Don’t be afraid to break out of the burger rutt

Some people prefer familiar.

And other people prefer something a little bit different.

Different strokes for different folks. I grew up with a friend who was the poster boy for familiar. Every day of his school life, through eighth grade, he brought the same exact lunch. Never any variation. Peanut butter sandwich (two as he got older. Tastykake butterscotch Krimpets. Wise potato chips.

And then there was my sister. Not only did she like things that were different … she went out of her way to be different. One example: she might be the only kid in the world who didn’t like pizza. And she still claims that she doesn’t … although that might just be an effort to be … different.

Place me somewhere in the middle. I can march in step, when necessary. But I also enjoy a bit of variety in my life.

That goes for clothing styles – casual most days, then dress up when the occasion dictates. Music? Anything from Sinatra, to 80s Rock, to Country. Sports? Just about all of them. Cars? I’ve owned everything from an Alfa Romeo convertible, to a couple of Jeep Cherokees, to a big, comfortable Chrysler 300.

Variety is the spice of life.

And that goes double when it comes to dining out.

Some people seldom venture away from a burger at a casual restaurant, or a steak at a finer dining establishment.

If that is your style, you probably don’t need to read the rest of this column.

But, if you’re looking for something a bit different, here are a few recommended selections from area restaurants. Sometimes people are afraid to try something they see on the menu that seems interesting, but might be a bit too unusual. Now the fear can be removed. The research has been done.

Roots – East Norriton – Mussels have become one of the most common appetizers on menus everywhere. And chefs have gone to great lengths to add their own personal touch to the dish. But nobody does it better than the small, eclectic café at the end of Hillcrest Shopping Center. White wine, finely chopped bacon and shallots are the base ingredients. Nothing odd there. The secret item is crumpled blue cheese, which liquefies in the sauce and adds a bit of body to it. Incredible taste.

Capone’s – East Norriton – just a few hundred yards west of Roots, is one of the most well-known local eateries. While the competition is typically crowded on Friday or Saturday night, Capone’s packs ‘em in every Monday. That’s because Monday is the only night when they offer their signature Bee Sting Wings. The charcoal grill is cleared for nothing but the sweet, tangy wings. Large, meaty, unforgettably different.

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza – six locations in Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties – Everything at this immensely popular chain of restaurants is excellent. Interesting menu. But most admit the last thing they think of ordering is the Italian Tuna Salad Sandwich … until someone forces you to taste it. Then it becomes a favorite. Italian tuna, lemon, olive oil, vine ripe tomato, arugula on oven-toasted focaccia. Addicting.

Zacharias Creekside Café – Worcester – There are a number of wild game items on the menu but the Grilled Elk Sausage over sautéed organic baby spinach, dressed with housemade plum sauce is special. The first time I had elk was in Keystone, Colorado – grilled filet at a fine restaurant. I never forgot the sweet, tender taste … and it came back to me with this interesting appetizer.

Redstone American Grill – Plymouth Meeting – The standard American appetizer, for years, is Shrimp Cocktail. Nothing wrong with it … but it is time to branch out. By far, the most popular appetizer on the menu at Redstone is the Buffalo Shrimp. Large, just the right amount of zing, and seared to perfection. Much better than any buffalo chicken wings.

Zoes Kitchen – Blue Bell, Plymouth Meeting – This fast food chain features Mediterranean items. Although it might be a bit difficult to think of soup during the Dog Days of August, Zoes always has three soups on the menu. The one that marches to a different beat is the Mediterranean Lentil Soup. Fresh and bursting with flavor. Move aside, chicken noodle.

Farmhouse Restaurant – Skippack – Summer dining doesn’t get any better than sitting on the patio, overlooking the creek, the golf course and Evansburg State Park. Chef Casey Leffell puts his heart and soul into the menu. An appetizer you won’t find at most restaurants is his Grilled Lollipop Lamb Chops, tantalizingly enhanced with his Greekstyle Tzatziki Sauce. Pair it with one of five interesting salads on the menu and you have an excellent meal.

Peppers Italian Restaurant – King of Prussia – In an Italian family, Greens and Beans (Minestra) is hardly “something different.” It was a staple, going back to the days of the Great Depression. To the uninitiated, this is a hearty meal waiting to be discovered. Sauteed escarole, white cannellini beans and Italian sausage – paired with crusty Italian bread. It is an outstanding menu item at Peppers. A full meal, for lunch or dinner, and a bargain at $9.99.

Hope these suggestions help. To the burger and steak crowd – don’t be afraid to try something a little bit different.