Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
A Trip to Australia in 2 1/2 hours.... in Chester County--ALL 4-8 year old parents READ!!
Email Mrs. Herbst & Mrs. Wooten, Owners
610-696-2988 or 610-692-8877
I rarely write impromptu blogs but felt the need after my 4 1/2 year old's trip to Australia today...scroll down for BLOG!
So, I signed my daughter up for a class at Think Like A Scientist a few months ago. I was super excited, as this was started in West Chester by 2 teachers at the preschool my daughter attends, as a new and exciting venture. It is a science enrichment program that is open to any preschooler or kindergarten student in the area. So to add a fun 1/2 day to her weekly preschool schedule I thought would be fun, and would open to her up to a new venue, new kids etc. Also a fun, cool place for birthday parties---which now just got added to our birthday party option for this fall!!
Today was Mackenzie's first day, and it's something she has been excited for, for weeks. At drop off today, she ran into the classroom and I drove away happy and content that she would experience some fun new things, meet new kids and have great care by 2 fabulous teachers. Well I was underestimating what this place was!
Upon arrival today I went up to pick her up from the drop off, and decided to go in, take a few "first day photos" and look around. I was amazed at such detail, such fun for these kids. Mackenzie drug me, literally, over to a tank with "Louie", the "class pet" as she told me. I was enthralled with the "learning" that just surrounds you in this classroom. So I took some photos, thanked them and left.
Before we got to the car, she was hopping up and down with excitement, so ready to tell me about her day, which as a Mom I thought BINGO, she loved it! Well I wasn't even prepared to hear what I heard.
So apparently after I dropped her off at 9am, they took off and traveled to AUSTRALIA! In 2 1/2 hours she learned about this new continent that is an island, about koala bears and their "jelly bean" babies, about poisonous snakes and spiders and everything a nearly 5 year old could ever want to know about a far away land called Australia. She told me how the snakes wiggled through the sand, and they packed luggage and went to the airport with babies and bags, and even made passports. Her adorable little Koala Bear she made is hanging in her room already, as proof of her trip! And her jelly bean treat, which when she handed me upon arrival made no sense to me until I heard her tell me about baby kangaroos being the size of a jelly bean when born! It clicked, everything they learned today connected to everything they did! And she was very sure to tell me about the Koala cookies they made too for snack. I am over the moon impressed!
As a 37 year old mom, I sat back and listened to her talk, without having to ask questions, I could hear and feel her excitement and felt like she had truly been to a new place, all while sitting right in West Chester. I just came back from back to school night a few nights ago where the teacher made sure to remind us not to ask them a million questions when they get out of school because they won't say much, until later. Well this class sparked so much imagination and spirit, she couldn't possibly wait until later! Each parent was given a letter of what the children did today, it was great to be able to read that after hearing her experience. A very nice touch I thought for parents to see what went on, while we weren't there.
I applaud these teachers!! It is not often that I am "WOW'ED" by teachers having a mother who retired from teaching elementary education, who still wows me to this day with her teaching skills and her eyes wide open approach to children. These 2 teachers deserve a standing ovation to starting this venture and in it's 1st month of school excelling and doing such an amazing job! It's hard to open a new business, let alone include children in that business, and add on the teaching and responsibility of all of those children all day long. KUDOS!
So if you have children who are preschool age or children in kindergarten, this science enrichment class is for you!! They have openings on Tuesdays & Thursdays morning and afternoons. Perfect if you have a child with morning kindergarten, and want a full day experience, pair this up with their school schedule!
And while researching birthday parties for young kids, this is now on our list. I found out they have parties for all styles for ages 4-8. Themes include everything from dinosaurs, baseball, princess, backyard fun, to bubbles and more! Weekday and weekend dates available.
Also--FYI, need a place for your child to go on a day off from preschool or kindergarten?? TLaS has special events for days like this!! Check out their website.
Thank you Mrs. Herbst & Mrs. Wooten to opening my daughter's eyes to a whole new world, a new adventure and new group of friends! She is already asking when she can go again, next Tuesday can't come soon enough!!
