The Ripe Tomato in Harmar remains one of the Lunch Bunch's top restaurants when the crew is looking to enjoy a fine lunch.
We visited the Ripe Tomato several years ago for a review when it opened, and we figured another official visit was in order. The busy restaurant uses butcher-block white paper so diners always have a fresh table. That's a nice touch. The teal-accented walls feature shelving along the ceiling lined with wine bottles, which bring a charm and easy dining ambience to the tiny restaurant.
If you are not counting calories, then, by all means, dig into all the tempting selections at the Ripe Tomato.
If you are counting calories, you might want to have a diet plan before you walk in and get carried away by the good food and large portions.
On a sunny Friday, we were in the mood for something fried. At least we didn't hog the whole plate of "Ultimate Fries" ($6.50) This dish could have been a meal for a small crowd. Slender fries were piled onto a platter and heaped with mozzarella and cheddar and bits of bacon. The ranch dressing made the fries even more delicious.
After getting our fair share of the fries, we requested a take-out box and made room on the table for the lunch entrees.
The Grilled Chicken Salad ($9.25) at Ripe Tomato was superb. Fresh and tender spring mix, with its deep green and purple colors, was set off nicely against the black serving bowl. Quartered red tomatoes, cucumbers, a smattering of fries and seasoned strips of tender chicken breast were sprinkled with mozzarella cheese. Dressing came on the side, so you can decide how much you want to use and, perhaps, save some calories.
The Spaghetti ($8.95) came with a house salad, which was not made up of the typical iceberg lettuce salad served at most restaurants. It contained a variety of fresh greens and slices of cucumbers and tomatoes. The huge serving of spaghetti was topped with three large meatballs and sprinkled with shavings of fresh Parmesan cheese. This spaghetti gets points for not being overcooked and for the sauce being thick and rich. The Lunch Buncher who tried the pasta hates when the sauce is thin and watery, leaving a puddle in the bottom of the dish. Warm, fresh rolls and butter also were served with the meal.
For those looking for a change from the traditional pizza, we ordered the White Pizza ($11.25). It was delicious. The tasty, thin, homemade crust was drizzled with olive oil and topped with mozzarella, thin slices of tomato and fresh basil or oregano. It was a nice meatless selection and made for a lighter choice.
Here's a tip: Unless there are at least three people sharing the dish, you might be better off ordering a 4-cut instead of the large 8-cut.
A meaty, hamburger-sized Grilled Portabello Mushroom Sandwich ($7.50) tasted like it had been marinated in vinaigrette. Sandwiched between a toasted Kaiser bun, the mushroom was covered with melted cheese, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes. Our calorie-conservation efforts caused us to pass on the herbed mayo. Chips came on the side.
Compiled by Rebecca Killian, Sis Reola, Matt Sober, Lauren Bush and Deb Duncan. Meals are paid for and are unrelated to advertising. Additional Information:
The Ripe Tomato
Address: 55 Alpha Drive West, Harmar.Phone: 412-828-9010.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday; noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, and 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday.
Reservations: Not necessary.
Credit cards: All major cards are accepted.
Dress: Casual.
Smoking: No.
Handicapped accessible: Yes.
Prices: Appetizers, $2.95 to $7.50; sandwiches, $5.95 to $7.50; salads, $2.95 to $9.25; pizza and pasta, $7.25 to $11.25.
