Untitled

Posted on by Andrea

I have a younger brother, affectionately known as Tim. We are ten years apart and are very involved in each other’s lives.

When my mother told me I was going to have a baby brother I was ecstatic, I was so excited and eager to be a big sister. I fervently waited to meet Timothy, and I intrinsically knew that I wanted to play a big role in my brother’s life.

During my mother’s pregnancy, I talked a lot about being a big sister. I was thrilled to know that within just a few months I’d be able to love Tim, teach Tim, protect Tim, and inspire Tim; to my surprise though I was quick to learn that Tim came into this world not for me to take care of him, but for him to take care of me—to ground me, to teach me, and to show me what love really is.

Timothy (or as I’m often reminded—Tim) has shown me the strength it takes to overcome adversity, and has inspired me to go after more, to constantly learn, to never be content, and to just strive to be better—to be “whole.”

Tim was born with Down syndrome—and he is quite possibly the grooviest, boldest, and sassiest young man with the best head of red hair in the world.

Tim has a zest for life that is undeniably special and has an incredible amount of empathy and love for others. He doesn’t see race, socioeconomic status, or judge anyone based on how they look—to be honest sometimes that worries and concerns me, but for the most part when I observe an interaction or even witness just a glance and smile between Tim and a stranger whose day is brightened, it makes me feel proud and so happy to have Tim in my life.

Now being 28, and Tim being 18, and with realities of getting older more eminent, I have been thinking and working towards creating a Will and a Special Needs Trust.

I want to ensure my brother’s success and establish a secure future for him—while investigating the how-to’s, I was told I was “admirable,” and that upset me.

I am not admirable; I am a responsible, anxiety-ridden nervous Nellie who wants to protect my family. This word, admirable, has been haunting my thoughts for weeks.

I know it was marked in good faith, but I want people to know thinking about the future is realistic and because of Tim’s profound influence on my life and the amount of love I have for him in my heart does not make me praiseworthy, but just a good sister or heck, a smart planner.

So call this an open letter, or call it a ramble, but just know that individuals with disabilities, and their family members don’t want to be pitied, or felt bad for, or praised or thanked for doing what any good person should do—which is to be there for a loved one.

 

Love Local

Posted on by Andrea

Shop local.
Spend local.
Enjoy local.
Support local.

We’ve all heard it before, but unfortunately we don’t all live the lifestyle of supporting local. Why?

Is it because of preconceived notions that corporate stores are more cost effective? Is it out of convenience? Is it because consumers are under the impression that corporate stores and chain restaurants produce good food and reliable products? Is it carelessness or ignorance? Or do some consumers just like to just stay in their comfort zones?

Shopping local and supporting local is a lifestyle, and perhaps consumers are unaware of all the good that can come from supporting small local businesses.

Small businesses stimulate the local economy and strengthen partnerships in the community. Local businesses create and foster strong relationships in the community between small businesses, community leaders, and school districts. In addition, many small businesses support local philanthropic organizations/events, generating community awareness.

Studies have shown, when a consumer buys local, significantly more of that money stays in the community. One study found that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 remained in the city while only $43 of each $100 spent at a chain retailer. Small businesses typically work with local community banks creating a self-sustaining economic ecosystem that benefits all parties involved and generates capital that stays in the community. Local businesses usually support each other by acquiring ingredients, supplies, and collaborating on projects together. Such as restaurants utilizing local organic produce, beer from local microbreweries, and coffee from local artisanal roasters.

Another perk of shopping local is you get a chance to know small business owners and they get a chance to know you—there’s a personal commitment to customer service, and a transparent channel of communication as opposed to dealing with faceless multinational corporations.

So go out and explore your community and try something new!

 

Ale Yeah: 570

Posted on by Andrea

I’m a craft beer king of gal…and in lieu of missing the Electric City Craft Brew Fest this past weekend at Montage Mountain, I wanted to highlight the local beer scene that we have right in our backyards.

Many of our breweries have evolved over the course of the last couple of years, and have improved drastically, whether their quality has improved or they have grown into a gastropub or have extended into offering tastings at their breweries; they have all changed for the better.

Below are the locations of the breweries (alphabetically) in bold and then the name of the brewery with a description of what they offer and what they usually have available on tap…and of course some suggestions on what to try!

Carbondale– 3 Guy’s and a Beer’d Brewing Company
http://www.3guysandabeerd.com/

3 Guy’s and a Beer’d Brewing Company started off as a brewery that only distributed, to then selling growlers at their brewery in a small business incubator warehouse in an industrial park, to a tap room with a full kitchen. The guys (Dave, Jon, Matt) and the beer’d (Johnny) of 3 Guy’s and a Beer’d Brewing Company are spunky and down to earth—they want to brew good beer, entertain their customers, and provide their customers with good, comforting, homemade food (made by Matt). The guys brew 4 year round brews: Wheat the People (an American Hefeweizen), Carbond’Alien (a Pale Ale), Shaving Cream Ale (a Cream Ale), and Chewhoppa IPA (a India Pale Ale). In addition to their main stays, they brew 5 seasonal beers and a line of experimental beer called the 3 Guy’s and a Beer’d Clean Shaven Series.

My classic favorite 3 Guy’s and a Beer’d beer is the Loyalty Shaving Cream Ale (their collaborative beer with The Loyalty Babershop), and for their seasonal, I fancy their Endless Summer Beer-Extra Special Bitter. I recommend getting a tasting flight and one of their charcuteries boards featuring local cheeses from Calkin’s Creamery from Honesdale. Definitely go and get your beer’d on!

Dallas– North Slope Brewing Company
http://northslopebrewing.com/

North Slope Brewing Company is a gastropub located in “the back mountain” that serves gourmet pub fare using locally sourced ingredients and serves their handcrafted, small batch brews. Their beer is made on the same premise and their holding tanks and mash tanks can be seen while drinking at the bar. North Slope crafts high quality beer and creates delicious meals made with very fresh ingredients. They even advertise where they get some of their ingredients from—the beef and pork comes from Millers Orchards Farm (in Scott Township, PA), the hydroponic lettuce is sourced from Rowland’s Farms (in Falls, PA), their honey is produced from The Beekeeper’s Daughter (in Dallas, PA), and all of their bread is picked up daily from the Bakehouse Bakery (in Kingston, PA).

