DISH: Dinner & dessert in the Back Mountain

Amanda Tomaselli of Back Mountain Creamery makes Dandy Tandy Cake ice cream.

by Nikki M. Mascali
Weekender Editor

DINNER & DESSERT IN THE BACK MOUNTAIN

On Monday, I met my dear friends Amy and Drew for dinner at Fresco Grill & Martini Bar (54 Dallas Shopping Center, Dallas). The restaurant, which opened late last year, is owned by Marcello and Bruno Ameti, who also own Cafe Toscana on Public Square in Wilkes-Barre.

Amy and I split the tasty melon and prosciutto appetizer, and I had the delicious veal Bolognese, which consisted of two thinly pounded cuts of veal topped with prosciutto, artichoke hearts, mozzarella and dotted with peas in a light white wine sauce. The service was great, and I definitely recommend paying Fresco a visit soon.

For dessert, we went to Back Mountain Creamery (24 Carverton Road, Trucksville). It was my first time at the shop which offers fresh, handmade ice creams. Patrons can choose their own mix-ins — candies, sauces or fruits — or make their own flavor creations by mixing several ice creams together.

I tried the Dandy Tandy Cake, which was made by the affable Amanda Tomaselli, and consisted of Peanut Butter Tru & Tru ice cream with yellow cake pieces and a double ribbon of peanut butter and fudge. It tasted exactly like its namesake. I’m now addicted. Thanks Amy and Drew!

For more info on Fresco, call 570.255.1005. For info on Back Mountain Creamery, call 855.3487 or find it on Facebook.

DOG DAYS AT CORK

Cork Bar & Restaurant (463 Madison St., Wilkes-Barre) will hold its 2nd Annual Dog Days of Summer Fundraiser to benefit the SPCA of Luzerne County from Tuesday, July 27 through Saturday, July 31.

As part of the event, the restaurant will donate 20 percent of its sales from the entire week to the SPCA. Patrons can also bring their dogs to join them for dinner on the patio throughout the week.

Cork is open Tuesday-Saturday beginning at 4:30 p.m. Dinner is served during the week until 9:30 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. For more info, visit www.corkdining.com or call the restaurant at 570.270.3818.

NEW TARGET FOR BOTTLENECKS

Jason Misto, owner of Bottlenecks Saloon & Eatery, told the Times Leader last week that he has a new target date for opening his Public Square location.

“We should be looking hopefully at the start of school,” Misto said.

Unexpected construction setbacks delayed Misto’s original estimated opening date of St. Patrick’s Day. This will be Bottleneck’s second location. The original is located on South Broad Street in West Hazleton.

NO MORE HEROES

Hometown Heroes (109 E. Drinker St., Dunmore) recently closed. No further information is available.

GET CRABBY

Mount Hope Estate & Winery (2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim) has teamed up with Chesapeake Crab Connection to host the Blues & Brews crab feast on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Saturday, July 24 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

In addition to tasting some of Maryland’s finest seafood and brews from the Swashbuckler Brew Pub, guests can also enjoy non-stop music from NEPA’s own Miz.

Food and unlimited drinks are included in the admission cost. Adult tickets are $49.95, and tickets for children 11 and under are $19.99. The event is rain or shine. For tickets, full festival details and directions, visit www.PaRenFaire.com.

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