Cooking For Engineers

[Dilbert]

We took a short trip up to Hershey, PA - stumbled into a nice place:

Forebay at
Hershey Lodge
West Chocolate Ave & University
Hershy, Pa
(vicinity of the Hershey Medical Center)
Website: www.hersheylodge.com/dining/forebay.php

The Lodge itself dates back to 1967 - we were impressed with the public rooms, very well done and maintained in most excellent condition. The Lobby features a gigantic free standing, four sided fireplace.

There are multiple eateries, we chose the Forebay located on the second level above the main entrance. Outdoor seating (seasonal availability.)
It is not a huge place - perhaps seating 80; with food service at bar if you wish.

Menu has a decent selection of appetizers - beef, chicken, fish, main courses and deserts - most deserts curiously involving chocolate.

I had a fresh Chantrelle salad appetizer - served with fresh berries, pistachios, served with white cheddar wedges; nicely bedded on very a slightly savory very tasty bed of greens. Absolutely top notch - the cheddar made the dish.

For an appetizer DW got cocoa rubbed diver's aka sea scallops. Quite a bit larger than commonly served as appetizer. Pan seared to a crisp brown crust, equally well on both sides. They must have a really hot pan; at home, on gas, I've never gotten them to look so good. Garnished with creamed corn and pickled breakfast radishes - a splendid combo executed with skill.

My entree was the special - red snapper served on a bed of couscous with a medley of fresh vegetables. A generous portion of snapper cooked to absolute perfection. Saucing of the couscous and vegetables was perfect. This place obviously shops/serves fresh stuff. I couldn't find anything that even remotely looked prepared by a restaurant purveyor.

DW got two very good sized crab cakes - again without question freshly prepped in their kitchen. Excellent combo of lump meat and finer sizes - perfectly fried. Seasoning and breading were perfect, no bland binder taste. DW grew up around Baltimore - she knows a good crab cake and these rank right at the top. Fresh asparagus and potato cubes dressed with a very nice remoulade.

Dessert was creme brulee - okay, a somewhat pedestrian choice but it was equally well prepared and delicious. A chocolate creme brulee is available, but I couldn't sell it.....

Service was excellent. I got the impression our server was relatively new - but a couple questions we asked were promptly researched in the kitchen and immediately reported back to us. He may have been a little new, but he had been very well trained not only in customer service but also table service.

Overall impression:
Excellent food, excellent service, excellent atmosphere, excellent value.
The Hershey Inn does fresh right - and it shows through. Plus, somebody in the kitchen is highly skilled at blending the right flavors into a dish - everything melded superbly. Timing was also very well done - no interminable waits and no rushing. Occupancy was roughly 50% during our dinner.

Cost: (excluding alcohol) mid-range - $86+tax+tip for two. Absolutely worth the price - we've paid a lot more for that level of quality.

A side note on alcohol: definitely pricier than most restaurants. Cocktails/wine $12 and up.

Recommendation: this one's a no brainer - don't miss it if you're in the area.

[Dude111]

I remember going to Hershey Park,it was indeed fun!!!!!!!