Thank you!!
~Joy C.
FSFOT
You can find Think Like A Scientists on FB:
Think Like A Scientist Website:
Email:
Phone:
610-696-2988 or 610-692-8877
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Do you "ELF" in your house?? Enter this giveaway if you do!!
A postcard from our ELF!! I can't explain to you the excitement that statement has caused in this house. Imagine the face of your child seeing a vacation postcard from their elf!
This past week my 2 daughters received a postcard in the mail from their Elf On A Shelf Elf, Jingles. The sheer thrill that this little card has created is truly amazing. To see the face light up on 2 little girls faces all because of a post card!
The card assured them that he is well and reminded us all how close Christmas was, only 4+ months away. In a child's eyes, 4 months is NOTHING and has no tangible evidence of when Santa or Jingles will be coming back.
Of course now that the postcard has arrived, it has started massive conversations about when Jingles will come back, where he will show up, will he come for the 1st day of school? Etc. This elf has become a family member now, everyone anticipating his arrival.
One of the fun topics that did come up was his clothing, possibly buying him some new duds to wear around. Whether he would like it if we surprised or enticed him with a new outfit before he arrived? Maybe a special outfit each week of Christmas to change it up a little :) Mackenzie, my 4 year old would like him to "stand out" and be special when he goes back to the North Pole, as not to blend in with the other elves. Elf Outfitters has aprons for helping cook the holiday cookies, tutus, sleeping bags, and so much more! And if you look really close, you might even find a way to get your kid's elf to send them a post card!
Check out Elf Outfitters for awesome clothing for your elf, but also pintables, scavenger hunts and more that you can incorporate with your Elf this year!!
So if you are interested in getting a postcard sent to your child from THEIR elf, or buy some fun Elf Clothing, check out Elf Outfitters! FB link is https://www.facebook.com/ElfOutfitters and website is
Now for the fun part: Enter to win a $10 gift card from Elf Outfitters! Giveaway ends 11:59pm Monday 8/19th!! HURRY!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Home Away From Home...even for your pets!! Hampton Inn Exton/Downingtown
4 North Pottstown Pike
Exton PA 19341
610-363-5555
email: dee.kroger@hilton.com
www.hamptoninnexton.com
(Make sure to LIKE them on FB, so you remember what hotel to call when in need)
• PETS stay FREE! No deposit or fee required--100% Pet Friendly
Here
it is...our first Hotel Review! I was a bit nervous as I have become
accustomed to staying in beautiful resorts when we go away thanks to
RCI, so my expectations were set very high. I want to find reliable,
clean, LOCAL hotels for Chester County residents when they are in need
of a local hotel, for family visiting out of town, and just don't have
that extra bed, or the power goes out and 3 kids, 2 dogs and no
electricity is just NOT going to hack it for 2 nights.
Hotel & Room Amenities:
• PETS stay FREE! No deposit or fee required--100% Pet Friendly
• Full Size Outdoor Heated Pool
• FREE Hot Breakfast every morning
• FREE On The Run Breakfast Bag if you can't stop for breakfast Mon-Fri
• 24 HOUR Business Center
•FREE In Room Internet Access
• Accessible Rooms available
• FREE Hot Breakfast every morning
• FREE On The Run Breakfast Bag if you can't stop for breakfast Mon-Fri
• 24 HOUR Business Center
•FREE In Room Internet Access
• Accessible Rooms available
REAL REVIEWS OF CHESTER COUNTY'S REVIEW.......
Well I am happy to report, this will be our FSFOT's First Recommended Local Hotel!! Kudos Hampton Inn Exton!
So
with the husband,a 4 year old, a 2 year old, 3 suitcases, pool bag,
toys, small cooler and 75lb dog in tow, I entered the Hampton to check
in. I was very pleasantly surprised at the foyer of the hotel. Such a
warm home like feeling. I was greeted by hotel staff at the desk and
also greeted by the smell of home made chocolate chip cookies!! Ease
of check in was simple! Which after staying in lots of hotels, this is
important when you have 2 kids, a dog and a husband waiting. The went
through hours of pool, breakfast, and the normal hotel routine, and then
came around to give my doggie their own treat upon check in! They gave
us warm, freshly baked cookies, what a nice touch!
