Restaurant Review: Manayunk’s staple restaurant is definitely Winnie’s
If the Summer Sangria I devoured at Winnie’s is any indication,
Manayunk definitely means, “where to go to drink.”
A crisp white with infused pineapples was the perfect way to toast the Dine & Dish dinner I was invited to this week with fellow bloggers and food instagrammers. In fact, my first “industry” event since joining Philly Review. I was NOT prepared for the feast that Ms. Winnie, herself, hosted for us.
Here we go:
Our first course was a brisk gazpacho that was reminiscent of a light tomato salsa. Followed by a full round of appetizers that consisted of nearly everything off the summer menu. The most juicy fried pickles, flatbread, perfectly garlic-ed hummus, grilled veggie board, and the most delectable honey chipotle chicken wings I have ever had the privilege of consuming. Knowing full well there was about to be more to come, I only ate two of those wings, but believe me, I wanted to finish the plate clean.
Third course was an array of fresh salads. Arugula Beet, which I wasn’t much a fan of as I find arugula to taste like weeds. Kale, that was expertly chilled and dressed. As well as Brown Rice Nut that has a little bit of everything: broccoli, carrots, onions, sunflower seeds, and feta among others. However, there was a stray fried pickle left from the appetizer round so I nabbed one more for myself!
Are you ready for what was served at dinner?
Pesto Grilled Chicken Rigatoni
Sesame Salmon with Asian Slaw and Asparugus
Salmon Burger
Double Cheeseburger with Truffle Fries
Crab Caked with Mashed Potatoes and Grilled Corn Salad
Ladies and Gentleman, a meal fit for a queen. I don’t believe I tasted anything (other than the earlier arugula) that I didn’t LOVE. In fact, folks, I even ate the salmon, which is something I’ve never attempted to eat before, and it was enjoyable. I will say if I had to choose, it was a tie between the crab cakes and pesto rigatoni. Often times a crab cake is full of filler. Not Winnie’s crab cake! Oh no, this was chock full of fresh crab meat! And although just room for a bite of the pesto, it was one of the best tasting I’ve had, next to my Pop’s homemade, of course!
I have been to LeBus before. It’s always been enjoyable. Excellent nachos, chili that’s divine, fresh soup…but this time, it felt more like home. Winnie took the time to speak to the table, even stayed behind to speak to me and my guest after everyone else left. I’ve lived in Manayunk for nearly 10 years. There have been restaurants a plenty that have come and gone. There has always been one staple…Winnie’s. Known for its amazing, line down the street, brunch, it will be known to me as the elegant restaurant ran by one of the community’s own. Her newest addition to the “joint” was adding bike racks out front to give riders a safe place to fuel up!
The quality of the menu is top notch and always fresh. The pricing won’t break the bank and the portions are generous. You won’t leave hungry, that’s for sure. Although dark, the ambiance is delightful. A cute bar in the middle of the restaurant and wooden tables and chairs around the room with plenty of conversational art prices adorning the walls. All the while, every table has a view to Main Street where there is also outside seating.
If you are anything like me, it’s people watching at its finest.
Winnie’s Manayunk since 2003
4266 Main Street • Manayunk, PA 19127
http://www.winniesmanayunk.com
Training & Development Director by day; Daddy, Husband and web junkie by night. For years I have benefited by creating many things including : Web Sites, Logos, illustrations, online training courses , writings and much more.
Looks great!