Upcoming Events!!
- Valentine's menu!!****
- We Love Lunch****
- Tuscan Table Fridays..every Friday evening 7pm Reservations Required!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Snow Dogs...and The Bistro!!
Stuffed Creme Brulee French Toast & Desperate Housewives!!
I am glad to know so many of you enjoyed last weeks recipe from The Bistro. Please continue to send photos and comments, it's fun to see all the trials and tribulations that cooking can cause. Those who are here only for the recipe...scroll down. For the rest of you, sit back, settle in and enjoy my 1st pairing of "Prime Time TV & The Bistro's Menu".
"Desperate Housewives"....I apologize now to the guys who follow this blog...as this one is mainly geared to us women who continue to watch other women on TV. Sometimes it makes us feel better about ourselves. Just being honest, it does. We are glad we aren't Katherine who had a so called "breakdown", we're glad too we aren't Bree who has not only cheated, gotten caught but now from her own acts landed her husband in a wheelchair for life. And then there are times when a character like Robin struts on stage and we all silently say ....WOW, great body, great hair, but then we realize OK....ewwww she has a job that most of us don't strive for, she is single and doesn't have a great love of her life, so life seems a bit better, Phewww. We are better then her. We have a good standing job, great friends, a good man in our lives and we say bad things about her because of her job, start to question why any guy would find her beautiful when she is a stripper! When of course we know, she is beautiful and she isn't really a stripper so again...jealous, but of course we would never admit that! And we somehow forget....this is a TV SHOW!!
So while all this drama unfolds before us every Sunday night, we need a perfect food to enjoy while watching it. Something indulgent but delicious, something gourmet but comforting, something sweet but filling, something like...
Stuffed Creme Brulee French Toast.
Yes I said it!! Sounds amazing doesn't it? So now for the recipe part. As I said before the Chef isn't big on exact amounts, or measurements so some of this is based on your taste and experimenting.
1. Bread: We liked to use long Italian Bread. We slice it into long pieces, approximately 7 inches long and about an inch and half wide, maybe even two. You can use whatever shape bread you like, Sourdough works great as well.
2. French Toast Batter: 4 eggs and 4 egg yolks. Whisk together until bubbles form (that's how you know its fluffy ;) add a half of cup to three quarter cups half and half, Add one cup sugar and half cup brown sugar. Whisk all ingredients together. Add Vanilla Extract to taste. Dip bread into batter and poke holes in bread to allow egg mixture to soak in. (Chef's tip: The more stale the bread the better as fresh bread does not absorb as much liquid as older bread.) Fry toast in butter over low heat until center is done.
3. Stuffing: Mix 1 package cream cheese and 1 cup Ricotta Cheese, and one cup white sugar together in a bowl, (can be done by hand or mixer) Add the zest (for more flavor) of one orange and juice of one orange to mixture. You can add more of any ingredients or less of any ingredients depending on your taste. You may also replace orange zest for Lemon Zest! Meyer lemons work best as they are less acidic and have an orange flavor to them :)) (BAMM))
4. To assemble: Place one piece of toast on plate, top with two large scoops of Stuffing mixture, lay the other piece of toast just slightly on top. Top with confectioners sugar and grated orange zest!!
And for those of you DVR or TIVO Desperate Housewives...I have an even better idea. Get a group of friends together after work, call The Bistro, order your French Toast, head to your house and enjoy the show together...this way you can all cackle and laugh together with this decadent dish melting in your mouth!!
And I am still working on what to eat during American Idol....can't seem to figure out what would help settle my stomach when I get so upset and what I would enjoy as I listen to impressive newbies. So stay tuned next week for the next pairing of The Bistro's Prime Time Menu Guide.
~~Ally
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
American Idol...food and Advil!
Watch out for the newest volume of my "The Bistro's Prime Time Menu Survival Guide". Will Croque Madame get you through Desperate Housewives? Will Loaded Bread sticks help you through American Idol?
Check back tomorrow night to find out if I have survived the barrage of falsettos, and to see what to order from The Bistro to "survive" Survivor on Thursday evening....oh and by the way.....SNOW IS A'COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...Ally is doing the happy dance!! Snow Snow Snow Snow!!!
