Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass / Photo: Ron Knerr
Joseph Ambler Inn
Located on 1005 Horsham Road (just north of Stump Road in North Wales), the Joseph Ambler Inn (JAI) has been serving guests in its current configuration since 1987. It is said that many people are unaware of the “open to the public” dinner service and think of the space as a spot for private parties or as a bed and breakfast. Many newer to the area may bypass this restaurant, unaware of the public dining offerings. I ashamedly admit it took us this long to visit the public dining space despite a family rehearsal dinner in the not too distant past.
A 1734 barn house is the centerpiece of the property, serving as the public restaurant dining space, with other buildings on the site able to accommodate special private events. On land originally obtained by William Penn in 1682, Wheelwright Joseph Ambler came to own ninety acres of the property in 1723 and shortly thereafter constructed the two-story fieldstone farmhouse with the family farming the property for the next ninety years. Richard Altman purchased the property in 1983 and created the current dining space, beginning service in 1987. Two other buildings - Thomas Williams House(circa 1850 - relocated 1987) and John Robert’s House (circa 1794 - relocated 2003) were both moved onto the property from a few miles away. Renovations allowed Altman to offer fifty rooms akin to a bed-and-breakfast experience as an added feature of this location.
Read the rest of Ron's column below...
Click here to read previous 'Ron Dishes On' columns!
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Bye-bye Baggataway's...
If you're familiar with the Conshohocken restaurant / bar scene, unfortunately, the announcement has been made that a staple in the area since 2005, Baggataway Tavern (31 N Front St. in West Conshy) has closed its doors. We've got a source that says Jasper's Backyard owners Mike and Kelly Sloane were interested, and have purchased the spot for a rendition of Jasper's on the West Conshy side! Stay tuned right here as we gather more info!
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Calling all 'wannabe' brewmeisters!
Whether a newbie or a seasoned vet, are you looking to try your hand at creating your own brew? Well look no further! A little while back, Co-Hops Brewery and Cannery; Pennsylvania’s first craft beer incubator opened in Hatfield... Co-Hops is bringing Breweries together all under one roof creating a community of brewing styles and techniques that can be shared and enjoyed. Here's a link for more from our pals over at breweriesinpa.com!
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Co-Hops Brewery and Cannery / Photo: breweriesinpa.com
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The Pennsylvania Classic Deli bucket list
Who doesn't love a good classic deli sandwich?! We sure do, and so do our buddies over at PA Eats! They've scoured the state in search the best delis in Pennsylvania, and compiled their bucket list of 'must visits'... Check out the link to their article here. We can't wait to try some of these for ourselves!
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We’ll be scouring Montgomery as well as neighboring counties for a wide variety of potent potables, highlighting everything from local craft brews to intriguing cocktail recipes that we come across along our travels!
Got a favorite? Hit us up so we can check it out for ourselves!
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The "Paloma" / Photo: Getty Images
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The Paloma, or otherwise known as a “poor man’s margarita” is simply replacing the margarita mix with grapefruit soda. We’re talking about for the simple purpose of packability here... After a long day out on the water, hiking, or for that camping weekend, would a blender and 5th of mix be nice, absolutely. But Paloma’s are not just a replacement. They truly are fantastic on a hot summer day! A bit of ice, grapefruit soda (Jarritos or Bundaberg are favorites), and a splash of tequila and lime. Easy and delicious.
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The Paloma / "Poor Man's Margarita"
- Jarritos or Bundaberg grapefruit soda
- Tequila of choice (we prefer a 100% agave blanco)
- Lime juice
- Ice
Combine ingredients, stir, and enjoy... It's that simple!
Let us know what you're sipping on, and share your favorite cocktail recipes by sending us an email to amoveablefeastmontco@gmail.com!
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Summer Farm Camps for the kids!
Camp season is right around the corner, and how cool would it be to introduce your little ones to life on a farm?! Here's an article from PAEats.org that highlights 12 farm camps and educational programs taking place across the state this summer!
Your guide to the areas summer concerts!
What better way to welcome summer than with live music?! From Exton to Ardmore, Willistown, and Phoenixville, Main Line Today's got you covered as far as where to head and what to hear this summer! Check out their article here.
5 events in June that you won’t want to miss
Check out this write up from mainlinetoday.com highlighting some great events happening in the area throughout the month of June! From art exhibitions to outdoor festivals, these June events are the perfect way to ring in those longed-for summertime vibes...
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center's summer calendar
If you happen to live or be passing through the Oaks, PA area at any point this summer, they have an awesome line-up of events and expos that will be sure to please! Here's the current calendar of events... Go check them out!
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15 camp cooking hacks
Summer means camping, at least for lots of folks in our area who want to get out and unwind in the wilderness! Camping can be great, but oftentimes the "cooking" piece can be difficult... make your experience even better with these camp cooking hacks from koa.com!
Share your favorite recipes, hacks, tips, and tricks with us by sending an email to amoveablefeastmontco@gmail.com!
