Exton Dish

New Restaurant Alert: Liberty Union Bar & Grill

Ken Alan — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:58:13 +0000

For months the Blockbuster sat forlornly along Route 100 in the quaint village of Eagle; like other doomed area retailers such as Circuit City and Borders, the darkened store was emblematic of our economy’s nasty downturn.

Sometime mid-last year, we, the Chester Springs gentry who have been hungering for something new and interesting on our culinary horizon, started to see movement occur at the site. A pickup truck pulling in here, a worker on the roof there – construction soon began in earnest and the word quickly spread: “new restaurant alert!”

This past February 2nd, Liberty Union Bar & Grill officially opened its doors to the public and our dining landscape has been nicely, and thankfully, enhanced. Owned by Steven Schwenk, a local who has restaurant-ing in his blood and a talent for thematics and spatial functionality, somehow took the bland rectangular box that was the Blockbuster and impressively transformed it into an attractive enclave offering American comfort fare while featuring visual odes to our country’s heritage.

Apparently, the generic store with its faux walls and water stained drop ceiling was hiding something figuratively gemological: a diamond-in-the-rough. Steve quickly demolished the interior and created a vaulted ceiling to provide airy loftiness which runs central through the space. He took down the black plastic sheets that had previously covered the wide windows, and voilà! The restaurant became illuminated and energized.

In three attractive front dining rooms and the bustling bar area there is nifty paraphernalia and many TVs. More televisions and state license plates line the walls of the back dining area. Tchotchkes such as a vintage sewing machine, an Electrolux vacuum and old oil cans are throughout. The venue’s color scheme is, of course, red, white & blue.

To summarize: Liberty Union pretty much shouts a resounding “USA! USA!”

And so does the menu.

Many states are represented by Executive Chef Mike Crenny, starting with the appetizers. These include Arkansas fried pickle spears with a ranch dipping sauce, Buffalo New York wings, Texas caviar (black eyed peas & Pico de Gallo in a tortilla bowl), and the chef’s own nod to the Commonwealth – Pennsylvania soft pretzel twists.

We enjoyed a build-your-own burger (big on beef/a hefty bun), a create-your-own salad (our choices: arugula, candied walnuts, blue cheese chunks & balsamic dressing), a belly-warming chicken pot pie, and, my pick for the area’s best new comfort food creation – The Louisville Hot Brown – open face white bread smothered with tender turkey breast meat, thick slabs of smoky bacon and creamy white cheddar cheese which is quick-fired in the broiler. Yum!

Other Union representations are the tangy Carolina pulled pork sandwich, a California wrap, Alaskan salmon, Maryland crab cakes, and the bone-in Kansas City pork chop.

On the sweet side of this land of liberty, desserts such as New York cheesecake, a gooshy Toll House-style chocolate chip cookie sandwich with vanilla ice cream, and, of course, apple pie, are temping classics.

Fortunately, Steve has directed just as much attention toward his bar program with a fine wine selection that goes far beyond the dulled-down cabs & chards found at most family-oriented places. Beers are abundant, well-crafted and rotating; most of them having been born in the USA. Always expect a local spotlight – Victory & Troegs were tapped and flowing during my recent visit. Even mixed drinks have indigenous panache. “The Philly Covered Pretzel” (Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka and Frangelico is served in a chocolate and salt rimmed martini glass), and, also, “The Tennessee Honey” (Jack Daniels Honey & lemonade) are two spirited choices.

One alfresco note: There is a small outdoor patio out front and an enclosed back porch for warmer weather dining.

If Schwenk gets a dollar for every time a local tells him how much we’ve needed a place like his in the area, he’ll really be living The American Dream, especially if each comment is followed-up with a U.S. currency-generating visit. The success of Liberty Union, though, is pretty much a given.

That video/DVD store may be long gone, yet in its place, Steven Schwenk definitely has a blockbuster all his own.

Find Liberty Union at 325 Simpson Drive in Chester Springs. The restaurant is reachable by phone at 484-359-4061 and online at libertyunionbar.com.

Photographs credited to Ronna Dewey.

The Town Dish Launches Media PA Dish

Amy Strauss — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:44:47 +0000

As of today, Feb. 2, 2012, The Town Dish is proud to introduce our newest hyper-local food and restaurant website to our family, Media PA Dish. Follow along with our delicious discussions of all things food and drink in Media as we discover brand-new restaurants, local mainstays, cherished dishes and perfected sips throughout this borough of Delaware County.

