309 Lancaster Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355
Phone: 610-644-5551
http://cedarscafepa.com

Because Rocco’s is a drive-thru (though walk-up and call ahead are also available), getting these sandwiches inevitably leads to a moment, in the car, on the way home, where one is forcibly trapped in the car with the taunting aromas of sandwich bliss. As the smell of seared beef, melting cheese and freshly baked bread all meld together and waft upwards, it is certainly tempting to pull off to the side of the road and tear right into one of Rocco’s delicious steaks.

Once a safe location for eating has been found, it’s easy to determine that these sandwiches ($7-8) are the most authentic Philly-style cheese steaks the Main Line has to offer. They’re 100% Rib-Eye steak, sliced thinly and cooked fresh-to-order (expect to wait a bit longer than you do at Pat’s or Geno’s), then folded into a fresh Amoroso-style bun. For those used to to the chopped steaks served up by most pizza joints in the ‘Burbs, this may take some getting used to, but 77 years of success at 9th and Passyunk certainly should convince you give it a try. The beef itself is excellent — with a rich, beefy flavor, and just enough fat to add taste without creating tough gristle. The bread is insanely fresh, soft and pillowy with just a touch of chewiness to hold things together. But perhaps the most amazing thing about this sandwich is how greasy it is NOT — and because of this, that it doesn’t sit like a brick in your stomach for hours after you eat it (like so many other steaks). In sum, it is an incredibly flavorful, fresh sandwich and one of the finest steak sandwiches we’ve ever eaten.

We also tried the Roast Pork Abruzzese ($8), which contained sliced roasted pork, sharp provolone and broccoli rabe, on the same fresh bun. This sandwich also had a great deal of flavor, with the pork gravy, cheese and bitterness of the greens all coming together in each bite. Though this sandwich was excellent, it is harder to gush about considering how easy it is to find a great roast pork sandwich in the suburbs (see the Pork Mile) versus how difficult it is to find an authentic cheese steak in the same area. (Interestingly, though we didn’t try Rocco’s chicken cutlet, it seems unlikely that they can beat Primo’s cutlet, available just down the street.)

Which brings us back to the cheese steak: Rocco’s has a great one. Enjoy it.

Recently, PA State Senator John Rafferty has become the latest to challenge Pennsylvania’s strange and arcane beer sales laws in attempt to allow six-pack sales at beer distributors, grocery and convenience stores (read more about that here). In addition, it’s been just about a year since Wegman’s made a splash in the PA scene when it was announced they would be selling beer. Beer in the supermarket? In Pennsylvania? Amazing! The catch, of course, is that they got a “pizza place” license to sell up to 12 beers (or the equivalent) for takeout. Sales are only allowed in the food court area, not the main checkout aisle. Still, the fact that you can grab a sixer on a trip to the grocery store is certainly a big plus for PA residents (and a Wegman’s should open in Malvern in 2010).

After checking out the selection at Wegman’s (which is quite good btw, with a nice variety of imports and craft beers), and picking up sixers of Anderson Valley Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout and Hook & Ladder Brown Ale, I got to thinking about the other problem (aside from not being able to get it at the supermarket) with buying beer in PA — that you have to buy a case at a time (unless you want to pay $12 for a 6-pack of Bud at your local pizza joint). Who among us hasn’t gotten somewhat adventurous at the beer store, spending upwards of $40 for a case that looks great but you’ve never tried, only to come home and find out that it really isn’t all that good?

Is it so much to ask to be able to buy singles or sixers of beers that look interesting but are unknown, without making such a big investment? I knew there were a few places in the area that sold “mix your own” six-packs, so I decided to find out if this was a better way to buy beer (or at least a good alternative). Could I find single bottles with the selection offered at the Beer Yard? Would I have to break the bank to shop for beer this way? Read on to find out.

