One word to describe Nick’s Roast Beef: WOW!  Nick’s is open until 2 a.m. all week long and is always ready to serve up a hot, tasty and mouthwatering roast beef sandwich that will keep you coming back for years.

Located on Cottman Avenue between Bustleton and Castor, this large yet scrumptious restaurant is definitely worth a visit.  You are welcome to dine in the restaurant area, which is very casual, or hold a banquet in the large hall which, can seat anywhere from 40 people to 100 people.  There is also a spacious bar area that is great for relaxing and unwinding with friends.  Drinks are very reasonably priced, as is the rest of the menu.  Specials are offered throughout the week for happy hour and into the late evening. continue reading »

What’s better than hot chocolate on a snowy day after shoveling?  How about making some hot, creamy potato soup to warm you from the inside out.

Made fresh and fast, this is a wonderful delicacy for any household in the very white winter months this season.  Kids usually love the taste without realizing they are eating something wholesome, and adults can’t get enough of this filling soup.

Push the snow aside and pull up a bowl of delicious hot potato soup that only takes about 30 to 45 minutes to cook and can feed up to eight people.

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Some say the best part of waking up is coffee, but how about a muffin to fill the stomachs of those those on the run?

If you are looking for a quick, easy breakfast pick-me-up, or a simple snack for the afternoon munchies, this Merry Muffin recipe is for you.  It only takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook and can make 12 regular sized muffins or 24 mini muffins.

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Now that the holidays are over and life has resumed its daily hustle and bustle, why not give your family a treat that is quick and tasty.  For those of you out there who love seasoning and spicy food, this is a great recipe for you.

If you have a milder palate, just lower certain spices and the dish will still come out scrumptious.

This Spicy Pepper Steak and Rice dish will take you only 20 minutes to prepare and cook.  More great news is that it will definitely stay in your budget, and still have your family and friends praising your culinary skills. continue reading »

In the mood for sushi but not in the mood to head to Center City?  Makiman Sushi restaurant right on Oxford Avenue near Rising Sun Avenue is the perfect dining destination to satisfy your sushi cravings.  Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, this casual, cozy little Japanese eatery offers takeout in addition to sit-down meals.

The restaurant itself is very small, but it does have a warm and inviting atmosphere. Even if you’re not in the mood for sushi, Makiman offers a variety of cooked Japanes-style dishes. But I would highly recommend getting the sushi dishes.

The seafood at Makiman is fresh and delicious, prepared well and doesn’t leave a bad after taste in your mouth. The service was wonderful, timely and friendly.  Unlike other sushi bar, where there is often a long wait for food, at Makiman, my food was prepared and served in a very acceptable fashion. continue reading »

Food For Thought will take a break this week for the holidays. If you’re in need of a last-minute dessert recipe for the holiday, try this one for Lemon Meringue Pie.

Have a safe and tasty holiday!

Food For Thought is a NEast restaurant review column written by Donna Ward that runs every other Thursday on NEastPhilly.com. See all of Donna’s reviews here. Read other NEastPhilly columns here.

In the mood for a quick bite or some fantastic pizza?  Montesini’s on Frankford Avenue in the Mayfair Shopping Center has delicious food at very affordable prices.  Whether you are in the mood for pizza shop fast food, or a sit-down, relaxed, casual dining experience, Montesini’s can accommodate.  Parking shouldn’t be too much trouble with the abundance of the shopping center spaces, but beware: with the holidays rapidly approaching, the malls are becoming more crowded.

Very small and common, Montesini’s may not impress you much by its look or décor, but taking the advice of an old adage “never judge a book by its cover,” you will be pleasantly surprised by the taste of the food.  The staff manages to keep the restaurant relatively tidy and the silverware and flatware is clean, which is always a good sign.  The service is very friendly and fast.  I ordered my food, and in less than 10 minutes it was at my table prepared steaming hot. continue reading »

Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, squash and yams– it must be Thanksgiving.  What better day to stay in and have a wonderful home-cooked meal with family and friends.  Of course, no Thanksgiving meal would be complete without the traditional pumpkin pie, but here’s a great recipe for those looking to add a different flavor that still works with the color scheme of yellows, reds, oranges and browns.

Lemon meringue pie is a tasty treat that accompanies pumpkin pie, or can be served on its own.  This year, surprise your family and friends with a new end to Thanksgiving that they are sure to enjoy.  This wonderful pie could feed anywhere from eight to 12 people depending on your serving slice. continue reading »

Quick, easy and tasty! The three words a chef loves to hear. Try this week’s recipe to stay in for the next time you need a cake, a treat or a celebration. This has been a family favorite in my house for years and honoring veterans everywhere, you can garnish the top of this cake with strawberries and blueberries in the shape of a flag. The entire recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. continue reading »

Trick or treat!  If you picked treat, good choice, because this week we have a scrumptious and easy recipe that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. This year, Halloween is taking over and a variety of treats are readily available for all who seek a ghoulish night of fun and sugar.  If you’re like many who a tasty treat for less money, try this recipe for Halloween Dirt, and watch your family and neighbors scream with delight.  Preparation time is about 20 minutes and this dessert can serve about 20 people. continue reading »