Sammy's - North 3rd Street, Harrisburg

502 North 3rd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-221-0192

I think Sammy’s sets the standard for BYOB restaurants in Harrisburg. The food is outstanding and really worth celebrating with a good bottle of wine. You can afford a really special meal without breaking the bank.

The North 3rd Street location is right across the street from the state Capitol building – what a view! It’s not 2nd Street’s Restaurant Row, but close enough to walk, although I will caution that parking is a premium. A number of spots on nearby State Street are reserved 24/7 for area businesses. Too bad you can’t park there after business hours. But, Sammy’s is worth the walk.

My friends decided to skip the appetizers, focus on the meal and save room for dessert. Sammy’s has a gigantic menu. There are specials posted on a board, a special printed menu under the glass on the tables and then the regular menu. The choices are reasonably priced. You get LOTS of food for the money.

Among my friends we ordered the special Steak Napoleon. The beef is marinated in garlic oil and prepared with a rosemary, red wine sauce with mushrooms served over mashed potatoes. This dish is best described as a tribute to steak lovers. Delicious!

Another meal was the Zuppa di Pesce. It included the fish of the day, shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels and calamari served in a marinara basil sauce over linguine. My friend who ordered it described it as “lots of things in shells.” The marinara sauce was smooth and didn’t have a biting “acidy” taste that tomato sauces sometimes have. Very enjoyable.

Another friend ordered the Smoked Salmon special with sun-dried tomatoes in a brandy cream sauce served over penne pasta. The smoky taste was prominent. She said, “It smells like a campfire.” She really liked it.

The last dish was Shrimp with Mushrooms and Escarole served with garlic oil and herbs over linguine – another delicious special.

The wine we shared was a Rosemount Estate South Eastern Australia Shiraz Grenache blend, 2004. This inexpensive wine ($12.99 at the PA Wine & Spirits Shoppe) was light but flavorful. Everyone agreed it was a good match with each dinner.

A couple of us did save room for dessert. The Tiramisu was delicious and very “mocha-y.” The Crème de Caramel was very creamy and custardy with excellent flavor. I would go back to Sammy’s just for dessert sometime. It is hard to really appreciate a good sweet treat when you are so full from dinner.

The generous portions at Sammy’s are notable along with its very fast, courteous service. Our server was very friendly and spoke very highly about the restaurant. He remarked that it was the “cleanest restaurant in town.” In his 20 + years in the restaurant biz, he has never seen such attention to details.

All of my friends enjoyed their dinner. Everyone took a doggie bag home for lunch the next day, and everyone plans to go back to Sammy’s sometime soon. Sammy’s is an excellent example of why BYOB is so much fun.

Café Magnolia, Old Gettysburg Road, Mechanicsburg

4700 Old Gettysburg Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

My trip to Café Magnolia was different from the other reviews. This time I went with a larger group of friends, most of whom are not regular wine drinkers – a fun and different way to experience a BYOB restaurant.

I am a firm believer that wine should be enjoyable to YOU. There are wines for people who are not regular wine drinkers that are not so bold or dry but are still enjoyable for everyone. For this group, we shared a bottle of Bridgeview Blue Moon Oregon Riesling 2005 – a slightly dry, very simple but “bright” tasting wine. This delightful, inexpensive wine is one of the best for a “mixed” group of wine and non-wine drinkers. Everybody seemed to like it. One of my non-wine drinking friends said, “I would buy that. It goes with everything from the garlic bread to dessert.” The consensus was this wine is a hit.

The other wine we shared was a Mazza Lake Erie Vidal Blanc 2004 from Erie, Pennsylvania. I love many Pennsylvania wines. Everyone agreed this was a good one, although it was less versatile with the food. It was sweeter and more syrupy than the Riesling. It would go better on its own with just some cheese or fruit. One of the most fun aspects of wine is the “live and learn” opportunity it presents. The only way to really understand which wine you like with different food is to try many combinations.

So, what about the food at Café Magnolia? Very simply, the food is nice. Each of us wanted to try a little bit of everything so we decided to get the appetizer sampler and an order of the spanikopita so everyone could taste everything. The server told us the owners are Greek, therefore we knew we had to try at least a few of the more traditional Greek dishes on the menu. It was a good strategy. The appetizers were great. Unique and different flavors were a part of each component. A great way to start the meal.

Several of us also had the butternut squash soup that was warm, not cold – much to the delight of several who ordered it. They agreed that they wouldn’t use the term “soup” to describe the dish in the traditional sense. It was savory but with a sweet “kick” – very flavorful way to celebrate the harvest season.

Ordering the main entrées was really fun with this diverse group. With so many unusual choices, we really had fun deciding. One of my friends liked so many things that she finally based her decision on which side dishes came with the main dish. She picked what she felt was the most interesting combination. And there were many interesting combinations!

