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El Volcan
Located in a strip mall spot previously occupied by D&J Deli in Trooper, El Volcan Cocina Mexicana was opened in September 2020 and offers a Mexican dine-in restaurant experience with a bit of class. (we miss you D&J!)
Due to the pandemic, it is likely that many diners have not discovered this spot that differentiates itself from other taco shop “taquerias” with attendant uniformed waiters, white table cloths, a tastefully decorated dining room and music in the background. The indoor dining area comfortably fits about forty diners in booths and freestanding tables supplemented by an outdoor dining space added this Spring. The BYOB environment makes this even a better spot for Mexican food fans to try.
Read the rest of Ron's column below ...
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Fireside opens new outdoor dining area
Even though the pandemnic seems to be subsiding, adding outdoor seating is a bonus for any restaurant that has the space, and the Fireside Bar & Grille in Ambler is taking full advantage of the opportunity. With
3 TVs, 30 seats, fans, heaters, etc. eventually shades being installed to keep wind/rain etc out and help with temp control the new space is going to be inviting to all, a representative of the restaurant told us. And finished off with... Needless to say it’s been a challenging year.
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Montco Anti-Hunger Network receives more support
JBS USA, parent company of the JBS Souderton meat processing operation, has announced a $216,627 contribution to the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network to purchase a distribution truck for the Food Resource Program, as well as provide financial support for the organization to operate for one year, according to a story at timesherald.com. Regular readers know this newsletter also supports the Montco Anti-Hunger Network, sending a portion of our proceeds each month to the awesome organization.
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Memorial Day done right
The unofficial start of summer is upon us, which means getting the grill ready, breaking out the sunscreen and impressing your guests with some food hacks they never would have thought of. How about some spiral hot dogs? But first, let them watch you clean your grill with ... an onion! All this and more thanks to our friends at allcreated.com
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Flatbread pizzas by @happysenmama68 ... mostly because well, look at them!
Here's a great place for you to highlight your favorite feast of the week. Just tag your photo with #amfeastagram and we'll pick one to be our AMFeastagram of the Week! Of course, crediting your extraordinary photog skills with your Instagram moniker! The post will also put you in the running for our Giveaway of the Month!
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Let's go back to the movies!
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It's time to get back into our local theaters, and we want to help. This month's giveaway is a $20 gift card to the Movie Tavern. Sure, being able to stream all kinds of movies at home is a great thing, but nothing beats the big screen!
So make sure to tag your foodie photos with #amfestagram!
So, let's make this easy for you. Join our Members Club below and you're automatically entered to win. Remember, 10 percent of your 99 cent membership each month goes to the Montco Anti-Hunger Network! Tag your foodie photos on Instagram with #amfeastagram and you'll also be entered to win! |
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Refer a friend, get cool swag
Send a link to this newsletter to just 3 of your friends, and if they sign on to receive our free newsletter, you get this incredibly cool, ultra luxurious ink pen! Oh, and here's the link! As a reminder, a portion of our Members Club receipts goes directly to the Montco Anti-Hunger Network.
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... the rest of Ron's column
The menu at El Volcan includes items you would find at a typical taqueria, but choices are supplemented by appetizer choices of three types of soup, three salads and other Mexican traditional openers like Nachos, Queso Fundido, Ceviche and Flautas. Entrée choices include Tacos and Enchiladas as well as Tortas, Quesadillas, and Burritos. Dishes can be prepared with protein options of Chicken, Shrimp, Tinga, Chorizo, Pork Al Pastor, Pork Carnitas, Carne Asada, Tilapia, and Skirt Steak (no ground beef) and vegetable options of Mushrooms, Cactus, Pumpkin, or Peppers. Chef’s Specials include Pork Ribs in Tomatillo sauce, Skirt Steak in a Poblano Pepper Cream sauce, Shrimp in a dry Pepper Sauce, Tilapia in a White Wine and Lemon sauce and Carne Asada. Side orders of Rice, Beans, and Guacamole are also available. Dessert offerings include Three Leches, Flan and Chocolate Churros. Although El Volcan is a BYOB they do offer table service ice water and soft drinks (Mexican sugar versions)
We started our dinner with an order of chips and salsa with the salsa being more likened to Pico de Gallo prepared with fresh tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro. The salsa used very fresh ingredients and was not spicy - the tomatoes were not soft, and the onions retained their crunch which can sometimes degrade from extended hold times before service. I requested some hot sauce on the side to increase the heat level for my chips as well as my entrée – too hot for DW Sherri but they satisfied my palate.
I decided to begin my meal with a bowl of Tortilla Soup prepared with a rich broth and filled with chicken and avocado chunks and accented with tortilla strips. The flavor profile was not overwhelmingly peppery and was worthy of a re-order on a future visit.
DW chose Carnitas Fajitas which were served to the table on a black skillet with a mound of Carnitas Pork over suitably sautéed peppers and onions along with small handmade corn tortillas. The Carnitas pork was tender and flavorful with the onions and peppers piping hot owed to the black hot skillet. A side order of beans and rice were good although the serving temperature a was a bit lower than expected.
On Tuesday nights El Volcan offers two-dollar tacos, so I elected to give two Chorizo and two Pork Carnitas tacos a try. The tacos had a sufficient portion of protein and were topped with cilantro and raw onion and were served with a garnish of sliced cucumber, radish, and a fresh lime wedge. As found in the Fajitas, the pork was flavorful and moist, and the Chorizo had a nice mild spicy kick and was not overly greasy.
El Volcan qualifies as a place to visit for casual Mexican dining in an atmosphere not found in many local taquerias. The strip mall appearance may be deceiving but I assure you will be pleasantly surprised.
Rating 4 / 5
El Volcan
2849 Ridge Pike
Eagleville, PA 19403
(484) 370-2481
10:30 AM - 9:00 PM
https://www.elvolcancocinamexicana.com
https://www.facebook.com/El-Volcan-Cocina-Mexicana-108591350982962
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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