Grazie Carmella's

I woke up this morning with the best of intentions. I was going to make some coffee, get dressed, and go rent a combine with which to cut my lawn. Then I put on some music and so inspired was I that I decided instead to get Cuba Sugar and go to Zummo's for an egg sandwich and a cup of coffee. I got the coffee, but was once again foiled in my attempt to secure the sandwich. I can't even begin to count the number of times that I have gone there only to find that they had run out of the lovely egg, sausage, and cheese laden beauties. I find it amazing that they should EVER run out of an item like that, much less than by 10 or so on a Sunday morning, but that is perhaps a subject for another posting. I really love Zummo's, and was delighted to learn about their soon to be opened West Scranton Fidelity Bank location, but they seriously need to rethink their food requirement projections. It is said that every cloud has a silver lining, and out of the dearth of biscuits this morning was born a most delightful encounter with a sfogliatelle in Westside.

I had been wanting to try Carmella's on Main Avenue near Jackson Street for some time now, and the disappointment regarding the egg sandwich was just the nudge that I needed. The first thing I noticed upon walking into Carmella's was the unmistakable and mouth-watering smell of aged imported cheese and cured meat. I breathed deeply and my expectations soared. This place is wonderful. The combination of the beautifully stocked pastry case, the swirling aromas, the tin ceiling, and dark wood trim brings to mind Little Italy in NYC. There are a half dozen or so small tables inside and two more out on the sidewalk. We chose a table in the middle of the dining area and opted to share a sfogliatelle and the Carmella's Classic. The Classic is an Italian sandwich made with prosciutto, Genoa salami, provolone, roasted red peppers, oil, and balsamic vinegar on a crisp Italian roll. Absolute perfection. I can honestly say that I would put this sandwich in the same league as those available at Cara Mia's in Dunmore and that, dear reader, is saying something.

The menu at Carmella's begins with a daily selection of freshly made soups. It also features a variety of salads ranging from garden salad to antipasto and a tempting item known as "Eugene's Famous", which consists of homemade fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, onion, and lettuce finished with a balsamic vinaigrette. The Specialty Sandwich selection lists variously named creations featuring combinations of premium quality meats from roast beef, bologna, ham, and turkey, to Italian cuts such as sopressata, capicola, prosciutto, and hard salami. The available cheeses include the aforementioned fresh mozzarella, domestic Swiss, American, and an awesome provolone. The sandwiches are rounded out with the usual condiments in addition to high quality olive oil and Balsamic vinegar, roasted red peppers, hot or sweet pickled peppers, and hot cherry peppers. I am confident that I would have been happy with whatever I chose there today based on my experience with the Carmella's Classic.

The pastry case will most likely be the subject of a future post. As I mentioned before, Cuba and I shared a sfogliatelle. I have no idea where they get this stuff, but it was absolutely delicious. The pastry itself was buttery and crisp, similar to phyllo, and with a filling that was dense and sweet, but not too sweet, with a nice citrus note. It was so good that we bought two more to take as a gift for some friends that we were visiting later in the afternoon. Perhaps the most pleasant surprise I had today at Carmella's was the coffee. It was great. The menu features espresso, cappuccino, mocha, brewed coffee, hot chocolate, and tea. There is a sign in the window announcing that the place uses Starbuck's coffee. They take the preparation seriously, and it shows. In a town that seems to treat coffee as an afterthought, Carmella's can be solidly placed among the exceptions.

I highly recommend giving this place a try the next time you need to have a quick lunch or are in the mood for some really special pastries. Life is too short to settle for corporate donuts! We will be back soon. Oh... and I did manage to cut the grass.

Carmella's Italian Deli and Pastries
106 North Main Avenue
Scranton, PA 18504
(570) 969-2112

Bike Night Detour

Goy Gevalt and I found ourselves alone last night, and I decided I was in the mood for a hot date with the guy. So I dolled myself up a little and invited him to ride me…down to Wilkes Barre on the back of his bike. I know it makes him happy, so I figured I could indulge him.

As we were heading out, we saw a large…what do you call a bunch of bikers riding together? A gaggle of bikers? A posse of bikers? Whatever. We saw a bunch of guys on their Yamaha and Kawasaki sport bikes headed to Damon’s in Clarks Summit. No offense to those guys, but that style of bike and the guys who ride them seem like a very different sub-culture from the Harley and Indian riding crowd. I just don’t see the attraction. Anyway, we were just minutes from Damon’s, but no, I had committed to the ride to Wilkes Barre.

It was a lovely evening for a ride, and with my new helmet, I quite enjoyed it. I was surprised to see the big crowd at the Lone Star in Wilkes Barre. It seemed even bigger than the crowd at Damon’s, which is pretty darn big, if you ask me.

We hadn’t had any dinner, so we continued on past the Lone Star to The Chicken Coop. I had originally read about The Chicken Coop because, I believe, it was the destination of a bike ride for some local chapter of bikers. Anyway, if you are going to bike night in Wilkes Barre, either at The Lone Star or Outsiders, I recommend a detour to The Chicken Coop for a bite to eat.