I LOVE that this hotel is pet friendly at NO extra cost to the family. I think that is a HUGE incentive when needing a quick local hotel when you lose electric or have construction work going on preventing you from staying in your own home, because a place for your pets is a must!
The Room..
After I completed a quick check in, we headed up to our room. Upon entering, we were greeted with again a very warm, much more like home feeling than I am used to in a hotel. The room looked to have been redesigned recently as everything seemed quite new. The kids hopped right up on the bed to inspect it, and of course passed their test immediately. I did, as I will for every hotel, check for bed bugs--I know I know, Gross BUT I will always check, and I can assure you this bed had NONE! It's amazing but I think everyone should check when they go to a hotel. The sheets along with the duvet was fresh and smelled like fresh linen.
Checked out the bathroom, which has the ever famous curved shower curtain rod which I love, as it gives you so much more room! The room and everything in it was very clean. And one thing I noticed and enjoyed was the Water Pic shower head massager--it was delightful! Plenty of lotion, shampoo, etc provided for you.
We quickly unpacked our luggage, which looked like we were staying for a week, when in reality it was just 1 night. On a quick side note, they do have luggage carts to help with luggage. I make sure to note that because I have been in hotels where they are NOT available and it makes trekking luggage impossible at times.
The room itself has a microwave and mini fridge which we used tremendously with the kids. Stashing juice boxes and water bottles, and making popcorn for the kids to watch with their movie at night.
The desk/work space would be a god send to anyone there on business, or even just to sit down and check email etc. I know for me, being online and typing all the time, it was great to have a separate spot for that, not just in a chair. I loved the light that "glowed" over the work station, a night light of sorts. They also provided a lap desk if you wanted to hang out in bed and catch up on emails etc, which I did later at night.
There also was a nice "sofa bed" which we pulled out and my kids had a blast camping out on that, along with the dog, who enjoyed both the King Size bed and the sofa bed. The tall wardrobe came in handy to hang out hanging clothes and put bags to get out of the way.
Speaking of dogs...I was surprised that there were NO evidence of other dogs or pets for that matter. No hair, no doggie smell etc from past animals. So I must say kudos to their cleaning team! I know how hard it is in my own house to try to keep up on dog hair, let alone nightly in a hotel!
FREE Local Calls--another fabulous amenity if you are local and need to make calls. Also a great advantage if you have out of town family staying there and they need to reach you--again free local calls really is a nice add on ! We used it just to call for takeout etc.
Room Temperature in our room was easily controlled by a digital room control, which seemed new and very accurate. During our very hot stay it was nice to come into a very cool room.
My husband and kids enjoyed the LG flat screen TV which had HD channels and FREE HBO. Great for the kids to enjoy movies and shows before calming down for bed.
So bottom line on the room...very warm, very comfortable, very clean and everything needed to enjoy some time away, for whatever reason. I didn't feel like i was in a hotel room, but more like a friend's home. It was a very casual and welcoming feel.
I LOVE that this hotel is pet friendly at NO extra cost to the family. I think that is a HUGE incentive when needing a quick local hotel when you lose electric or have construction work going on preventing you from staying in your own home, because a place for your pets is a must!
The Room..
After I completed a quick check in, we headed up to our room. Upon entering, we were greeted with again a very warm, much more like home feeling than I am used to in a hotel. The room looked to have been redesigned recently as everything seemed quite new. The kids hopped right up on the bed to inspect it, and of course passed their test immediately. I did, as I will for every hotel, check for bed bugs--I know I know, Gross BUT I will always check, and I can assure you this bed had NONE! It's amazing but I think everyone should check when they go to a hotel. The sheets along with the duvet was fresh and smelled like fresh linen.
