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mod*betty

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Posts posted by mod*betty

  1. I've actually been to the Rofo Han twice in the past 2 weeks and had the usual high standard of tasty food there both times. RetroRoadhusband was not able to make it to either of those visits so when we were in Exton tonight we decided to stop in at that location so he could get his fix.

    Alas, the food was not up to par with what we had had there before, and also not as good as the Royersford location. It was still tasty, mind you, but not on the same bursting with flavor level as the food I had on Monday near home. I also noticed that the menu seemed to have been scaled down from what it was last time we were there.

    One thing that does somewhat irk me now that there are 3 Han Dynasty locations in the "chain" that all 3 of them do not serve the same dishes, or the dishes are kind of the same, but different.

    Case in point - we tried to order the dumplings in hot chili oil that we're addicted to up in RF, but Exton said they did not have them, just wontons in chili oil. We got those and the wontons/dumplings appeared to be the same thing, but the chili oil sauce was not up to par with the delicious sauce we were used to.

    Also I ordered the Spicy Noodles with Minced Pork (as it is called on the menu) and the waiter said "oh you want the dan dan noodles". I had just had the dan dan noodles in Royersford a few weeks ago and knew I didn't want them, and actually knew that the Noodles with Pork were a different preparation that I prefer to the dan dan noodles. What arrived at our table was in fact what I had hoped to get, the Spicy Noodles with Minced Pork.

    Anyone know why the menus are different and why they all wouldn't just offer the same things? I'd love to be able to get the noodles with pork without having to drive to Exton :-)

  2. We were thinking of going last night but weren't sure if the tasting that Han had mentioned was still going on. Thanks for posting the photos, they definitely make me think that we'll be heading there sometime soon and trying some of the dishes you had! Hope to hear about the next tasting so I can put it on our respective calendars.

  3. Bumping this thread up because I was on the Cajun Kate's website and noticed that today and tomorrow is/are their 3rd anniversary! We love the food and make the detour to eat here (or in the car) whenever we're vaguely in the neighborhood on a Fri or Sat.

    We'll be there today as a matter of fact- around 6:30 or so, as we're meeting there to play Pass The Dog (he's coming up from Reho with the dog and going to the shore for a gig, I'll meet him there and bring the pup back home with me)

    Any EGulleteers in the hizzouse seeing a couple both with short hair and black rimmed glasses- it's probably Cliff and me. Please say hello! I know I spied Holly there the first time we were there, but was too shy to introduce myself :-)

    mmmm, shoefly pie and now excellent Cajun- today was not a diet day for sure!

  4. Went to HD2/Rofo on Thursday night solo, as hubby was busy. Had "not your mother's chicken and dumplings" and a nice chat with Han. Seems as if he's going to be doing a once a month tasting night, so I signed up on the mailing list. Thought folks here would be interested! He also had incredibly kind words for both Jeff and Percy, and the eGullet gang in general. I have to echo that sentiment, as I would not have known about this gem of a place without you guys!

  5. Had my first Sketch burger tonight on my way to the Root cocktail competition at Silk City. 

    No thread hijack but Katie, please let us know how the Root event went!

    Burger content- looks delish but an 8oz burger is a big one for me. Holly's recommendation on the fries makes me want to try 'em out tho!

  6. thanks both! The cukes I saw didn't look like the upthread ones, but those look like something that would fit the bill. We'll have to order the wontons next time we're in Exton, but it seemed like the chili oil sauce was different from Rofo as well. All good stuff though!

  7. we went to han dynasty tonight for dinner (the exton one).  the food was better than it has been in a long time.  not sure if they brought in a new chef or the old one was on his game, but we had a super meal.  taiwanese sausage & garlic, wontons in chili oil, chicken with hot dry peppers and shredded pork with pickled chilies.  we usually have enough to take home for lunch, but the hub and i scarfed down everything.  my lips are still tingling and my tummy's happy.

    Were the wontons in chili oil the same as in Royersford? I ask b/c when we were in Exton a few weeks back we wanted the dumplings in chili oil and did not see them on the menu. They made up some for us but it was more like "peking ravioli in oil with a bunch of spices that should've made it hot but didn't really" - I found it a bit disconcerting that 2 locations of the same resto would not have the same stuff on the menu. Love the chicken with hot dry peppers at both though!

