On the Menu

Courtesy Arlecchino
The Veal Chop Milanese is paddled, pan-fried in clarified butter, oven-baked and finished with colossal lump crab meat, toasted pignoli and lemon scallion butter.

Courtesy Arlecchino
The Strawberry Coconut Mojito and Lemonberry Tini at Arlecchino.
The Heart of Italy
Sourcing local is a top priority for Chef Jonathon Vlasic of Arlecchino Ristorante in Peters Township. Situated in the former Schoolhouse on Route 19, the artisanal restaurant’s menus change nightly featuring an array of local offerings, including oxtail from 84 Packing in Eighty Four and fresh produce from Simmons Farm. Customers flock for the Veal Milanese – a tried and true staple all year long. The natural double-cut rib chop from Marcho Farms in Souderton, Pa., is patted, crumb-coated, pan-fried in clarified butter and baked in the oven. It’s then topped with colossal lump crab meat, toasted pignoli and lemon butter. “The truth of the matter is it’s very simple,” says Vlasic, who is the driving force behind both Arlecchino and Alla Famiglia in Mount Washington along with his wife, Brandy. “We pound it to about a half to three-quarters of an inch, so it’s still juicy inside. It eats very well.” The culinary team crafts seasonal favorites like fried green tomatoes and uses delicious vegetables from Bedner’s Farm like zucchini, eggplant and lettuces. As the season changes, squashes and stone fruit are coming into play. The team experiments with fresh fruit in their recipes and as garnishes, as well as in their cocktails at Bar 1904, which overlooks the main dining room from a beautiful, cozy balcony. For a lasting taste of summer, go for favorites like the Strawberry Coconut Mojito, made with muddled strawberry and mint with lime juice, coconut rum and soda, or the Lemonberry Tini, a concoction of muddled strawberry, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and Citron Vodka with a sugar and lemon zest rim. And bonus! The patio is open year-round and able to accommodate parties of up to 40 for a private function. It’s not too soon to be planning that office holiday party! For more information, visit arlecchinopgh.com.

Courtesy Juniper Grill
The Peach & Chicken Salad at Juniper Grill.
Just Peachy
Through Labor Day, soak up the stone fruit days at Juniper Grill. The Peters Township restaurant is featuring its annual Chambersburg Peach menu. Find delicious options from Peach Sangria and Peach Salsa (accompanied with salsa verde, fresh guacamole and white corn tortilla chips) to Peach & Chicken Salad, served with candied pecans and Gorgonzola over organic mixed greens tossed in a peace vinaigrette and a Berkshire Pork Chop, served with peach chutney, Yukon Gold mashed, and roasted vegetables. Savor a sweet finish with the Peach Pie Skillet, a signature dish topped with cinnamon oats and Sarris vanilla ice cream. Can we share? For more information or reservations, visit junipergrill.com.

Holly Tonini
Holly Tonini
The dining room at El Dorado boasts high-top tables and big screen televisions.
Winging it
If you’re in search of delicious chicken wings – and who’s not in the mood for great wings? – it would be worth taking a trip to El Dorado Bar on Route 837 in Monongahela. “It’s what we’re known for,” says co-owner Todd Klinger. “The people who come in here usually come in for wings.” For the past five years, the establishment has earned Best Wings in the Valley honors. Customers can choose from traditional and boneless wings with about 15 sauces or seasonings, including Cajun ranch, Carolina gold, sweet buffalo and a seasonal ghost sauce. The bar’s two cooks also whip up a variety of soul-satisfying sandwiches and bar-style dishes – baked Italian hoagie, gyro, fried bologna, grilled cheese sandwich and Eldo fries – while three bartenders serve up cold beer from six taps, along with mixed drinks. For more information, visit facebook.com/ElDoradoBar. - Karen Mansfield
August 18
Yoga on the Farm
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse, McDonald
724.926.2541
bednersgreenhouse.com
August 25-26
Corks & Kegs Festival
The Meadows Casino & Racetrack, Washington
Washington, PA
corksandkegsfestival.com
September 28-29
Washington Italian Festival
Community Pavilion, Washington
facebook.com/WashPaItalianFest/
September 28-30
Great Pumpkin Weekends
The SpringHouse, Washington
springhousemarket.com
September 29-30
Cecil Township Fall Festival
Cecil Township Park
724.745.2227