In my expert, craft beer loving opinion, I’d get a flight to sample their diverse beers (and cider), and go for brunch. They have Electric City Coffee Company’s coffee on Nitro, and who doesn’t love coffee and a beer on a Saturday afternoon? I have had their French Toast Chicken Sandwich (toasted Bakehouse bread, ham, sliced chicken, and Swiss cheese battered in an egg wash and grilled, and served with real maple syrup)…I’m getting hungry just describing it…and their Basil Eggs Benedict (house cured Canadian Bacon from Miller’s Orchard, farm raised poached eggs, and topped with a basil hollandaise served on flaky biscuits). When you go, let me know…I might join you. I’ve NEVER been disappointed by their beer or food.

Honesdale– Irving Cliff Brewery
http://irvingcliffbrewery.com

Irving Cliff Brewery is named after Washington Irving, the American short story writer (who famously wrote Sleepy Hollow), and as an ode to the original Irving Cliff Brewery, which opened in the mid-1850s and closed about 1914, a few years before Prohibition. The brewery/ brew pub are both situated in a large old building that has been renovated into a brew pub with restaurant seating, bar seating, a full kitchen, and a large space for their brewing supplies/holding tanks. In addition to the rustic flair the brew pub fosters, it’s also located next to The Stourbridge Line giving the brewery an inimitable location. Irving Cliff’s staff is very knowledge of the history of where the brewery name comes from and the history of the surrounding town.

Irving Cliff’s brews also promote the area—“Stourbridge Lion Ale” (a hoppy ale), “Maple City Lager” (an American-style Lager), “Dyberry Creek IPA” (an India Pale Ale), “Indian Orchard Cider” (a seasonal cider), “High Gravity Railroad” (a Strong-American Brown Ale), and “Honesdale Pale Ale” (an American Pale Ale). My favorite beer (and because I love Sleepy Hollow) is their seasonal Ichabod’s Lost Pumpkin Ale. Irving Cliff has delectable food, amazing beers, and has a warm enchanting ambiance. Go get a beer and a history lesson, and end your day with a charcuterie board (with local cheese also from Calkin’s Creamery).

Montrose– Endless Brewing
www.endlessbrewing.com

Endless Brewing is owned and operated by a couple of artistic, fun loving souls, who are passionate about brewing good craft beer—Jon Winans & Morgan Kelly. Endless Brewing is located between Scranton, PA and Binghamton, NY…in Montrose, PA. Their tap room is in a “tiny house” like structure that features beautiful abstract art and a little bar for tasting their brews. They sell growlers to go—and have a quaint seating area outside their tap room adjacent to their parking lot. There is not a lot to do near the tap room itself, but with a short drive (merely 5 minutes), you could visit Salt Springs State Park or just take a walk to take in the foliage and fresh air.

Endless Brewing has a ton of brews available, but the Bombshell Blonde IPA is OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Moosic– Marzoni’s Brewing Company
http://www.marzonis.com

To be perfectly honest with you, I don’t like to even acknowledge Marzoni’s as a brewery let alone a “local restaurant.” But since the Electric City Craft Brew Fest considered it a local brewery, then I guess I have to recognize that it is…although it screams commercial and the décor is reminiscent of a Applebee’s or a Friday’s. Nonetheless, they’re beer is okay, but it’s not produced on site, and their food I heard is good, but it’s not locally or regionally sourced (or at least the waiters and waitresses I’ve encountered don’t know and the menu doesn’t mention it). I am biased…so try it yourself, but in my opinion, you should support the small, more local companies who are passionate about craft beer.

Nanticoke– Benny Brew Company
http://bennybrewing.com/

Benny Brew Company was created by Ben Schonfeld in 2010 in a storage room connected to his family’s restaurant Marty’s Blue Room (which serves Cajun eats inspired by Southern Louisiana cooking), which supplies 4 taps at Marty’s Blue Room, since then, Ben has been working on building a full production microbrewery with a restaurant; however it’s still in the process of being developed. So as of now, to try Benny’s 3 mainstay brews (Amber Lager, Pale Ale, and Hopenstein) and some of his special releases (that are inspired by social and cultural trends and food pairings), and his seasonal beers stop by Marty’s Blue Room.

Though Benny’s Brews are very good and delightfully handcrafted, I have only been there once. I had a flight and a mean Cajun fish dish they had on special. The restaurant is very small, but cozy, and was run by welcoming and knowledgably staff. I highly recommend making reservations…cheers!

Pittston– Susquehanna Brewing Company
www.sbcbeer.com

Susquehanna Brewing Company (SBC) is dedicated to making and serving “the most sought after craft beers in Pennsylvania,” as per the SBC ‘our story’ webpage. SBC comes from a family of craft brewer’s and has a history of crafting the perfect sessionable beer in PA—SBC stems from the Stegmaier family. SBC’s brewery is comprised of the most up to date brewing equipment from BrauKon (a German company);BrauKon is a state of the art company that constructs the most energy saving brewing systems that help breweries produce high quality, fresh beer. With that being said, SBC brews 4 flagship beers that are fresh and consistently good: 6th Generation Stock Ale, Goldencold Lager, Pils-Noir, and HopFive IPA. They also brew some delicious seasonal beers; Shady Spot Lemon Shandy, So Wheat, and the Tobogaan Chocolate Doppelbock are my favorite seasonal brews.

I highly suggest visiting the SBC brewery and their tap room on a Saturday or Sunday. They have a great tour available on Saturdays (for free), and various (local and regional) food trucks visit the tap room on the weekends. The tour of the brewery is detailed and is perfect for craft beer lovers who want to know about the ins and outs of brewing good and consistent beer.

Alas on a side note, it’s a fun fact to know that SBC brews and bottles beer for Southampton Publick House and SØLE Artisan Ales.

Pittston– SØLE Artisan Ales
www.soleales.com

SØLE Artisan Ales is a gypsy brewery…Joe Percoco the mastermind behind the “Good Good” brews (…see what I did there?) brews his beers and collarborative beers at other breweries. He predominately brews and bottles/cans his beers locally at the Susquehanna Brewing Company. Joe Percoco just started brewing his own beers less than a year ago, but has a lot of brewing experience. He was the head brewer for Funk Brewing Company, and worked at large scale production breweries to learn about the dos and don’ts of brewing beer—according to the SØLE website Joe learned about “equipment, techniques, and recipes from esteemed regional breweries including Weyerbacher, Allentown Brew Works, and Shipyard Brewing Company.” Currently, SØLE Artisan Ales has produced 5 esteeming beers—Good Good (Double Indian Pale Ale), Juicebox (Indian Pale Ale), Artistry & Alchemy (an Imperial Maple Strout), Green Life (an India Pale Ale), Clink! (Pale Ale). I am a big fan of the Good Good, but be careful while drinking it…it ‘s sessionable, but has an ABV of an 8%.

