DINING OUT

Delicious Diversity 3 FABULOUS FOOD DESTINATIONS

BY MARIAN FRANCES WOLBERS

It’s a fact: with ever-increasing restaurant diversity in Berks County, diners have very good reason to celebrate extraordinary dining treasures close to home. Treat your palate while sailing across continents in your mind, and head to these three superior locales.

Rangoli Street Food Café

Ready to swoon Bollywood-style, bowled over with the sheer joy of amazing flavor? Call Rangoli! Welcoming (and fun to know) are owners Krishna and Meg, who are — rightfully — very busy. That’s because the chai, naan, dal and even their samosas are made by hand. The Exploding Samosa plate is unique: Warm crust of the samosa pie and its delicious filling, with round peas poking forth, contrasts with cold toppings strewn everywhere — cilantro humming amidst chickpeas, sliced sweet white onions, chopped tomatoes, brown tamarind sauce, tart white yogurt… indescribably satisfying. Butter Chicken comes in a metal bowl, hot chicken bites covered with the softest of gravies, to scoop over fragrant, tender, longgrained basmati rice. Krishna asks with a broad smile: “How hot would you like your dish — from 1 to 10?” If wavering, he can adjust from a mild 3 to “almost 4” to please your palate. Many dishes are vegetarian. Do try the gloriously golden Cauliflower Korma entrée. Serving it at level 4 on the heat scale, Krishna asks, “How is it?” He then teases, “If you cry, I do have bread and milk in the kitchen!” Traditionally spicy warm chai and cold mango drinks can’t be beat.

212 W. Lancaster Avenue Shillington 610.743.5040 rangolistreetfood.com

More online!

See our web exclusive on the Rangoli’s devotion to filling hunger gaps in the Berks community.

Spoonful Thai Bistro

Just over the Penn Street Bridge in downtown West Reading is the charming Spoonful Thai Bistro where, on a recent Sunday, eager patrons lined up to dine a half-hour before the restaurant opened. The explosively delicate flavors of Pad Thai are what first attracts new patrons, relates the chef. Famous for its complex, aromatic flavors and textures built around a base of thin noodles with egg, topped with crunchy bean sprouts, scallions and peanuts, this dish depends on being super-fresh to work its magical mouthwonders. Also wildly popular are Drunken Noodle: Pad Kee-Mao, flat-rice noodles pan-fried with garlic, egg, bamboo, onions, broccoli, bell peppers and basil. Chef points to sweet and spicy Red Curry and Crab Fried Rice, both bestsellers as well. This welcoming, cozy destination is within walking distance of boutiques and art galleries.

Café de Colombia Restaurant & Bakery

At this mother-daughter restaurant located within blocks of City Hall and the Santander Arena, Café de Colombia delivers a steady stream of traditional Colombian-style dishes as well as their own spin on grilled steak and hamburgers. Owned and operated by a mother-daughter team — Rubi and Karol Valencia — this destination is hopping busy. “We have two chefs and two line cooks, and a total of seven people running the restaurant,” says Rubi. “We are busy at lunchtime, and busy at night, doing dine in and take out.” When there’s a show at the Arena, the kitchen works nonstop, she relates happily. “It’s because our food is always fresh. People can taste the freshness in everything we make.” With four types of Fried Rice, entrees like Milanesa de Pollo (Breaded Chicken Breast) and Carne Asala (grilled steak which “melts in your mouth” says Rubi), all it takes is one visit to be hooked. The number-one seller? Bandeja Paisa, a traditional plate containing rice, beans, grilled steak, sausage, pork skin, yellow plantains, avocado and corn cake. “It’s pretty big — has a lot of stuff in it,” says Rubi, “and it describes Columbia up and down. Colombians like to eat a lot! We serve very big portions.” Cazuela de Frijoles is also a draw, but “second most popular is the Pechuga en Champinones — Chicken in Creamy Mushroom Sauce,” says Rubi. “That one is delicious. Everybody loves it.” The Café also specializes in mango, passionfruit and blackberry fruit drinks.

615 Penn Avenue, West Reading 484.878.2941 spoonful-thai-bistro.business.site 645 Penn St., Reading 610.301.2673 cafedecolombiarestaurant.com

DINE AL FRESCO

930 Pike St., Reading 610.373.6616 | pikecafe.com

Stop in at The World Famous Pike Café this summer season and enjoy lunch or dinner in our outdoor dining area. We’re renowned for our delicious Bell & Evans all organic wings offered in a variety of sauces, as well as our popular fries. Choose from Truffle, Thai, Pike, Old Bay, Cajun and more. Bring your friends. We can’t wait to see you!

Warm temperatures and extended hours of sunshine combine for the perfect outdoor eating atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to enjoy lunch or dinner, something casual or even fine dining, there’s a place to do it outdoors in Berks. Here are just a few.

Trooper Thorn’s Irish Beef House

451 Morgantown Rd., Reading 610.685.4944

It’s time for Paddy’o season! Trooper Thorn’s deck bar and deck tables will be open for service through mid-October complete with a new summer cocktail menu! Our authentic Scotch-Irish pub also serves import drafts in proper 20-ounce pints with specialty prices throughout the week. Delicious weekend dinner specials are available, and brunch is served Sundays from 11am-2pm. Enjoy our weekly happy hour 4-6pm and $4 Corona Premier drafts all summer long!

Dans at Green Hills

2444 Morgantown Rd., Reading Reservations: 610.777.9611 | dansatgreenhills.com Wednesday through Sunday

Relocated from downtown in 2012, Dans at Green Hills has been well known as one of the best restaurants in Reading. We serve a contemporary American cuisine with a French influence. We take pride in giving you a great meal and excellent service. Our patio is now open, weather permitting. Make your reservation today to enjoy a unique rustic setting in beautiful rural Berks County. See you soon!

The Bridge Inn Pleasantville 3 Covered Bridge Rd., Oley THE BRIDGE INN PLEASANTVILLE 610.689.5818 | bridgeinnpleasantville.com 3 Covered Bridge Rd., Oley 610.689.5818 | BridgeInnPleasantville.com

Enjoy delicious steaks, seafood, chicken, pork and pasta entrees, as well as vegetarian selections in our charming outdoor dining area this summer, complete with fountains, ferns and flowers. Pair your dish with a seasonal cocktail, draft beer on tap or a bottled craft beer. Reservations required and taken at 610.689.5818. Enjoy delicious steaks, seafood, chicken, pork and pasta entrees, as well as vegetarian selections in our charming outdoor dining area this summer, complete with fountains, ferns and flowers. Pair your dish with a seasonal cocktail, draft beer on tap or a bottled craft beer. Reservations required and taken at 610.689.5818.

Anthony's Trattoria

900 Byram St., Pennside 610.370.2822 | anthonystrattoria.com

Outdoor dining days are here. Don’t miss the opportunity to dine al fresco at Anthony’s Trattoria! Nestled within the Pennside neighborhood, Anthony’s patio offers a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy seasonal specialties and authentic Italian favorites day and evening. Come enjoy the fresh air, inviting atmosphere, cozy lighting, fabulous food and friendly service. Reserve your table!

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