Diner Week Critique: Sebastianelli’s (Eynon, Pa.)

Review | Written and photographed by Nathan Mattise

Directions | Web site | Overall Rating: 3

You’d probably never stop at Sebastianelli’s for breakfast if you’re from outside NEPA.  It’s a large ranch style building covered in brick with words like “steaks” and “seafood” lining the top.  It looks like an upper-end restaurant for the area complete with a fish market, not your ideal place for bacon and eggs. Like everything in NEPA though, it’s a bit quirky and you need a local to clue you in.

Well, Sebastianelli’s is no longer associated with a fish market. It’s nice but certainly not upscale and I’d argue it’s become more Sunday morning family breakfast haven than evening restaurant during my lifetime. It’s a staple in Mattise family holiday visits and the most recent trip was no exception.

Old Forge Pizza means home for the holidays

Food Essay and Links | Compiled by Nathan Mattise

The holidays season is quickly approaching which means travel plans are quickly arriving. “Home for the Holidays” is a concept that seems to resonate no matter who you are or where you’re from. The concept incorporates friends, families,  unique traditions… and food.

My December always means a visit to the greater Scranton, Pa. area.  Northeastern Pennsylvania subtly offers strong cuisine like wings, Sheetz, coneys,  etc.  The undisputed king of my hometown food scene is Old Forge-style pizza however.

Every time I’m there I need a “tray” (that’s right, not “pie”) of either Lou’s or Andy’s. I can settle for Duke’s, Barrett’s or even a grab-and-go from the “Archbald Express Mart” (a.k.a. Propst’s)  as well.  It’s a distinct approach only available in NEPA – typically square cuts, sweet sauce, multiple cheese blend, softer crust and as good cold as it is hot. A slice of it feels like home as much as (or probably more so at this point) sleeping on mt parents’ couch.

With Holidays 2010 already underway or just days away, what food makes you feel at home in your area?

Diner Critique: The Diner at Tannersville (Tannersville, Pa.)

Review | Written and photographed by Nathan Mattise

Directions | Web site | Overall Rating: 1

No matter what your genre, the art of criticism is difficult. It’s simply easier to be negative and people seem to want to consume that opinion. I was taught an entirely different approach based on always going into an endeavor looking to enjoy. If that didn’t happen, then it’s time to criticize.

I’ve never had to give out a “1″ for any of my diner critiques, but the Diner at Tannersville proved there’s always a first.

Middle Ages’ Anniversary, Alton Brown’s Anniversary, Padma’s split and lots of Pennsylvania junk food.

Food Links | Compiled by Nathan Mattise

• Syracuse’s own Middle Ages Brewery is celebrating its 14 Anniversary this fall. Only seven more years until it can legally consume itself?
  

• It’s not quite as old as Middle Ages, but Alton Brown’s Good Eats will turn 10 this fall. Get out your video camera to plea for why you’re a top notch fan and you could join him for his anniversary taping.

• Unfortunately, Top Chef’s Tom and Padma won’t be celebrating any double-digit anniversaries with the show. Padma is leaving Top Chef in the near future to pursue… a sitcom?

• Finally, this week foodies celebrated National Junk Food Day. Just one more reason to brag about being from Pennsylvania – the nation’s go-to state for junk food.

Diner Week Critique: Dino’s Breakfast & Lunch (Eynon, Pa.)

Review | Written and photographed by Nathan Mattise

Directions | Web site | Overall Rating:  4

Ever notice that even  top-notch celebrity chefs on the Food Network or Top Chef still claim nothing is more satisfying than their mother’s cooking?

Growing up in Archbald, Pa., my mother’s cooking consisted of Sunday breakfasts at Donovan’s or Sebastianelli’s. When I was finally old enough to branch out on my own, I needed a place to satisfy my own angsty teen hunger. Thus, Dino’s Breakfast & Lunch entered my life and became the go-to establishment for missing first period to grab an omelet instead.