Tunkhannock– Nimble Hill Brewing Company
www.nimblehillbrewingcompany.com

Nimble Hill Brewing Company is one of my favorite local beer companies. I love their quaint little tasting room (or otherwise known as their Growler Den) which is conjoined to their winery. Nimble Hill creates beers that have a consistent taste and often powerful aromas. For a small fee, you can taste all the beers that Nimble Hill has to offer in their “Growler Den,” and as that name depicts, you can buy growlers and 750ml bottles while visiting.

Nimble Hill brews 5 main stay beers: Nim Wit (a Belgian White Ale), Flinke Hugel (a Lager), Midnight Flinke (Black & Tan), Midnight Fuggle (a Porter), Cluster Fuggle ( a Pale Ale), and Hop Bottom ( an India Pale Ale). They also brew limited beers and seasonal releases, as well as a series called the Mysteria Series. I am a big fan of their Cluster Fuggle and their seasonal harvest/pumpkin beer called Jack Be Nimble.

Wilkes Barre– Breaker Brewing Company
www.breakerbrewingcompany.com

Breaker Brewing Company (BBC) was built on the foundation that beer should be good and flavorful. Mark and Chris the proprietors, both have an appreciation for good, respectable beer, so they were inspired to create and share handcrafted reputable beer with their community. BBC first began brewing and selling beer commercially in 2009 and then constructed a tasting room in 2013 at the former St. Joseph’s Monastery and School, and then transformed into a full brew pub in 2014 with a constant flow of authentic beer coming from 8/9 taps. BBC has shown such fame in the local community that they are in the process of upgrading their brewing system and expanding their old school house—the old school house now serves their tasty ever-changing taps at 2 bars and has opened an outdoor beer garden. BBC has a few key beers, but is known to always serve new and creative brews—so be sure to check out their website or Facebook to look for their daily taps.

Breaker is one of my favorite local breweries. I love the atmosphere of their brewpub and their beers. BBC’s brewpub is adorned in old photos of the Wyoming Valley and surrounding areas…specifically in relation to the area’s heritage of coal mining, hence the name ‘breaker.’ As for their beer, I enjoy their traditional pale ale, Lunch Pail Ale, and their go to IPA, I Love IPA, however I also enjoy their Patchtown Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter, their Olde King Coal Coconut Stout, their Minefire Blackberry Jalapeno Ale, and their Laurel Line Lemongrass Ale

Happy sampling!…Be safe, get an UBER?

Small town Americana: Pennsylvania

Posted on by Andrea

Every now and again I get this itch to explore… to discover new restaurants, breweries, artisanal boutiques, and specialty shops. I love good food, craft beer, film, art, and am a sucker for anything “independent” with an enchanting, yet distinct atmosphere. It’s so easy to fall in love with establishments and eatery’s in a large city, but searching for one of a kind shops and restaurants in a small town is similar to embarking on a quest—and oh how great it is when you find your niche in a small unfamiliar place. Below are some cities near Scranton that make great day trips, accompanied by highly regarded suggestions to places to visit, eat, and drink.

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Food & Drinks-

The bookstore is a prohibition speakeasy that serves American cuisine and cocktails reminiscent of the 1920’s—the cocktails are handcrafted and made with pure love. While listening to live jazz (on the weekends), sipping on your boozy bev, and gazing at your sweetheart by candlelight surrounded by books, be sure to take in the gorgeous antiquey décor.

Bethlehem Brew Works is family owned, environmentally conscious, and delights in brewing award-winning beer. Their food is above average pub fare, but is sourced locally and from farms that emphasize the importance of free range, pasteurized grass fed meat.

Entertainment-

The Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema is a theater with 2 screens in the ArtsQuest Center at the SteelStacks. It primarily shows foreign and independent films.

The Banana Factory (formerly a banana distribution warehouse) is the home to 30 studio artists, three galleries and multiple classrooms. To see the current exhibits, classes offered and events visit: http://www.bananafactory.org/artists/

Easton, Pennsylvania

Food & Drinks-

Greenmouth Juice Bar & Café conjures up organic super food smoothies (with homemade almond milk or cashew milk), smoothie bowls, and smoothies for kids, organic cold pressed juices, fresh squeezed lemonades, and coffee and tea beverages. In addition, they offer vegan, gluten free, and raw eats…perfect for lunch or a little snack.

Weyerbacher’s taproom is a part of their brewing and bottling facility. They have some high top seating available, but the tasting area is predominately tailored around visitors socializing, tasting, and walking around to admire their décor and retail items. On the weekends, the taproom features a visiting food truck from either the Easton area or surrounding cities…even our local Peculiar Culinary food truck has visited the taproom!

Two Rivers Brewing Company is located in a historic renovated building that screams old-time Americana with an original tin ceiling, a 1920s Zenith Radio, original flooring, and a hotel mailbox/key area that adds to the ambiance of the brewery. As for the pub fare, I can’t speak for any of the entrees, but I did sample some of their appetizers, and a lot of their beer, and everything was delicious and fresh–farm to table comfort gourmet food!

Ocean is a new American restaurant (despite the name) and their food, drinks, and service is impeccable. The atmosphere is very new wave, and offers a ‘cool’ downtown vibe.

3rd & Ferry Fish Market is a great dining locale or even a pre-dinner drink spot. Their menu features a prix fixe option, a ceviche section, a raw bar, along with your more standard dinner entrees (chicken, beef, etc). What stands out to me is their drink menu and raw bar menu…they have a great draft beer selection with 16 rotating taps and a pretty stellar cocktail menu!

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Food, Drinks, & Entertainment-

  • Bridgeworks Enterprise Center
    905 Harrison St.
    Allentown, PA 18103

Visiting the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center is a must. It’s located at 905 Harrison Street and it can’t be missed—the 64,000 square-foot Bridgeworks Enterprise Center is the only business incubator in the Lehigh Valley dedicated primarily to manufacturing startups and is the home to three delicious beverage centers. It houses The Colony Meadery, the HiJinx Brewing Company, and County Seat Spirits.

