A perfect Quadrafecta!

Tuesday, January 13

My day starts early – I have an 8:00 a.m. meeting in Souderton.  I need coffee.  I would usually stop at Wawa or Dunkin Donuts for that, but decided to shop in Lansdale instead.  So I stop at the 7-11 at Main and Cannon.  A good morning crowd of people who look like they are not 100% awake.  I’m in a line of about five people, and notice something.  Two things.  First off, everyone is getting a Powerball ticket with whatever it is they are buying.  Second, the sign hanging over the cash register area.  “Thanks to your donations, this 7-11 was able to help feed the hungry in our community by donating 91 pizza’s to our partners at Manna on Main Street.”

I know we have a lot of philanthropic businesses in Lansdale, but I never expected the 7-11 to be one.  Bravo, 7-11!  And what a great cause – Manna on Main Street.  This made me so happy, I decided not to shoot an e-mail to 7-11 corporate telling them that their pre-printed sign had a grammatical error.  Pizza’s?  Really?  With an apostrophe?  The plural of pizza is pizzas.

Of course, by the time I get up to the register with my coffee, I decided to throw abandon to the wind and buy a Powerball ticket, too.  It’s up to $1.5 billion.  Unlike the other day, I don’t care who sees me waste my money.  Because it’s not a waste this time!  I have the winning ticket.  More about that Thursday morning.

Lansdale Shopping Score:  1

Why was I off to Souderton?  I am on the board of directors for the Montgomery Theater.  Local Lansdale resident Rege McKenzie is the chair of the board, and the reason I got involved.  This is the real deal.  Professional theater, with Actors Equity member actors.  Absolutely great shows.  In Souderton.  You see, Souderton understands that supporting the local arts and creating a downtown destination helps the borough.  Brings in business for locals restaurants and shops.

Like we could have done with 311 West Main.

What a shame and what a lost opportunity for us.

So go to Souderton to see some great shows.  The next play is “The Philly Fan” playing February 11^th through March 6^th.  

“The Philly Fan is a one man tour-de-force: Two-time Barrymore Award winner Tom McCarthy takes audiences on a hilarious journey through the last fifty years of Philadelphia’s sports history, embracing the triumphs and frustrations of being a Philly fan.  Hailed by The Philadelphia Inquirer as “a theatrical love letter to the knowledgeable, unapologetic, demanding but ultimately forgiving [Philly] fans.” “

This one doesn't get a score.  Yet.

Our next purchase is one of service – the plumber to install our new dishwasher.  We in Lansdale have hands-down the best plumber ever.  Marcel Paillard of Marcel’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.  You’ve probably seen his white truck with the big fleur-de-lis on it.  Marcel is the most knowledgeable plumber I have ever met.  And remember, we have a 104 year old house.  We need a plumber often.

Marcel, if you have never met him, is a character.  Part Forrest Gump (not that he's slow-witted or naïve, but good-hearted and athletically prodigious), part Jimmy Stewart, part Jerry Seinfeld and all wonderful.  He has a heart of gold, and has always bailed us out (figuratively and literally) when we’ve had an emergency. 

Do you know what I really like about Marcel?  He doesn’t sell you what you don’t need.  We have an older central air system.  Every time it breaks down, I’m ready to put a new system in.  But he always talks me off the ledge and tells me he can fix it.  Cheaply.  And talks himself out of a big sale.    He’s a one-man operation, and has no web site.  But he does have a phone number:  (215) 361-8292.  Give him a call!

Oh, and he’s trim and his pants fit.  No plumbers crack.

Lansdale Shopping Score:  2

It’s dinner time!  And thanks to Scott Rudich’s post in Citizens for the Revitalization of Lansdale, I now know it’s Taco Tuesday at Round Guys Brewing Company right here in Lansdale Borough. 

Let’s give it a try!  First off – the $1 tacos were not what I expected.  They were more of an inventive rift on a taco, than a true Mexican taco.  And they were good.  Spiced with curry (I believe), they were a perfect accompaniment to the craft-brewed beer.

Think you don’t like craft beer?  Think that Coors Light is the farthest you’ll go in your beer journey?  Go to Round Guys anyway.  Order the Lansdale Lager.  You’ll like it!

But for the more adventuresome, they have a wide menu of really creative beers.  Get a whole flight and try them all!  Or take a growler of your favorite home.

After the tacos, we were still hungry.  But not for more tacos.  For something more substantial.  Now if you go and look at Round Guys menu on-line, it looks a bit light.  Sandwiches, noshes and apps. 

For two reasons, don’t let that stop you if you are hungry!

Reason #1:  You can get take out delivered from other area restaurants with no up-charge!  Like Franks.  And other local places (ask Scott for a list).

Reason #2:  I’m almost going to say “Ignore Reason #!!”    Have a sandwich instead.  They are amazing!  And with the two homemade sides you get with the sandwich, they are filling too.  I had The Weird Al – slow roasted beef, horseradish sauce, and provolone cheese.  With a side of chili and house cole slaw.  Absolutely top notch.  Delicious.

Round Guys is one of the home-grown joints that you hope doesn’t get too successful and turn all corporate.  Because the charm of the place is its uniqueness.  It’s creativity.  The fact that it is unlike any other place you will ever go to.

Don’t get me wrong – I wish Round Guys all of the success in the world.  And hope the Lansdale community continues to support it.  And support it more (that means - if you haven't been there yet, go.  Go now!).  But please don’t change.  As Billy Joel said, “I love you just the way you are.”

Lansdale Shopping Score:  3

It started snowing while we were at Round Guys.  And quickly started settling.  The Lansdale Public Works salt trucks were out in force – keeping our streets safe.  All the snow made me think of frozen desserts.  Yes – that is the way my mind works.

So it’s off to Swirled Peace for frozen yogurt!  Swirled Peace is on West Main Street.  A large, well-appointed dessert and coffee emporium.  Lots to choose from – both in frozen yogurt flavors as well as scores of toppings.  Get creative!  Then go sit and enjoy your masterpiece at a table, couch or comfy lounge chair.

They are a former winner of Lansdale’s Business of the Month award. And a great place to start your day with a cup of coffee, or end it like we did with a fun dessert.

Lansdale Shopping Score:  4

We’ll score today:

A perfect Quadrafecta!

Is that even a word?  We went four for four in the borough!

FOUR opportunity to shop/eat in Lansdale met.

Let’s see what today brings!