Our dinners included the Lemon Shrimp with Lemon Risotto, the Tuna with Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, Chicken Marsala, Veal Marsala and a “gigantic” Greek Salad. Everything was presented beautifully and tasted great. We especially got a kick out of the “little Dairy Queen swirl” presentation of the mashed potatoes. This thick and dense side dish is a real treat. The wasabi blend was perfect and matched the tuna well. The risotto was cheesy and very satisfying. Those who ordered the Marsala sauce really loved it with the mushrooms. And the friend who ordered the Greek salad – herself a salad expert – said it was the best Greek salad she ever had. She liked that it had mixed greens instead of just Romaine lettuce and the char grilled chicken was still warm on top of her salad. And a really nice detail was already pitted Kalamata olives.

The service was a little bit slow, but the atmosphere in this converted house was enjoyable. Everyone loved the taste combinations of their meals and agreed that overall Café Magnolia is “fabulous.” The restaurant offers an interesting option for sharing a meal. For $4 extra you can share your dinner with your date. Both diners get a salad. The portions are very generous. This would be a great way to really enjoy this place without overindulging. Maybe I would have room for dessert next time!

One non-food related note worth mentioning is the restrooms. A mom must have designed this place. There are two restrooms: one for women; the other is unisex. In the women’s room there was a changing table with everything a busy mom might need, even a selection of sizes of diapers, just in case she forgot. Nice touch.

Everyone agree they would come to Café Magnolia again.

Sahara - Simpson Ferry Road, Mechanicsburg

5205 Simpson Ferry Rd
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 697-3660

How exciting?! Moroccan cuisine right here in Central Pennsylvania. This place is really a testament to the growing diversity of restaurants and other attractions in the Harrisburg area. Bravo to Sahara for taking a chance.

Located in a strip mall, the exterior defies the fun atmosphere portrayed inside. The handmade tapestry on the walls and other décor along with traditional music was an excellent backdrop for our culinary adventure. The meal began with a very friendly greeting from the staff and the traditional custom of washing your hands. I was only slightly disappointed that we didn’t get to sit on the floor on cushions. (Do they do that in Morocco, or is that only in the movies?)

After a coin toss between red and white, we decided to open the bottle of 2004 California Central Coast Wild Horse Pinot Noir. The staff opened it for us and provided the glasses. The bottle proved to be a good choice. This simple wine complimented the food and allowed the Moroccan flavors of our dinner to speak for themselves.

We started the meal with three appetizers to share. The first was Khezzu, a cold dish of caramelized carrots with sweet paprika, garlic and herbs. The second was Zaalouk, another cold dish with eggplant and tomatoes as the main ingredients with “many spices.” Both of these dishes are eaten with your fingers with a piece of pita bread as your utensil. For this less than well-traveled American, this was a really fun way to eat.

The last appetizer was called Prince Bastilla, a phyllo dough “pocket” filled with shredded chicken, sweet onions, eggs and roasted almonds. The entire thing is sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. The sweet onions provided the crucial link for this unusual and terrific fusion of gentle sweet and savory flavors. This dish is a real challenge to your palate. It was fun to try it with the Pinot Noir wine.

For our main entrees we shared the Maroc Tagine, a fancy stew of meatballs, tomato sauce, peas and custard-like cooked eggs on top. The tagine was not spicy, but very flavorful. The other entrée was the Lamb Couscous. The light pearl-like pasta was full of big chunks of well-done lamb, squash carrots and zucchini. We ate these dishes with our fingers and pita bread, too.

For dessert we had a fruit salad of a variety of melons and Baklava, a sticky, flaky pastry with nuts and a surprise clove flavor. We topped off the entire adventure with a sweet, mint tea that was the perfect finish to a delightful, exotic dinner.

What fun!

Brunch at the Bayou - North 2nd Street, Harrisburg

1530 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA
717-236-1122
www.bayouonsecond.com

I already reviewed this place for dinner, but it is worth a second entry for Sunday brunch. Reminiscent of the famous Brennan’s in New Orleans, the brunch menu offers many Cajun favorites and lots of food…this is not just a bagel and coffee!

My friend and I shared a delightful bottle of bubbly and not too dry, not too sweet Sonoma County Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee’ 1997 Brut. Champagne makes any occasion special; this brunch was certainly well worth it.

We started with an appetizer of the Crawfish Pies with Remoulade. They were very flavorful and not too spicy and the puff pastry was flaky and light. How often do you get an appetizer with your breakfast? Then we had two different variations of eggs benedict – Oyster Benedict, which is the traditional English muffin and poached egg but topped with fried oysters and a hollandaise sauce with a kick. The other was Eggs Bayou Lafourche – also an English muffin, poached egg and hollandaise sauce but with a delicious and slightly smoky andouille sausage. Both were delicious.