The latest Dish is also on Facebook and Twitter, too! Join the conversations by “Liking” us here or following us here.

Be sure to enter their Launch Day Giveaway too, featuring a $100 prize pack of gifts from Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant and Penns Woods Winery. Click here to enter!

Super Bowl Beer – Top Picks From Local Beer Experts

Jim Breslin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:50:29 +0000

This Sunday, the New York Giants square off against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Although we can’t cheer on our local team during this year’s event, we can enjoy the best efforts of some local breweries this Sunday. Mike Spaziani of Waywood Beverage told me, “sales pick up this weekend – it’s like a summer weekend for us.”

We wanted to find out what beer connoisseurs recommend drinking on Super Bowl Sunday. Jeff Williamson of Waywood Beverage didn’t hesitate with his answer.

“Bloody Marys! We start off with Bloody Marys at noon before we crack open the beer. We always hold a chili cook-off on Super Bowl Sunday,” Jeff said. “Actually, I recommend a good pilsner. It’s always good to drink pilsners on a Sunday. You want to feel okay on a Monday morning.”

Peter Smith and Joe Lawler at Exton Beverage were in agreement. “You want something sessionable,” Pete said. “You want to make it through the whole game,” Joe chimed in.

Jeff noted, “the best pilsners are brewed around here in Pennsylvania.” So the staff at both Waywood Beverage and Exton Beverage made the same top two recommendations.

Sly Fox Pikeland Pilsner – this won the Gold Medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2007. This beer is light in body and a little dry. At 4.9% ABV you can drink a few with caution.

Victory Prima Pils – this brew won the Silver Medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2007. The hops give this brew a “bracing, herbal bite.” ABV is 5.3%.

Jeff also recommended Stoudt’s Gold Lager to his list. “It’s a good beer for the Super Bowl,” he said. This Munich style lager comes in at 5% ABV. The taste is fruity and crisp.

The Exton Beverage team also threw in one more recommendation. “Yards’ Brawler is sessionable, easy to drink.” Yards Brawler is a ruby colored ale and is only 4.2% ABV.

Mike Troupe at Appetite’s on Main also threw out an interesting recommendation. “Actually, I would drink a Guinness Black Lager. That’s a good sessionable beer.” Guinness Black Lager is 4.5% ABV.

And if you feel this is the time to try beers from the New York and New England, Jeff recommends pitting Brooklyn Lager against Sam Adams for the contest. And who is Jeff rooting for in the Super Bowl?

Jeff grinned and said, “From an Eagle fan’s perspective? It would be nice to see the Giants lose in epic fashion.”

Find Waywood Beverage at 624 Millers Hill, Kennett Square, PA; Exton Beverage at 310 East Lincoln Highway, Exton, PA; and Appetite’s on Main at 286 Main Street, Exton, PA.

Diane’s Cooking Classes For February

Jim Breslin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:31:08 +0000

Diane’s Kitchen Cooking Classes/Parties, located in Exton offers private cooking programs for a Girl’s Night Out, Personal Celebrations, Corporate Team-Building and Special occasionas. The following classes are offered in February:

Class 021112 BRAISED SHORT RIBS CLASS

Date: Saturday, February 11th, 2012 Time: 5 p.m.

Appetizer: Antipasto

Entree: Braised Short Ribs in Red Wine Sauce, Stuffed Baby Red Potatoes and Utica Greens, Garlic Bread

Dessert: Hot Chocolate Fudge Cakes

Cost: $65

Class 022512 – FETTUCINE ALFREDO WITH CHICKEN CUTLET DINNER CLASS

Date: Saturday, February 25th, 2012 Time: 5:30 p.m.

Appetizer: Winter Greens Salad

Entree: Fettucine Alfredo with Chicken Cutlet

Dessert: Italian Sesame Cookies

Cost: $60.00

Classes are BYOB w/complimentary glass of wine served with the main course.

Call Diane for reservations or with questions. (610)506-8655. Diane’s Kitchen is located at 503 Heather Road, Exton, PA. Check out DianesCookingClasses.com to learn more.

Read our review of Diane’s Cooking Class here.

