Cheap Lunch with Betty: Center City Breadshed • Ho Wah Restaurant

Out To Lunch with Betty

Center City Bread Shed

204 Locust Street

Downtown Harrisburg

717-233-8759

Tucked between Scotts’ Grille and the old Gazebo Room, Betty just loves this diamond in the rough. Center City Bread Shed is a self-proclaimed New York-style deli, and — being in constant search of a good, cheap deli — I had to try it.

When eating, you almost feel as though you’re in someone’s living room, with chairs that are mismatched and pictures on the wall of the Star Barn and other local history. The Center City Bread Shed serve fresh breads daily, egg entrées for breakfast (breakfast is served all day), Boars Head brand meats (always a plus), and some excellent lemonade, as well.

My companion couldn’t resist the opportunity to try Grendel’s Gruyere omelet, which was nicely presented with fresh fruit, great tasting fried potatos, and choice of toast. A hearty portion, all for just under $5.00. I however, had to go deli. Their selection of meats, breads, and fillings was impressive … with eight different bread choices, you can choose your cheese, and fill the sandwich with anything you like. The cranberry sauce was tempting, but ultimately, I went with the Pastrami and Swiss on Rye (because, when in Rome …). The sandwich was excellent, and with potato salad and a plate of pickles, a mere $4.50.

Other featured sandwiches include the Bread Shed Deli Special for $4.95, the Reuben, and the House Turkey with lettuce and cranberry, to name a few. Other unique menu features include the snappy snapper soup for $2.25 a cup, and a rainbow of salads, served with fruitbread and cream cheese. You’d have to see the menu to appreciate the variety they offer. Finish your meal off with a cappuccino or mocha chino, and on your way out, you’ll likely find it hard to resist buying some of their interesting selection of fresh-baked breads for dinner.

I know I have a reason to come back. Betty says for a good, cheap deli lunch in downtown, don’t overlook the Center City Bread Shed, open weekdays till 2:30p.

Ho Wah Restaurant

732 Market Street

Lemoyne

717-761-1688

It seems like so many Chinese restaurants have popped up over the last few years, all with their Americanized versions of classic Chinese dishes. Ho Wah is really no different in that respect. It appears that their menu came from the same computer program as all of the other Chinese restaurants. Easy to read, always red and white, only the names have changed. The specialties section is somewhat unique to each of the restaurants, but otherwise, the same fare.

What brought me to Ho Wah you say? I’ll tell you. I asked three people last week where they go for Chinese food and all three people said Ho Wah! So, my mission was clear, and off to Ho Wah we went.

I was immediately impressed with their cheap lunch menu, everything for $4.15! The choices are numerous, from your basic Beef with Broccoli and Moo Goo Gai Pan, to the sizzlin’ Szechuan Shrimp and Spicy Tingly Scallop and Beef, all served with pork fried rice, a Shanghai roll, and that unduplicated Chinese tea. The Shanghai roll was the least favorable part of the meal — a little greasy for my taste. The fried rice was outstanding, had a perfect texture, and was as fresh as though they made it just for me that minute. For my entrée, I thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken with Broccoli. As Italian restaurateurs have known for years, it’s all in the sauce — and the sauce was superb, clearly turning an otherwise average combination into a well above-average feast. My dining buddy opted for the Diced Chicken with Cashew Nuts, and promptly gave Ho Wah high praise, saying it was the best she’s had in the area.

Although we arrived early in the lunch rush and the atmosphere was quiet, as we got closer to the noon bell the restaurant quickly filled up with regular customers who obviously know a good thing when they taste it. Ample portions, an easy to find location, competent service, and a great and very cheap lunch — it doesn’t often get any better than this! Ho Wah gets four thumbs up from Betty and her buddy.