Tony's Restaurant and Pizzeria

    One of our favorite destinations for pizza and great Italian food is Tony's Restaurant and Pizzeria in E. Stroudsburg Pa.  Tony's and I go way back to the 1960's when Tony and his brother opened a pizzeria in the old Edwards Sporting Goods store (my first baseball mitt was purchased here)  in the Fenner building on Crystal St.  It was located across the alley opposite East Stroudsburg Hardware.  The back of my dad's tv store was directly behind the hardware store.  Many trips for lunch and dinner were made to Tony's.  A slice and soda was .50 cents back then.  When PNC bank purchased the corner property to build a drive up and parking lot Tony's moved up to 57 Crystal St. with the Town Clock moving  to the Boro building.

      My first slice of pizza was at Teddy's Tavern when it was located almost under the Inter-Boro bridge.  It was wiped out in the 1955 flood and relocated on 2nd street at its present location.  I was treated by my Aunt Arlene and cousin Linda.  The pizza was hot and a little burnt on the bottom, but tasted good.  Over the years pizzerias came and went.  Some of my favorites were Leggeries (the best sausage pizza ever), Albinos, The Square Bar, and Gargone's Bakery (I use to pass the bakery on my walk home from school and would get a slice or a brownie).  My good friend Jules Kniolek and I would even drive to Old Forge (before rt. 80) to a  restaurant name Reba's for a square homemade pizza in the famous Old Forge style. We would buy a few of them and have them for breakfast the next day.  Tony's has remained one of the best!
      We dine at Tony's regularly and I like the manicotti, stuffed shells and the antipasto is tasty.  You can get half portions of the meals.   Sometimes I will get a half portion and order a meatball with it.  The mussels are also very good.  Great cheesesteaks and subs.  You can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
       Tony's is clean and Armando always has a good sense of humor.  No more waitress service, but the food comes out fast and hot.  We always see friends and locals there.  Sometimes we take a bottle of wine for special celebrations.  For take out you can call 570-424-0911.  If you haven't been there give them a try!     
    

Pott's Doggie Shop

    I was in Nazareth Pa. Tuesday and had the opportunity to stop by Pott's Doggie Shop for lunch.  Located on Rt. 191 (307 Broad St),  One of my favorite hotdog stands.  It was busy with workers and some older customers picking up lunch.  I ordered 2 dogs with the works (chili, onions and mustard), They do have other condiments.  I also ordered Good's potato chips and a med. Pepsi.  All for under $5.00.  The order came quickly and I went across the street to the park with picnic benchs.  Some elderly fellows were there and one said to me "sure is hot weather" and for 20 minutes we talked about the weather as I ate the chili dogs.  It was serendipity!   I realized this is what the retired old guys do. 

    Back to Pott's Doggie Shop.  The chili dogs are fantastic.  They remind me of Patella's Texas Weiner (know by locals as the greasy spoon).  It was were I had my first Texas weiner and I still remember it! I use to go there after football games.   Patellas's was located on N. Courtland St. in E. Stroudsburg near Brewskies. Long gone, but the memory lives on.
    Pott's has 2 other locations. Northhampton and Bethlehem.  They attend fairs and community events with their great hotdogs.  Writing this I'm thinking I could eat one now!

"Fried Farts and Garlic"

    When I was a kid my Mom would be preparing dinner and I would ask "Whats for dinner Mom"?  I would get the answer from her "fried farts and garlic"!  We would all chuckle and patiently wait for her to serve us dinner.  It was never the meal she told us she was cooking.
    Years later I would take my 3 kids to the babysitter.  She was a older lady and was always cooking something at her kitchen stove.  I said to her "Nanny what are you cooking"?  Her answer was always "fried farts and garlic".  We would all chuckle and I would head to work. 
    The question I present is... Is this a localism or do they say this in other parts of the country?  I think it could be like our local term "cunnerman".  Only the locals know that one!  It could be one of those long ago sayings like "Adam and Eve on a Raft" or the famous military meal "Shit on the Shingle". 
     I can safely say that I never saw it on a menu and I've never had it served to me.  I'm almost sure I never ate it!  Please help me out on this one. 
     In the mean time I'm going fishing in the Brodhead Crick!

Jane's Ice Cream and Eatery

     Tonight we recieved a phone call and invite to Jane's Ice Cream and Eatery in Snydersville.  Since nothing was started in the kitchen we accepted the invite.  We've been there for ice cream, but never a meal.  A nice evening for a meal on the deck at Janes.
     I ordered a pizza cheese steak, fries and a Pepsi and Bev ordered a cheeseburger basket.  Our friends had a cheesesteak and spicey chicken sandwich.  It all came out quickly.  The cheesesteaks were really good.  About 8" and loaded.  The fries hit the spot.  Bev's burger was tasty and the spicey chicken sandwich was hot.  Ended the meal with CMP'S and Bev had a soft cappaccino ice cream.  In case you don't know what a CMP is (and alot of people don't)  It is a sundae with marshmallow, chocolate syrup and crushed peanuts.  I remember getting them at the Sweet Shop on Crystal St. for 25 cents. Long, long gone!
     Saw some people we know there and visited with them.  Had a nice dinner, outside with great company!

     Jane's Ice Cream and Eatery is located on Bus. 209 and Neyhart Rd. in Snydersville, Pa. (just pass the Stone Bar).  Stop by for a nice lunch or light dinner fare.

The Cook's Corner

    I've been encouraged to start a blog on Pocono Mountain restaurants.  My wife and I dine out frequently and I've been posting our experiences on facebook and twitter.  Maybe it is time to get serious about it!

    My first blog will be our Friday night destination.  The Cook's Corner in Henryville, Pa.  Dave and Cindy Cook had The Cook's Touch in Mountainhome and closed a few years ago.  It was a favorite restaurant of mine.   I was happy to hear they opened The Cook's Corner at a new location on route 715 and Cherry Lane Church Drive in Henryville. 
    Smaller then the original location you may have a short wait.  We were seated quickly and greeted by our server.  Ice tea ordered and it comes  in a Mason jar.  Bev ordered shrimp and crab cakes in a pesto tomato sauce, colored carrots and sauteed zucchini.  I had a cup of ham, bean, and cabbage soup.  Chopped sirloin burger with fried onions, sauteed zucchini and french fries.  Tasty rolls were served and soon came my soup.  I was very please with it.  Homemade and tasty.  My burger was done just right and everything else was delicious.  The shrimp and crabcake dish was excellent.  The sauteed zucchini was fantastic.  Bev is going to try to recreate it at home.  Her carrots were done just right.  Small carrots in various colors. No room for desert.
    Our server was attentive and quick.  Refills on the ice tea.  The owner came by and checked on us.
    The restaurant is quaint and warm.  Prices are resonable for this quality of food. Local artwork on the walls adds to the atmosphere.  We always see local friends there.
    This is our second visit.  We had lunch last month and it was so good we came back for a evening dinner.  Planning on returning.  You won't be dissapointed.