Even for food aficionados, recounting the dining establishments that have graced the snug spot at N. 2nd and Harris streets tests the memory.
Eyes flicker in recognition when you remind the locals of the various eateries that once served food at the cozy corner property in Midtown Harrisburg. Names like The Hub, Flow Buffet Café, Bayou on Second and Table 15 are just a few that come to mind.
Owner Ruth Prall is well aware of the provenance of the century-old property. “They said around 10 restaurants operated here,” she said with a big smile.
The city resident is undaunted by the others who tried before, confident in the prospects of her new restaurant that she named “note.”
Prall’s interest in food goes way back. During high school, she enrolled in the culinary arts program at Dauphin County Technical School, honing her cooking chops under the watchful eye of well-known area chef Charlie Gipe, who currently works as an executive chef at Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. “I learned so much from him,” she said.
Years later, she is finally ready to fulfill her lifelong dream.
“I’ve been told this is the time to do this, since my daughter Sarah is raised. Plus, I’ve traveled a lot, and I have so much more worldly experience than I had when I was younger,” she said.
The new restaurateur is convinced that her top-notch staff, paired with her varied background and culinary training, will be the perfect combination of ingredients to ensure the restaurant’s success.
Attention to Detail
Prall spent more than two years on the interior of the establishment while working for Compassionate Care Hospice.
“That inspired me too,” she said. “I didn’t want to wake up one day and realize I didn’t take the risk to explore my dreams.”
One of the most difficult, yet ultimately rewarding, jobs was sanding the hardwood floors. “That lightened everything up,” she said.
Attention to detail is evident from the attractive, glass-hanging pendant lights to the wooden bar supported by an antique apothecary cabinet. Brightly colored oil paintings depicting sunflowers grace the walls, and a floor-to-ceiling-sized chalkboard spans the back of the room and lists the day’s specials.
Black table linens add a nice contrast to comfortable, high-backed white chairs, and each table features a separate and unique set of salt and pepper shakers. “Little details are important,” said Prall.
If you look closely, you’ll also see that electrical outlets are installed beneath the bar— perfect for those who want to stay awhile and charge their electronic devices.
Prall exercised great care in choosing her staff.
Bartender Matthew Carey, who hails from Dallas, recently moved to the area and brings years of fine dining experience with him. He and Prall carefully developed the exclusive wine list, choosing a varied selection of European whites and reds from places like Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
“You can’t get any of this stuff at the store,” said Cary, about the old world selections offered by both the bottle and the glass.
For those who prefer a cocktail with their meal, a full bar also is available.
When mentioning Emi Starr, who hails from Café Fresco, Prall’s eyes light up. “She has a stellar reputation among her peers, and people often tell me how lucky I am,” she said of the chef, whose dishes feature locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Packing the Place
The 40-seat restaurant was filled to capacity on opening night last month as customers ordered from an array of dishes ranging from steaks like hanger and filet, to chicken cacciatore and pasta specialties like penne ala vodka.
Tony Melchiorre came from York to try the food and gave chef Starr a big thumbs up.
“The hanger steak over risotto was delicious, and the scallops were incredible,” he said. “Everything was expertly prepared; it’s ridiculous how great it was.”
He also liked the flights of wine option, which enables customers to test-drive the wine before committing to an entire bottle.
Other customers joined friends to sip and chat, while taking advantage of the “sharing” plates, like mussels, bruschetta or chicken pâté over crostini topped with red onion marmalade.
Barb Billman, who lives nearby, said she was glad to have another place to meet friends in the area. Hummelstown resident Rob Ripson, who works in Harrisburg, vowed to return following his meal. He put his stamp of approval on the steamed clams prepared with smoked bacon and tarragon, declaring them “terrific.”
The bistro also offers lunch on Thursday through Saturday, when diners can choose from a variety of paninis, burgers and sandwiches—or enjoy a pizza, to name a just a few of the options. Brunch is served on Sunday.
Prall has managed to deliver on her promise to make note. both elegant and inviting.
“First and foremost, I want this to be a place where folks can walk out of their house and get a delicious, fresh meal and interesting wines at a fair price,” she said.
note. Bistro and Winebar is located at 1530 N. 2nd St. in Harrisburg. Hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.notewinebar.com, call 717-412-7415 or visit Facebook: notewinebar.