Vickers Offers Extended Valentine’s Menu

Jim Breslin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:54:07 +0000

Vickers Tavern is offering a special Valentine’s menu from February 10th through the 14th. Reserve your spot now at (610)363-7998.

Scouting Out the Best Burger of Chester County? Consider Butcher’s Burger!

Jim Breslin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:54:36 +0000

New owners have taken over Butcher Burger, and while they continue to grill fresh specialty burgers, they are modifying both the name and the menu of this popular burger joint. George Meresitzis and Theo Oikonomu have subtly changed the name to Butcher’s Burger and created a new logo. In addition to Butcher’s well-known burgers, they are now offering fresh salads, cheesesteaks, paninis, wraps, hoagies and gyros.

I stopped by on a Friday and watched as the crew hustled to served the lunchtime crowd. The tables and booths were practically filled with diners. A few men in suits placed orders for take-out. Butcher’s Burger has a retro feel, with white and black tile. The menu is handwritten out on a large chalkboard. Off to the side behind glass sits the meat grinder, where each morning they grind the chuck steak for the day’s burgers.

I chose a Gorgonzola Cheeseburger, which came with roasted red peppers and portabello mushrooms. The cheese was extra gooey, and played off the sweetness of the red peppers beautifully. The portabello mushroom slices were thin but long – enjoyable without being cumbersome. The burger was made to order, fresh and juicy. The hand cut fries were not overly crisp. This ranks as one of the best burgers in Chester County.

In addition to ordering a basic hamburger or cheeseburger with your choice of toppings, Butcher’s offers several specialty burgers. The Aloha Burger comes with pineapple chutney, bacon, sharp cheddar and BBQ sauce. The Mexicana Burger includes guacamole, monterrey jack, and jalapenos. The Philly Burger has cheese whiz, fried onions and green peppers.

As I finished my burger, two women walked in and enthusiastically greeted George. He walked out from behind the counter to give them a hug. After they ordered and took their seats, I stopped by to learn more. Laura Hritz and her mother Barbara Hritz live in Collegeville and knew George from a family pizza shop he had worked at up in that area. Now that he has bought Butcher’s Burger, they drive down occasionally to shop in Exton and stop in for lunch.

“His burgers are excellent, they are well done but not dry,” Barbara told me. “The toppings are all fresh. People want a quality burger.”

“His Greek Salad is excellent. It’s all fresh,” Laura said.

Theo explained why they decided to expand the menu. “When co-workers go out for lunch, not everyone wants a burger. We have options here now to please everyone.” He noted the Eagleview Corporate Park is just up the road and that small groups often carpool for lunch.

Butcher’s Burger is located at 221 Eagleview Blvd., in Exton, PA. They have all-day delivery. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Phone number is 610-594-5500. Check out their menu at butchersburgergrill.com.

On Tap – Southern Tier’s Unearthly Imperial Pale Ale

Jim Breslin — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:08:00 +0000

On Tap is a regular column featuring our recommendations on the most unique new draft beer offerings from local pubs.

Our Recommendation: Southern Tier Unearthly Imperial Pale Ale

Where: Appetite’s on Main, 286 Main St., Exton, PA

For many people in this area, Southern Tier Brewing Company is well known for their dessert beers. They have a wide range of excellent seasonal brews that are popular: Pumking Imperial, Jahva Imperial Coffee Stout, Creme Brulee Imperial Milk Stout, and Mokah Stout. So when I asked Mike Troupe at Appetite’s on Main told me he had just tapped an Imperial IPA by Southern Tier, I knew I had to give it a try.

Mike poured us two glasses and explained why he is a fan of this hoppy brew. “This is often considered a double IPA because of the added hops. I like that it tastes sweeter, you can taste the caramel malt. It’s definitely a must drink.” He explained the term unearthly is a play on the “piny, earthy flavors.”

Southern Tier’s Unearthly pours a colorful orange with nice carbonated foam. The taste has a citrus flavor that pops. It’s would make a great beer right through springtime. I agreed with Mike about the alcohol content. One sip and I asked, “what’s this come in at?” 9.5% ABV. Mike said, “You can taste the alcohol but not too much. The taste is smooth though. Despite the sweetness, it does not have a bitter finish.”

Southern Tier, which is based out of New York State, calls Unearthly “an uninhibited infusion of hops.” Though this is not spiced nor dessert-like, it’s a very smooth showing from Southern Tier.