Checked out the bathroom, which has the ever famous curved shower curtain rod which I love, as it gives you so much more room! The room and everything in it was very clean. And one thing I noticed and enjoyed was the Water Pic shower head massager--it was delightful! Plenty of lotion, shampoo, etc provided for you.
We quickly unpacked our luggage, which looked like we were staying for a week, when in reality it was just 1 night. On a quick side note, they do have luggage carts to help with luggage. I make sure to note that because I have been in hotels where they are NOT available and it makes trekking luggage impossible at times.
The room itself has a microwave and mini fridge which we used tremendously with the kids. Stashing juice boxes and water bottles, and making popcorn for the kids to watch with their movie at night.
The desk/work space would be a god send to anyone there on business, or even just to sit down and check email etc. I know for me, being online and typing all the time, it was great to have a separate spot for that, not just in a chair. I loved the light that "glowed" over the work station, a night light of sorts. They also provided a lap desk if you wanted to hang out in bed and catch up on emails etc, which I did later at night.
There also was a nice "sofa bed" which we pulled out and my kids had a blast camping out on that, along with the dog, who enjoyed both the King Size bed and the sofa bed. The tall wardrobe came in handy to hang out hanging clothes and put bags to get out of the way.
Speaking of dogs...I was surprised that there were NO evidence of other dogs or pets for that matter. No hair, no doggie smell etc from past animals. So I must say kudos to their cleaning team! I know how hard it is in my own house to try to keep up on dog hair, let alone nightly in a hotel!
FREE Local Calls--another fabulous amenity if you are local and need to make calls. Also a great advantage if you have out of town family staying there and they need to reach you--again free local calls really is a nice add on ! We used it just to call for takeout etc.
Room Temperature in our room was easily controlled by a digital room control, which seemed new and very accurate. During our very hot stay it was nice to come into a very cool room.
My husband and kids enjoyed the LG flat screen TV which had HD channels and FREE HBO. Great for the kids to enjoy movies and shows before calming down for bed.
So bottom line on the room...very warm, very comfortable, very clean and everything needed to enjoy some time away, for whatever reason. I didn't feel like i was in a hotel room, but more like a friend's home. It was a very casual and welcoming feel.
Onto The Hotel...
I made sure to walk around the hotel to check out all facades of what they offer.
Coin Laundry--I was happy to see that there was a laundry facility right on site in case anything needed to be washed. I found this to be an important option if you were staying due to electricity outage at home, or other quick unplanned reason. This gave an option to not have to pack a lot of clothes. With kids, spills and other unplanned events happen when you definitely need to do wash!
The lobby area is not a typical hotel lobby. It is skirted by a "breakfast nook" area and a "living room" area. The kitchen nook you will hear me talk about later but the living room area, is awesome! It truly again looks like a friends house, an area you can sit down, catch up on a book,relax, or work in some quiet outside of your room. This area I do NOT have pictures of because there was always multiple people sitting down enjoying it. I didn't feel comfortable taking photos with people in them. I did talk to a few of the guests this weekend and they truly enjoyed how "at home" they felt, which again is just how I felt, home away from home.
Throughout the hotel was updated decor, seems as if the hotel was recently redesigned. I was very impressed. Large chairs were positioned at the elevator areas, a nice place for the kids to wait and a good "meeting" point when waiting for others in your parties. There are meeting rooms available on site also if you are there for work, or if you have a local business that a meeting room would be helpful. The rooms are fully equipped with tv/dvds, screens, tables, chairs and meeting ready. We are actually using their rooms for our FSFOT CPR classes in September. If you want to reserve or book their meeting rooms, call 610-363-5555.
The Pool---well we truly enjoyed this! There were few guests enjoying the pool this weekend, many of them there visiting while here for a baby shower, wedding and a few other things, so many didn't get to enjoy the pool like we did. The pool was very well kept. Clean and levels were checked while we were there, which is so important in "public" style pools. The area is well designed with nice patio furniture, tables, chairs & umbrellas, amidst beautiful potted flowers. Towels for the pool are provided pool side so no worry about bringing towels to lug home! It is a heated pool, so even at night, the warm water felt like a great way to end the night!
