TheBurg

36 | theburg | 02.16 F or such a long time in Harrisburg, there was little to celebrate. In the early '70s, the floodwaters from Tropical Storm Agnes all but decimated the city. Continuing into the '80s, as many residents left for the suburbs, the city was a ghost town after 5 p.m. ere were a few bright spots, such as Strawberry Square, but it, too, became deserted when the state workers left for home. Two tiny restaurants, Caruso's and Au Jour La Jour, lured patrons back to the city for a time. ey were wonderful places, but were just not around long enough. So here we are in 2016, and it's almost Valentine's Day. I am happy when I think of how far our little city has come. Often, we take a few steps back, but, in the restaurant department, we seem to keep adding more terrific places as each year goes by. is month, I would like to share with readers some of my favorite places to go for Valentine's Day and some of my favorite dishes offered by each place. If you don't normally come to the city to dine, you might be surprised. Note. bIStro AND WINe bAr. is little gem of a restaurant is located at the corner of N. 2nd and Harris Streets and is relatively new. It is a warm and friendly place anchored by a small but lively bar offering some of the best cocktails in town. Wine choices, usually from Italy or France, can be found on a large chalkboard that occupies an entire wall at the back of the restaurant. At note., I would order: • Caesar Salad: hearts of Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing (on the side), focaccia croutons and shaved Grano Padano cheese. • Berkshire Pork Chop: Pork chop served with butternut squash, risotto, pancetta, pearl onions, thyme and caramelized Brussels sprouts, all topped with a maple Bourbon glaze. • For dessert, some homemade gelato and note's excellent French Press coffee. a HarrisBUrG valenTine's On this special day, Rosemary dines out— and finds much to recommend. by roSeMAry ruggIerI bAer Photos by Dani Fresh, danifresh.com. omas Heidt, note. Bistro and Wine Bar. Duck breast with blood orange gastrique, note.

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