Twenty

This past week and weekend I had the privilege of visiting two cities that I've never visited before. My sister's basketball team had their national tournament in Erie, Pennsylvania of all places in the United States, and I got to go. Along with the entire Antoine clan and a crap load of parents and cheerleaders and duffle bags, we flew to Buffalo, New York (home of the Buffalo wing) and drove two hours south to the fabulous Hampton Hotel in Erie. Though these are two cities I would never have visited had it not been a free trip with my family, it was still exciting to experience what some of the other cities in our great nation have to offer.... my appetite.....

I shared my first meal in PA with my brother and my mom at a waterfront restaurant called The Smuggler's Wharf. It's the name that getsya! It suggests bearded fishermen, fresh seafood, hot, local deliciousness. That's why I excitedly chose it as our lunch for that day! It was too cold to sit outside on the wrap-around patio, that is literally 5 feet from the water's edge. My mom and I shared a crab cake burger with fries, and we all got different soups to try: she crab soup, clam chowder, and french onion. All very good. Especially the she-crab soup. Although I had to send it back to be reheated, it was the best thing there. The crab cake sandwich was mushy. There was too much bread for the size of the cake. The fries were good though, then again, how does one ruin french fries? Overall it was a disappointing experience. The hi- lights of this meal? The warm, quaint atmosphere that the locals and the fireplace produced; the She-crab soup; and the restaurant's proximity to and view of the frozen lake. 

Unfortunately, my next meal in PA would be a little more disappointing than the one I consumed at the Smuggler's Wharf. This time, my mom and I were joined by two of the team moms. I, too, am responsible for this lunch-time misfortune.... That's two against me... The decor of this "marketplace grill" is reminiscent of a large, less fun Applebee's. And I think I'd prefer Applebee's food too. I don't even remember what we all ordered, but it's not worth remembering. I just know it was bad: dry chicken, cold soups, soggy lettuce....And I felt bad for punishing three other women for my bad discernment. Thank God that this was the worst it got on the trip. 

The next two meals (the best meals of the entire trip) were at chain restaurants: Applebee's one night, and O'Charley's the last night. Both were surprisingly good. I had steak at both places, and they were super tender and flavorful. I guess if someone asked for a recommendation for good food in Erie, I would have to tell them to avoid independent businesses and go for franchises... it was the best food we had the whole 5 days we spent there. 

My advice to any foodie with the opportunity to visit Erie.... don't go..... unless your sister is playing a national high school tournament, and it's the last time you'll see her play in high school. Watching her win nationals was worth all the sub-par food.