The dine-in and takeout menu at this destination is extensive, from sandwiches to steaks. Yet the restaurant works hard to make sure it provides consistent flavor and quality with each item offered. “We’ve been rewarded by being one of the busiest restaurants in Berks County,” says grateful owner Hamid Chaudhry, who has received numerous accolades as one of the most charitable business-persons in the area.
Big Ben Fish & Chips, Shrimp Scampi & More
Named for the British Isles where Fish & Chips are a staple, the Big Ben Fish & Chips are stunning to view, much less eat. Two huge fillets of hand-breaded Atlantic haddock, tanned from expert frying like they’ve been sunbathing, drape over classic French fries: truly a pub-style preparation. The fresh white pieces of fish are simultaneously solid and delicate, as clean and mild and fantastic as haddock should be, plus there’s that lovely edge of fatty richness from the breading. Squeeze a bit of lemon over the fish to enhance each bite as you go, or perhaps dot on some tartar sauce. The fries are long with the skin on, medium-cut and straightforward in potato-y flavor, high in satisfaction score. You might want to plan ahead to share this dish with someone else, since this is absolutely the type of dish that deserves to be conquered with gusto.
There are just so many other dishes that appeal, including the Shrimp Scampi — 10 jumbo shrimp sauteed in famous scampi sauce and married up with seasoned rice. The Mighty Mike Faust Burger pays hearty homage to a local media man whose influence is strongly reflected in this hamburger creation: consider that the patty is a half-pound of Black Angus Beef which is then doubled up with pulled pork, all topped with pickles and barbecue sauce. Better come in hungry for that one!
Cheesecake, Cheesecake, Cheesecake
Full disclosure: cheesecake is NOT the only dessert available here. They serve Pineapple Upside-Down Cake too, and — after all — this restaurant is also a bakery! (Don’t be surprised if a server or manager or the owner himself walks around offering you a donut just out of the blue — usually at breakfast time! It happens.)
However, the Cheesecake — which comes in different varieties — is astonishing. It’s a somewhat close cousin to the tightly bound style of New York cheesecake, and certainly is every bit as good, but the texture varies importantly in its lightness and softness, almost reminiscent of the interior of a chiffon pie or similar. So, imagine a tangy sweet cheesecake that holds its own on the fork, with a lovely, almost nutty-flavored, crust of graham.
Whether you select the plain or a flavored variety, you absolutely cannot go wrong with this dessert. It’s a wonderful hospitality gift as well, which you can buy whole for a very reasonable price. Just make sure your host promises to serve it so you can get a slice!