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Camping Pancakes / Photo: koa.com
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"Family Four-Pack" of Elmwood Park Zoo tickets
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Summer is so much FUN, and it's event more fun at the ZOO!
Sign up to be a member of the A Moveable Feast Members Club, post a foodie photo on Instagram with #amfeastagram, or just send an email to the A Moveable Feast Guy and you'll be entered to win a "Family Four-Pack" of passes to the Elmwood Park Zoo!
Join our Members Club below and you're automatically entered to win every month. Remember, 10 percent of your 99 cent membership each month goes to the Montco Anti-Hunger Network!
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Congrats to our May monthly giveaway winner (a pair of passes to the Elmwood Park Zoo)
Benjamin C. from Lansdale, PA
As a member of the A Moveable Feast family, a portion of Ben's .99 cent monthly membership goes directly to the Montco Anti-Hunger Network. Please consider becoming a member today by simply clicking on the membership link at the bottom of this email.
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A Moveable Feast swag offer!
Share the link to this newsletter with10 of your friends, and if they sign on to receive our free newsletter, or even if they don't, you'll receive this A Moveable Feast coffee mug! All you have to do is email us at amoveablefeastmontco to let us know you did indeed send the link to10 friends and we'll send you a mug! Oh, and just to make it as easy as possible, here's the link!
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...the rest of Ron's column
As expected, the interior has several separate dining areas and a covered patio that is a wonderful place to enjoy al fresco dining. A sizable bar area (named “J Pub”) offers signature and classic drinks, a variety of fifteen wines, and eighteen beers with a bar menu and daily happy hours (Tues - Fri 4-5:30pm). Both the bar area and the main restaurant have a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
An American menu offers a variety of dishes from soups, salads and appetizers to handhelds and entrées. Though abbreviated, the starters list includes Steamed Littleneck Clams, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, and Candied Walnut Baked Brie, as well as Beef Barley soup and Salads (Roasted Red & Golden Beet Salad, Caesar Salad, or Mixed Greens Salad).
Handheld and smaller plate offerings include Half Pound Kobe Beef Burger, Lobster Roll, Yuengling Battered Fish & Chips JAI Tater Tots (topped with Boneless Braised Short Ribs), Oven Poached Salmon Pâté, Basil Pesto Flatbread Pizza, and Summer Vegetable Risotto. Entrée choices include Cajun Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Grilled Lollipop Lamb Chops, Grilled 8 Ounce Filet Mignon, House Cut 12oz Prime New York Steak, Prime Flat Iron Pork Schnitzel, Grilled Champagne Chicken, Penne Pasta Primavera, Grilled Royal Tide Salmon, Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass, Pan Seared Sea Scallops, and Panko Crusted Maryland Crab Cake.
For meal starters, I chose the Beef Barley Soup and DW Sherri chose the Mixed Greens Salad that included Salt & Honey Toasted Pecans and Blackberries and was dressed with a White Balsamic Vinaigrette. The beef barley soup was thick and rich with beef and barley, accented with carrots, peas, and corn.
For entrees, DW Sherri chose Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass served with Sweet Pea and Crab Risotto, Charred Lemon, and Pea Puree. This was a delicious dish with the fish prepared with a thin browned top layer and the Pea and Crab Risotto was particularly good. I chose the Prime Flat Iron Pork Schnitzel, prepared with a Dijon Mustard and Herb Crust served with Mashed Potatoes and Sweet Red Onion and Shallot Marmalade. The pork was tender and cooked properly, though it had a definite strong garlic note. We thought both dishes qualified for reorder.
Since we were celebrating a birthday, we were served a complimentary dessert of our choice. We decided on Crème Brulé after several of the staff provided it as a recommended choice. We had to agree as it was a great end to the meal.
Service was pleasant, and although there was not a hovering “table attendant,” the uniformed staff was very attentive. I thought the prices were reasonable for the portion size and meal quality (8 oz. Filet at 42, Fish and Chips $21, Kobe Beef Burger $18). If you are looking for a spot to try, don’t miss the Joseph Ambler Inn as an option for great food in a great casual environment.
Reservations through Open Table. Private parties are a specialty. Corporate and Special events, wedding tastings conducted in one of five separate event spaces.
Rating 4.25 / 5
Joseph Ambler Inn
1005 Horsham Rd
North Wales, PA 19454
(215) 362-7500
https://josephamblerinn.com/
https://www.facebook.com/josephambler
HOURS -
Lunch:
Wed - Sun 11:30 to 2:30
Dinner:
Tues - Thurs 4:00 to 8:30
Fri & Sat 4:30 to 9:00
Sunday 4:30 to 8:00
Closed Mondays
Ron Knerr is a 30+ year cooking hobbyist who has been a “foodie” before the term was popular. His home arsenal includes a smoker, a sous vide immersion heater, a sausage stuffer, and several crockpots.
Send comments and suggestions to: RonKnerrFeast@gmail.com
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