Out & About With Linda
This month I checked out something newish in Morrisville, Yardley Distillery Tex-Mex Grill.
And for good reason!! Home to handcrafted spirits and great food, Nicole and Frederick Rabena have added another notch to their successful Yardley Restaurant Group.
Joined with friends, Roland and Diane, we had an extraordinary dining experience. We felt the excitement immediately upon entering. Taking the space of what was a Friendly’s Restaurant, you can remember how that family-friendly eatery was laid out. That means, there is plenty of bar space and modest table seating for diners. You have to arrive earlier, rather than later, if you want to be seated right away. A wait of sometime might be required if you arrive in the “heat” of the dining hour.
For us, it was a Wednesday and the time was about 5:30pm. The bar was filling up and the tables were starting to disappear. By the time we left, around 7:30pm, it was busy… bar filled and tables re-filling promptly. Our waiter was very helpful and described the ins-and-outs of their menu, specials, favorites and more. He gave us a moment or two as we dissected the menu. Drinks were a must…. the Distillery makes all of its spirits. Diane and I shared a flight of Margaritas. A four-piece sampling of the yummiest Margarita offerings: original, raspberry, peach and mango. We couldn’t decide which we preferred. Roland enjoyed something I had never seen before; a Smoked Old Fashion with Distillery bourbon, bitters, turbinado, bourbon cherry and orange wheel. And yes, it was smoking as it arrived at our table. Roland enjoyed and was very impressed with both taste and presentation.
There’s a variety of Tex-Mex appetizers available. We sampled two: Mexican Street Corn and Jumbo Wings. The Street Corn was a smashing hit. Grilled corn with cacique crema cotija and cilantro. The Crema was not soupy, but light and fragrant. Served with chips, it was the perfect introduction to whatever food we were about to eat! The Wings were more baked than fried. Delish! We can recommend both highly, VERY highly. Oh yes, Roland started with an order of the Chicken Tortilla Soup. He thoroughly enjoyed the mixins’ including chicken, rice, zucchini, jack cheese, avocado and tortilla chips. Another go-to when we visit again.
Truth be told, we probably could have stopped after our appetizers… but as always, we didn’t. LOL!! Diane and I ordered hamburgers. The Charbroiled Bacon Cheeseburger was loaded with everything. Burgers broiled to perfection, clearly a handful for anyone. And the accompanying fries were among the best I’ve had. (You know how I appreciate good french fries!!) Roland ordered a Fajita with steak. Served with red and green peppers, black beans and cilantro-lime rice, his platter was too much to finish.
Even though the room was filling up, we were allowed to enjoy our meal at a leisurely pace. And while the proverbial television was almost above our heads, it was not distracting and allowed us to have pleasant conversation. The noise level seemed controlled and manageable. And that’s a good thing!
We were able to see other plates delivered and decided our next trip would include an order of their nachos. Along with one of their specialty drinks, that could be a meal in itself!!
Yardley Distillery has daily specials during the week with very special prices: Monday is Margarita Monday, Tuesday is Taco Tuesday, Wednesday is their Wing Special and Thursday is their Hamburger Special. Hamburgers are $10 and a BIG BARGAIN. Go on a Thursday and be prepared to see everyone ordering hamburgers!! However, according to this writer, any day is a winning day at Yardley Distillery. Prices are fair, portions are hefty and the food is delicious. You can’t lose… unless of course, you don’t order dessert…so we ordered dessert! LOL!
We checked out the Churros. What a surprise! Crunchy and not too sweet, a great sharing dessert. We also ordered a chocolate brownie topped with ice cream. Yum! Double yum!
Yardley Distillery is a fun place. You get the feeling that people come often. Whether they visit the bar, which is definitely filled after 6:30 or so, or whether they enjoy a sit-down meal, this place is home to some terrific plates. Prompt, friendly service, good prices, hearty servings and an easy menu that anyone can enjoy, this is one Tex-Mex eatery that will not disappoint. Check it out. And remember, tell them you heard about them here on our pages. They’ll be happy to learn that the Yardley Distillery has become a go-to place for good food and good times according to the folks at Uptight Suburbanite and Carrier Pigeon publications! Thank you!!
Coming soon for the summer season is the Horsham Farmers Market. Located off Horsham Road in Horsham, in one of the Community Areas. this market is filled with local vendors, food trucks, fresh vegetables, etc. We checked it out during one of its final “winter market” days. A beautiful Sunday, crowds were abundant. All sorts of purveyors, lots of home grown cooks now providing goods for the public. The Three Legged Hare is the baby of baker, Sandra McCabe. Her specialty is Savory Pocket Pies. We checked out her Humble Spinach Pie filled with spinach, feta cheese, green onion, goat cheese parmesan reggiano, cilantro, and dill. Frozen, it could be heated up quickly and enjoyed with a salad and maybe a glass of your favorite white; yum!
Ella’s Gourmet “Hulless” Caramel Corn is just that, “hulless”. Offered in a variety of flavors, her Chicago Style corn is a great snack when you’re looking for a certain crunch. And Kismet Bagels was overwhelmed with customers loyal to this new local bagel. They’ve opened a storefront on the other side of the river, but have landed at the Horsham Market whenever it’s open. Looking for baklava, pierogies, specialty egg rolls and more, you’ll find it here. In addition to homemade soaps, artisan made breads, mustards…. the Horsham Market is a haven for all things made by start up entrepreneurs.
Check out the Horsham Farmers Market. Go indoors or circulate outside, you’re sure to find something that will peak your interest, and tickle your tastebuds. Take a bag to carry your purchases… and have fun!
Graduations are approaching and M & H Custom Framing and Gallery can help you with your gift giving dilemna. Owner, Karen Lentz, has the perfect frame for your diploma or handsome picture. And if you’re not in the market for a frame, she’s got a gallery filled with wonderful gift ideas for any graduating senior. M & H has become a favorite shopping spot for our gang. (It’s right next door to another favorite, the Mens & Boys Store) Check it out. And remember, please, tell Karen you heard about her between our covers. She’ll appreciate the referral.
So that’s it for now. Let us know if you agree with our recommendations. We’re off to uncover some more notable spots in our reading area. Stay tuned. We’ll see you in June. Did I say “June?” Yikes!
Yardley Distillary Tex-Mex Grill
897 W. Trenton Avenue
Morrisville, PA
267-799-5129
Horsham Farmers Market
Sundays Only
1025 Horsham Road
Horsham
215-443-2609
M & H Custom Framing and Gallery
318 York Road
Warminster
215-443-0968