I found out that every Wednesday night, the guests are in for a special treat...a full dinner provided by a local restaurant! All guests staying Wednesday night are invited, free of charge! Just another little add on that Hampton has set up to accommodate their weekly guests! Lots of delicious local restaurants are involved, get in touch with Hampton if you are interested in being the feature restaurant. Great way for local restaurants to reach out to Hampton business clients and regulars!! Call Sarah Frindt, 610-363-555 to set it up!
Breakfast in the "Breakfast Nook"...
I made sure to walk around the hotel to check out all facades of what they offer.
Coin Laundry--I was happy to see that there was a laundry facility right on site in case anything needed to be washed. I found this to be an important option if you were staying due to electricity outage at home, or other quick unplanned reason. This gave an option to not have to pack a lot of clothes. With kids, spills and other unplanned events happen when you definitely need to do wash!
The lobby area is not a typical hotel lobby. It is skirted by a "breakfast nook" area and a "living room" area. The kitchen nook you will hear me talk about later but the living room area, is awesome! It truly again looks like a friends house, an area you can sit down, catch up on a book,relax, or work in some quiet outside of your room. This area I do NOT have pictures of because there was always multiple people sitting down enjoying it. I didn't feel comfortable taking photos with people in them. I did talk to a few of the guests this weekend and they truly enjoyed how "at home" they felt, which again is just how I felt, home away from home.
Throughout the hotel was updated decor, seems as if the hotel was recently redesigned. I was very impressed. Large chairs were positioned at the elevator areas, a nice place for the kids to wait and a good "meeting" point when waiting for others in your parties. There are meeting rooms available on site also if you are there for work, or if you have a local business that a meeting room would be helpful. The rooms are fully equipped with tv/dvds, screens, tables, chairs and meeting ready. We are actually using their rooms for our FSFOT CPR classes in September. If you want to reserve or book their meeting rooms, call 610-363-5555.
The Pool---well we truly enjoyed this! There were few guests enjoying the pool this weekend, many of them there visiting while here for a baby shower, wedding and a few other things, so many didn't get to enjoy the pool like we did. The pool was very well kept. Clean and levels were checked while we were there, which is so important in "public" style pools. The area is well designed with nice patio furniture, tables, chairs & umbrellas, amidst beautiful potted flowers. Towels for the pool are provided pool side so no worry about bringing towels to lug home! It is a heated pool, so even at night, the warm water felt like a great way to end the night!
I found out that every Wednesday night, the guests are in for a special treat...a full dinner provided by a local restaurant! All guests staying Wednesday night are invited, free of charge! Just another little add on that Hampton has set up to accommodate their weekly guests! Lots of delicious local restaurants are involved, get in touch with Hampton if you are interested in being the feature restaurant. Great way for local restaurants to reach out to Hampton business clients and regulars!! Call Sarah Frindt, 610-363-555 to set it up!
Breakfast in the "Breakfast Nook"...
I
woke up after a great night sleep on this Hampton Bed! It made me
realize I need a new mattress at home, forgot how comfortable sleeping
could be :) This was a huge benefit that I feel is worthy of telling
you about because so many hotel beds are NOT comfortable! So thanks
Hampton for a good night sleep! After getting ready to check out, we
first headed down to the FREE breakfast. I was expecting a nice little
breakfast, bagel and juice etc and was very surprised at the spread that
they have for guests each morning! But first I noticed on our way to
the "Breakfast Nook", which I termed the breakfast area because it is so
comfy and accommodating, not a "restaurant or hotel feel", a FREE
Hampton On The Go Bag which was conveniently placed at the bottom of the
elevators and front desk for anyone who needed a breakfast but didn't
have time to sit down and enjoy their hot breakfast. The bag consisted
of an apple, bottled water, fresh package muffin, a breakfast/energy
style bar and mints. What a nice little extra for those who were in a
hurry!
