Reuben – Road Warrior Dining

The Blue Canoe Grill

Good food served in an idealistic setting. The Blue Canoe Grill has the corner on flavorful food served in a country setting.

The Blue Canoe Grill in Erieville NY has become my go to location when I travel to Cazenovia NY. The Blue Canoe Grill is located in an idealistic location on the shore of Tuscarora Lake. The perfect way for me to unwind before my business meeting is to drive to The Blue Canoe Grill for lunch. Sitting on their back porch has been relaxing. How could anyone find looking out over the lake, the smell of the pine trees, and eating good food, not relaxing.

I have been to The Blue Canoe Grill on several occasions. There is no question as to why I keep going back, its the food. Their menu features three Corned Beef dishes. Of the three dishes featuring Corned Beef, I have tried two of them. Their Reuben is worth the drive alone, but I also enjoyed their Reuben Rolls. On my last visit, I tried one of their daily specials and was floored.

Blue Canoe Baked Stuffed Shells — The Blue Canoe’s Baked Stuffed Shells

Looking at the picture above, you might say, it’s just another pasta dish, what makes this dish so special. I would ask you to take another look at the picture and realize the dish is garnished with fresh basil. I must admit, I’m bit of a snob when it comes to pasta dishes. I want the sauce to have flavor, a little seasoning, and I don’t like sweet sauces. I would expect to find this dish on the menu of a fine dining Italian restaurant. Next time I’m at The Blue Canoe Grill, I will definitely play closer attention to their specials.

Blue Canoe Reuben Rolls — The Blue Canoe Grill Reuben Rolls

I’m from the school, Deep Fried Anything is good. Take Corned Beef, Sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese; roll it in a Spring Roll Wrapper and deep fry it, you have The Blue Canoe Grill’s Reuben Rolls. The dish is finished with a Thousand Island Dressing dipping sauce. I honestly struggle with which I like more, the Reuben Rolls or their Reuben sandwich. I’m definitely calling this a dish that is worth driving for. I have to confess, my favorite Reuben Egg Rolls is actually from Bushwaller’s in Frederick MD. Having said that, The Blue Canoe Grill’s Reuben Egg Rolls are really good. Don’t let the Reuben Egg Rolls being listed in the appetizer section of their menu throw you, add French Fries and you have a meal.

Blue Canoe Reuben — The Blue Canoe Grill Reuben

Toasted Marble Rye, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, Thousand Island Dressing, and let’s not forget Corned Beef, all the makings of a perfect sandwich. The Blue Canoe Grill’s Reuben sandwich is the best in the region. One thing that makes their Reuben unique is the amount of Sauerkraut. This is the most Sauerkraut I have ever had on a Reuben. I would have thought, with the amount of Sauerkraut on the sandwich, I would find it overpowering. This was not the case. This is most likely due to the quality of the other ingredients. The Corned Beef is flavorful and comes through along with the Thousand Island Dressing. It’s too bad they don’t sell the Rye bread by itself. This is a really good Rye bread. Then again, if they did sell it, I couldn’t take it home, TSA will not permit me to have it in my carry on.

My love of Corned Beef should be evident to anyone who has read any of my past blogs. After try The Blue Canoe’s Baked Stuff Shells, I will look to explore other menu items on my next visit. If you find yourself in Syracuse NY, it is worth taking the time and driving to The Blue Canoe Grill. Don’t worry if you are driving over rolling hills and through farmlands, you are heading in the right direction.

I highly recommend The Blue Canoe Grill. Feel free to leave your comments below. Have you been to the The Blue Canoe Grill? Do you have a favorite Reuben sandwich.

Pork & Beans Store

Hungry for a good sandwich at good price, you need to go to the Pork & Bean Store in Westminster MD.

I don’t know how many times I have driven by the Pork & Bean Store, of Westminster Md. If it wasn’t for a recommendation by the President of Ridge Engineering, I may have never stopped. This would have been my loss.

If you have been reading my articles, you know that I’m always searching for the best Reuben sandwich. When I was told they make the best Reuben sandwich around, this was enough for me to drive to the Pork & Bean Store and put this recommendation to the test. Let’s just say I wasn’t disappointed.

It is said a picture is worth a thousand words. My picture does not adequately show how big this sandwich actually is. Pork & Beans Store Reuben Sandwich is a meal. I had lunch for two days.