New Bistro Deals...Think St. Patrick's Day & Easter!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tonight...Don't forget Tuscan Tables at The Bistro--SOLD OUT
The Bistro is an excellent place for a retirement dinner, birthday celebration, anniversary dinner, kick off to a Bachelorette night, and so much more. If you would like to book a private Tuscan Table Night, please let us know we can create a similar menu on a different night just for you and yours!
We can help turn your event into a memory!
Thanks to the owner, her staff and excellent chefs many people have already created memories here at The Bistro!
To all of those who are attending tonight...come enjoy and I look forward to hearing more reviews!
~Cheers,
Ally Wilson
New Blog Item--Gourmet Recipe of the Week!!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Local Executive Looking for Mrs. Right--are you her??
If you are interested in becoming one of his matches....please email me. I would like to set up a mixer for him to meet a bunch of local ladies and then also set up some private dates.
Soooo....this is the very very early start of The Bachelor...Chester County style. Come join us...although I can't promise you will be on TV, I can promise you will meet a very nice guy, who potentially could be what YOU are looking for.
Email a profile and photo to ourtownexton@aol.com
Sisters...Couples...Friends..White Chocolate & French Toast!!

The Bistro celebrated it's 1st ever Valentine's Day Brunch & Dinner. I wasn't able to celebrate at The Bistro, as my little one would have been screaming, and that wouldn't have spelled ROMANCE or LOVE for any one involved. Not only did The Bistro go all out for dinner but they created a brunch after receiving requests from customers. Because that is how The Bistro rolls...customers ask...and they receive. The owners of Sister's Boutique located in Exton, enjoyed the brunch with their family, and the chefs were quite excited to cook and create such a wonderful event and memory for them.
Dinner was filled with romance, flowers, food, and LOVE. It wasn't a night only for couples, but it was also a night filled with the celebration of LOVE of friends, family and singles who felt The Bistro was a great place to celebrate and meet new friends. Now for the food! One of the night's biggest hits was the Tilapia and Jumbo Lump Crab, followed by the Chocolate Mousse, but the real fireworks in your mouth moment was the....drum roll please...White Chocolate with Orange Zest & Dessert French Toast topped with strawberries. Oh I can feel my waist band expanding as I type. No wonder GAP loves me, I keep buying new jeans after writing these blogs.


Friday, February 12, 2010
Roasted Peppers & Dessert Bruschettas...Valentine's Day Prep Photos!!
So to comply with my doctor I decided to blog with some photos of the chefs doing a "trial run" of Sundays' dinner, this after I put my reservation in for an online dinner via email. Wouldn't that be great?? To enjoy the aroma of food through email without the guilt of gaining a pound. We can figure out how to deep fry oreos but can't figure that out?
Check out the roasted peppers and the Dessert Bruschettas..which contain maple, chocolate and honey. Tonight these foods will be enjoyed by the staff and chefs to make sure they have the recipes down pat and combined to perfection.
We hope to see you here on Sunday, don't forget to call for a reservation
484-872-9873
These chefs do everything to make each meal a memory in your mouth!!
Brunch Menu Enclosed--open with Caution!!