  • The Colony Meadery (Suite 115) is a tasting room that offers tasting flights, mead on draft and by the bottle, mead slushies, and regularly scheduled tours. Their mead buzzes with flavor and their staff is very knowledgeable about the dos and don’ts of mixing the mead to make mead infused cocktails. The Colony Meadery is open Friday (4pm-8pm), Saturday (12pm-6pm), and Sunday (12pm-5pm).
    http://www.colonymeadery.com/
  • The HiJinx Brewing Company (Suite 111) is an impressive brewery that offers free flights as you hang out in their garage style tasting room surrounded by their holding tanks. They encourage you to hang out in their relaxed picnic style garage by having a food truck available right outside the garage doors, a Bluetooth public radio system so you can play your favorite tunes, and some cards available in case you’re in the mood to play some Slapjack. The tap room hours are Friday (4pm-9pm), Saturday (12pm-5pm), and Sunday (12pm-4pm).
    http://hijinxbrewing.com/
  • County Seat Spirits (Suite 128) prides itself on being a true “grain to glass” distillery (one which performs the entire process from milling raw grains on site, mashing, fermenting, distilling and aging). County Seat Spirits produces whiskeys, gin, rum and vodka using the finest ingredients they can find. Additionally, all of County Seat’s spirits are distilled at least two times to ensure quality then they are diluted to the optimal proof with pure reverse osmosis water and then bottled in Anchor Hocking bottles manufactured in Monaca, Pennsylvania. The distillery is open on Friday (4pm-8pm), Saturday (12pm-6pm), and Sunday (12pm-4pm).
    http://www.countyseatspirits.com/ 
  • Fegley’s Allentown Brew Works
    812 West Hamilton St.
    Allentown, PA 18101

Fegley’s Allentown Brew Works is owned by the Fegley’s family and is operated like the Bethlehem Brew Works. As previously stated, they offer quality, award-winning craft brews and delicious food while remaining ethically committed to using 100% renewable energy sources and all-natural, sustainable ingredients.

Williamsport, Pennsylvania 

 Food & Drinks-

Barrel 135 is a trendy gastro pub located in downtown Williamsport that has a metropolitan vibe; adorned on the interior brick walls during my visit were canvases of abstract art from local artists and a little patio with quaint patio furniture. Barrel 135 only serves foods grown and/or raised in Pennsylvania and has an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail menu. The rotating drafts are also all from Pennsylvania breweries.

Bullfrog Brewery & Restaurant offers locally and regionally sourced foods (often organic) and an array of delicious and artfully crafted beers. In addition, to the food and drinks, the Bullfrog also features live original music.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 

Food, Drinks, & Entertainment-

The Broad Street Market (fashioned like the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia) is home to many vendors who sell fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, meats, and baked goods. There are also many authentic and ethnic food vendors who sell affordable meals at their booths that you can eat in the market or take home.

Home 231 is a cozy little spot nestled by the capitol building. Home 231 has a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere with Edison bulbs, bud vases and votives, and exposed brick. Home 231 is a great lunch or dinner spot with comforting yet new age cuisine.

The Millworks is positioned in Midtown Harrisburg across the street from the Broad Street Market. The Millworks is a large brick building that has been renovated to accommodate work studios and galleries for local artists in addition to their featured restaurant (which is set in the middle of all of the studios on the main floor). The Millworks serves locally and regionally sourced and sustainable foods, and has a menu full of original dishes. Their beer menu is also full of regional brews!

Zeroday Brewing Company is a small batch brewery that serves their beer in pints or as a flight, and offers other Pennsylvania wines and ciders. The Zeroday Brewing Company showcases local art and music from local musicians and has a great partnership with the Midtown Cinema which is adjacent to the brewery. The Midtown Cinema allows for patrons to bring in crowlers (a 32 ounce can) of their favorite draft beer from the brewery. I highly suggest the Dolce Vita, a hazelnut chocolate sweet stout. YUM!

The Midtown Scholar Bookstore is situated in a beautifully restored building and has an atmosphere that is warm, friendly, and very welcoming. The Midtown Scholar Bookstore is an independent bookstore that has a vast number of books for adults and children and is home to a quaint little café that sells artisanal coffee and teas.

Water Golf on City Island is a mini golf course that is positioned on the backside of City Island near the Susquehanna River—while playing you’ll have great views of the river!

Hershey, Pennsylvania 

  • Tröegs Brewing Company
    200 East Hersheypark Dr.
    Hershey, PA 17033
    www.troegs.com/ 

Tröegs Brewing Company has amazing craft beer (including their exclusive scratch series), impressive cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, and an environment that begs to be categorized as industrial. I HIGHLY recommend their poutine…I can’t get enough of it. Alas, before you sample too much beer at Tröegs save some room for beer at the Pizza Boy Brewing Company in Enola, PA. Though I have yet to go (because I usually drink too much at Tröegs) I have had their beer and it’s phenomenal.

Happy travels my fellow adventurers! 

 

 

 

 

 

A Peculiar Love

Posted on by Andrea

Peculiar Culinary Company (PCC) is on a quest to create some of the most innovative food in the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre area. Gene and Miranda are a power couple that have taken the NEPA food scene by storm. Gene is the creative mind behind PCC’s unique dishes, and Miranda organizes their catering, pop up locations, and their wait service at events in their Hughestown location.

My boyfriend and I love attending their events. We have frequented their Hughestown location for numerous occasions–their Valentine’s Day dinner (last year and this year), Kaleigh Baker’s One Last Performance dinner, their Burger Night, their Cinco de Mayo dinner, and their 3 Guy’s & a Beer’d Taproom Take Over. All of PCC’s meals are culinary masterpieces that aim to please. PCC places an emphasis on acquiring ingredients that are as fresh and local as possible, thus creating meals that are full of flavor and bursting with aromas.

I’m especially fond of their Valentine’s Day events, which showcase fantastic original music from talented artists, paired with delicious five course meals designed for two. Every year the steak for two never ceases to amaze me. The intimate dinner has a hip romantic vibe and is BYOB.