Michael’s Deli, King of Prussia
This unassuming deli features a wall of coolers featuring 6-packs, and 4+ coolers featuring single bottles. Around the corner, two more coolers feature large bottles of Belgian and other beers, such as Corsendonk and Brooklyn Local 2. Overall they had an amazing selection, with more (visible) beers than any place I visited. It was perhaps somewhat import-dominated, so I’d like to see them add some more US-based craft brewers. There was some kind of six-pack discount, but it wasn’t too clear to me what it was. I paid $16. Valley Forge Center – Rt 202; 610-265-3265; michaelsdeli.com

Ron’s Original, Exton
Through the “takeout” door, there’s a wall of coolers where two doors are devoted to single bottles, including some magnums. Another door has local craft six-packs. Although the selection was not the biggest we encountered, it was almost all seasonal. A trip in early September had me loading up on Oktoberfests and Pumpkin Ales. Beers are priced individually, but you get $1 off each beer you add to a six-pack. I paid just under $16. 74 East Uwchlan Ave.; (610) 594-9900; ronsoriginal.com

Flying Pig, Malvern
There is no big cooler to admire, just a written list of beers (100+), plus seasonal specials on the chalkboard. Grab a drink at the bar while you decide. The only drawback to their setup is that you have to tell the bartender what you want, which is not a huge deal, but kind of annoying, especially if you want a wide variety. 25% off bottle prices with a mixed six. I paid $17. 121 East King Street; (610) 578-9208

So, after sampling 3 different places, we learned that mixed six-packs tend to run around $16 each, or the equivalent of a $64 case. Most of the beers that we purchased would probably cost around $40 for a case, so clearly there is a markup here, but then again there is always a volume discount when buying food. Is it worth it? Well that’s really up to the buyer. I think we can clearly say that it is a nice option to have if you are looking to try a wide variety of beers… at least until someone changes our laws.

Other places that offer mixed six-packs with a large variety of choice:

TJs Everyday
35 Paoli Plaza Paoli, PA; 610-725-0100; tjsbeer.com

Gullifity’s
1149 Lancaster Ave. Rosemont, PA 19010; 610-525-1851; gulliftys.com

The Drafting Room
635 N. Pottstown Pike Exton, PA 19341; 610-363-0521; draftingroom.com

(comment below if we missed any, and we’ll add to the list)

Éclat Chocolate in West Chester has been featured in such high and mighty publications as Food & Wine, Vogue, and Philadelphia Magazine, so we here at MLD figured it was high time to add our name to that list.

A personal disclaimer before we get started: chocolate is one of my favorite foods, if not my favorite, however I have never been particularly fond of “chocolates” of the Godiva variety. I’ve never felt the need to put a funky-tasting cream inside what is already a near-perfect food. And yes, if you see a box of chocolates near me, you’ll probably see a thumbprint in the bottom of every single one, on the constant search for a non-offensive filling. Anyway…

We rolled into Éclat on a cold winter day, and were immediately greeted with a cheery offer for a free sample of “the best hot chocolate we will ever taste”. The unique aspect of Eclat’s hot chocolate is the way it is made — instead of using a powder, they use a chocolate lollipop type instrument (pictured above) to stir in the flavor to warm milk. Time for a quick lesson: Americans tend to use the terms “hot chocolate” and “hot cocoa” interchangeably, and by American standards this is an outstanding beverage. In Europe, however, while “hot cocoa” is the traditional beverage of chocolate powder stirred into milk, “hot chocolate” tends to be a much thicker drink that tastes almost as if you are drinking a melted chocolate bar. Clearly, Eclat’s version is closer to the Euro version, though it was not quite as rich or thick as those of the cafes in Central Europe. Even so, it is the best version one will find around here this winter.

Next we tried the dark chocolate “bars”, which are actually mendiants, or thin discs of chocolate, mostly pure 60-75% chocolate, but sometimes with additional flavorings like pink peppercorns. Though tasty, these were a bit too thin, which created less of a smooth mouth-feel that I look for in fine dark chocolate. Considering the price — upwards of $15 for 5oz., I’ll stick to Lindt and Ghirardelli.

