MONTCO win15

19 Bella
ture in street food.”
This exciting concept, finally catching on throughout the region,
introduces modern takes on the street food enjoyed around the globe.
We have our hot dogs, but Mexicans love churros, and you’ll find
falafel in the Middle East, báhn mi in Vietnam, BBQ jerk chicken in
Jamaica, crêpes in France, puri in India, ceviche in Peru—you get the
picture.
So Smashing Plates will offer an array of small and larger plates
originating in Latin countries (Baja Fish Tacos, Sopa Leventa Muerto
“to raise the dead”), Asian (Nan Flat Bread, Shrimp Pad Thai, Kung
Pao Tofu & Broccoli, Korean Kalbi BBQ Pork Belly), as well as
kabobs (like Moroccan Lamb Kabobs) and street dishes from elsewhere
(Flamkuchen German Flat Bread, Belgium French Fries), and
the like.
Our most recent dinner at 19 Bella, in the restaurant’s del Prado
extension (where breakfast and lunch are usually served), resembled
such a dining adventure, as we enjoyed Cuban Empanada Picadillo,
stuffed with prime beef, peppers, raisins and olives with a sweet and
sour tomatillo sauce; the aforementioned Lobster Tacos; the special
Puffball Mushroom sautéed with chorizo, tomatoes, fresh herbs and
white wine; Grilled New York Sirloin, served with the chef’s fabled
truffled Bearnaise; and Pork Parmesan, served with oven-dried
tomato, Parmesan and truffles pecorino cheese.
Stuffed, we decided to skip the excellent house made desserts
(which include a classic New Orleans-style Bananas Foster, chocolate
mousse, pumpkin cheesecake and warm apple turnover) until our
next visit—which won’t be soon enough!
As far as ego is concerned, the chef has virtually none. To compliments
about his marvelous cuisine, he modestly replies, “I guess I
got lucky again.”
Although nothing matches in this totally idiosyncratic bistro—
plates, glasses, flatware, tabletops—and the décor may be a cross between
a country inn and highlights from your grandma’s attic—19
Bella is a charming, matchless BYO in every way that matters. And
that includes informed, cheerful service, reasonable prices, unforgettable
ambience and a menu at the top of its class—anywhere in the
world.
19 Bella is located at 3401 Skippack Pike, Cedars, PA 19446 (use Worcester in
your GPS); 610-222-8119; www.19bella.com. Breakfast at 19 Bella & delb Prado:
Monday–Saturday, 8–11 a.m. Lunch: Monday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Dinner:
Monday–Thursday, 5 – 9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5–10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m–9
p.m. Sunday Brunch: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Customized banquets, catering available.
Themed dinners (French, Moroccan, Israeli) every other month. Reservations
highly recommended, especially weekends.
Joseph Ambler Inn
there is also the unmistakable lure of Chef Blackney’s kitchen. More
than 600 guests gathered at the inn for this year’s annual three-course
Thanksgiving dinner. Like Valentine’s Day—when the inn, with its
warming fireplaces, original exposed stone walls, handcrafted cherry
tables and Windsor chairs, becomes the most romantic spot in the
county — holidays are especially popular at the inn.
But even for a simple family dinner or a double-date, the restaurant’s
eclectic New American menu never fails to satisfy. At our most
recent meal, at which we enjoyed the company of Richard and Janet
Allman, the gracious couple started with a stunning Wedge Salad,
with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and pancetta, dressed with lemon Stilton
and drizzled with balsamic; and Eve and I shared the Asian-styled
Sesame Crusted Yellowfin Tuna, paired with vegetable nori rolls and
wakame salad, kissed by sriracha mayonnaise in a soy ginger glaze.
Then came the entrées. For her main course, Janet ordered the
inn’s signature appetizer, aromatic Chermoula Basted Lollipop Lamb
Chops, served with a sweet potato haystack and fresh cilantro cream,
while Richard ordered the 8-ounce Filet Mignon, another unbeatable
house specialty. Topped with caramelized shallots and gorgonzola
cheese and served with garlic mashed potatoes and house baby vegetables
in a Cabernet wine compound butter, it was probably the best
filet I’ve sampled in years.
In keeping with long-standing tradition—it’s been a menu favorite
since the restaurant opened in 1983—Eve ordered the Pan Roasted
Chilean Sea Bass, topped with lump crab meat and a rich English
pea risotto. My entrée, at the recommendation of the chef himself,
was the wonderfully sweet Pan Seared Sea Scallops, served over Japanese
sticky rice with grilled asparagus in a perky navel orange sriracha
vin blanc.
From the ever-revolving dessert menu, we shared the pastry chef’s
delightful Cinnamon Apple Bread Pudding, topped with caramel
sauce, and a huge sundae glass of rich homemade chocolate ice
cream.
Also noteworthy at the inn are the award-winning wine list;
Thursday Seafood Specials (including the likes of Steamed Littleneck
Clams, served in a broth of white wine, garlic, fresh basil and tomatoes
with grilled ciabatta bread); and the Three-Course Prix Fixe
Lunch ($25), Monday through Friday, and the Three-Course Prix
Fixe Dinner ($39), on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. You can also
bring your own wine on Fridays and Sundays.
The handsome Joseph Ambler Inn is a gem, a sparkling bastion
of cultured service, fine dining and community involvement that invites
repeated visits to enjoy its multifaceted charms.
Joseph Ambler Inn is located at 1005 Horsham Road, North Wales, PA 19454;
215-362-7500; www.josephamblerinn.com. Lunch is served Monday – Friday,
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lite fare in JPub: Saturday & Sunday, 12 – 4 p.m. Dinner:
Monday – Saturday, 5 – 10 p.m.; Sunday, 5 – 9 p.m. Happy Hour in JPub: Monday
– Friday, 4 – 6 p.m. Available for catering, private parties, business luncheons.
Reservations recommended weekends.
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