Jethro's Restaurant - Kris

As I walk up the step's of the corner restaurant Jethro's, located at 659 1st St, Lancaster, PA, it reminds me of the kind of place that is an undiscovered treasure known only by local foodies. Joined with fellow food sluts including my counterpart of Nice Pear, we enter the front doors of this quaint establishment. My first impression upon entering Jethro's is the overwhelming feeling of relaxation. Soft, warm and flattering lighting, which is always preferred when dealing with a mild case of adult acne. An unpretentious, low key atmosphere with an air of style. I am now ready to sit back and enjoy the evening's feast.

Round 1: The Appetizers
Looking over the wonderfully innovative menu, we all agreed the best way to approach this meal was to order two appetizers to really get a feel for the cuisine. The shining star for me was the calamari. Typically fried, at Jethro's restaurant the succulent squid is sauteed in a garlic and butter sauce. My counterpart dipped a piece of bread into the dish and advised that I do the same. I decided then that this could have been my entire meal.

Round 2: The Main Course
It was a hard decision to make, especially with the daily menu board beckoning me to try one of it's offerings. I decided on the pork loin in a thyme sauce accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes. When my dish arrived I knew by the mouth watering aroma I had decided wisely. The pork was cooked to perfection and the sauce was a perfect pairing. It brought out the flavor of the pork without being overpowering. When eaten with a bite of the mashed spuds, I literally had a threesome going on in my mouth. It was my first Nice Pear foodgasm. It is a moment I will never forget.

Round 3: The Desserts
We started this wonderful food experience with two selections, so it is fitting that we also end with two. The desserts chosen were a fudge brownie with a hint of orange flavoring and a cappuccino cheesecake. With beautifully presented desserts, it is obvious that the chefs at Jethro's know that people eat with their eyes first. The brownie with a hint of orange was decadent and when eaten with a bite of the cappuccino cheesecake, it was the perfect blend of flavors for this Nice Pear palette.

Jethro's Restaurant in Lancaster PA: 4 out of 5 Pears

Jethro's Restaurant - LL

Jethro's was formerly a private home and , consequently, only had room for 3 booths and 8 tables in the dining area for a total seating capacity of 30. Although I have been to this establishment many times before, it's still a ridiculous amount of excitement when i walk through the door. Or actually find parking. Though walking a block is totally worth it! The bar section of the restaurant is dimly lit, the kind of candlelight that flatters even the most bizarre of flaws.. note to self, do not pick up men at this bar. The seating is comfy and the menu is printed in a metallic ink as to play off of the flickering candlelight. Something to be appreciated after you've been staring at a blinking monitor all week. All cozy, check. Still allowed to smoke, check!!! I am ready.

Round 1: Appetizers

YUMMMM. Nothing better to go with your Sidecar (a Jethro's specialty cocktail) than some yummy appetizers. I've had the calamari and the mozzarella before and chose the mozz. It's beyond yummy served cold with the  prosciutto wrap. The peppers add a bit of kick to the dish.

Round 2: Main Course

YUM. again. Many times I've been to Jethro's I've witnessed my friends devouring the signature Jethro burger. I have not yet been brave enough to try it. As a pseudo-vegetarian I try to avoid anything made of cow... but I digress. It was amazing. Served open faced on a baugette with veggies as a side, it's more than a meal.. sharing included.

Round 3: The Sweet Escape

WOW. I'm not much of a chocolate person... BUT I may have been reformed after this. The fudge brownie was more like a chunk of homemade fudge.. and just as tasty. I'm not huge cappuccino fan but when coupled with the fudge brownie, it was almost like a rediscovery that the Reese's people should have been made aware of long ago. I believe I even stated "out loud" that this was better than any man. Ok, so I hate them. But I love chocolate : )

Jethro's Restaurant, Lancaster, PA: 4 out of 5 Pears