Out & About
This month is all about “adult things,” except of course when I indulged in ice cream, which could be defined as an “all-age thing!”
I shared a few meals out with my cousin, visiting some old haunts as well as some that are a bit newish…. All were fun and delicious.
We checked out the Green Parrot in Newtown. I really like that whole area filled with interesting shopping and neat looking houses to-boot. What is the new jargon: work-live spaces? Yup! Newtown has the making of that kind of space.
Anyway, it was a week night so the restaurant was just filling up around the time we were ready to leave. Good for us, because the service we hankered for was something fun and mildly filling. The Green Parrot satisfied both. The onion soup we ordered was delicious. Melted cheese that we pulled out of our bowls until we had to tear it apart with our hands. You know that feeling, right? The soup/broth was perfectly seasoned. Sometimes onion soup broth can be strong, almost salty. Not so our bowl here. It was just what we were looking for.
We shared an order of the Philly Egg Rolls…yum! It was like eating your favorite cheese steak with a knife and fork. Stuffed, REALLY stuffed, with marinated rib eye steak, fried onions, American cheese and served with sauteed onions, we lapped up the egg rolls in due haste. Very good and certainly would recommend this dish. Of course, we had to wash down the roll with a shared bottle of Blue Moon. Joyce has made me a fan of Blue Moon!!! A half bottle suited us both as we were driving this evening.
The Green Parrot is a longtime fixture on the main drag in Newtown. But it’s clear they recognize the need to stay menu-current and watchful regarding service. They are not a tired old restaurant. As diners file in, they remain a most serious contender among the best of restaurants in Newtown, and well worth another visit in the near future. Thank you!!
The next week we dined at Oishi in the Village Newtown Shopping Center. First off, the Center is jam packed with shops, restaurants and anything else you might be looking for. And it always looks busy.
Oishi specializes in Japanese, Korean and Thai cuisine. Even so, I believe if you are like me, and don’t really like raw fish in your sushi, you can definitely find something delightfully satisfying in Oishi’s menu. Available are your standard Teriyaki, rice specialties, Tempura, rolls, noodle specialties and of course, Oishi Signature dishes. P.S. They also have gluten free dishes by request.
We each ordered a dinner Bento box. What fun!! The box is described as a sampler of house specialty items served Bento style, accompanied by steamed rice, soup or salad. Perfect for checking out the best of Oishi!
For my main dish, I ordered Bulgolki; a chopped meat dish, gently spiced and very satisfying. I also ordered the vegetable tempura, lightly fried that was not greasy, but very hefty. Not the breading, but the veggie inside… and the avocado with miso dressing was light and tasty. All of these elements, the Bulgolki, tempura, rice and avocado were served in a wonderful sectioned plate making its presentation really inviting. Our lips were smacking!!! Joyce made one change to her box by ordering the meat dumpling, lightly fried… And yes, the accompanying salad had my favorite ginger dressing. This was a BIG meal and its presentation was very special. Our meal was tasty and fun. (By now, you all know how I like “fun!)
Again, it was a week night. Oishi was busy. And while the servers bustled about, they remained attentive to their tables. It was a great dining experience and I will definitely return.
I noticed that I ate a bit more of my Bento box than Joyce… didn’t understand why. As we left the restaurant and were approaching our car in the parking lot, Joyce suggested we check out a brand new ice cream place in Newtown, Yardley Ice House. She knew what was coming!! LOL!! For me it was a total surprise.
Apparently Yardley Ice House has another location in Yardley. They just opened in Newtown, literally, only a day or so before we went there. Lines were already out the door, again on a week night. Soft serve, water ice, ice cream, cones, cups, etc… right on the main drag, I’m certain you’ll need to have patience in the heat of summer when you go there.
Their water ice is more solid that Rita’s Water Ice. Not sure what that means in terms of taste. It looked just as inviting… we got soft serve which is my preference. I got a kid serving which was perfect after my delicious meal at Oishi. Joyce’s was not so kid-small!!! LOL!
You’ll want to check out Yardley Ice House, and while you’re there get their Frequent Buyer Coupon. After you buy a number of medium or large items, you’ll be awarded a FREE medium water ice at either Yardley Ice House location. P.S. I don’t think it will be that hard to become a Frequent Flyer, especially as the weather heats up!!
Newly opened is the Franklin Mills Flea Market, just off Knights Road. I was sure to be there on opening day and was pleased to witness the excitement of both vendors and customers. A beautiful Sunday, it was busy from early morning. Clothing, some old and much new, brand new VANS sneakers, fruits and vegetables… you could by a box of mangos for $1! I call that a DEAL! I found a little tricket to add some color to the bracelets I wear everyday, and purchased these really neat hand-held fans for my grandchildren and their friends. I also noticed some great housewares…. brand new and priced CHEAP!! People were busy filling their cars and SUVs with furniture. I’ll definitely re-visit.
Parking is easy. It’s situated in a different part of Franklin Mills, near the Burger King. By the looks of things, that whole center is undergoing some big changes. The flea market is an attractive addition, open on Sundays through the Fall. You can look for more information on page 6 of this issue.
Finally, I shared an indulgent visit to Scoops and Spoons, a newish ice cream parlor in Southampton. They carry only the best: Bassett’s Ice Cream. My sister enjoyed her scoop of Peach ice cream nestled next to Coconut. I got the Full Monty… a sundae! After all, I had to report back, to you our readers!!! My sundae was delicious. One scoop of Vanilla combined with a scoop of Raspberry Truffle… little bits of chocolate truffle scattered throughout the ice cream. Topped with REALLY decadent hot fudge, whipped cream and of course, a cherry, I can’t remember when I enjoyed such a treat. (But it was for the cause!! LOL!)
Scoops and Spoons offers space for parties. And who doesn’t like parties? Order ahead and take home a specially prepared ice cream cake for any occasion. They’re open everyday, so there’s no reason to go without ice cream when you have that craving!!! By the way, the regular 2-scoop serving was HUGE. Both Michele and I enjoyed a bit of our treat at the parlor, but took over half of the serving home for another time. ( And I did…. even added some more vanilla ice cream to that wonderful fudge!!)
Check out Scoops and Spoons. Turn to their ad on page 23 for more information. And remember, please, tell them you saw them here between our covers.
So, that’s it for now. I’ve already started thinking about my July itinerary. Stay tuned. It might surprise you!! See you then…
The Green Parrot
240 N. Sycamore
Newtown, PA 18940
Franklin Mills Flea Market
Liberty Plaza
90 Franklin Mills & Liberty Bell Blvd
Just off Knights Road
Oishi
2808 South Eagle Road
Newtown, PA 18940
Scoops and Spoons
Hampton Square
362 Second Street Pike
Southampton, PA 18966
Yardley Ice House
156 N. State Street
Newtown, PA 18940