The waitresses are very friendly and the food is great. I recommend the Cajun buffalo wings. They are amazing, and you won’t be disappointed if you are a connoisseur of wings. I wanted a Miller Chill to complement my meal (and to help make the ride home a little more bearable). I am somewhat embarrassed to say, I have come to quite enjoy the Miller Chill since I was introduced to it around Cinco de Mayo this year. Alas, The Chicken Coop didn’t have any Miller Chill but the waitress convinced me to try a Bud Lime. I was about as interested in a Budweiser beer as I am interested in a poke in the eye with a stick. But she was so genuine and such an excellent sales person, I was convinced to try one.

That beer was so freaking good; I can’t believe it. Try one the next time you have the opportunity, and let me know what you think. (If you are a wheat-beer kind of sissy girl, IPA purist, or some other sort of beer snob then don’t bother because I can imagine the kind of cruelties and name calling to which you will subject me.)

Goy Gevalt and I also shared the Manhattan sandwich, but since I’m not as clever at describing epicurean delights as he is, I will leave a description of that scrumptious sandwich to him.

What can I say about the Lone Star’s Bike Night? There were a lot of cool bikes there. I learned that the style of bike that I really like is a Heritage Soft-Tail. There was one lovely girl with bleached blonde hair, denim shorts, and silver stilettos. Goy described her as wearing “Daisy Dukes” and platforms. I guess that is what he wishes she were wearing, because those shorts weren’t nearly short enough to be considered “Daisy Dukes.” She was the most exciting thing I witnessed all night.

One more important thing about Bike Night that the ladies should know, especially those of you who are hesitant to come experience the event with your favorite biker: the rules of beauty are different at Bike Night. You are hot if you wear biker attire and only a little of it; even if you’re not the spring chicken you once were – those guys will LOVE you. And if you’re looking for a man that rides a bike, these events are shopping Meccas of men – not to be missed.

The Chicken Coop
533 Scott Street
Wilkes Barre, PA 18702
(570) 822-1899

Bar Review - The Bog

I was out riding this evening with a fellow motorcycle enthusiast who is going through a rough patch in his life. After an hour or so, we decided to make a pit stop to wet our whistles and enjoy some lively, albeit one-sided and unpleasant conversation. We decided to look for a quiet place and since there were only a few cars parked out front, and an available spot where we could back in our bikes right at the door, we settled on The Bog on Adams Avenue. I was really glad we did.

The Bog is located on what is trying to become a really "arty" block in Scranton and is more or less across the street from the apparently soon to be defunct art gallery/performance venue known as Test Pattern. Next door is a pretty good Thai restaurant named Thai Rak Thai, and The Unknown, a comic and gaming shop, is right across the street.

I know there has been a lot of controversy in Scranton, and the entire state for that matter, about the pros and cons of smoke-free eating and drinking establishments, but I must say it is a real pleasure to be able to enjoy a pint of Guinness without my senses having to give equal time to a second hand Newport or a Swisher Sweet smoldering in the ashtray next to me. Though I support smoke free restaurants, I generally side with the smokers with respect to bars. I can understand the allure of knocking a few back while enjoying a smoke and in fact have enjoyed many cigars myself in just that way. Tonight though, I really enjoyed my pint in The Bog which is, as you have already surmised, smoke free.

Smoking policy aside, there are many reasons to like this place. The juke box is one of the best in Scranton. Someone with really cool musical taste has put a huge amount of effort into loading it up with Reggae, Blues, and "hip classics" going back to the early 60s. A stage located in the front of the building is used for live performances. This evening however, with no entertainment scheduled, it housed a sofa that made for a great conversation area right at the window. A good selection of interesting draft and bottled import and micro-brewed beer is available at the bar which itself is spotlessly clean and manned by an attractive, friendly, and attentive staff. The crowd tonight night ranged from local hipsters, tattooed hotties, and students, to more straight laced types in for a beer and the great music before heading home. There are some interesting pieces of art hanging behind the bar and on some of the other walls. There were even flowers in bottles on the bar... nice touch.

I highly recommend The Bog and I myself am definitely going to have to give this place a visit on the weekend, or some other night when it is busier and perhaps there is some live entertainment.

The Bog

341 Adams Ave.

Scranton, PA 18503

(570) 341-6761

Shiver Me Timbers

I just had lunch at Bennigan's in Clarks Summit. I am not generally a fan of chain restaurants, but I quietly went along with a group who was determined to go there. I figured that I would review the place for lunch as it seems to be a fairly popular spot for people on break with a tight schedule. Well folks, I'm sorry, but I cannot give a decent review of the experience. The reason for this is that I can hardly remember what the food tasted like or how the service was because it was so damned COLD in there that I literally had to go to my car to get a fleece that has been in my trunk since January just to be able to tolerate sitting in the place. I watched four other patrons do the same thing. Come on, how hard is it to maintain a comfortable temperature? I asked the bartender and she said that people often complain. I love hearing that sort of thing. On the upside, I could probably have scratched glass with my nipples. Thanks for the stiff neck, maybe I'll come back in December.

Bennigan's
821 Northern Boulevard
South Abington Township, PA 18411
(570) 586-1223

UPDATE: Bennigan's in Clarks Summit is now Charlie's, and Charlies is good.