Pork and Bean Rueben — Pork & Beans Reuben Sandwich

What makes a good Reuben sandwich? To start with you must have quality ingredients. Next is the proportion of the ingredients. You don’t want the sandwich to be one note. Finally, how the sandwich is prepared.

In the case of the Pork & Beans Store’s Reuben sandwich they use a quality corn beef that is thinly sliced. They start with two thick slices of toasted marble rye. They have a unique way of assembling the sandwich. They start with a layer of corned beef, then a layer of sauerkraut, then a layer of corn beef. They finish the sandwich with Thousand Island dressing and Swiss cheese. If I was to change one thing, I would use a thinner slice of Swiss Cheese and ensure it is melted.

Pork and Bean Turkey Club — Pork and Bean Store’s Turkey Club

The Pork & Beans Store’s Reuben sandwich may be good, but their Turkey Club is killer. What makes a sandwich killer? It’s when you bite into the sandwich and it’s definitely not one note. You taste all the flavors in not just the first bite, but in every bite. Now when I’m in the mood for a Turkey Club, I have a new favorite place to go. The turkey was fresh and juicy and the bacon, oh my! I don’t think it would have made much of a difference; but you are given a choice of bread, I selected the marble rye. Just as in the case of the Reuben sandwich, the Turkey Club is a meal. I have to admit I didn’t save half the sandwich. It was just that good. This sandwich alone is worth the drive.

I haven’t tried their breakfast selections yet, but I will be back whenever I’m in the mood for a good sandwich. There is so much more to the Pork and Beans Store. They sell Artisan coffees, Hahn’s high-quality meats, and a wide selection of BBQ sauces and rubs. They sell unique items that you will be hard pressed to find in a grocery store. I walked out of the store with 3lbs of the Hahn’s bacon they use in their sandwiches.

Have you been to Pork and Beans Store in Westminster Md? Leave a comment below. Do you have a favorite sandwich shop, let me know.

Bushwaller’s

Bushwaller’s has the look and feel of an Irish Pub. The food is top notch.

There is no doubt when You walk into Bushwaller’s in Frederick MD, You are walking into an Irish Pub. Most Irish Pubs I have been to here in the States seem to be more a restaurant than a pub. Of course they have a bar area and they serve traditional Irish fare, but there primary focus is being a restaurant.

When we walked into Bushwaller’s on a Wednesday night, it was obvious this is an Irish pub. The bar is a prominent feature. Everything about Bushwaller’s screams Irish pub, down to the dart tournament that was going on in the back. Of course, the real reason we went to Bushwaller’s was to try their food.

Bushwallers Reuben Egg Rolls — Bushwaller’s Reuben Egg Rolls

Bushwaller’s serves one of my favorite appetizers of all time, Reuben Egg Rolls. Imagine taking an egg roll wrapper and stuffing it with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss Cheese, then deep frying it. Of course it wouldn’t be a Reuben without the 1000 Island dipping sauce. I’m of the school any thing deep fried is good, but Bushwaller’s Egg Rolls are over the top. I would recommend sharing, the Reuben Egg Rolls are close to being an entree by themselves. It is a shame more Irish Pubs don’t serve them.

Bushwallers Cornbeef and Cabbage Stew — Bushwaller’s Corned Beef and Cabbage

If you are looking for a hearty meal, you can’t go wrong with Bushwaller’s Corned Beef and Cabbage. When the Corned Beef and Cabbage was served, it was served in a bowl. This is definitely different, in that I usually see the dish served on a plate, with the Corned Beef served over the Cabbage. Bushwaller’s is more like a stew. The meal was seasoned just right, no need to add salt here. In fact, the flavors were balanced. If you are a Corned Beef and Cabbage fan, you have to try this dish.

Bushwallers Reuben Sandwich — Bushwaller’s Reuben Sandwich

You might say a Reuben Sandwich is a Reuben Sandwich, given this is one of my favorite comfort foods, not all Reuben Sandwiches are equal. I believe I found my new favorite. What makes this sandwich different; is the bread. I could not believe how good this bread tasted. One of the other things that made this sandwich stand out was the balance of the ingredients. When you take a bite, not one ingredient overpowers the rest. You taste the sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing. All of this is supported by the thick sliced toasted Rye bread. Bushwaller’s Reuben is worth the trip.