We arrived to the breakfast, and realized how many guests truly enjoyed this option, the "Breakfast Nook" was busy with guests chatting about baby showers the day before, weddings they had just gone to the night prior and relatives they would miss when they left upon their departure. Definitely a place to catch up with family you are there with, or work colleagues you are traveling with.
So upon our entrance to breakfast, we were welcomed by Carmen. What a warm friendly face to welcome you to the breakfast. Carmen, I noticed welcomed every single guest, and I did notice that management is also often walking through checking on and thanking guests for their stay with them. It was a very nice touch, something that stood out to me showing this hotel truly appreciates their guests.
The breakfast choices were vast! HOT, FRESH, COLD AND BAKED...just as their sign stats! :)
Cold & Hot cereals, muffins, baked goods, bagels, toast, eggs & ham, bagel toppers, smoked bacon, fresh fruit, yogurt, and my daughter's favorite--make your own waffle bar! Also a juice bar and coffee/tea station. The food was fresh and delicious and so welcoming to start your day. This breakfast in itself is such a great incentive for guests, it allows for a full breakfast for your entire family, all included in your room rate!
I was most very intrigued with in Carmen and her enthusiasm while working. I watched her tend to this "Breakfast Nook" as if she were in her own home welcoming friends. I chatted with Carmen for quite a while, found out she has been at Hampton for 7 years. She admitted when she is not there, she worries about the guests and thinks about them, knowing they are in good hands but wishing she was there with them. Such a true testament to Hampton standards and the employees they employee, truly making sure the standards are met and kept in place. Thank you Carmen for allowing us to sit down at your table and enjoy a meal--we enjoyed every minute!
Saying Goodbye!
Check out was simple and effortless, and Ginger, our lab was given a treat upon departure! Everyone was so warm and accommodating! The employees are ALL so friendly and helpful. I appreciate that when away from home.
I truly hope that any of you who need a local hotel for wedding guests, out of town visitors, or a place for yourself in an emergency will call Hampton and let them make you feel at home, as we did! Thank You Hampton!!
...until the next night stay,
Joy
We arrived to the breakfast, and realized how many guests truly enjoyed this option, the "Breakfast Nook" was busy with guests chatting about baby showers the day before, weddings they had just gone to the night prior and relatives they would miss when they left upon their departure. Definitely a place to catch up with family you are there with, or work colleagues you are traveling with.
So upon our entrance to breakfast, we were welcomed by Carmen. What a warm friendly face to welcome you to the breakfast. Carmen, I noticed welcomed every single guest, and I did notice that management is also often walking through checking on and thanking guests for their stay with them. It was a very nice touch, something that stood out to me showing this hotel truly appreciates their guests.
The breakfast choices were vast! HOT, FRESH, COLD AND BAKED...just as their sign stats! :)
Cold & Hot cereals, muffins, baked goods, bagels, toast, eggs & ham, bagel toppers, smoked bacon, fresh fruit, yogurt, and my daughter's favorite--make your own waffle bar! Also a juice bar and coffee/tea station. The food was fresh and delicious and so welcoming to start your day. This breakfast in itself is such a great incentive for guests, it allows for a full breakfast for your entire family, all included in your room rate!
I was most very intrigued with in Carmen and her enthusiasm while working. I watched her tend to this "Breakfast Nook" as if she were in her own home welcoming friends. I chatted with Carmen for quite a while, found out she has been at Hampton for 7 years. She admitted when she is not there, she worries about the guests and thinks about them, knowing they are in good hands but wishing she was there with them. Such a true testament to Hampton standards and the employees they employee, truly making sure the standards are met and kept in place. Thank you Carmen for allowing us to sit down at your table and enjoy a meal--we enjoyed every minute!
Saying Goodbye!
Check out was simple and effortless, and Ginger, our lab was given a treat upon departure! Everyone was so warm and accommodating! The employees are ALL so friendly and helpful. I appreciate that when away from home.
I truly hope that any of you who need a local hotel for wedding guests, out of town visitors, or a place for yourself in an emergency will call Hampton and let them make you feel at home, as we did! Thank You Hampton!!
...until the next night stay,
Joy
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Liberty Union's Grand Brunch Buffet = Fresh & Flavorable Choice For Families!
