Main Line and Philadelphia Real Estate BlogRecently posted or modified blog posts in the category - Main Line Livinghttps://www.mainlinephillyhomes.com/blog/Copyright MainLinePhillyHomes.com2016-09-19T20:27:11-07:00tag:mainlinephillyhomes.com,2012-09-20:1480Where to go for home improvement suppliesWhere do you go when you need nails, screws, bathroom tile, drywall, etc? There's a dizzying array of choices. For example, there are the neighborhood hardware store such as Berwyn Hardware or Jacob Low Hardware in Havertown. Amazingly, a fair number of these are still around. There are of course the big box home improvement stores e.g. Lowes and Home Depot. Tweener stores such as DMI Home Supply in Ardmore and Fisher's Hardware in Drexel Hill combine traits of big box and neighborhood stores. Let's not forget specialty stores such as Beatty Lumber in Upper Darby or the Tile Shop in King of Prussia.
So, where should you go?
Well, it depends. On what you're looking for and what's important to you. Below is a list of the different types of home improvement stores and their characteristics. Let me make clear that these are my impressions and not based on statistical analysis of any kind. Hopefully, this list helps you decide. This is a topic that generates endless conversation so let us know your opinion.
One other thing I want to say: I prefer Lowes to Home Depot. I feel the stores are run in a more professional manner and that the merchandise is better.
Neighborhood Hardware Stores
Pros<br />Convenient location. These stores are usually nearby.<br />Not intimidating. There's usually a relaxed atmosphere. You can get to know people that work there and develop trust.<br />Advice, recommendations. Whatever the project or task it's likely that you can get advice on how to proceed and recommendations if you are looking to hire someone. Such <br /> information is not easy to come by in the big box stores<br />Buy the quantity you need. If you just need a couple of screws or nails you won't be forced to buy a box which will sit unused in your toolbox for the next 20 years.
Cons<br />Goods selection. Due to their size, such stores cannot carry significant quantities of building materials such as lumber and drywall. Some materials, such as tile, they <br /> probably wouldn't carry at all.<br />Price. I haven't specifically compared prices but it's likely that the gallon paint you buy in the neighborhood store is going to cost more than the gallon purchased at<br /> Lowes or Home Depot.<br />Inconvenient hours. Not generally going to be open nights and Sundays like the big boys<br />Limited or no tool rental.
'Tweener' Stores
Pros<br />Friendly atmosphere. Same attribute as neighborhood store.<br />Advice, recommendations. Again, similar to neighborhood store/<br />Goods selection. They will have lumber, cement and drywall in reasonable quantity as well as other hardware items<br />Tool rental. Likely to have garden, construction equipment, generators, etc.<br />Repair shop. May repair lawn mowers and other power equipment.
Cons<br />Location. There are not that many of these so greater travel may be necessary.
Big Box
Pros<br />One stop shop. What don't they have? They have all construction materials including lumber, drywall, roofing, siding, cement, plumbing and electric supplies, etc. <br /> in quantity. Also, there are appliances, kitchen cabinets, all kinds of power and hand tools, doors, flooring, cleaning supplies and a garden center.<br />Price. If you're looking to purchase a large amount of any building material such as tile or lumber it's going to be hard to beat these guys.<br />Installation services. If you're purchasing items that generally require professional installation then they can provide that. This is a limited 'pro' because it <br /> could be pricey and I'm not sure of the quality you'd be getting. I'd prefer to go to Angie's List.<br />Delivery service. You can get what you purchase delivered and generally in a short period of time for a minimal cost.<br />Convenient hours. They're open from early until late and on Sundays. <br />I would add tool rental here but for some unknown reason Lowes doesn't offer it. Home Depot has an excellent tool rental facility.
Cons<br />Service. OMG, finding a 'sales associate' is a major achievement in one of these stores. You feel like you have to jump out and attack them as they're sprinting by trying to<br /> avoid you. And even if you should be so lucky as to snag one, their expertise can vary from non-existent to excellent. It helps if you know what you need in such a store.<br />Stores are huge. It can be hard to find what you're looking for and you might be exhausted by the time you reach it.<br />Location. You may need to travel.
Specialty
Pros<br />Deep selection. If you're looking for that Brazilian hardwood flooring or the hand painted tile the specialty store will either have it or know how to get it.<br /><br />Cons<br />Location. As above.
2013-09-27T10:21:00-07:002016-09-19T20:27:11-07:00Alvin Beldentag:mainlinephillyhomes.com,2012-09-20:1488Favorite Main Line Restaurants (Non-BYO)Tina and I tend to frequent BYOs. That said, there are of plenty of restaurants we enjoy that serve liquor. I'll be expanding this list as time goes on.
