon is delicious."  Top it off with their wide array of  supreme Green Mountain coffee.

Bagel Basket is also open for lunch and their sandwiches sound delicious--besides cold deli sandwiches, they serve a variety of hot sandwiches served on a bagel, croissant, ciabatta, wrap, kaiser roll, white, wheat or rye bread.  Their combos come with a pickle and a side of pasta, macaroni, potato salad or coleslaw.  Finally, they always have a few homemade sweets (scones, magic bars, cookies and more!) hanging around the register that I haven't tried, but look enticing. 





 While Bagel Basket can feed for your family year round--beat the coming cool season and take a book or a friend over to the Bagel Basket to start your morning right.

 

Burger Month #2: Basically Burgers

Basically Burgers

33 N. Main St.

Doylestown, PA

215-345-8502

Hours:  Sun/Mon 11:30 - 7 Tues -Thurs 1130 - 8 Fri and Sat 1130 – 9

*Cash only

The charming streets of Doylestown include this family-friendly, down-to-earth burger shop that has a thoughtful, expansive menu for an array of customers.  It offers

• Gluten-free hot dogs and hamburger rolls, which are increasingly accessible in grocery stores but rarely in restaurants

• Asherah vegan patties and a variety of veggie and black bean burgers for the vegan and vegetarian crowd

• Hormone free ground beef for those who have been influenced by the documentary Food, Inc.  or your own education on the processing of our foods.

• Nathan’s hot dogs for the non-burger customer, and anyone who has experienced a NY-made-popular Nathan’s hot dog.

• "Build your own" and “house” featured burgers for the adventurous, topping-lovers like me, served on a beautiful roll.

• Ice cream and shakes for the one-stop experience, convenient for families with young children.

• And my favorite feature of Basically Burgers’ location besides the charming owners and friendly staff:   the chalkboard wall—definitely a magnet for the kids…what an ingenious idea—an instant babysitter for parents, while providing us with wall art and a view of the young artists of the future.

Our meal came to $19.19 for a beverage, sweet potato fries, black bean burger with toppings and a house special, the port mushroom burger. 

Will we return?  It’s a definite first option when we take a trip to Doylestown.  Ideal for a simple but delicious family dinner, or a convenient lunch-break during jury duty or work for Bucks County locals.

Ice Cream Month: oWowCow Creamery

oWowCow Creamery

4105 Durham Road

Ottsville, PA. 

610-847-7070

	Hours Mon-Sun 12-9 PM

Ice cream: a hallmark of a summer night; a celebratory delicacy that seems to unite, relax, and envigor its consumer.  It’s also something that reveals personality—as far as preference….and there is most likely more than we realize that goes into your preferred ice cream spot and flavor choice. 

OWowCow….is it for everyone?   Thought I stumble to adequately convey a description, I’ll seek to tell you some of its distinctions and you make your decision.

For one who is willing to make a scenic country drive on a summer night with the windows down, conversation stirring or tunes jamming visit OWowCow’s rural Bucks County location.  Located not too far from Palisades High School, Lake Nochamixon State Park or on the scenic route home from a night out in Doylestown, you’ll join many locals of all ages. 

For one who is adventurous in their flavor choice, you will be overwhelmed with options.  Good thing they offer samples in order to savor their blended flavors of locally sourced, organic ingredients…to make totally unique combinations that I have not seen elsewhere including:  Fudge amaretto swirl, chai cream, grapefruit with chocolate covered lemon peel (AMAZING!); sweet honey cream, going bananas, lemon ginger, honey lavender, rum raisin, caramel cashew, strawberry rhubarb, chocolate jalapeno….just to whet your appetite.  Their facebook page will give you a few more options.  For those of you who like routine, be prepared for the rotating flavors, often based on what is in season.  For those of you who like it simple, they’ll provide your basics—but not without a twist: they have 3 different forms of vanilla! 

If you, like my husband, consider yourself an ice cream connoisseur, you’ll notice the difference with their ice cream made on location in small batches.  The texture is repeatedly described as “creamy” and “the best around” in several reviews.  If you are lactose intolerant or prefer an ice cream alternative, they offer a variety of sorbet flavors.

If you support “buying local,” you’ll enjoy the support they offer local farmers, as well as businesses, including their coffee and ice cream toppings such as organic granola, sun butter (like almond or peanut butter, but made with sunflower seeds).  Honey and other local baked goods are also for sale.

If you enjoy eating outside in a country setting, pleasant and well-trained young staff,  and complimentary water, you should try oWowCow.

