The Public Opinion Soapbox

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2265 Location: Chambersburg

I'd like to do my own, informal reviews of local restaurants. Not to take anything from Ms. Hersh, but someone needs to criticize too. But I'll try to be fair; and I encourage you to do the same. I've already learned about Tito's Taco's here and will try them out, so this is a good opportunity to talk about local places you like, or don't like, or recommend or have suggestions on.

We should also criticize long-standing local places that refuse to improve their food and/or service. Perhaps this could be the only place to vent such frustrations and maybe, just maybe, institute some change.

Should we do this all from one thread, or create new threads for restaurants.

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 490

hanginout · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 77

Give Wing King a try. Located in the strip mall across from PFCU on Wayne Ave. Wings are prepared fresh to order. Cooked right, but not dried out or over-juicy. Great selection of sauces and all at a fair price.

Wings come whole, including all three sections. Lightly seasonsed, so naked, with sauces on the side for dipping, is my choice.

Not much seating, so to-go is the way!

My opinion:
When Stoner's and McDonalds are voted the PO's #1 choice(or whatever they call it), you know the the term "cuisine" was not part of CASHS curriculum.

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 490

continuing on my negativity theme, someone told me that copper kettle used to be good?

armed_citizen · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 212 Location: Chambersburg, PA

I'll have to give Wing King a try. I've driven past, but haven't stopped. The above review makes it worth a try.

One of my 'local favorites' is Edith's Pizza. I remember going there as a kid. When it changed to 'Fauvel's', then back to Edith's again, I figured the pizza I remembered was gone. Not so! I was happy to find the same style of pizza I enjoyed years ago. Everyone may not care for it, but if you do, there's no other place to get a pizza like that in Chambersburg (that I know of).
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Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2265 Location: Chambersburg

I went to Wing King last weekend for the first time. I was mostly impressed; no one was there, mostly because seating is limited as was pointed out, but the place was clean and respectable. Honestly, I thought it was a little over-priced at first... and I still do, but the wings are pretty large with all three sections included and they were pretty juicy.

One thing I did see, while I was there, someone called and inquired about delivery and the proprietor (or whoever was working at the counter) told them that their driver called off. I'd see wing deliveries as being a pretty lucrative part of their business, so I hope they get a new drivers... especially since this was on a Sunday.

The sauce I got, and I forget what it's called but it was their "signature" sauce, mumbo jumbo or something... it was good, not very buffalo wing like. Sweet and spicy, but not quite bursting with flavor. I'd like to try other sauces they have. I'd probably go back and give it another try.

As for the Copper Kettle, I haven't been there in about a year, and why? If i'm going to spend that much on a meal, I'd much sooner drive to Harrisburg or Frederick for something unique. Like I can't get prime rib and crab cakes anywhere anymore. I even think The Orchards, for upscale dining, is far superior to the Kettle. Their menu is much more original.

postaff · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 118 Location: Chambersburg

It is fine to give an opinion of area restaurants, but be careful not to accuse anyone of legal violations because that could be libelous.

LeftField · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 10

I'm sitting here trying to think of an interesting restaurant in Chambersburg to comment on, but I honestly can't think of one. I don't think that there's any point in commenting on a chain restaurant (Applebee's, Red Robin, etc.), they are what they are and everyone pretty much knows what to expect from them.

So I'll comment on the restaurants that I frequent. I don't think that any of this is that interesting, but maybe it will be informative to someone.

Montezuma's has a couple dishes that are usually very good (tacos de carnitas, Montezuma special, the cheese dip) and the service is the best in Chambersburg (that's not saying much, but they are very attentive).

Rosalie's paninis are good and I think that their strombolis are the best in town. I wasn't that impressed with their pasta dishes or pizza.

Caretti's is my favorite pizza in town and they have excellent subs.

Best Way pizza is the worst pizza I've ever tasted in my life. How can they make Pizza that bland?

The Italian Village has good pasta dishes. They have a red sauce with bacon in it (Amatricana I think it's called) and a creamy pesto sauce that is pretty good.

