TimesLeader20171030S001

Luzerne County Business News: Oct. 30, 2017

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People in your neighborhood: Sara Gorgone Peperno, Wilkes-Barre Association for the Blind

<p>OLD FORGE &#8212; Oftentimes when we think of Old Forge, we think of it as being the pizza capital of the world.</p><p>But if you&#8217;re looking to expand your palate for a night out in the borough, I have just the spot for you.</p><p>Find your way to Anthony&#8217;s on South Main Street and you&#8217;ll see what I mean &#8211; even if it&#8217;s an off night, like a Tuesday, as a dining companion and I did on a recent night.</p><p>Walk through the front door and see the long bar with regulars chatting and tables of four imbibing in appetizers, or saunter through the back into a spacious dining room that oozes intimacy. Either way, you&#8217;ll be greeted with a hello and a smile from the staff, and possibly a hug, as many regulars were on the eve in question.</p><p>Upon entering through the back that evening, the wait staff couldn&#8217;t have been friendlier, as they asked us which area we&#8217;d prefer to dine in. We chose the back room for its candlelight ambiance and relaxed environment.</p><p>Jen, our lovely waitress, was quick to offer us a drink. Known for my love of gin, I ordered a Tanqueray and tonic and was pleasantly surprised to see it come out with perfectly bubbly tonic water and just the right twist of lime. My companion chose a house Cabernet, which she knew would complement the homemade pasta she was about to enjoy.</p><p>Besides the quick service upon entering and the natural likability of the restaurant, we were impressed with the curly pasta waiting at our table. Sprinkled with broccoli and chick peas on top, a light and garlicy seasoning caused us to devour it.</p><p>As we perused the menus, we noticed many choices we swooned over, because in addition to the regular, everyday menu, a special features menu also was available.</p><p>Starter choices included Long Hot Peppers, Lobster Ravioli, Basil Clams, Italian Clams and Spaghetti Squash. My companion immediately set her sights on the Spaghetti Squash, which was much more than just some spaghetti atop squash. It came served among jumbo shrimp and fresh asparagus with marina. Needless to say, it was large enough to be a meal. I went with the Long Hot Peppers, which came covered in prosciutto and provolone cheese, causing my taste buds to sizzle. Both were hits at this table of two.</p><p>In between bites and sips of libations, we caught up on our day and relished in the relaxed atmosphere, where we felt anything but rushed &#8211; truly the perfect way to end a busy Tuesday.</p><p>As we finished our appetizers, a sweet bus girl cleared the table for dinner, and we were ready for more.</p><p>Next up: the dinner menu. Think pasta, seafood and steaks. The options were numerous, and it proved to be a tough choice for us as the potato-encrusted salmon with horseradish cream sauce, Italian-style haddock in a lemon and butter sauce, and veal francaise with lump crabmeat and asparagus were considered. Also pasta lovers, we debated the gnocchi with meatballs and fettucini alfredo before making our final decision.</p><p>For my dining companion? The chicken piccata with capers, accompanied by a twice-baked (or double-baked) potato and green beans. And for me? One of the many dinner features: the pumpkin ravioli, an ideal selection for an October evening.</p><p>Once our order was in, the bartender made her rounds to the tables, asking how everyone was doing. As we chatted about our evening and choices for the night, she decided a pumpkin martini would be the perfect addition to my meal.</p><p>And she was right. It was delivered filled to the brim and tasted like a glass of vodka-infused mocha pumpkin delight. Heavenly.</p><p>Both plates &#8211; and by this time, glasses &#8211; were empty within minutes. Not because my companion and I are fast eaters, but because the meals were so savory and fresh it was hard not to devour quickly.</p><p>Now the biggest question of the night: Could we find room for dessert? As Jen brought the dessert tray our way, I could tell it would be tough to turn everything down. From pumpkin cheesecake to mocha almond crunch, the tray was filled with homemade goodies. We settled on the peanut butter lush, a special treat adding whipped cream and chocolate pudding with a cherry on top. To say it was a glorious way to end our evening would be an understatement.</p><p>Jen thanked us graciously for coming in and welcomed us back if we come to Old Forge again. My companion and I decided it will forever be marked as a stop on our dining destination map.</p><p>See you soon, Anthony&#8217;s.</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>Times Leader Staff</p></bylineMeta></div>

Distinctive Palate: At Anthony’s Restaurant, taste the homemade scrumptiousness