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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

The Harp and Fiddle

The Harp and Fiddle Irish Pub and Restaurant, York, Pennsylvania © Susqueats.com 2009

Among the influx of restaurants that are leading to the revival of the North George Street area of York is The Harp and Fiddle. When you want some authentic Irish atmosphere, food, and drink any time of the year, The Harp and Fiddle has you covered.

While it is a fairly large pub, The Harp and Fiddle has a number of nooks and crannies that allow you to have the intimite feeling that Irish Pubs are known for.

The rich dark bar and matching woodwork of the Harp and Fiddle was imported directly from Dungarvan Ireland. A pair of fireplaces also help add warmth to the setting.

General Manager Damian McGarvey swears by the authenticity of the Harp and Fiddle's recipes. You see, Damian was born and raised in Ireland and the recipes the Harp and Fiddle uses come from his mother's kitchen and were passed down through generations. In fact, mom McGarvey still crosses the Atlantic once a year to make sure the recipes for the Shepherds Pie pictured here and other items have the same authenticity.

This hearty Steak and Guinness Stew is made from Guinness Stout, aged sirloin, onions, carrots and celery cooked into a savory stew then served over scallion mashed potatoes. It is by no means mandatory to order this with a side of dark luscious Guinness Stout... but is there really any other way to have it?

Here in the States we often throw our sausages in a roll and slather them with peppers and onions... but in Ireland they let them speak for themselves. In fact, they speak so loudly that they call them "bangers." And then they shorten "mashed potatoes" down to simply "mash." That's it. Bangers and Mash isn't nearly as strange as it may sound. At the Harp and Fiddle they accompany their Bangers and Mash with vegetarian baked beans and a rich brown sauce. And again, I accompany mine with a Guinness.

The final selection on their Irish Favorites section of the menu is their Classic Irish Fish and Chips. They use fresh Atlantic cod and beer batter it, then fry it to a perfect golden brown. It is served with fries (chips if you want to be authentic) and a side of green peas. We moved to the bar for this shot -- it was closer to the Guinness refills.

While the Irish favorites are quite literally THE favorites at the Harp and Fiddle, they also offer a selection of more traditional American appetizers, soups & salads, sandwiches and entrees. Entrees include selections like Jameson Barbequed Smoked Ribs, Pan Seared Maryland Crab Cakes and the Walnut Chicken pictured here. And just because you're not ordering traditional Irish food, there is no reason you can't still order a Guinness!!

Upstairs at the Harp and Fiddle is a private banquet/dining room that is known as the Abbey. This area is suitable for parties of 25 or more and can comfortably accommodate 75 seated guests or 125 standing guests. The Gothic bar in the Abbey is also imported from Ireland.

The Harp and Fiddle
110 North George Street
York, PA 17401

717-854-4277

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Labels: banquets, full bar, Harp and Fiddle. York Restaurant, Irish Pub

photography © Tom Wenger Photography, LLC posted by Tom Wenger at 7:00 AM

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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Appalachian Brewing Company - Harrisburg

Appalachian Brewing Company Brewery and Restaurant, Harrisburg Pennsylvania © Susqueats.com 2009

In 1996 when the news was getting around town that an abandoned warehouse on North Cameron Street was being renovated into a brewery, it created quite a buzz. After all, it had been 45 years since Harrisburg could claim a brewery of its own. Due to neglect, substantial renovations were required. Upon opening in 1997 though, the 50,000 building that now housed Appalachian Brewing Company became one of the largest microbrewery/brewpubs in the country, and remains so today.

The lower level sports a large dining area as well as a large bar area. The North wall is entirely made of glass offering a full view into the brewing area. The bar features a seasonal selection of ABC's beers. Where ABC differs from many brewpubs is that they do not limit their patrons to their beers only. They allow their patrons the choices offered by a full bar as well as bottles of their competitor's beers. The bar also houses the "Mug Club" collection that offers club members special perks and discounts.

Not to be outdone by the brewers, the chefs turn out some quality grub. Here an order of Black and Bleu Pork Medallions is paired with a Trail Blaze Brown Ale. Trail Blaze is Pennsylvania's first and only Certified Organic beer.

Trail Blaze is one of eight flagship beers offered by the brewery year-round. These are accompanied by another dozen specialty beers that are released monthly and based on their seasonality.

Additionally Appalachian turns out their own Root Beer and Ginger Beer for those who want the fresh brewed flavor without the alcohol.

ABC (as the brewery is often referred to) offers a number of burgers and other sandwich options, pizzas, and a selection of hearty entrees. This Rockville Ribeye is juicy ribeye steak between two pieces of Texas garlic toast smothered with caramelized onion, mozzarella, provolone and creamy horseradish sauce. Behind it is their version of a liquid air conditioner. The perfect thirst quencher on a hot day - a pint of Water Gap Wheat.

The Sautéed Scallops offer a healthy portion of scallops on a bed of linguine that has been tossed with smoked salmon, artichoke hearts and asparagus and a garlic Parmesan tomato cream sauce.

With it is a pint of Jolly Scot Scottish Ale which lends its name from a beer made by R.H. Graupners Brewery, the last brewery in Harrisburg that had been located a block away from ABC's current location.

Like the brewery, the kitchen serves seasonal selections. This Smoked Salmon Plate is part of a special Irish Fest menu that turns St. Patrick's Day into a month long celebration. With it a Susquehanna Stoutt is ABC's own take of this Guinness-like style of beer.

In addition to the main floor, the ABC features a second level known as the Abbey Bar. The Abbey features over 50 Belgian beers in bottles and on draft in addition to their own fresh selection. The Abbey regularly features local and regional acts with no cover charge, a deck for enjoying the outdoors and pool tables. Off the Abbey is a banquet room for private functions.