When you look at the ad for J’s GourAmaze you’re informed that it’s “The World’s Tiniest Department Store.” I would say “It Sure Is!!” But it’s a whole lot more!!
J’s GourAmaze is on High School Road in downtown Elkins Park. Surrounded by a number of good restaurants, across the street from Creekside Court and a terrific bookstore, next door to a busy health food store, this little shop is lit up like a Christmas tree all the time. It is tiny, but only in space. It is BIG in spirit, and a welcomed shop filled with magic (Yup, I said magic) and artisan foods. Clearly a destination worth the effort.
My sister and I travelled to J’s GourAmaze not knowing what to expect. I guess we figured it would be “tiny” and “packed.” We under- estimated both!!.
EnteringJay’sshoponewigglesyourbodythroughasnakeofawalkwayuntilyouareface-to-facewithhisbakingareamorelater.
As you walk, you pass through all sorts of magic games, cards, items…anything magic. We learned that magic is Jay’s first love magic
andcostumes.Hisisagreatplacetotakeyourbuddingmagicianforanykindofhood-winkingtricktheydesire.Andthey’llhearsome greatstoriesfromoneofthebestmagiciansaround.That’sJay.IgotthiscrazyweepingflowerthatIcan’twaittouseonmygrandkids. Itgavemealaugh.Nosquirtingwater,justfaintingattheslightmovementofafinger.
Now, as you pass through this packed maze of a magic kingdom, you’ll pass by a freezer filled with some of Jay’s specialties and baskets of his home baked bread, some of it gluten free. And yes, we were skeptical. talk about micro. His space is maximized beyond descrip-
tion. One has to experience it to understand it!! LOL!!
WecheckedoutthefilledfreezerandtooksomeofJay’shandiworkhome.Hemakeswhathecalls“StuffinPoppins.”Thindoughfilled withjuicybrisket,carmelizedonions,freshcarrots.Justlikeyourgrandmotherusetomake!Theseknish-likegoodieswereouta-sight. You’dbehappyyoumadethetriptoElkinsParkforthesecreationsalone.BUT,wealsopickedupanother“StuffinPoppin”filledwith kashaorgroats.Moistandagain,envelopedbythisjust-rightthindough.Delicious.Jayurgedustotryasweet“StuffinPoppin”.we
relented and brought home one filled with rice. Mildly sweet and moist, it was like eating a rice pudding dessert. Truth be told, we were so satisfied by the brisket and kasha, that we could only eat half of the rice pudding creation. He had some other options in the freezer and we’ll be certain to check them out during our next trip. and YES! we will be making another trip.
His breads are all handmade without any additives. HUGE in size, Jay suggests cutting what you want immediately and freezing the rest until ready to use. Rye, brioche, pumpernickle, gluten free, we came home with a loaf of everything. We were not disappointed. I urgeyou todo thesamejustkeep yourloaves eitherrefrigerated orin thefreezer.
Thefreezerisfilledwithotheroptions.Tobesure,wewillgivetheothersatryduringournextvisitandYES!Wewillmakeanother
visit. In fact, I’m thinking of shipping my brother and his wife some of these “Stuffin Poppins” to New York City. That’s how deliciously good they are!!
J’s GourAmaze is a destination you should check out. Whether you’re looking for some magic to wake up your life, or you’re looking for something really delicious to wake up your tastebuds, make that visit to the “The World’s Tiniest Department Store.” (Why not check out Jay’s special magic event on December 20. Call first for details. You don’t want to miss anything!!)
Closer to home we checked out Lorenzo’s Pizza Steaks & Hoagies in Southampton. With limited seating, we were able to get a table and dine in. The menu has all your favorites including steak sandwiches, hoagies, wraps, salads and even some dinner entrees. We
hit the jackpot with some recommendations from Greg, the delivery guy.
Immediately our eyes saw the pizza he was eating. Called a Taco Pizza, it had everything taco; meat, salad, tomato, overflowing with tacogoodness.Wecouldn’tsay“no”tothat.Asliceoftheirpepperonipizzahitalltheright“notes.”Domingo,theowner,tookthe two slices and cut it into three for we three ladies and, yum, we probably could have finished our meal with that!!! But there was more to taste!!
Greg suggested The Lorenzo parm hoagie; chicken cutlet topped with fresh mozzarella, vodka and pesto sauce. Judy thought we could share the Veggie Delight sandwich with sauteed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, spinach, tomatoes, onions & romaine let- tuce. Michele asked that they melt some cheese on top. And of course, we ordered fries!!!
We thoroughly enjoyed the veggie sandwich. Jam-packed with veggies. And the seeded roll was beyond delicious. The Lorenzo was filled with parmesan goodness, and was even better the next day as a leftover. The seeded roll was crunchy and satisfying as the “couch” for the hefty cutlet. I believe Lorenzo’s rolls are special to Lorenzo’s, so be prepared for a different hoagie-experience with that first bite. It’s really delicious.
We had a fun time at Lorenzo’s. I noticed their pick-up business kept the kitchen busy. Even so, Domingo was able to check in with us to make sure we were satisfied diners. And we were!!! We also had plenty to take home. Portions are substantial, so sharing is a possibility when ordering. Parking is easy out front. Hours for dine-in or pick-up are convenient.
Lorenzo’s is now serving full dinners and providing catering for your gatherings at home or elsewhere. Whether it’s a holiday celebra- tion or watching your favorite football team (better be the Eagles!!), Lorenzo’s can help you feed your crowd easily and deliciously. Just remember to tell them you saw them here, in the Uptight Suburbanite!!
J’s GourAmaze
7905 High School Road
Shoppers’ Village, Downtown Elkins Park
262-676-2442
Lorenzo’s Pizza Steaks & Hoagies III
955 Industrial Blvd.
Southampton
215-355-9500