We topped off our meal with an unusual lemon pudding cake with vanilla bean whipped cream. I don’t know how to describe this wonderful dessert. It is not dry like a cake, not squishy like a pudding. You will just have to try it for yourself.

Another classy touch of this classy restaurant is the strong and authentic French press coffee they bring right to your table. You get to press it yourself. A perfect balance for crisp bubbly champagne.

Pizza Grille - State Street, Lemoyne

901 State St
Lemoyne, PA 17043
717-731-6717

Pizza Grille has been around for a while. It is a recipient of one of Harrisburg Magazine’s Favorite Awards. The Pizza Grille is a standard that should be on everyone’s BYOB list. Situated behind the West Shore Farmers Market, this location is one of two in the West Shore/Harrisburg area. The other location on Gettysburg Road has a liquor license and a very nice bar and wine list

My friends describe the décor as “utilitarian chic.” We agreed that the bright open, but simple restaurant reminded us of the patio of a summer cottage. The atmosphere is very friendly. Except perhaps for the loud, raucous laughter coming from our table, this place is great for conversation with a group of friends or a date or business meeting.

All but one in my group had been to Pizza Grille before. We each ordered our favorite pizzas and a half salad. One friend had the Greek Pizza. He said the flavors were in “perfect proportion.” Another ordered the traditional Pepperoni Pizza (with extra pepperoni, of course!). It was loaded with pepperoni and cheese and not at all greasy. My other friend had the Southwestern Pizza. This is not on the regular menu, but is often featured as a special. She had it once or twice before. It’s a delightful blend of steak, cilantro, peppers, tomatoes and cheese. One of her favorites. I had the Spring Pizza special – a white pizza with roasted red peppers and fresh asparagus and lots and lots of cheese – and half of the Chopped Salad. Yummy.

Although the name of this place is Pizza Grille, I must comment that the salads are worth the trip. Especially in the summer, I cannot get enough fresh veggies. The Chopped Salad here is a meal in itself. All the salads are delicious. This place has a wonderful way of combining unusual fresh ingredients in both the pizzas and salads – very unique and interesting combinations…not a pizzeria in the traditional sense. Very different, very fresh and very special.

I purposely wanted to have dessert so I only ate part of my pizza. Good move! I had the chocolate crème brulee. Not as chocolaty as I expected, but a nice finish to the meal. The others ordered peach and mango sorbets. Served in a hollowed out shell of the featured fruit, these sorbets are not only delicious but also fun to eat.

The wine we shared was a 2004 white French burgundy, Pouilly Fuisse from Jaboulet Vercherre. Very light and complementary to the pizzas. Served chilled, it was perfect for a summer night out.

The restaurant supplied the glasses and opened the bottle for us. The service was timely, personable and not intrusive. The evening was a very enjoyable experience. Pizza Grille will remain a Harrisburg BYOB classic.

Skewers - North 2nd Street, Harrisburg

316 North 2nd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-221-8220

How exciting to try something new in Harrisburg! Skewers is a catchy and fitting name for a grilled shish kabob place. Situated along the “upper end” of Restaurant Row on 2nd Street, this place is ideal for people-watching. Sitting outside you won’t miss any of the busy foot traffic.

Our meal started with very flavorful Romanian flatbread served with a delicious dipping sauce…the owner’s secret recipe. The bread was followed by what became my favorite part of the meal, yellow lentil soup. Even in the heat of summer, this soup was delightful. I could have eaten the bread and another bowl of this soup and called it dinner. I can’t wait to have this again.

My friend and I ordered two different skewers to share. She ordered the Dry Rub Salmon Kabob and I had the Lamb Boti Kabob. Both were wonderful. The lamb is from New Zealand. I bet it would have tasted good just by itself, but the spices really made it special. The presentation was beautiful. Two different sauces added color and flavor to the dish and a special chutney made a wonderful condiment.

Although we were quite full from the fair portions, we ordered dessert. Mangos and vanilla ice cream, and a very yummy rice pudding…definitely worth saving room.

We drank a 2005 Beaujolais-Villages from Georges Duboeuf – a nice, simple wine that did not compete at all with the flavors of our dinner. I think if I go again, I will bring something a little more dynamic. The flavors offered on this unique menu could definitely stand up to a bigger wine…maybe a California Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. Next time! Wine glasses were provided. The staff opened the bottle and served us throughout the course of the evening.

The wait staff and owners were friendly and attentive. They seem to enjoy working there as much as I enjoyed my dinner. And don’t think that because this is a BYOB that things shut down after dinner. Passersby late into the evening can get something fresh off the grill for a late night snack. The staff of Skewers brings the grill right out to the sidewalk on 2nd Street. I am sure the people-watching opportunities go up at that time of night!

