I have a brother-in-law who considers himself something of a foodie.
Steve lives in Florida, but his job frequently takes him to this area. He jokes that he likes visiting Harrisburg not so much for my company but because he’s guaranteed a great meal.
At least, I think he’s joking.
Anyway, in his years visiting, I’ve taken him to Suba, Mangia Qui, the Millworks, Note, Pastorante, El Sol, Café Fresco, Zeroday, Home 231 and Cork & Fork, to name a few. Several years ago, he ordered the “Cast Iron Chocolate Chunk Cookie” dessert at Ad Lib and hasn’t shut up about it since.
He can hardly believe that this culinary bounty is all within a 10-minute walk of my house. A 10-minute walk from his house gets him, as he says, 10 minutes away from his house. But there are palm trees.
Indeed, we are very fortunate to have such great places to dine in Harrisburg. In my years here, I’ve found that the suburbs also have stepped up their game, and farther afield, Lancaster and York boast more fabulous restaurants all the time.
I bring this up here, in my monthly introduction, because our May issue is focused on restaurants, cooking and the folks who feed us. In these pages, you’ll also find our annual, special dining section, which we call “Midstate Table.”
Each May, ever since the pandemic hit, I’ve urged our readers to support our local restaurants robustly. This still applies, even as COVID recedes from our every-waking thought. Many restaurants are still suffering, especially those that once relied on office workers for a huge chunk of their business. So, please, pay them a special visit, be extra kind, tip generously—make sure that they stay open for us.
Well, my brother-in-law is due for another visit soon. So, if you happen to be in the Hilton Harrisburg and see a very happy middle-aged guy who vaguely resembles Groucho Marx, his face covered in chocolate, don’t worry. It’s only Steve.
Lawrance Binda
Publisher/Editor
Click here to read the digital version of our May issue.
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