    Another Q about the Exton menu now that I think of it- I think I saw someone eating a dish that looked to me like a shredded cucumber, does this ring a bell with anyone? I was thinking if there was something cool and tangy like that, it would make a great accompaniment to the fiery chicken we love so much.

    Damn, now I'm hungry! :-)

  8. I was driving by Satchmo's this morning and theres a big "for rent" sign in front. I couldn't tell for sure if they were closed.

    Best,

    Mike

    We were there a couple of weeks ago and I am 99% sure the For Rent sign is for the place next to Satchmos, it used to be an ice cream/candy place. Though I do think Satchmo's could improve their signage and positioning so you could notice it more from the road.

    For some reason I was thinking that Satchmos might even expand into that space? Can't remember if there was something in the window that indicated that.

  9. Word around the Ville is that Bridge 101 is unexpectedly closed

    http://www.aroundphoenixville.com/

    Interesting, will have to swing by to see if it is indeed closed. I hope they reopen with a renewed spirit and the quality that accompanied their first opening - and that they are able to maintain it.

    It is a great space and it deserves a great restaurant.

    I was just reading the comments on the aroundphoenixville thread above and it seems as if it will reopen as "Baxters @ Bridge 101".

  10. I am afraid it looks like there is a drop in quality at Bridge 101 - both on the ingredients and execution front, resulting in an unappealing quality to price quotient. When most entrees are in the $28-$34 range, which is towards the high end for Pville and the competition surrounding you is offering much more innovative and better executed food at a more reasonable price point, it is time to wake up.

    The $12 mussels appetizer had exactly 6 molluscs served on a bed of what seemed like crispy tortilla strips.

    gallery_21049_162_33539.jpg

    The "exotic" mushroom salad had cold mushrooms found in most supermarkets and was drowning in dressing.

    gallery_21049_162_44271.jpg

    The $28 diver scallops had nice sized scallops, but seemed like they were seared (and some edges burned) ahead of time and were sitting out as they were not warm and almost soggy (could have happened it the scallops were placed under a tap).

    gallery_21049_162_30386.jpg

    The medium Angus burger was obliterated until it was gray through and through. The fresh fries offered a glimmer of hope once the excess salt was wiped off.

    In retrospect we should have demanded more and sent some of the dishes back, but we were hungry so we chowed on.

    Dessert was some coffee and a tummy ache.

    Word around the Ville is that Bridge 101 is unexpectedly closed

    http://www.aroundphoenixville.com/

  11. Not knowing the workings of resto sourcing, I am puzzled by the inability to get the rolls of my native land. However if you want me to go to Stop & Shop and load up on 'em the next time I'm up there just say the word!

    Hubby and I stopped by the OH on Wed and had a more than serviceable Sidecar and Gimlet (alas not mixed by our fave Katie) as well as some of those belly clams. Clams were probably the best I'll get 'round these parts and should be grateful for that, but were a bit more coated than I'd like, masking some of the belly goodness. Hubby liked the fact that they weren't as greasy as the ones I usually enjoy up home.

    Here's a photo of what I'm pining for (in my post below)- and horrors to me, they're from RI and not Mass!

    http://retroroadmap.com/2009/05/04/clam-sh...-in-restaurant/

    mmmm....clamshack roadtrip.....

  12. Can folks help me out with the Philadelphia/Penna tradition of the big goblet of crackers and horseradish-

    History?

    How/when are you supposed to eat them etc?

    First time I saw them was when we moved to PA, never up in Mass, I'm at a loss!

    (and hoping to go to the OH tomorrow night- whee!)

  13. If you mean Glen Mills I stopped by last year.  It was good, not great.  In that area I prefer Mabel's in West Chester or Pig Daddy's in Drexel Hill.  I was a little put off that the smoking is done for them, off premises.

    They do offer a "Redneck Cheesesteak" using smoked brisket.  Sounds interesting but haven't tried it yet.

    Actually I noticed after I posted it that they have 2 locations, Glen Mills & West Chester, we'll maybe check it out, but thanks for the heads up Holly!

  14. Made another stop at the Exton Han Dynasty for my deep-fried shredded beef fix.

    <snip>

    We made our monthly pilgrimage to HD2 last night and also had the deep-fried shredded beef. We think it should be renamed, deep-fried meat candy, so tasty!

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