“Consider yourself at home, consider yourself one of the family.”  The Broadway show Oliver has a lot in common with New York restaurants.  Let’s see, Fagin was the artful pickpocket and crook, Bill Sikes was a tyrant, and Oliver was the poor kid who pleaded for more. Well, New York City restaurants have a lot in common with these characters.  Many “Faginist” restaurants can be overpriced, and you feel as if you’ve had your pocket picked after dining.

But, contrary to popular belief, there are great restaurants and values within NYC.  Today we’ll discuss some of the unique and unusual restaurants, some well known and some almost unknown. 

Even young people of today have heard that sexy young men are called “Valentino’s”.  Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman, Pierce Brosnan, a young Sean Connery (he just gets sexier with age), Mel Gibson, Denzel Washington, Antonio Banderas and all the other mega stars of today can’t hold a candle to “The Sheik” – Rudolf Valentino.  Terms like “The Sheik” and “A Valentino” have become synonymous with the machismo men of the “big screen”.

So, what does this have to do with traveling around New York?  Well…everything!   It seems that Rodolpho Alfonzo Rafaelo Pierre Filibert Guglielmi di Valentina d’Antonguolla spent much of his life around New York City.  He even privileged New York that upon his death, from a burst appendix, by lying in state at St. Malachy’s church on 47th between Broadway and 8th Avenue.  Thousands of mourners lined up for blocks to pay tribute to the legend. St. Malachy’s is known as the Actor’s Chapel, which leads us to another adventure – that of exploring the often visited, but little known, area called Times Square and the Theater District.

Harrison Ford starred in a 1980’s movie thriller called “Witness” about the world of the Pennsylvania “Dutch”.  The story is set in an area close to our region but as different and unusual as the most exotic locations in the world.  It centers on a culture and sect of people who, today, shun the most modern conveniences of electricity and motorized transportation in favor of horse drawn buggies, fields plowed by mules, candle lit houses and propane tanks for heat.

The Pennsylvania “Dutch” country (actually a misnomer of “Deutsch” meaning German) is a short and easy drive from Westchester.  The region, often called “the Amish Country”, features a combination of Old World charm, numerous entertainment venues and the best shopping that you can imagine.  It is definitely worth the trip for individuals or the entire family.  Okay…let’s talk about some of these delightful things that you can do while visiting this area.

First of all, visit a real Amish farm. It is fascinating to see how these people have turned hundreds of acres into rich grazing lands for cows, horses and sheep as well of fields of grains and vegetables, using only the most rudimentary tools and methods.  Stop by one of their roadside stands for some fresh fruit, preserves or delicious apple butter, but don’t look for anyone to take your money – just leave it in the bucket provided! (Everything is based on honesty and trust).

Another fun thing to do is to take an authentic buggy ride.  There are two companies,  Abe’s and Ed’s, which provide this service.  By the way, don’t think that your buggy is going to be pulled by some old nag – the horses used by the Amish are all thoroughbreds, even some retired racing horses.  Remember, this is a great way to learn some Amish history and take in the beautiful countryside at the same time!

After a full day in the country, what do you do?  Eat! – and, oh my
G-d, can you!  If you like good old-fashioned mouthwatering fried chicken, fresh bread, great sausages, mashed potatoes and scrumptious buttered noodles then this place can be an eating orgy!  For a treat and lots of fun try either Plain and Fancy on Route 340 or Good and Plenty on Route 896.  For a more upscale restaurant with the Pennsylvania Dutch flavor, you must go to Groff’s Farm in nearby Mt. Joy.  The “chicken stolfus” is to die for, and where else can you get chocolate cake on the table before you eat your main course!

If you want to try something out of the ordinary, a wonderful way to see this beautiful countryside is in a hot air balloon.  As you flow silently over the serene farms, you can get a true appreciation for how these “plain folk” (as they are known) have done amazing things with the land.  You can also get a great view of the narrow winding roads that meander through the area, and if you are lucky, you might even get a glimpse of the old- fashioned steam train that cuts across the area. (By the way, you can take a ride on the train which takes you to Paradise and back.)  Just be careful when the balloon lands that you don’t wind up in a field of cows – being chased by a herd of Holsteins is not exactly a fun experience!

Speaking of Paradise, did you know that the Pennsylvania Dutch Country has some wonderful names for its towns?  How would you like to live in Intercourse, Blue Balls, Bareville or Virginville?  Honest, these are the names of real places!

Probably one of the best things to do in this area is to “shop ‘til you drop”.  There are several terrific outlet malls selling every brand name imaginable, and remember, there is no tax on clothing in Pennsylvania.  One of the best hidden secrets in the QVC Outlet at the Rockvale Center.  If you think the prices on QVC on the air are good, these outlet prices can be half of that!  There are also many wonderful individual quaint shops selling items for the home such as outdoor ornaments, beautiful quilts, handmade furniture and terrific garden sheds, all at unbelievable prices and the finest quality.

While you’re in the area you might want to take in Dutch Wonderful Amusement Park, or travel west about 45 minutes to Hershey Park, the Hershey Chocolate Factory or Indian Echo Caves.  But most importantly, “just get lost” and drive through the back roads of this beautiful countryside, unblemished by power lines, and see how the Amish have lived for hundreds of years.  (Don’t worry – you really won’t get lost since all these roads lead back to the main roads and modern civilization!) 

For more information on this unique area, access them at www.padutchcountry.com or give them a call at 1 (800) PA DUTCH and ask for their free guide containing information on lodging, restaurants, attractions and shopping.  You and your family will have a great time!

Enjoy!!