Sweet Potato-Encrusted Crabcakes

I didn't originally intend to order this dish. No, I had my eye somewhere else on the menu - but then I saw it walking towards me from across the room. And - in a move so smooth she must have pulled it a hundred times - the waitress comes over and all but wafts a neighboring table's lunch plate in front of me before setting it down to rest, tantalizingly just out of my reach. Clearly, nothing else on the menu mattered anymore. There was only one thing I was hungry for (though, admittedly, I wasn't even sure it was a crabcake at first glance).

The cake itself is entirely juicy, white lump crabmeat. The sweet potato gives a subtle sweetness that has just enough texture to distinguish the crabmeat. The flavor of the crust plays especially nicely with the roasted red pepper aioli, served on the side. And as always, the Greek side salad is fresh and bright, tossed in a perfectly balanced vinaigrette and wonderfully creamy feta cheese. Definitely a new favorite!

Where you can enjoy this yourself:

Canal Street Grille
27 East Afton Avenue
Yardley, Pennsylvania
http://canalstreetyardley.com/

Chicken Orzo Soup

I love a good soup. Especially when it's unexpected. I've never had a bad meal at this restaurant, but I was fairly indifferent when I ordered the chicken orzo with my lunch entree. It was one of those, 'Oh, it comes with a soup? Sure...why not?' moments that I now look back on and laugh at, since with just one bite they converted me from 'indifferent' to 'completely, madly in love with.'

The first spoonful of this soup will make you sit up and take notice. The flavor is simple - and simply - "bright." The slight creaminess is a nice backdrop for what can really only be described as a bright burst of ingredients - the soup is decidedly chicken, but then - out of nowhere! - there is a real zing of lemon. It's completely unexpectedly, and doesn't dull as you dig deeper into your cup. It's brilliant. The orzo contributes to give a nice body to the soup, and the carrots and a subtle sweetness. This is the perfect soup to precede a meal, warm up to on a cold day, or even enjoy in the summertime, given the strong lemon presence. It isn't overwhelming, but should really be included in the name since it plays such an important role of this soup.

Where you can (and definitely should) enjoy this yourself:

Canal Street Grille
27 East Afton Avenue
Yardley, Pennsylvania
www.canalstreetyardley.com

Greek Pizza

On a thin, flatbread crust that maintains a great balance between soft and crispy (and firm enough to hold all those toppings!), marvelous Greek flavors come together for a light-feeling but certainly satisfying lunch meal. Toppling with fresh olives, feta cheese, artichokes, red onions, and a little roasted pepper, and finished with a drizzle of balsamic, the flavors are great and the combination is even greater. I've ordered this twice now and have not been disappointed. A perfectly refreshing and nicely dressed side salad accompanies the pizza as well.

Where to enjoy this yourself:

Canal Street Grill
27 East Afton Avenue (->right in downtown Yardley)
Yardley, Pennsylvania
http://www.canalstreetgrill.com/

This restaurant really is a great place to stop in - with friends, family, colleagues, or by yourself. Recently redesigned inside - and with a nice seating area outside, as well - the service is great and the food is very good. A cup of soup or a side of their french fries is also highly recommended! You can't go wrong with the Canal Street Grill.