As a point of disclosure, this blog actually encompasses two trips to Bushwaller’s. In writing the article, I saw they had the Reuben Egg Rolls on their menu and had to go back and try them. On the second trip, I also sampled their Irish Farmhouse burger. Having a burger that is served with a fried egg on it is an experience. This is a taste sensation. To me it is a little strange having the egg yolk saturate the burger after you bite into it. But this is something I will have again.

I believe you can tell when ever I’m back in Frederick, MD and I’m craving an Irish pub dining experience I will be back to Bushwaller’s. Have you been to Bushwaller’s or is there an Irish pub you would like me to review, leave a comment below.

Garryowen Irish Pub

Garryowen is a traditional Irish pub in Gettysburg, PA. Enter Garryowen hungry, leave satisfied.

Here’s the challenge: Close your eyes, picture what an Irish pub looks like, then walk into Garryowen. Look around and take in the atmosphere, I would argue with anyone that Garryowen is a traditional Irish pub. According to their website, Garryowen is reminiscent of Irish pubs back in the old country.

Garryowen bar 2 — Garryowen Bar Gettysburg PA

With what appears to be plenty of seating, you can expect to wait at least 15 minutes or more on any given night to be seated. This has a lot to say about the popularity of this establishment. Having dined in Garryowen on several occasions, they are well worth the wait. Once you are seated you can expect first class service.

Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers and Mash, and Fish and Chips are dishes you would expect to find on any Irish Pub’s menu. If this is what you are hungry for, Garryowen will not disappoint. As you are reading down the menu you will come across Ulster Fry. Traditionally Ulster Fry is served as breakfast in Ireland. Garryowen’s Ulster Fry is served with grilled Irish bacon, sausages, black and white pudding, fried egg, grilled tomato, and house-made soda bread. What I found unique about the meal is the black and white pudding. Here in the states, when you think about pudding, you think about a sweet dessert. In England, Scotland, and Ireland, puddings are predominantly savory. The black and white pudding served at Garryowen, is best described as a tasty sausage dish.

If you are not certain about Garryowen traditional Irish fare, then try their meatloaf. Their meatloaf is served with a Smokey Honey BBQ sauce. I say it is good to the last bite. I would also recommend their Reuben sandwich for lunch. I can’t say enough about the meals I have had at Garryowen.

There is no way I can talk about Garryowen without mentioning the selection of 120 + Irish whiskies, plus Ireland’s draft beers. They advertise the perfect pour of Guinness. I have to confess, I am not a fan of Guinness. But, they do have my favorite Danish beer on tap, Carlsberg.

Enter Garryowen hungry, leave satisfied. When I’m in the mood to eat out, Garryowen is at the top of my list of restaurants that immediately come to mind. What makes Garryowen a place that ends up on Road Warrior Dining; of course its the good ole fashion Irish food. Then again, the selection of 120 Irish whiskies helps.

Lincoln Diner

For better then 60 years the Lincoln Diner in Gettysburg, PA has been serving locals and tourist alike.

Traveling to Gettysburg or just passing through, stop at the Lincoln Diner. Whether you are hungry or just love the Diner experience, then you will enjoy the Lincoln Diner. For better then 60 years the Lincoln Diner has been serving locals and tourist alike. Originally established in 1955 as the Varsity Diner, it became the Lincoln Diner in 1971. It is easy to understand how this Diner has lasted more than 60 years. Good food matched with friendly staff is a winning combination.

Lincoln Interior — Lincoln Diner Gettysburg, PA

If you want a taste of Americana go to the Lincoln Diner first thing in the morning. They open at 7:00 and are hopping by 7:15 This is one of those restaurants where everyone seems to know everyone. The waitresses greet the guest by name. Even though this was the first time I was there, I was made to feel welcome walking in the door. Looking at the menu, I had a major dilemma, what to order. They have a menu filled with my favorite comfort foods. On this particular visit My waitress helped me solve the dilemma by asking a simple question how hungry are you.

Lincoln Reuben — Reuben Sandwich, Lincoln Diner

I didn’t instantly gravitate towards the Reuben Sandwich. I was leaning towards their Bacon Cheese Burger. My desire to compare their Reuben to local Irish Pubs helped my settle me late lunch choice. Lincoln Diners Reuben is served with a healthy portion of corn beef and sauerkraut, topped by Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing. The one thing that sets this sandwich apart is the thick slices of rye bread. This is a hearty sandwich, that should be considered when visiting. I like my onion rings to be thinly cut and crispy. The Lincoln Diners Onion Rings met my expectations. I was impressed with my lunch, but I learned from my waitress is that breakfast is were the Lincoln Diner excels.