Brunch
Eggs any Style…………………………….……….. $7.00
2 Eggs served w/Hash Browns and Bacon
Eggs n’ Pepper Sandwich……………………… $7.00
Roasted Peppers and Scrambled Eggs Topped with Provolone on Crusty Italian Bread
Scrambled Eggs & Cheese on Focaccia…….$8.00
Add Ham, Country Bacon or Italian Sausage $2.50
Frittata ~Made to Order ………………………..$7.50
3 Eggs Baked w/ choice of Cheese and Vegetables
Quiche Rustico ……………………………………..$7.50
Spaghetti, Eggs and Cheese blended and baked with a variety of Seasonal Vegetables
Crème Brulee French Toast…………………… $7.50
Add Bacon $1.50
Stuffed French Toast………………………………$7.50
Ricotta Cakes ……………………………………….$7.50
Pancakes Filled w/ Ricotta Cheese and Lemon
Ham and Cheese Scramble …………………….$6.00
Corned Beef Hash………………………………….$8.50
Sourdough w/ Poached Eggs, Ham and Hollandaise Sauce…………………………………$8.50
Farmers Plate……………………………………….$12.50
Fresh Italian Cheeses and Meats
Hors D’oeuvres
Soup & Salad ……………………………………….$6.50
Choice of Soup served with Crusty Italian Baguette & Small Salad
Cinnamon Sugar Fried Dough….……………$6.50
Bread Basket………………………………………..$7.00
Fresh Breads, Muffins, Cinnamon Rolls w/ Jam & Honey
Bruschetta Sampler…………………………….. $7.50
Stuffed Bistro Burgers
Grilled 8 oz Burgers served w/ Pomme Frites:
Vermont Aged Cheddar & Bacon served w/ Sun dried Tomato Mayonnaise....$8.50
Sandwiches
Gourmet Grill Cheese ……………………………$8.00
Baguette filled with:
(1) Mozzarella Cheese & a Homemade Pesto
(2)Provolone & a Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Add Ham $2.50
Chicken Picatta Club …………………………….$8.50
Chicken w/ Lemon, Capers and Butter Layered
Gourmet Macaroni & Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese …………………………………….$6.50
Traditional- Five Cheese topped w/ Buttery Herb Croutons
Salads
Featuring Chicken Salad Chicks …………………….$7.50
White Meat Chicken Salad served on a Bed of Lettuce with Tomato Slices OR on a Fresh Croissant
Vegetables & Potatoes
Roasted Mixed Seasonal Vegetables…………………..$5.50
Valentine's Day Menu

Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu
Appetizers
(Choice of)
Jumbo Lump Crab Meat Parfait .15
Shrimp Scampi with a Blue Cheese Chipotle Dipping Sauce.12
Onion Soup with Fontana Cheese and Thyme .8
Fried Artichoke Hearts with a Garlic Aioli .7
Salad
Traditional Caesar .7
Arugula with Shaved Parmesan and Lemon Zest .7
Mixed Baby Greens .6
Entrees
Chicken Cacciatore over Homemade Linguini .12
Beef Bourguignon over Butter Noodles .18
Jumbo Lump Crabmeat stuffed Tilapia drizzled with a Lemon
Hollandaise Sauce .15
Vegetable Lasagna with a Béchamel Sauce .12
Vegetables
Zucchini Fritters .6
Roasted Kale with Garlic and Olive Oil .5
Roasted Asparagus .7
Baked Tomato’s with Croutons and Parmesan .6
Garlic Mashed .5
Fingerling with Rosemary and Garlic .5
Oven Roasted Pommes Frites .5
Orange and Cream Cheese Bread Pudding drizzled with Honey & Whipped Cream .8
Dessert Brushctta Sampler .8
The Blizzard of 2010...a recap.
I LOVE SNOW!! I LOVE SNOW!!
I can't get enough...the 4 feet of snow this area ended up with over the past week was a dream come true for me. I had the box of tissues out when it finally ended, like I was breaking up with a boyfriend or saying good bye to a beloved pet. I was begging God for just a little bit more, OK, ALOT more is what I really said. (ducking down and waiting for the barrage of snow and ice)....??? OK I said it, and am still alive, and guess what?? So are you...you survived the Blizzard of 2010!! And you are doing so well that you are able to read my blog :) WOOHOO!
It's not that I don't realize the severity of things that can and will come from a storm of this magnitude, it's that I think it's a beautiful display of nature. I think it truly makes me realize that in this universe that we live, we are not always in control. Nature is humbling. Nature challenges us, and makes us perform and live in a way that we aren't used to in our daily lives. Think about winter for a minute in this area. We like snow if we want to go skiing over a holiday weekend. We like an inch or so to take a beautiful winter picture of the kids. We like it Christmas morning after Santa has delivered all of his present because it makes a perfect Christmas memory, but other then that, OK clean it up and move on. I am the opposite, I hate when it melts. I hate when I start seeing the greenish brown grass peeking through what was once pure white snow. I hate going back to looking out my window and seeing browns and drab colors instead of glittery white magic! But I know this too is part of nature. It's nature's way of cleaning up after itself. See—it truly is amazing. It's like nature has it's own plowing and snow removal system, just a bit too slow for our fast paced life. Look out your window...notice the melting snow or ice, measure the difference between the drifts Thursday morning and now, they have shrunk, by the beautiful sun that is shining. All part of the plan.