Sunday Brunch Buffet
325 Simpson Drive
Chester Springs PA 19425
484-359-4061
info@libertyunionbar.com www.libertyunionbar.com
Mon - Wed: 11:00 am - 12:00 am
Thu - Sat: 11:00 am - 2:00 am
Sun: 11:00 am - 12:00 am
Sunday Brunch Buffet Menu:
$16.99/adult includes soft drinks
$6.99/5-12 years
FREE/4 and under
• Beet and Citrus Salad Drizzled with Champagne Vinaigrette
• Liberty Salad with Sliced Pears, Candied Walnuts, Red Onion and Bl Cheese Crumbles (Two Dressings on Side)
• Grilled Vegetable Platter
• Fruit Salad with seasonal Melons and Berries
• Whole Fruit Baskets
• Smoked Salmon served with Capers and a Dill Cream Spread
• Peel and Eat Shrimp
• Mussels on a half Shell
• Carving Station- Virginia Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Drizzle
• Belgium Waffles with sides of Chocolate Chips, Whipped Cream, Maple Syrup, and Strawberry Coulis
• Bacon and Sausage
• Hash Browns
• Scrambled Eggs
• Chipped Beef on Toast
• Seasonal Pasta Dish
• Assorted Bagels, Danish and Muffins
• Assorted Desserts (Cheesecake and Brownies)
REAL REVIEWS OF CHESTER COUNTY'S REVIEW.......
This is a first for our reviews....I took my family along with me!! I am always in the hunt for local restaurants and eateries that are family friendly and am often surprised who is and isn't family friendly. So families---prepare yourself THIS PLACE IS A DEFINITE!! And while I sat there I realized what a great place this is for parties, showers, rehearsal dinners etc. Think of using the brunch for a baby shower or bridal shower venue, $16.99, all you can eat, venue is free, and you don't have to clean up!
I have to start first by saying the decor and "feel" of Liberty Union is NOT what I expected in Eagle. I was expecting a bit of a more old fashioned styled, rustic country feel, so I was blown away when I walked into a very current, crisp clean American style establishment. I know this sounds weird but I felt a sense of American Pride when I walked in. We were greeted by a very warm and welcoming hostess, amidst the decor that brings you into such a warm and inviting space. The location itself is very Americana, beautiful reds, blues and whites, and very well though out vintage displays of old American items that catch your eye throughout the restaurant. Check out the photos--they themselves will fill you in on just how authentic and true to America this place really is.
The buffet itself is situated and set up in a room in the back part of Liberty Union, which was nice to allow you a quieter area where you were seated, not mixed with the hustle and bustle of the people filling their plates. We were greeted by our server, who promptly gave both my children, 2 and 4 a coloring page of the Liberty Bell and crayons--they were overjoyed! I was again surprised at the attention to detail for families. Looking around at the tables 90% of them were FAMILIES with young children. Again...very pleasantly surprised at how well this place has addressed all age groups and styles of family. There were a few tables of 60+ friends meeting after church, a few 20 year old couples, a mother and daughter enjoying the daughter's birthday, and multiple tables of families! I felt so comfortable with my children being there, which doesn't happen often when going out to eat, as many of you might experience yourself.
Onto The Food...
We were presented with a "Made To Order" omelet form, where we were able to choose from a vast variety of ingredients for the chef to custom prepare for you. So after we left our orders on the table...we took the walk up to the buffet room, and yes it needs an entire room with the amount of food they present at this Grand Buffet! You walk in and are in a bit awe seeing so much food. It is literally breakfast, lunch and dinner in front of you, open to however you choose to enjoy it! My 2 little ones were well, freaking out, not sure how else to say it. They wanted a bit of everything. The food is displayed so simply, not overdone and very accessible to see all foods without reaching over others. After filling our plates, we retreated to the table to dig into this mountain of deliciousness!
I can't possibly tell you about every item on the buffet, that would take 5 blogs and 100lbs to my already increasing waistline, but I will focus on ones that I truly thought stood out to me. Check the full list above for all items on the menu.