This year our Valentine’s Day meal consisted of an all house made charcuterie board (featuring pate de campagnard, Hudson Valley duck prosciutto, whisky barrel smoked ham, pickles, grilled crostini, and grain beer mustard), Kona Kampachi crudo (Hawaiian yellowtail, organic Persian lime olive oil, alfoos mango, white balsamic cilantro leaves, local watermelon radish, chive stems, and pink peppercorns), sun choke and beet panzanella (herb roasted local sunchokes, bulls blood beets, grilled sourdough, 61 degree sous vide local egg, fire roasted tomato hollandaise, endive, and Dijon vinaigrette), cote de boeuf with bone marrow (a 5-week dry aged prime rib eye steak, Oregon State black truffle butter emulsion, toasted walnut parsley pesto, roasted bone marrow, and grey sea salt), and for dessert a roasted butternut squash cheesecake (roasted local squash, mascarpone custard, brown sugar candied walnuts, dark chocolate infused aged balsamic vinegar, and basil water), and our libation of choice to accompany our extraordinary meal was Heady Topper from the Alchemist Brewery in Waterbury, Vermont.

We had a KILLER Valentine’s Day last year (on February 13th) as well. Last year Gene served a roasted NEPA raised marrow filled bone (with wild arugula salad, black volcano salt, champagne vinaigrette, and toasted house made country bread crostini), venison carpaccio (thin shaved tenderloin of venison, black berry gastrique, pickled watermelon radish, basil infused grape seed oil, micro lemon basil, and caper berry), butter poached lobster (cold water tail, herb coriander scented butter, sunchoke mascarpone puree, roasted heirloom mini carrots, and shaved Italian winter black truffles), pork jowl bucatini (house made bucatini , braised NEPA Berkshire jowl, 24 hour veal demi glaze, golden beets, roasted sweet peas, crimini mushroom, and basil whipped mascarpone), cote de boeuf (a 3-week dry aged prime rib eye steak, blue Adirondack potato, roasted garlic, and classic bearnaise sauce), and creatively designed broken glass topped, bloody cupcakes.

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PCC’s Hughestown location is 30 Center Street Hughestown, PA 18640…check out their schedule online at http://www.peculiarculinary.com and remember reservations are just a phone call away (570-947-2548)!

The Perfect Pair: Laveggio Roastera & Chroma Café

Posted on by Andrea

Laveggio Roastera is a gem in Binghamton and is a routine pit stop for me when I’m home visiting. I always look forward to being schooled on the coffee offerings for the week by Mary Ann, one of the coffee connoisseurs and proprietors, and take pleasure in the tranquil atmosphere of the café (fashioned by the exposed brick, natural light, and the plant immersed space). Besides the ambiance, Laveggio buys and roasts (by hand on a drum roaster) the finest beans that are obtained by direct trade to ensure the best quality and taste.

Laveggio’s is an artisanal coffee roaster and specialty coffee shop that is truly invested in producing the freshest and smoothest coffees and espressos, and are genuinely passionate about coffee—“Laveggio is based on roasting great coffees by hand, and celebrating the craft of coffee.” Additionally, according to Laveggio’s website, “quality standards are among the toughest and highest in the business, they roast, brew and sell all of their coffees within a 7 day window, and after 7 days the coffee is no longer at its peak.”

I love everything about Laveggio Roastera, but I especially am fond of the willingness of the baristas to educate and assist patrons in choosing the right coffee for them and their tastes; however, if you’re not a coffee drinker, but are looking for a cute cafe, Laveggio also serves organic teas.

Over President’s Day weekend I visited Binghamton, and before I made my way back home to Pennsylvania, I wanted a nice hot cup of delicious brew to kick start my day…so of course I headed to Laveggio (the only true café worthy of note in the 607), and due to President’s Day they were closed. I was devastated…but I also took this as an opportunity to check out their neighbor, Chroma Café & Bakery, which has been a place I’ve wanted to try.

So…I did it. I entered Chroma Café & Bakery and fell in the love with the space—the vibrant colors, the original floor tiling that was salvaged, the openness of the seating area, the wall of homemade pastries and baked goods, and of course the mod tea and coffee holders that are home to the doodads one needs when ordering breakfast and lunch. I was blown away with the colors and décor and wanted to try everything they had to offer. I ended up ordering a breakfast burrito (scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, and BACON MARMALADE) and a small coffee (Wegmans brand). Though initially disappointed they didn’t serve better coffee, I realized that on any other day, Laveggio’s would be open (next door) for patrons who were seeking a “good cup of coffee.” Assumingly, sensing my disappointment of coffee offerings (and my disapproval of not having a milk alternative), the employee/ cashier mentioned that Laveggio and Chroma have a symbiotic relationship where one can bring Laveggio coffee into Chroma, and one can bring food from Chroma into Laveggio.

The relationship between the coffee shop and the café/ bakery is something that will boost the success of both shops. I believe that supporting local establishments is SO important to any community, but I particularly love to see the growth and community support in Binghamton because “home is where the heart is” right?

I want Binghamton to grow and flourish, and I want local unique businesses to prosper—and I want to see natives supporting other natives in this conquest of growth! I strongly encourage you to take a trip to both shops…perhaps grab a pastry from Chroma and then head over to Laveggio Roastera for a positive atmosphere and a high-quality, tasty cup of coffee or tea.

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Laveggio Roastera in Binghamton, NY

 

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Chroma Café & Bakery in Binghamton, NY

 

Angst & Heartache: Stress Management

Posted on by Andrea

I have a tendency to want to end my workday with a libation. Is that because I actually want one, or is it an emotional reaction to my day? I’d like to think it’s a little bit of both, but if I’m being honest with myself it’s more the latter. Sometimes I think just the action of pouring a beer or glass of wine relieves some of my stress, moreover drinking it. The next question that begs to be answered is why am I so stressed?

Stress is hard to define in its essence because everyone is affected by it differently. We are affected daily by chronic stressors such as the cost of living (kids, bills, career aspirations), by acute stress most commonly known as our bodies fight or flight, and then eustress or distress. Eutress relates to positive stressors like making new friends, graduating, marriage and having a baby, and distress involves circumstances with negative connotations like injury, negative thoughts, or work difficulties (stress.org).