Norland Pub is my favorite place for wings; try the honey hot sauce.

The Cottage has generally good food, but nothing sticks out in my mind to comment on.

I've had sushi from the Ginger House and it didn't kill me but I wasn't that impressed. I think that Mei Lin's House in Shippensburg has sushi that is a little better, not much, but the House of Kobe in Hagerstown is the closest place to go for decent sushi.

The Copper Kettle is over-priced, but they have a decent lunch menu. If you ever go for lunch and they have the seared tuna chef salad as the special, get it.

I've had good meals at the Orchards, but haven't been there enough to really comment on it.

I just spent a couple days in D.C. and I had better food at the hotel bar than I get most "upscale" places in Chambersburg. Payed a little more for it too Wink

Me!!!!!!!! · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 295

Path Valley Restaurant is really good "home cooking". Trust me you get your moneys worth plus more but they don't accept credit/debit cards.
It is located on 75 at the blinking lights...well worth the drive!!! Razz

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2265 Location: Chambersburg

Me!!!!!!!! · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 295

Hey copay. They have unique dishes that the local restaurants dont have. Stuffed flounder w/ crabmeat and stuffed shrimp, mancotti and many others. And once in awhile I get tired of cooking ahome cook meal and what woman doesn't. I don't call any of the fast food joints good food!!!

.45chel · Joined: 26 Oct 2007 Posts: 2750 Location: Chambersburg

Tsk, Tsk.
Never underestimate the power of a homecooked meal. I cook and I'm not too bad at it, no Top Chef, but not horrible --- but 7 out of 10 times I'll take someone else's homecooking over mine!
In a little hole in the wall in Augusta, GA near Ft. Gordon is a place called Calvin's, a soul food cafe. Man, oh man, his broccoli casserole, biscuits and fried chicken...I don't know if I would've slapped my mama, but I'm glad she wasn't there just in case!

Now, don't get me wrong, some people are out there serving food that just shouldn't. How they stay in business is beyond me and I don't want to happen upon one if I have other choices, which is why this board is very important to me!
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I demand euphoria!

local_bru · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 11 Location: Chambersburg

I'd recommend the Caledonia Bistro for fine dining (previously known as Pat's Pub and Grill).

Very quiet setting, located on route 30, just a few short miles east of Caledonia.

I patronized the establishment when it was Pat's (I don't believe things have changed much). It's a little pricey, but well worth the money! They have steak, italian, and seafood dishes (their portabella mushrooms are to die for!). They have a great selection of domestic and imported beer. You could also enjoy a glass of wine or a small cup of coffee with your meal. It was a cozy atmosphere and overall was a very relaxing dinner.

I'm not big on eating out, but for those of you looking for a succulent meal and are tired of the mundane chain restaurants, I encourage you to check this place out. Like I said, it's not cheap ... but the experience and food are unmatchable for the Franklin County area. Probably one of the area's best kept secrets.

Coppy · Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 2265 Location: Chambersburg

Caledonia Bistro is excellent; the menu is unique, the food is delicious, however their real selling point (for me) is their beer selection. You can get some real Belgian ales there, served in appropriate glassware. A rarity in this area.

I had a Rare Vos out of Ommegang when I went, but the money beer would have to be the Westmalle Trappist Tripel a had served in a large goblet glass which is typically served with Tripel style Belgian ales. It's a Trappist beer because it is one of just a few breweries that are run by monks inside an actual monastery, following a tradition that dates back centuries. The beer in unfiltered so there is typically some sedimentary yeast in the bottle from the brewing process; some people don't drink it, but I do... it's liquid bread!

The menu also complements their Belgian beers quite well.

Very Happy

hanginout · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 77

[quote="anonymous_coward"]continuing on my negativity theme, someone told me that copper kettle used to be good?[/quote]

The key to your comment is "used to be good". How true, in my opinion!

Jack had a nice place to dine, have a drink and enjoy the crowd.

Went downhill fast and isn't much more than a dimly lit Stoners.