The owner and his family relocated to Harrisburg to raise his family. He says he is committed to keeping Skewers as a BYOB, a refreshing alternative on Restaurant Row. I promise I will be back again.

La Piazza - Techport Drive, Harrisburg

3950 TechPort Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111
717-920-5175

This charming, locally-owned and operated Italian restaurant is located among the explosion of new shops and attractions near the Harrisburg Mall on Paxton Street in Swatara Township. The menu lists most of the usual items you would find in an American-Italian restaurant; but if you look carefully there are features from the Little Italy sections of many cities across the country. My friend and I both chose the “build your own pasta dish” item on the menu. We both chose the Puttanesca sauce – a delicious and unusual blend of tomato sauce with capers, black olives and garlic. Very flavorful. This particular version included something I never saw or heard of before – caperberries. This strange delicacy had both of us baffled until the chef explained what they were. They come with stems intact and resemble a small pepper with seeds inside, but tasted a lot like a green olive. They added an exotic twist to the meal…lots of fun.

My friend supplied the wine. She is a bit of a collector of wine and decided it was time to start drinking the 1999s before it is too late. We shared a bottle of the Beringer Founders Estate 1999 California Shiraz. It was a perfect match for our salty and savory pasta dinner.

There were a few glitches with the service that I would attribute to start up jitters, but this is certainly an excellent place to enjoy wine with friends in a casual and charming atmosphere.

Bayou - North 2nd Street, Harrisburg

1530 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA
717-236-1122
www.bayouonsecond.com

This place is fabulous! My dinner here may have been one of the best meals I ever ate in Harrisburg. The eccentric and unusual menu offers many delicious authentic New Orleans type dishes.

My friend and I decided to order several things and share them. We started with Oysters Rockefeller…very delicious with spinach and a flavorful sauce. The bread that came with the meal was very interesting. Served with honey butter, there were several “mini” muffins of unusual flavors. Yummy! We also shared the baby frisee salad with country ham-wrapped roasted peaches and Vidalia onion vinaigrette. What a wonderful combination of salty, sweet and savory flavors! For the main entrées we had the blueberry and black pepper BBQ pork spare ribs with roasted sweet potatoes and braised greens, and a “hot pot” of shrimp (whole shrimp with the eyes, heads and legs still attached), clams, gator (as in alligator), andouille sausage, crawfish and red potatoes and roasted sweet corn. The ribs were wonderfully sweet with just a hint of spice…very generous portions! The hot pot was all that stuff served in a flavorful broth. Also very generous. Way more than enough food for two people. Very authentic New Orleans fare.

The food at Bayou was amazing, but the most fun part of the evening was the unique wine we brought—Hot Sun from the Naples Winery in Florida. (Yes, there are wineries in Florida). This dry, white spicy wine is made from tomatoes and hot peppers. You can’t believe how wonderful this wine is until you try it. Check it out at http://www.thenapleswinery.com/wines.htm#HOT_SUN. It was the perfect match for our Cajun adventure.

The Bayou is very accommodating for BYOB. They provided the wine glasses and opened the bottle for us. Their very friendly and attentive staff kept it chilled and our glasses full throughout the evening. But one important note, they do not accept credit cards. Plan to bring cash or use the ATM stationed inside the restaurant.

I can’t wait to go back and try the Sunday brunch menu. I am sure it will be worth another blog entry.

Pizza Delight - Derry Street, Harrisburg

Pizza Delight
5840 Derry St, Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 564-5100

The Pizza Delight is my favorite place for pizza in the Harrisburg area, but I think the best thing on the menu is the Sausage Special sub sandwich. It is the same sausage and pepperoni that they put on the pizza but smothered with their excellent tomato sauce and stuffed into one of their fresh baked rolls. I always order it with cheese and sauteed peppers and onions. Not very diet conscious, but well worth the calories.

Just about any kind of dry red wine goes well with the Sausage Special. I have been there so many times I have probably tried them all from traditional Italian Chianti to bold California Zinfandel.

If you are inclined to try the pizza, I challenge you to try a white wine like a Pinot Grigio. It goes surprisingly well with the acidic tomato sauce. I especially like the wine chilled in the summertime.

The atmosphere at Pizza Delight is like any other sit-down or take-out pizza joint in America. It has bright lights, spacious tables and booths, but no tablecloths or candles. You walk up to the counter and order your own dinner, but the very friendly staff will bring it to your table. This may be one of the friendliest restaurants I have ever encountered.

Pizza Delight is inexpensive and the food is delicious. It is always BYOB, but bring your own corkscrew and your own glasses.