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Monday, October 15, 2012
Center Plate Restaurant Takes Center Stage
Below is a review of new restaurant managed by Penny Folino that I wrote for the Roving Pittsburgher Report. Penny is an excellent example of a busienss owner who had difficulties..but has survived them and is making a great come back. Way to go Penny..you are back where you belong..in business.
Center Plate Restaurant Takes Center Stage
by JoAnn Forrester
94 Center Church Road, McMurray, PA 15317
724-260-5300
Penny Folino
Penny’s back and are we glad!
Below is a review
This past Saturday, TechnoGranny, Joanne Quinn- Smith and Nano Granny, JoAnn Forrester, took a ride over the hill and through the woods to Penny Folino’s new restaurant, Center Plate, in McMurray Pa. It is easy to get to, right off Rt. 19 South at 94 Center Church Road. It was a beautiful fall day and just right for a drive. And if you had to get lost (and we did, no matter what TechnoGranny says), it was the day for it with a brilliant blue sky, comfortable temperatures and a full tank of gas.
It was a great day to eat at a new restaurant. I am so glad that Penny opened up shop again. This lady knows how to make you feel special and serve you scrumptious food. Hooray for Penny!
We had a great time talking to Penny Folino and her partner, Lenny, as they told us about opening the new place. They emphasized how everything is cooked from scratch and everything is fresh and made there under the supervision of Executive Chef Matthew Hellen. As we talked, we sampled the food. Oh my! It was good! So good that both Joannes stopped talking just to eat for at least 10 minutes. Now that is some kind of record. Two Greeks and an Italian not only stopped talking but stopped gesticulating with their hands.
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| Penny and Lenny, Co-owners |
Center Plate is open 7 days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. We sampled a wide variety of food, from appetizers to soups to dinner to desserts. Every dish was very satisfying. Penny and Executive Chef Matthew Heller have put together a menu meant to please - and it certainly does.
For starters you have to try the crab cakes - no breading, no fillers, just crab cakes deliciously seasoned. Then the Bougatza Meat Pie, another fantastic item. The Avolegmo (Lemon soup) has just the right touch of lemon, you gotta try it.
Sausage Rustica: Pasta with fresh tomatoes with a vodka sauce, roasted red peppers and onions. A dish you must taste.
Now the main courses. I went for one of the great dishes on the Mac & Cheese Board, Mac & “Balls:” Penny’s homemade meatballs, chopped up and baked macaroni and cheese with Parmesan cheese and butter bread crumbs. Better than Mom used to make. I also sampled the Chicken Marsalla. For those who love Chicken Marsalla it’s a must try.
After all this food, we tasted a dessert: Chocolate Pie and Almond Torte. What can I say? They were the final touch of a great evening.
The menu is reasonably priced and for those who live in McMurray, I am jealous. For the rest of us its about 6 miles South on Rt. 19 from South Hills Village. Catering is also available for your special holiday needs..or anytime you want to serve a special meal.
Oh! By the way, Penny will be having a wine dinner on November 8 from 6 to 8:30. A good way to taste wines and the foods that go with them. Nice treat for special clients and those for whom you wish to do something nice.
In short, folks, make your way out to Center Plate in McMurray Pa. It is good to say, “Well, Hello, Penny.”
She is back where she belongs.
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