However, whether dealing with chronic, acute, eutress, or distress, we are affected differently (mentally, physically and/ or emotionally), and manage such stress in very distinct ways. I for one don’t deal with stress well on a consistent basis, I have cried, screamed, and may have had a tantrum or two, and I have also emotionally eaten, and still occasionally do. But it should be noted that I have also dealt with stress through developing positive and engaging behaviors to help relieve anxiety, worry, and self-deprecating thoughts by:
unplugging myself from social media,
turning off my phone entirely,
crafting,
buying myself flowers,
dropping an f-bomb,
watching a tear jerker,
creating lists,
organizing parts of my home,
cooking new meals,
petting and playing with my furbabies (…for those who don’t know, I am a proud cat mom of two loyal, curious, and slightly devious cats),
planning trips to see friends,
burning a candle,
writing,
and booking massages.
Stress no matter what kind affects our health, and our health is dramatically affected by our coping skills—or lack there of. Despite not have a doctorial degree in medicine or knowing that much about the cardiovascular system, I do believe there is a strong correlation between stress and women’s health, specifically in regards to heart disease. Heart disease is the #1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. Which according to the American Heart Association “is approximately one woman every minute.” With that being said, as a woman, and a woman who suffers from anxiety, I think we as a gender and as a nation need to seek out more studies to analyze the relationship between stress and cardiovascular disease in women.

However, that is out of your control relatively speaking, but what we can control is how we take care of ourselves. Through some research on emotionality and heart disease from the American Heart Associations webpage (http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/), I found the following to be quite fascinating:

Roman physician Celsus noted the mind and heart relationship by saying, “fear and anger, and any other state of the mind may often be apt to excite the pulse.”

In addition, William Harvey, wrote in 1628, “every affection of the mind that is attended either with pain or pleasure, hope or fear, is the cause of an agitation whose influence extends to the heart.”

Furthermore, Corvisart (a physician) wrote that heart disease was due to “the passions of the mind, among which he included anger, madness, fear, jealousy, terror, love, despair, joy, avarice, stupidity, and ambition.”

We must be attentive to the mind and heart connection by nurturing ourselves—we all need to take time for us, and learn how to make ourselves healthier by coping with what life throws at us. I have personally vowed that I will book a massage every 6 weeks to help with my chronic stress. By going to Green Ridge & OM Wellness, LCC (GROW) and booking an hour Swedish massage, I am able to be more mindful and to tap into a meditative state helping me to relax and reach a level of calm that is at times almost unthinkable.

GROW’s mission is to help individuals create a balance between mind, body, and soul through practical and effective holistic sessions and classes to boost overall wellness. GROW offers board certified massage therapy, nutrition classes and consultations by a registered dietician, and yoga and meditation classes (http://www.greenridgewellness.com).

GROW has a very serene feel and offers a level of tranquility that is unmatched. GROW is located in Scranton, PA in the old Ritz Theater on Wyoming Avenue, and is the business across from Terra Preta within the theater.

Feel invigorated and let the healing begin!

The Woes of the “Whole 30”- Living without Pizza

Posted on by Andrea

I don’t believe in resolutions, but I do believe in goals and fervent list making. One of my goals listed on my 2016 “you can do it” to do list is to read The Whole 30: The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom in its entirety, and to complete one full month of The Whole 30 lifestyle. According to the gurus/ authors, Melissa Hartwig and Dallas Hartwig, “the Whole 30 accomplishes all of this by specifically targeting people’s habits and emotional relationships with food. The program is designed to help break unhealthy patterns of behavior, stop stress-related comfort eating, and reduce cravings, particularly for sugar and carbohydrates” (http://whole30.com/whole30book/). So my Whole 30 journey is about to begin, and my relationship with craft beer and pizza will be put to a saddening halt. Pizza is the cure to all of my bad weeks and best companion during football season. It is also the origin and root to one of the biggest lies I feed to myself, “I’m only going to eat one slice of pizza.”

Pizza is just so comforting, and like body types, are all so different! Each pizzeria (nationwide and internationally) delivers a pizza that’s unique and special to them—they have their own distinctive flavors and attributes. Since moving to Scranton (4 years ago) I’ve been on the hunt for the BEST pizza pie. I however, am still searching…I have some favorites, but they’re still so many more pizzas to try.

Below are my favorite pizzerias and types of pizzas that I have found and devoured, and they’re in the order from my top favorites, to my least favorites. However they’re all so good, so try them for yourself, but read my descriptions to find the pie that’s your type.

1. Andy’s Pizza, Peckville http://www.menupix.com/scranton/restaurants/3800734/Andys-Pizza-Peckville-PA: Andy’s, Andy’s, Andy’s, it’s the bane to my existence since moving to Jessup, PA. I LOVE Andy’s pizza and yearn for it weekly. Andy’s is a deep dish style pizza with a very distinctive thick yeasty crust and is very cheesy (American) with an amazing signature sauce. I have had the pleasure in having and loving all of their Lenten specials, and am quite fond of their Hot and Sweet pie, and am quite partial to their plain pizza topped with sausage, onions, and peppers. Although Andy’s pizza is incredibly polarizing, I can’t personally say anything negative about it. Even the story behind Andy’s makes my heart pound a litter faster: http://thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/nostalgia-and-comfort-served-with-andy-s-pizza-a-midvalley-favorite-for-66-years-1.1226834

2. Maroni’s Pizza, Scranton http://maronispizza.com/: The infamous Maroni’s crafts an amazing deep dish square pizza with American cheese with an undeniably special sauce. Maroni’s is a classic Scranton/ Old Forge- style pizza and it’s definitely an acquired taste, but is one that is sure to please. In addition to Maroni’s pizza being remarkable, their sitting area is also humbling. There is an overwhelming sense of family and a positive feeling as soon as you enter, as well as an old school feel. It is also adorned with stacks (upon stacks) of pizza boxes ready to go, a RC filled soda case, and vintage juke boxes at the individual booths. Maroni’s is worth the wait, and the visit, and WILL be a family favorite; I highly suggest the plain topped with the pepperoni and/or sausage!

3. Kay’s Italian Restaurant, Lake Ariel http://www.kaysitalian.com/: When having difficulty deciding between a pizza and a chicken wing hoagie, Kay’s Wing Pizza is the way to go. Kay’s chicken wing pizza is served hot with gooey American and mozzarella cheese covered in a blue cheese drizzle with their homemade hot sauces. When I ordered Kay’s I was at a nearby elementary school, so I ordered take out and it was just coming out of the oven as I was arriving to pick it up. I ordered the mild hot wing pizza to share with co-workers and it was a big hit. The chicken wing pieces were hand cut and were most definitely hand battered and fried before topping the pizza. In my opinion, Kay’s chicken wing pizza is the BEST wing pizza I’ve ever had and is most definitely worth the drive to Lake Ariel!