Lastly we sampled a few of the chocolates. Not expecting much (as per my comments above), I tried a dark chocolate caramel — and it was out-of-this-world outstanding! The rich, dark chocolate and the deep, buttery, toffee flavor are simply a perfect combination, and the explosion of flavor that comes from a few small sea salt crystals only builds on said perfection. This is certainly a must-have on any trip to Éclat. I tried a few of the weirder combos as well — the red wine truffle and the passion fruit chocolate were interesting, but nothing spectacular, and the beer truffle, made with Victory Prima Pils, was just plain odd.

All in all, Éclat is an enjoyable place to go, with some excellent choices to match your taste. Try it next time you’re in WC!

More info: http://www.eclatchocolate.com/

This is especially interesting due to the fact that Ekta is owned by former employees of Tiffin, who are also opening soon in Bryn Mawr.

As we mentioned previously, Friday night Feb 5th is Foodapalooza II in Haverford. Tickets are $12 in advance / $15 at the door.

In addition, the first ever Taste Local Festival will take place at the Desmond in Malvern on Friday night and all day Saturday. The main event takes place Saturday afternoon from 12-3:30 and will include a sampling of local food, wine and beer (featuring over fifteen breweries and wineries), plus several “Savor Sessions” where you get to learn and taste unique food and drink pairings. In addition, there are pairing dinners both nights, a chili competition and more. Tickets start at $35.

Main Line Dine will be represented at both events, so we hope to see you out next weekend!

More info:
- Foodapalooza
- Taste Local

MIXX, the sister restaurant to Azie on Main (and part of the WIN Signature Restaurant Group) opened on Friday January 29th in the downstairs space that used to hold Maia in Villanova.

The menu concept is comfort food, with an average entrée around $10 and nothing over $18, and includes a full range of entrees as well as sandwiches, burgers and homemade brick oven pizzas. Some highlights are: Crispy house-spiced buttermilk fried chicken with mango coleslaw; Shrimp macaroni and cheese with rock shrimp and laced w/ cheddar and parmesan cheeses; Tender cornbread hush puppies with a honey-chipolata dipping sauce; BBQ baby back ribs with a Cajun dry rub and pineapple glaze; The signature MIXX chopped salad containing tomatoes, apples, avocados, cucumbers, red onions, bacon, walnuts, blue cheese with a honey Dijon dressing.

For more details, check out their website. (Why does WIN insist on having music on all their websites? So useless and annoying.)

Have you checked out MIXX in the early going? Post a review below.

Update:According to Michael Klein, records in bankruptcy court show that Fellini filed for Chapter 7 protection. Basically, it means that if approved, the corporate assets are sold and it’s done.

Thanks to readers Dave and Kander for the tips.

First Friday Main Line is hosting the 2nd annual Foodapalooza event, which includes sampling of great foods from a variety of local restaurants and a chef’s competition judged by local food experts.

Come enjoy a taste from these great restaurants:
A La Maison, Auspicious, Cafe San Pietro/Positano, Khajuraho, McCloskey’s, Panera, Primavera Pizza Kitchen, Trader Joe’s, Verdad , Whole Foods Market and many more.

Also, there will be a wine tasting by Majestic Wine and Spirits and more.

Date: Friday, March 5, 2010
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Location: Haverford Estates, 731 Old Buck Lane, Haverford, PA

Tickets: $15 at the door or buy online $ 12, just choose Foodapalooza 2 as the Donation Type.

The auction runs through Tuesday, January 26th at 4pm.

Auctions for each restaurant can be viewed here. Bidding starts at $9.99.

Participating local restaurants:

Restaurant Alba in Malvern
Gypsy Saloon in West Conshohocken
Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Center City and King of Prussia
Savona in Gulph Mills
Stella Blu in West Conshohocken

… and many more in the Greater Philly Area.