Mike expects Unearthly to be on tap through until early February. He showed me the “Coming Up” chalkboard and pointed out Southern Tier Pumking Oak Aged will be on tap sometime in the next week also.

Cheers!

New Comedy Club Opens This Weekend

Jim Breslin — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:23:33 +0000

A new comedy club is opening up in Exton. Stan Tunnell’s LMAO Comedy Club will hold shows on Friday and Saturday nights at the Garden Hotel, located at 815 North Pottstown Pike, starting Friday, January 27th.

Stan Tunnell’s LMAO Comedy Club was recently a fixture in Reading, but he has decided to bring the comedy to Chester County. This weekend’s shows feature Shane Gillis, Steve Balbier and Tunnell. The same three comedians will perform Saturday night at 8 p.m.

Tunnel grew up in Chester County, graduating from West Chester East High School in 1981. He has been doing stand up for ten years.

Check out LMAO Comedy Club to buy tickets and check out the schedule of upcoming shows.

The Drafting Room to host Flying Fish Tap Take-over

Jim Breslin — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:24:06 +0000

On Friday, February 10th, The Drafting Room will tap several Flying Fish beers for the night in a Tap Takeover. Flying Fish Brewery, which started in 1995, is now the largest craft brewery in New Jersey. Seven Flying fish brews are slated to be served on tap during the event, inluding:

Exit Series #4 – American Trippel Bottle Conditioned Ale
Exit Series #8 – Chestnut Brown Ale
Hop Fish IPA
Red Fish – a West Coast Hoppy Ale
Abbey-Style Dubbel
ESB Amber Ale
XPA – Extra pale Ale
Big Fish 2006 Barleywine

Flying Fish Sales Representative Mary Grace will be on hand for the event to chat about beer. The tapping begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.

The Drafting Room is located at 635 N. Pottstown Pike, Exton, PA.

How Much of a Chocoholic Can You Be, and Have it Pay Off?

Amy Strauss — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:13:15 +0000

By Angela Davis Brown, MD

The Chester County Hospital and Health System

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love chocolate. A lot. So when the news started coming out that chocolate actually has health benefits….oh boy was I glad! But it raises questions…how much is too much? What kind of chocolate? How often? Well, let’s look at what the truth about chocolate really is.

First the bad news: no more than 1 ounce a day. And 1 ounce is the absolute maximum. Benefits have been proven at just a quarter of an ounce. An ounce of chocolate is about 6 Hershey kisses, 5 mini bars, or 2 squares of a big chocolate bar, again, maximum. And it needs to be chocolate in as pure a form as you can get it. 70% or more cocoa is the best choice. You could count your pure cocoa in hot chocolate, but definitely not chocolate cake, brownies, white chocolate or any other very processed heavenly delight. They are highly delicious, but the added sugar, fat and flour just negate any health benefits you might get, and place you at higher risk of obesity. And we all know that increased BMI, (body mass index), increases your risk of all of the diseases we’d like to avoid, like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and hypertension…just to name a few.

So what are the benefits of chocolate? There are many. Chocolate is derived from the cocoa plant, and therefore contains chemicals that cannot be mimicked synthetically. Flavanoids are one of them, and they act as antioxidants in the body. This is huge. That alone reduces levels of inflammation, which predispose arteries to plaque formation. Flavanoids also prevent oxidation of LDL (low density lipoproteins), better known as your bad cholesterol. The British Medical Journal reported in August 2011 that with the proper consumption of chocolate LDL and inflammation lowers, blood pressure lowers, stroke risk decreases by 29% and risk of heart attack decreases by 37%. Isn’t that reason enough to enjoy just a little bit everyday?

Most importantly, for the many of us who just can’t live without it, it makes you feel good. Really! It increases levels of dopamine in the brain, which is a known pleasure hormone. It also increases serotonin, a vital player in mood, PMS and anxiety.

So, in addition to your 30 grams of fiber a day, 6 – 8 fruits and veggies a day, 8 – 10 glasses of water a day, whole grains, healthy protein and 30 minutes of exercise a day that are all recommended for healthy living…don’t forget your chocolate!

Isn’t it great when they finally tell you to eat something that is actually delicious?

This is a message from The Chester County Hospital and Health System.