For many of those gathering locally it seems the competition really heated up when accompanied by an order of chicken wings.

The Jefferson Twp. Volunteer Fire Company alone sold more than 800 pounds of the spicy finger food – with barbecue and mild sauces the best sellers.

Read more: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/many-wing-it-while-watching-super-bowl-1.1267917#ixzz1lp5986pr

That’s from a press release I received today from the folks over at Harvest Seasonal Grill, a Glen Mills restaurant that’s opening a second outpost in University City this summer. Chefs Steve Calise and David Walti use the goods from over 75 local organic farms to put out a menu made up mainly—in fact, almost entirely—of dishes that are 500 calories or less, things like spinach manicotti, cedar-roasted Atlantic salmon and braised short ribs.

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Dining at Harvest was, start to finish, an impeccable casual dining experience. We requested outdoor seating and were guided through the restaurant to reach our seats. The décor was modern yet warm, incredibly clean and polished. Quasi-futuristic sliding full glass doors led to the patio, where we found our table next to the fountain. It was a beautiful, clear day perfect for dining out of doors, as reflected by the many ladies lunching around us.

Our server, Marty, was friendly, attentive, knowledgeable and a stunning conversationalist when engaged. He was close at hand throughout our meal but didn’t “lurk” (or vanish) as so many servers are inclined to do. At his suggestion we sampled two of Harvest’s signature cocktails, the Lavender Mojito and the Peach Bourbon. The mojito was well executed and had a mellow sweetness to it, whereas the bourbon tasted like…bourbon. With peaches in it. Right up my alley, though notsomuch when the sun is still shining.

For starters we chose the cheese plate, one of the very few menu items containing over 500 calories. Caloric intake be damned, the four local cheeses were flanked by preserves, honey, and fresh berries and were worth the extra gym time.

Our entrees arrived at the perfect time. My companion, who was celebrating her birthday, chose the Fish Tacos while I went with Szechuan Tuna Ponzu. I am a great lover of all things taco related, and after taking a bite of her meal made a mental note to order that next time. The mahi mahi is well seasoned and the jicama slaw adds a great accompaniment. The guacamole was a bit overpowered by onion for my taste, but a generous portion was given alongside fresh tortilla strips. I don’t mean to discredit the Tuna Ponzu by my taco envy. The tuna was fresh, the ponzu sauce was everything a ponzu sauce would be, and the bed of vegetables it sat atop of was also well prepared. I was just really, really jealous of my friend’s tacos.

The meal at Harvest was the perfect size and we attained that mythical not-stuffed-but-happily-full feeling. Being my friend’s birthday, we were of course forced to order dessert. The dessert presentation is very visual, all served in glasses a bit bigger than a shot glass and brought out in a great display to entice the diner. We chose the key lime and peanut butter chocolate desserts. Again, the portion sizes were perfect for ending the meal on a sweet note that didn’t make you feel like you needed to go up a jean size.

Harvest made a very strong first impression on me. Especially with the concept’s focus on using local ingredients as well as an emphasis on health consciousness, I will become a return customer like so many in our area have already become. I hope that the newest concept in Dave Magrogan’s restaurant empire maintains the quality, the attention to presentation and freshness. If that occurs, he will surely have a sustainable hit on his hands with this already-expanding concept.

Celebratory meal, including cocktails and dessert: $73.08 for two people before gratuity

Average cost for two: $55 before gratuity

People who were born in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs stay here for a reason—or, better put, a lot of reasons, and in the following pages we outline as many as possible: namely, the top local restaurants and can’t-miss eateries; the best places to calm your mind and soothe your spirit; the most exquisite shops and salons at which to help you look and feel your best, etc. For some, the area is quite literally (and understandably) the center of the universe.

Appetizers
Who says healthy has to be humdrum? Not the good folks behind Harvest Seasonal Wine Bar and Grillin Glen Mills. Focusing on seasonal, organic specialties made from local sources, Harvest presents a broad menu of delectable appetizers—from ceviche and hummus to charcuterie and cheese plates—guaranteed to suit any palate.

View article: http://www.suburbanlifemagazine.com/articles/?articleid=362

Watch the segment here: http://abclocal.go.com/

One of my favorite things to do is to go out to dinner with my family and friends. When I heard about Harvest Seasonal Grill and Wine Bar, I was ecstatic to learn that not only was there a new wine bar in town, but it’s farm fresh menu consisted mostly of entrees under 500 calories. Every health conscious person’s dream, right?

Walking into Harvest, located in Glen Mills, PA, my friends and I were greeted by smiling hosts and a refreshing décor. The rich neutral tones are accented by spots of color, creating a relaxing ambience. The restaurant is filled with natural light which radiates through the surrounding glass windows. With the option of dining in their spacious outdoor patio, we chose to stay inside due to the current heat wave.

The menu consists of items made with the freshest, healthiest ingredients local farmers have to offer. Every item is below 500 calories unless clearly marked. Start your meal off with a bottle of wine or a delicious cocktail while enjoying delicious appetizers such as their Local Farms Cheese Plate, Harvest Boneless Wings, or UN-Fried French Fries.

Moving on to your main dish, you are faced with an assortment of options. You can order anything from an Orange Grilled Salmon salad in a sun dried tomato vinaigrette to a Capresse or Steak and Wild Mushroom flatbread. If you are in the mood for a sandwich, options such as the American Bison Burger or the Knife and Fork Chicken sandwich are sure to leave you satisfied. If you are in the mood for a heartier meal, dishes like the Crab Cakes, Jumbo Scallops, Pork Tenderloin and Black Angus Filet Mignon will make your mouth water. Vegetarian options such as the Summer Lasagne and Pear and Gorgonzola Tortellini won’t disappoint.

If you save room for dessert, you are presented with a flight of delectable treats, ready to eat. The perfectly portioned desserts vary from fresh Key Lime Pie to Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Mousse, or a lighter option of Seasonal Fruit.

The seasonally changing menu at Harvest is a definite must try and will have you running back for seconds!

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