I started with a beet & citrus salad drizzled with champagne vinaigrette. My key word for this was gourmet. So simple, yet presented so elegantly and with a unique and very fresh yet sweet taste. I tried a small sampling of the Liberty Salad enough to know I could order that alone as an entree, it was soo scrumptious...sliced pears, candies walnuts, red onions, and blue cheese crumbles. My next favorite was the grilled vegetables! Sorry to say but we try to make these at home and they NEVER taste like this. They had a seemed to soak in extra flavor from being grilled, and were super moist. Delicious! My girls loved the fruit salad with melons and berries, again the fruit was very very fresh. They also had an option for whole fruits, if anyone preferred but we all preferred the cut fruit. So nice for someone to have it done for you :) Now onto the seafood portions.
Smoked Salmon with capers and a dill spread....melted in my mouth! This salmon was prepared by a chef who truly knows how to prepare Salmon, moist and tender, again so much flavor. I seem to say that about a lot of their dishes. I think that was one thing that really blew me away....FRESH & FLAVORFUL...on all the items. I also had some peel and eat shrimp which were again to die for...I love shrimp!
Now for my husband's favorite part of the entire meal, the Virgina Baked Ham with Brown Sugar drizzle. While I do like ham, to say my husband liked this is an understatement. His exact quote is "best ham he has ever had". The sweet crust and juicy interior of the ham was perfectly baked and timed. The basic Brown Sugar drizzle was just enough but not too much to add to this ham. The chef had prepared that fresh that morning. One of my daughter's favorites were the Belgium waffles. They were able to choose their own perfect toppings, which they were elated about! They enjoyed chocolate chips and strawberries as their toppings! One of my favorite lunch/dinner items on the buffet was the pasta and asparagus dish. I am sorry I didn't get the exact name of this dish, but it was delicious and soooo well though out. It was a perfect seasonal choice for July.
Traditional Breakfast Lovers......no worries they didn't forget the traditional breakfast staples that were cooked perfectly, bacon, sausage, hash browns, scrambled eggs, chipped beef on toast, assorted bagels, muffins and danish.
And at the end don't forget to enjoy a piece of dessert.....brownies and OMG cheesecake! Of course the cheesecake was one of the first things on my daughter's plate and I must tell you I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was creamy and soft, and tasted as if it had just come out of the oven. I truly enjoyed that extra little touch.
For those who love Bloody Mary's & Mimosas---those are extras but can be enjoyed here too!
So my review is that you should RUN not walk to Liberty Union for their breakfast buffet! I found this Sunday brunch to be not only a nice family meal time but something we are hoping to turn into a monthly tradition. We all enjoyed the meal, the restaurant and the atmosphere. It was comfortable without being too casual and classic enough without being vintage.
I truly thank the staff and owners of Liberty Union for allowing us a chance into their corner of Chester County....it was an amazing and fun experience that we truly plan to keep going with every month!! Thank you Steve & Staff!
~~Joy & Family July 2013
JUST AN FYI:
LIBERTY UNION IS AVAILABLE TO CATER YOUR NEXT EVENT!
PERFECT LOCATION FOR PARTIES, SHOWERS, REHEARSAL DINNERS AND MORE!
PERFECT LOCATION FOR PARTIES, SHOWERS, REHEARSAL DINNERS AND MORE!
This place has something for everyone!
My recommendations:
Wednesday: All You can Eat BBQ Night- 5p-9pm $16.95
MEN & COUPLES----Check this out!
"Endless plate of your BBQ favorites, ribs, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, coleslaw, fries, corn on the cob!!
Thursday: Karaoke Night---9PM-11pm
Fun Younger Crowd & Prizes!
Part of the local bar business? Stop by and get a FREE drink with proof of pay stub
First singer gets a FREE drink!
Monday-Friday---Happy Hour 5pm-7pm Great For Corporate Crowd!
Sunday: Grand Buffet Brunch 10am-2pm Families, Couples, Friends, Anyone!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
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