Ham & Eggs in the Pan (Swiftwater, PA)

While visiting Pennsylvania over the weekend, I decided to try the local fare. I dropped into a charming place around midday for some brunch. It is called Ham & Eggs In the Pan. A charming place right off highway 615 as you are driving through Mt. Poconos. After asking for the house recommendation, I sided with their Ham, Egg, with a white cheddar cheese sandwich on a brioche bun and a cup of coffee. It was warm, cheesy, and everything that I wanted it to be. The ham was well cured and not too salty but still consisted of the fresh finely cut piece that always makes me want more. I would have recommended a side garnish to pretty the plate a bit, but at $4.50, I was not complaining.

My partner on the other hand went with the Spanish omelet, which consisted of tomatoes, green bell peppers, white onions, jack cheese with a side of Rye toast. For an extra dollar, I asked the waitress to throw in some of their home fries on the side. It was crisp and clean, with finely cooked vegetables and a slight bit of salsa mixed into the omelet. The salsa was not over powering, but more of an interior garnish. (In future, ask for it on the side if you like your omelet hot and dry.) $8.75

Coffee: Standard, but good. I do not take coffee lightly. Everyone has a different way of preparing a house blend and it is important for the wait staff to understand that customers pay attention to coffee. If you have really good coffee, that alone can bring you good, consistent, and friendly business.

Service: Excellent- Hot coffee kept coming and wait staff was very attentive. Our server helped to make a balanced meal which was enjoyable and comforting.

Take Home: Ham, sausage, turkey, or even bacon!!!Cured and smoked on the farm!

(Stars 4): Breakfast/ Brunch/take-out

Ham & Eggs in the Pan

HC1 Box 101 off highway 615

Swiftwater, Pennsylvania 18370

570-839-6492.

Pasta E Basta (Amherst, MA)

Situated in the downtown of Amherst, MA, this Italian restaurant is two floors of nice kid friendly atmosphere, while still perfect for a first or second date. A good wait staff with attentive servers that will joke and still know what everything is on the menu. For a little place they have an excellent affordable wine and beer listings that pairs well with the rich and filling Italian foods.

As with most American Italian dishes- they are plentiful and rich with cheese. This meal was no exception, except the bread. Bread as a rule is the fresher the better... this bread however was a frozen and then re-baked which just doesn't cut it. There was a pleasant roasted pepper olive oil which was paired with the bread, but it was not enough to mask the hardened twice baked bread. (I would recommend consulting with the Black Sheep across the street for some fresh daily artisan bread or even ask them as a partner solely for updating the bread.)

For the main course the ricotta cheese with beef manicotti. The manicotti was everything I wanted it to be- rich, filling, fresh, and best of all there was a peppery kick at the end that was comforting and made me want to snuggle down with the rest of my white wine.

My partner had the white wine angel hair pasta with chicken and mushrooms. The sauce was not as flavorful as anticipated which was regretful, yet the chicken was well cooked and plentiful. The chicken was offset however by the mushrooms and cooked red bell pepper which didn't make the dish flow together. Good try, but a miss.

Overall, it was a good experience, as the waitstaff out performed the meal and I look forward to giving this spot another chance to make me eat my words.

( 3 1/2stars-***)

Pasta E Basta

26 Main Street
Amherst, MA 01002

(413) 256-3550