If you want a price of a 1950’s dairy stand, oWowCow is not for you.  You are paying for the experience of eating fresh, local, and at times organic ingredients in a creative, excellent product served in an earthy, yet modern way that only Bucks County can do.  Prices:  Kids $2.36; Small $3.11 and medium $4.68. Bring cash--I don't think they accept credit cards.

Will I return?  While this isn’t the spot I’ll hit out of convenience in the Lehigh Valley, OWowCow rivals my favorite local ice cream joint. I like it more each time I go. Thanks to my brother, Nate & “brother-in-law”, Wes, who were the first to recommend it to us.

Steaks & Sandwiches Month-Week 3

Primo Hoagies

95 S West End Blvd
Quakertown, PA 18951-1138
(267) 373-9028

“It’s not just a hoagie, it’s a primo!”   First recommended by our born-and-raised South Philly Italian/chef friend, Mark Spena, we were confident it would live up to its name and slogan.  If the product is not enough to speak for itself, maybe you’ll be reassured by the dozens of franchises that are opening in the tri-state area. Our most local include: Quakertown, Bethlehem, Lansdale, Doylestown, and soon-to-come Allentown, since the birth 15 years ago of the original store in South Philadelphia.

This family-friendly take-out or dine-in eatery has something for everyone.  Our previously mentioned chef friend has claimed it’s the best in capturing Italian culture’s aged meats such as dry-cured capacola, prosciutto, Genoa salami, and sopressata.  The comprehensive menu will be sure to please the meat and non-meat lovers of any family. 

Primo hoagies come in four sizes: small, primo, whole, and wrap.  The menu includes low-carb and whole-wheat options.  They offer specialty hoagies, the “diablos” (which include their blend of spices), cutlet combo (my personal favorites, reminscient of our days in Staten Island, NY amidst a predominantly Italian culture), the healthy choice (lower in fat & sodium), meatless delights, and classic standards.

What makes Primo Hoagies live up to its name?  (Primo—meaning first or superior)  Each sandwich is made-to-order, customized to your preference.  They have a variety of sandwich toppings, which in my opinion, put a standard sandwich in a class all its own.  Finally, you will have the experience of a true Italian roll, with sesame seeds included.  THIS should be the standard of a good sandwich roll! 

 

Not sure what to order?  Here are my suggestions

WHACKED CHICKEN: Chicken Cutlet, Sharp Provolone Topped with Pesto & Bruschetta

CHICKEN PARMIGIANA: Chicken Cutlet with Homestyle Marinara and Melted Provolone Cheese (for a classic Italian tradition)

ITALIAN: Prosciutto, Provolone Cheese, Thumanns Hot Capacola & Natural Casing Genoa Salami

Will I return?  We don’t return often, but when in the mood for a hoagie or hot sandwich, this is one of our first choices. See the website for a full menu.  Sandwiches under $10.

Steaks & Sandwiches Month-Week 2

Steak & Hoagie Factory

103 S. Main Street

Doylestown, PA

215-348-2050

While S & H Factory has various locations, Doylestown is the closest store to the Lehigh Valley.  It may not be the warmest ambience or staff, yet this chain has my vote for best Philly Cheesesteak. Yes, with all due respect, it surpasses the overrated Pat’s & Geno’s of South Philly.   Not to mention, you can make up for the ambiance with a stroll through the heart of one of Bucks County’s greatest towns. 

We first discovered S & H factory during our days of living in Lower Bucks County, a suburb of Philadelphia.  In spite of its original store actually being in a suburban Bucks County town, it has a strong Philadelphia influence in the way it presents a cheese steak.  The standard cheese steak includes American cheese but cheese whiz or provolone are available upon request.  My recommendation: stay away from the whiz.  Extras include peppers, mushrooms, etc—wonderful additions to a chicken or regular cheese steak.  Try a Barbeque or buffalo chicken cheesesteak for a gourmet variation.    

S & H Factory gets my vote because the rolls are perfect—soft with a slightly hard exterior. (Their logo: "Our reputation is in a roll" describes their initial goal: to hold a presence in a highly competitive sandwich business by baking a stellar french-style roll on the premises.)  To me, this emphasis on roll, rather than overstuffed with meat, proves satisfying.  Finally, I prefer the finely chopped meat over the strips of meat you’ll receive at many Philly locations such as Pat’s, Geno’s, or Rick’s (located at Reading Terminal Market).

Be sure to order your side of fries.  They’re worthwhile.  If you are not a cheese steak fan, it offers a full menu of hoagies and other sandwiches.  I can’t speak to them, but if they are anything like their steak, they’ll be great.  See the website to view a menu.  The Conveyor Combo and Forklift Feast provide great family value.

Would I return? I wish I could return more often.  But yes, without a doubt—we’ve been known to take the 40 minute trip just for a cheese steak and night out in Doylestown.