I always like to try new places and I always appreciate a short drive into Delaware County. Southeastern Pennsylvania is all about Philadelphia. There is a strong support for the Philadelphia sports teams. There is also a great appreciation of history. Our adventure this weekend took my wife and I…and another couple…to Media, Pennsylvania.
Media bills itself as “everybody’s hometown”. They claim it is much more than just a slogan - it also describes a very real state of mind. The town claims to be extremely friendly where it is customary to say "hello" as citizens and visitors alike pass each other on the sidewalk.
Media is the last suburban town in America with a trolley running down the main street. The brick sidewalks and tree-shaded streets encourage walking. The centrally located shopping district hosts a variety of stores, restaurants, and services, while the central location of the library, parks, houses of worship, and theatre place them all within walking distance for residents and visitors using the municipal parking lots.
Media also is the home of the Delaware County Courthouse, which adds another twist to this little borough.
In the frigid air that was this past Saturday evening, we parked in one of the municipal parking lots, fired up the meter with two hours of quarters (4 – 30 minutes each), and set out for a trek around the shopping district before making a B-line for the restaurant. There are many unique shops in town, and a lot of them are fair-trade stores (if you don’t know what that is or why it is important, Google it!). I secretly wonder how these stores survive – especially the ones that specialize in textiles or fabrics.
Anyway, there weren’t a whole lot of people smiling and exchanging pleasantries on the street this evening – apparently, there is a correlation between levels of friendliness and ambient temperature. As we entered the restaurant, the smartly-dressed couple in front of us was being told that it would take at least an hour and a half to seat them because they didn’t have a reservation. I chuckled to myself…huh, what a dumbass! I became distracted by the flat-screen TVs all around the lounge area tuned to the Flyers game – I felt myself drifting towards the bar, but was brought back by my wife, who tugged on my arm and flashed me the “start paying attention” look. We were seated immediately because we did have a reservation.
Momentarily after being seated, water glasses were filled, bread and olive oil were delivered, and a college kid named Chris introduced himself as our server. “What’s on draft?” was my first question…Miller Lite, Rolling Rock, and Bass…not necessarily the broad selection that I’m accustomed too, even at Outback they have at least 7! I’m sure that there were many options in bottles, but when I go out, I prefer the unpasteurized draught beer. So two Lites, one Rock, and one Bass was the initial order. When they arrived, it was two Lites and two Rocks – STRIKE ONE. We got that straightened out and proceeded to order. A round of salads and a round of entrees. Wine was requested with the entrees.
The mix of salads went around the table. My favorite was The Wedge – a typical steakhouse salad. Iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, crumpled bacon, gorgonzola cheese and blue cheese dressing. It was perfect – the bacon was so crisp and flavorful, it was as if I over-cooked it myself (good thing that’s the way I like it!). I also enjoyed the baby lettuce salad – field greens, gorgonzola, walnuts, apples and a really nice vinaigrette. VERY similar to the harvest salad at Panera Bread (and about the same price!). The Caesar salad was interesting - it exchanged garbanzo beans for croutons and included crispy parmesan cheese as an enhancement.
Attentive “staff” was there to clear plates and refill water glasses.
Typically, when you request wine to be served with the entrees, it arrives shortly before. Out of nowhere, our entrees appeared. Two steaks, blackened salmon, and gnocchi – but there was no wine. Where was our wine? Chris stopped back to the table, asked if we needed anything…I flashed him the “what the fuck is missing” look, and it immediately jarred the synaptic particulate matter beneath his scalp…”Oh, the wine…I’ll be right back”. Right back was 10 minutes later and we had already exchanged plates 3 times. Strike TWO.
The steaks were USDA “Prime”. A noticeably different texture and flavor than what you get at Lonestar, or Outback, or Longhorn, or etc…they were prepared EXACLTY as requested. The filet was medium rare, and the strip was medium. The accompaniments enhanced each cut. The potato and mushroom spring roll was perfect – gooey potato goodness oozing out whenever the fork hit the crispy shell. The provolone fondue added a nice cheesy-saltiness to the strip. The garlic spinach and polenta offset the blue cheese butter that was melted on the filet very nicely. The blackend salmon was a nice piece of fish. Good size, and great flavor – not overwhelmed by the spiciness of the seasonings.
The dessert menu was removed as soon as it was placed on the table – none of us felt the need for the additional calories and when I asked if the desserts were made in house, the response was “well, they’re assembled here” - which means no. At least it was an honest answer. Our total was in the $170 range, but if you knock out the booze, it brings it down to around $130…relatively inexpensive for a flavorful trip for four! And while there were some service hiccups, I would much rather have the ball dropped on the service end than the food end!
Bon appetite!
Stephen's on State
105 W State St
Media, PA 19063
(610) 891-8900
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