Next will come Spring...and most will complain that we have too much rain. I have to admit I oddly enough I am not a big fan of rain but I love what rain creates...colorful pastel flowers, green lush grass and fruitful trees for us to enjoy all summer. Then comes Summer...and we will be wishing we had air conditioning and a little bit of ice to cool us off...ICE??? The very thing most just cursed and hated just a few short months before. Then onto autumn where Mother Nature never really seams to make up her mind...cool and crisp or warm and touch of summer. Again..we aren't in control of that either.
This colorful palette of seasons is why I love Chester County...we get a little bit of everything and no matter how humid and sticky I get in the summer, how many leaves I have to rake up in the fall, how horrible my hair is all spring from the drenching rains, or how much snow I get in my boots in the winter, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I choose to live right here, right in the middle of a wonderful community, where neighbors and strangers helped each other this past week dig out from this blizzard. Where I witnessed friends come together in person and online to pass the time while nature took it's course. Where the blizzard didn't stop people from getting married, it didn't stop babies from being born, and surely didn't stop people from celebrating life.
Maybe that is why “Nature” does the things that she does. It creates “time” that we all say we never have. We couldn't run to the store for a few extra things, couldn't go to the gym just for a minute, couldn't get that morning office routine done. It slowed us down, and was that really such a bad thing?? To bring old friends together, to reconnect parents with their kids during snow days, to allow a spouse time to make their loved ones a warm home cooked meal, for us to appreciate those people who go out in this weather, plow drivers, police, fireman, nurses, doctors, and so many more with little to no sleep and all while not getting to spend “time” with their families, and don't forget those teachers who finally got a little bit of a break, snow days show parents what teachers deal with every day x 25 kids!! Thank you teachers!! This one's for you.
So next time you start to see the snow fall...don't panic, don't scream, don't curse out the heavens, just think maybe when you asked for a little more “time” this week, this was nature's way of giving it to you.
Oh and by the way....apparently a lot of you asked for a bit more time next week....Snow is a coming Monday night!!!!! Enjoy it and your family!
Come out and enjoy a warm meal at The Bistro with our family and let us know how you feel about snow!! Check out our menu on our website, we have so many comfort foods that can really warm your belly and make all those bad snow memories melt away.
Many of you have asked....the Blizzard did shut us down for 2 days and cause us to have to reschedule some events, but it's ok...we survived and are open for business!!
Be Safe..
Snowflake Ally ;)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Next stop...Manhattan....in Exton??
These girls shop like crazy and all for...YOU! They travel to Manhattan and shop like it's their job...umm oh right it is! They know where and who to buy from. They have tons of glamorous and glitzy bling but also have conservative scarves and pearls for the less "showy" Chester County women. Worried about the NY price tag? Don't be..they have earrings from $12. Coats and sweaters range in price up through the a couple hundred dollar range, all of which definitely is more affordable then making this trek by yourself.
Stop in and visit Sisters Boutique...they are launching their Spring Collection:
February 9th 5pm-9pm.
So call your sisters and your friends and enjoy a fun night
Sisters Boutique is located in the Fairfield House along Rt 100, one mile south of Rt 30 in Exton. It is the beautiful historic house next to the Toys R Us Shopping Center.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Oranges...Olives...Fresh Fish


This past Friday while traveling through Sicily, we picked fresh oranges and lounged on the golden sandy beaches of the Ragusa's coastline, (well there wasn't really beaches, but we can imagine), Nancy Mastrangelo not only enjoyed the ambiance of Sicily, she enjoyed knowing she was RETIRED! As Nancy put it "I couldn't have picked a better place to celebrate. The Kale was over the top" I am not sure if Nancy meant Sicily or The Bistro, but I have to imagine and hope she meant The Bistro.
We want to thank you Nancy for allowing The Bistro to be the place where you chose to spend your special night and we wish you the best in life's journey ahead.
Every day is special at The Bistro but sometimes they become extra special when customers celebrate life's most cherished days and events here with our family. If you have a special event that you would like to celebrate with us, please let us know, we would love to help make your event a memory!
As they say in Sicily...Celebriamo!!
The Bistro at Our Town offers On & Off Site Catering...Private Parties...Business Luncheons/Dinners...Showers and more...we invite you into our home and hope you invite us into your life! Call 484-872-8793 to reserve your party or inquire about our services.
And now back to groceries...onions, feta, basil, yogurt :)