Lincoln Diner Pancakes — Pancake Breakfast Lincoln Diner

When I went to the Lincoln Diner for breakfast, I was on a mission to try their pancakes. I was told that they pride themselves in making all the batters by scratch. In fact all their menu items are made using family recipes. I believe my pancakes lived up to the hype. They were heavy but airy. I wish I knew what was in the batter because they tasted good, but a little different. I want to know what the difference is. The meal as a whole I could not finish. Three large pancakes, two eggs, and bacon was a bit much. To me bacon says a lot about a restaurant. I use Denny’s as the standard by which to judge all restaurant’s bacon. Denny’s bacon is the worst, usually thins slices of flavored grease. Lincoln Diner’s slices were thick, not over greasy. I’m a definitely interested in trying other menu items.

In my travels, I’m not looking for Americana when selecting a place to eat, but I appreciate Americana evident in my choice. Lincoln Diner is a classic and well worth a visit. When I think of the Lincoln Diner, I think of the famous painting Nighthawks by Edward Hopper. I will certain visit again.

O’Rorke’s

If you are driving through Gettysburg Pennsylvania and desire a hearty lunch, O’Rorke’s should be your destination. Fine dining no; Pub fare yes.

Dinning Experience

O’Rorke’s is more than a place to get a cold beer and a good meal. O’Rorke’s is a place where couples and families come to meet. I expected the place to be empty due to it being a chilly, rainy Saturday morning. I was surprised no sooner had I been seated that people started to flow in. I heard a woman tell the hostess, that she needed seating for seven. Her family was traveling from different parts of the area to meet for lunch. Shortly after they were seated a party of six bellied up to the bar. Just like with the party of seven, O’Rorke’s was a central location for them to meet. Within less than an hour of opening O’Rorke’s was busy. I can only imagine what it is like when tourist fill the streets.

ORORKES GUEST — Friends Gathering at O’Rorke’s

O’Rorke’s is your typical Irish Pub. From Boston to Los Angeles, when you stop in an Irish Pub you can expect the menu to have the standard fare; Bangers and Mash, Shepard’s Pie, Fish and Chips, and my favorite, a Reuben Sandwich. If you are looking for something that sets O’Rorke’s apart from other Irish Pubs, it has to be their house made chips. When you order Fish and Chips in most Irish Pubs, the fish is served with steak fries. O’Rorke’s chips are thicker then commercially produced potato chips. They have a satisfying texture and were salted just right. I’m not a fan of steak fries in general, so the chips actually enhanced the meal.

ORORKES RUEBEN 2. jpg — O’Rorke’s Reuben Sandwich

The Food

Prior to driving to O’Rorke’s, I had already looked at their menu online and I planned on ordering their Reuben sandwich. First of all, I love Reuben’s and secondly I wanted to compare their sandwich to their cross town rival, Garryowen. The Reuben sandwich at O’Rorke’s was to much for me to eat. I ended up taking half of the sandwich and chips home. The sandwich was comprised of a generous portion of corn beef, covered in sauerkraut, thousand island dressing and Swiss cheese. It was served with house made chips and corn fritters. The portion was large enough to fill a hearty appetite or have take out. Both Garryowen and O’Rorke’s Reuben sandwiches are worth drive. One sandwich is not better than the others. So, the next time I am hankering for a Reuben, I will have to toss a coin.

ORORKES Fish and Chips — O’Rorkes’s Fish Basket

Just like the first time I went to O’Rorke’s, I had a specific item on the menu I was looking for. In this case I wanted to try their Fish Basket. I saw on their menu, they make their Fish and Chips with Cod. Given I only eat Fish and Chips if they are prepared with Cod or Flounder, I knew I had to come back on a Friday and try their version of Fish and Chips. As with their Reuben, they did not disappoint. The fish was fried to perfection. The flavor was light, seasoned just right. If I don’t like a fish, I will hide the flavor with tartar sauce. No Tatar sauce required. Just as with the Reuben platter, the chips were cooked to perfection. No need for adding salt. If I was to suggest anything, I would reduce the amount of chips that comes with the Fish Basket.

Final Thoughts

O’Rorke’s is definitely a restaurant I will return to. I can’t say enough about about the food. If you are spending the day in Gettysburg, then O’Rorke’s should be your destination for good food.