Yang Ming<br />1051 Conestoga Rd Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. 610-527-3200.<br />Among the premier restaurants on the Main Line and unquestionably the best known 'Chinese' restaurant, Yang Ming never disappoints. The food is delicious, distinctive and reasonably priced; the setting is elegant and there is room to accommodate a group of any size; the service is excellent; the drinks are precisely mixed and the wine list is extensive. One could carp that the parking can be challenging or that it can take a while to be seated but with so many other things right, why would you? Try the Caesar Salad with Asian Pear, the Spicy Wild-Peppered Lamb or the Mongolian Lamb.<br /><br /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/569/image/13/yang-ming.png" alt="" width="421" height="335" class="img_box_center" /><br /><br />
Bonefish<br />4889 W Chester Pike Newtown Square, PA. 610-355-1784<br />Bonefish is a chain but not all chains are created equal. As with all restaurants I like, the food is excellent. The Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer is one of the best I've ever had. The restaurant provides an excellent variety of seafood dishes at different price points from the Chilean Sea Bass and Lobster at the top end down to Fish & Chips. You can customize your dish by choosing from one of several sauces. The menu is well laid out and simple to follow. I appreciate a well constructed menu. They don't have so many choices that you get confused but have enough so you don't get bored. Parking is not a problem as the restaurant is in a small strip mall. The restaurant is very popular so it's best to call for a reservation or to get yourself on the list.<br /><br /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/569/image/10/bonefish.png" alt="" width="564" height="383" class="img_box_center" />
2013-09-08T17:42:00-07:002016-09-19T20:16:03-07:00Alvin Beldentag:mainlinephillyhomes.com,2012-09-20:1487Favorite Main Line Restaurants (BYO)We love our BYOs (Bring Your Own wine, beer, etc.)! No exorbitant liquor bills and you can always bring your favorite liquid refreshment. Tina's (my wife) favorite wine is Pinot Grigio and mine is Sauvignon Blanc, though I also love dry Rieslings and Chardonnay and have been known to finish the night with a shot of 10 year old scotch (Can you say 'Laphroaig?')
Below is my current list of faves in order of preference. Truthfully, they're all excellent. Otherwise, they wouldn't be on the list. I've stretched the boundaries of the Mainline to include Media and Havertown.
Nais Cuisine<br />113 - 117 W. Benedict Ave., Havertown. 610-789-5983.<br />This is really a fine dining restaurant without the high prices. It could be a special occasion place but is cheap enough that it doesn't have to be. The cuisine is french asian. Sauces are outstanding. I've had dishes here that I've never had anywhere else. Tina particularly likes the LobsterRavioli and always orders it. Try the Angel Hair Pasta appetizer, the Oriental Noodle Salad or the Rack of Lamb. You won't be sorry. Service is very good and the decor, though not the Four Seasons, is pleasant. It's a quiet unassuming place on a side street in Havertown. It's not a large restaurant but is big enough to seat larger parties (10 - 15) if needed. Parking is adequate and you can usually get seated without delay.<br /><br />
Fresco<br />228 S. Newtown Street Rd., Newtown Square, PA 610-356-4171<br />This place is absolutely first rate: Delicious and distinctive food, reasonable prices, friendly and professional staff and it's a BYO to boot. There is no better value out there. They do serve excellent pizza but they have an eclectic menu that varies from week to week so that you don't get bored. Try the blackened Salmon or Chicken Parm sandwiches or the Chicken Kabobs with onions and peppers. It's not the biggest place but they can seat parties of 10 and up if needed. They have outdoor seating in the Summer. It's in a strip mall so parking is convenient.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/569/image/11/fresco.png" alt="Fresco restaurant" width="574" height="381" class="img_box_center" />
Silk Cuisine<br />Excellent food, a distinctive menu and very reasonable prices. One of the great things about this place is the roominess. You never feel crowded or pinched. The restaurant is seldom crowded which you might take as a sign that the food is not that good but it just ain't so. Try the Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce or the Spring Rolls for starters and the Fried Whole Fish for an entree. Best bet for parking is half a block away at the bank lot.<br /><br /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/569/image/14/silk-cuisine.png" alt="" width="650" height="384" class="img_box_center" /><br /><br />
Fellini Cafe<br />3541 W Chester Pike, Newtown Square 610-353-6131<br />There's another Fellini's in Media that I think is under the same ownership but is not as good. Italian cuisine is the order of the day here and it is excellently prepared. Tina and I usually split the Caesar salad which is delicious. One of the waiters knows the menu by heart. All you have to do is tell him the number of the entree and he'll tell you what the dish is. Try the Capellini Rustico, a wonderful meal and enough to take home for lunch the next day. The Flute Limoncello is one of the best desserts I've ever had.<br /><br /><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/569/image/12/fellinis.png" alt="" width="514" height="445" class="img_box_center" /><br /><br />
Pescatore<br />134 Bala Ave Bala Cynwyd, PA (610) 660-9400<br />This is a special occasion, white linen sort of place, right across from the Bala movie theater. You pay a little more here but you get a lovely setting and outstanding food. It's time to indulge in those special bottles you've been daring yourself to buy.<br /><br />
2013-08-22T18:00:00-07:002016-09-19T20:04:36-07:00Alvin Belden