4. Bobby Mac’s Mobile Wood Fired Pizza, Scott Twp. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bobby-Macs-Mobile-Wood-Fired-Pizza/358896414193567: Bobby Mac’s wood fired pizza is gourmet pizza that is served on Friday evening’s in the Maiolatesi tasting room located in Scott Township. Bobby Mac’s Friday night menu is frequently changing and always features a wide variety of pizza choices and a few featured appetizers and salads. The pizzas are personal pan sized, so it is encouraged to order a few for the table. According to the waitress that waited on my boyfriend and I, The Blonde Bunny, Bad Bunny, Carnivore, Diablo, and Fresh Tomato Basil are customer favorites. We ended up ordering three pizzas for ourselves (don’t judge us) and they were ALL delicious and very memorable. We ordered the Fresh Tomato Basil, Pizza Pancetta, and The Angry Bunny. Our favorite, hands down, was The Angry Bunny. The Angry Bunny had a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, provolone and parm cheeses topped with shallots and garlic infused evo with an “angry” peperoncini piccanti red sauce—it paired nicely with the handcrafted Meritage red wine that we were also sipping on.

5. Nina’s Five Star Veggie Pizza, Scranton http://ninas5star.wix.com/ninas5starveggie: Nina’s 5 Star Veggie Pizza is a pizzeria that is inimitable and a vegetarian’s dream. However, don’t let that scare you, Nina’s Five Star Pizza is for all pizza enthusiasts. Joseph, the owner, is an accomplished pizza maker from New York City who wanted to create a unique pizzeria and restaurant for those with dietary restrictions in Scranton; he wanted to craft pizzas and other delectable cuisine that are fit for those following a vegetarian, vegan, and/or kosher diet. The menu is very diverse and consists of 19 distinct pizzas; it was so hard for my boyfriend and I to make up our minds. We were torn between ordering the Bianca with broccoli, Mediterranean, Tutta Verde, and the Eggplant Parmesan. We ended up going with the Bianca with broccoli and it was very fresh and oh so gratifying. The pizza crust was thin and crisp, like a New York style pie, but with an assortment of cheeses. We ordered our pizza for takeout, but while waiting for the pizza, we observed the spotless seating area, and witnessed Joseph’s zeal of making the most superb pies with the best ingredients that he can get his hands-on. In fact, WNEP (one of Scranton’s news stations) wrote an article highlighting Joseph’s zest and talents: http://wnep.com/2014/05/29/russian-owner-italian-menu-american-dream/.

6. Sabatini’s Bottle Shop & Bar, Exeter http://www.sabatinis.com: Sabatini’s Bottleshop & Bar is a great local watering hole for craft beer lovers and pizza aficionados. Sabatini’s round pizza pies are generously topped and baked to perfection. Their crusts are quite crispy, almost charred, but not burnt, their sauce is sweet and savory, and the cheese is stringy and greasy, but not in a “oh my god I need to blot my pizza” kind of way. I have frequented the bottle shop numerous times in the past year and have had the delight in enjoying 3 pizzas from there: a round plain pie topped with pickles, a round plain pie topped with meatballs, and an Avellino. My favorite of the 3 is most definitely the Avellino, a white pizza comprised of a blend of cheeses garnished with rosemary and garlic. YUM!

7. Armetta’s Pizza, Chinchilla http://armettaspizza.com/: Armetta’s is a family friendly restaurant that offers a wide selection of gourmet specialty pizzas. In addition to their robust pizza menu, they also have numerous appetizers, salads, and entrees, as well as a wide craft beer selection. Their pizza dough is made fresh daily, is hand tossed, and is baked on a stone hearth. I have had their plain NY style round, their Marsala (made for vegetable lovers…comprised of broccoli, onions, olives, mushrooms, spinach, garlic and peppers), and their Palermo (a NY style white pizza with broccoli, spinach, garlic, onions and tomatoes); each pizza was fantastic.

8. Rosario’s Pizzeria & Ristorante, Clarks Summit http://www.myrosarios.com: Rosario’s Pizzeria & Ristorante specializes in quality New York style pizza that is comparable to Basilico’s (in Dickson City) and Armetta’s (in Chinchilla). According to their website, their pizzas are made with top of the line imported Grande cheese and their sauce is tailored from the former Basilico’s restaurant. I am dying to try their plain Grandma pie, but I have fond memories of the Chicken Bacon Honey-Mustard pie that my boyfriend and I demolished. (For more info: http://m.thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/rosario-s-pizzeria-ristorante-expands-steadily-in-clarks-summit-with-recipe-of-fresh-ingredients-1.1345245)

9. Basilico’s Pizzeria, Dickson City http://basilicospizzeriaonline.com/: Basilico’s pizzeria is home to delicious traditional pizza pies and to die for specialty pies. Their specialty pizzas are phenomenal, and are respected by many. I have eaten a couple specialty pizza slices (in their seating area while taking a break from shopping) and have ordered a couple specialty pies for takeout. I always have difficulty in deciding between the Chicken Bacon Honey Mustard and the Chicken Bruschetta. However, when push comes to shove, the Chicken Bruschetta is my #1 choice—fresh diced chicken cutlet, red onion, roma tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese!

10. Nina’s Pizzeria, Dunmore & Blakely http://ninasdunmore.com/: Though known for their fierce freshly made to order wing bites, Nina’s also delivers a mean square fresh dough pizza. I haven’t tried their diverse pizza menu, but their plain square is mouth watering!

11. Roma Pizza, Dickson City http://www.romapizzascranton.com: Roma’s Pizza formerly located in the food court of the Viewmont Mall is now located on Business Route 6 in the old Entenmann’s store front. Roma’s pizza is available in NY style round and Sicilian, and in my opinion is one of the best pizzerias in town and is criminally underrated. Their savory sauce, fresh cheese, and crispy crust combine for a perfectly balanced pizza. My preferred take out from Roma’s is a large NY style round pie half plain and half Vodka. The vodka sauce on their Vodka pizza is hands down the best vodka sauce I have ever hand on pizza or pasta. Definitely try it!

12. Angie’s Pizza, Dickson City http://angies1951.com/menu.html: Angie’s Pizza is the definition of a Mom and Pop pizza shop. It was established in 1951 (by Angie) and has been known as a family favorite in the valley. The inviting family atmosphere is as comforting as the pizza itself. Angie’s is comparable to Andy’s in many respects; however what distinguishes it is its delectable Porketta Pizza.

