Julia’s Old Forge Hotel – 5/1998

After a spring like day skiing at Elk Mountain, Raul Valcarcel and I decided to stop for dinner at Julia’s in Old Forge, conveniently located about 30 minutes south, with easy access to the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s Northeast Extension for the return home. The restaurant is owned by Gary Boynosky, a member of the Bucks Mount Ski Club. You may remember Gary as the one who so graciously cooked delicious Mexican meals for the group of skiers on some of the club’s previous trips out west.

Julia’s was established in 1907 by Gary’s grandmother, and for 3 generations the Boynosky family has carried on the timely tradition of fine food, good drinks and friendly service. Dining at Julia’s offers a relaxed casual atmosphere with table service by Nicole (Gary’s daughter) while chef de la cuisine, Julianne (Gary’s wife) tends to your gastronomic desires. Known for authentic North American Mexican and Spanish Cuisine, Julia’s offers a wide variety of tantalizing entrees such as Chicken or Beef Burritos, Seafood or Chicken Chimichangas, Vegetarian Chimichangas, Spanish Seafood Medley and Paella Valencia just to name a few. Continental Cuisine features Deviled Crab (a house specialty), Chicken Strips in Wine and Garlic, Succulent Strip Steaks, Shrimp, Lobster, Veal, and a variety of Stuffed Oysters and Clams. Price ranges are $5 – $18 for entrees.

After being seated in the dining room, we were served a bowl of warm home made Tortilla Chips with some excellent cilantro salsa. For appetizers we had Oysters Rockefeller and Mushrooms Frisco. Both well prepared.

Raul had the Deviled Crab while I ordered the Rock Shrimp Scampi served on a bed of lemon pepper linguini, and heavy on the garlic. Both excellent choices. Dessert, while we had no room, features homemade seasonal Ice Cream Pies and a variety of Specialty Pies. The meal can be topped off with a cup of Cappuccino or Expresso.

Directions from Elk: Follow Interstate 81 south to exit 51. Follow Davis Street to Main Street in Taylor. At the traffic light, turn left and follow Main Street exactly 1 mile. Julia’s is on the right at 501 North Main, Old Forge, PA. Phone: (717) 562-1641. Nearby attractions are Montage Ski Area, the Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour and Steamtown National Park.
The tavern is open daily from 3 p.m. till closing, and opens Sunday at noon. The restaurant is open Wednesday thru Saturday, serving from 5 to 10 p.m.

~Karl Flesch
Lift Lines – May 1998