13. Duke’s Legendary Pizza & Sports Bar, Peckville http://www.menupix.com/scranton/restaurants/380011641/Dukes-Legendary-Pizza-Peckville-PA: Duke’s Legendary Pizza is a rare gem in “the valley” with an impressive double crust steak and cheese pizza. I personally like ordering the double crusted sriracha steak and cheese pizza with sweet and hot peppers…so good, so filling, and oh so satisfying!

14. Amberdonaia Bakery, Dickson City http://www.amberdonia.us: Amberdonaia is the quintessential Neapolitan pizzeria, which prioritizes only the freshest local ingredients, house made mozzarella, and imported olive oil from Italy. Their wood fired Neapolitan pizza has a fresh, crisp, and authentic flavor. Mangia!

15. Old Brooke Inn, Moscow http://www.oldebrook.com/food: The Old Brooke Inn serves delicious gourmet authentic Italian Wood-Fired pizza (with fresh dough) that is extremely noteworthy. I have had their Margherita (made with fresh mozzarella cheese and basil) and their New Haven Clam (made with fresh shucked clams, roasted garlic cream, parmesan, and bacon with olive oil drizzle), and their plain round; all 3 were delicious! Their pizza crust is pleasantly crispy served with a golden hue and a smoky wood flavor, and their cheese and sauce pairs together to create a well balanced pizza pie. The sauce on Margherita in particular was very good, and the herbs that were added created a flavor that was harmonious.

16. Colarusso’s Coal Fired, Dickson City  http://www.colarussoscoalfiredpizza.com/: Colarusso’s serves a beautifully thin, crisp, charred wood fired pizza, with a tangy tomato sauce. Their traditional pies are the way to go with fresh mozzarella and basil. They’re very gratifying!

17. Libassi’s Restaurant, Scranton- Libassi’s Restaurant has a warm welcoming family atmosphere. It is owned and operated by a father and son duo that has a passion for what they do and sling some very delectable pizza pies. The NY style pizza features a uniquely tasty spicy/sweet sauce, a crunchy crust, and freshly made (in house) mozzarella. Unfortunately, it has recently come to my attention that they have closed permanently.

18. Samario’s Pizza & Restaurant, Scranton http://samariospizzaandrestaurant.com/ordereze/home.aspx: Samario’s is a traditional Italian restaurant with old world charm. Samario’s pizza menu is beyond diverse and offers a variety of pizza styles—square, round, NY style round, Chicago style, and stuffed Chicago style, specialty and gourmet pizzas. I have only dined in Samario’s once and had a very respectable round pizza that was half pepperoni and half cheese.

19. Vincenzo’s Pizzeria, Scranton http://www.vincenzosscranton.com: Vincenzo’s Pizzeria serves a bona fide traditional NY style pizza. Their pizza and service are impeccable. Their crust is doughy, yet crispy, and their sauce is uncomplicated, yet flavorful, and their mozzarella cheese is of high-quality. There is some spice with hints of basil and perhaps oregano, but it’s not too over powering.

20. Jessup Pizza, Jessup http://jessuppizza.com: Jessup pizza dishes up a pretty standard (greasy) pizza with zesty sauce, mozzarella cheese and crispy crust. It’s a good pizza that can please all pizza lovers.

21. Granteed’s Pizza, Scranton http://www.granteedspizza.com: Granteed’s pizza is one of my favorite “simple” NY style round pies. Granteed’s pizza is just so soothing with its greasy cheese, tasty sauce (that’s on the sweeter side), and it’s perfectly baked crust. Granteed’s is a safe bet and is very economical!

22. Nerra’s Pizzeria, Scranton http://nearraspizza.com: Nerra’s serves a classic NY style round pie. It’s very similar to Granteed’s Pizza in Scranton and my stance on the two are alike—a straightforward, yet good pizza pie. My only suggestion is to order in a well-timed manner so it’s hot and fresh for your arrival!

23. Armenti’s Pizza, Olyphant http://armentispizzeria.com/: Armenti’s Pizza is located in an industrial park in Olyphant. Armenti’s makes gourmet styled pizzas loaded with exotic toppings, while the dough and cheese are rather pedestrian, the toppings are anything but.

24. Library Pizza, Jessup https://www.facebook.com/pages/Library-Pizza/117421304950281: Library Pizza is an unrivaled locale with a distinct panache; it’s one of a kind with old photos and vintage books adorning the walls, and offers a pizza that’s perfectly balanced with succulent flavors. The pizza is served as a deep dish square, and is reminiscent of the Old Forge style. The pizza is composed of a thicker more substantial sauce, a blend of cheeses, and a doughy thick crust. It’s an all around interesting experience.

25. Albi’s Pizza, Archabald https://www.facebook.com/albispizza: Albi’s Pizza serves a traditional NY style round pie. It’s a solid no frills delight that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning of pizza pallets in a pinch on game days or when unexpected company arrives famished. Nothing particularly remarkable about this pizza, which in this instance is not necessarily a bad thing. Solid. Reliable. Consistent.

26. Colarusso’s Café, Jessup www.cafecolarusso.com: Colarusso’s Café is a quaint Italian restaurant located in Jessup, PA, a predominately based Italian borough. I have not had the opportunity to dine in, but I have taken out pizza and hoagies a few times. Though not my favorite Old Forge style pizza, their pizza is good. I like their red plain (made with fresh dough and a hearty homemade sauce) and their fresh tomato pizza (with bursts of zesty oregano).

27. Tony’s Pizza, Peckville https://www.facebook.com/TONYS-PIZZA-374890132824/: Tony’s is a very unique pizza eating experience; the sauce takes center stage in this culinary ensemble. Tony’s uses a sweet red sauce for its square or round pizzas. The sauce is not only prepared with the cheese, but also drizzled over the top of the cheese (optional) after it comes out of the oven. Now the flavor of this sauce is divisive and may not be for everyone, but it does certainly separate itself from the crowd. Tony’s would be a fantastic introductory pizza for young children to get them acclimated to the world of pizza.

28. Fratellis Pizza & Pasta House, Scranton www.fratellispizzaandpastahouse.com: Fratelli’s pizza is available in square or round and is also available in a Sicilian style. Though I have heard good things about their NY style round pizza, I am routinely disappointed by their (old forge style) square. I have had their square pizza a couple times since a friend of mine orders from their often, but it’s nothing special and does not stand out amongst all the other pizza offering in the area. In my opinion, the crust of the pizza tastes like a premade shell, and the cheese and sauce are just so basic that it’s not worth the carbs!