We were pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere was inviting, cozy and tastefully appointed. Tables were adorned with red table cloths complete with candlelight. Each place setting had a unique antique-like plate along with whimsical salt and pepper shakers, painted oil...
We were pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere was inviting, cozy and tastefully appointed. Tables were adorned with red table cloths complete with candlelight. Each place setting had a unique antique-like plate along with whimsical salt and pepper shakers, painted oil and vinegar bottles and other novelties. It felt like we stepped into a European bistro. We knew we were in for an interesting evening.
We all felt quite comfortable and lapsed into conversation, joking and laughing and generally enjoying ourselves. Our server, sweet and very knowledgeable, cheerfully took our bar order and presented us with a large and unique menu.
Creative, Full-Service Bar
Vrai boasts a full-service bar and offers unusual specialty drinks like the Key Lime Pie Martini- vanilla vodka, Malibu Rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, simple syrup and Grenadine. Yum. There’s a creative take on the Arnold Palmer- Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer with Bulliet Bourbon, Peach Schnapps, lemonade, iced tea and simple syrup. A nice selection of wines hale from France, California, Italy and New Zealand, and your favorite beers are also served here.
Vrai Wood-Fired Pizza
Organic-inspired Dining Experience
The restaurant is known for its fresh and eclectic dining experience. Ingredients are sourced locally, organic as much as possible, with chicken and beef boasting a pedigree of free-range, grass-fed, hormone-free, along with fresh-from-the-ocean seafood. A nice selection of entrees greeted us meat-eaters, but Vrai is also known for its attention to vegan and gluten-free dishes. The owner actually is a vegan, so special attention is placed on these dishes. You won’t find these meatless specialties anywhere else.
Wood-Fired Brussels Sprouts
Wood-Fired Grill Specialties
We chose a selection of appetizers and shared around the table. Delicious wood-fired pizza, dishes of wood-fired Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, each with a unique sauce, carefully blended to complement each vegetable. Quite good.
After noshing and chatting, we settled down with our main entrees. Our group numbered 8 friends, so I won’t review everyone’s dish. Just be assured everyone loved what they got. Not one complaint.
Several of us tried the Wood-fired Crab Cake, and it was huge- all lump crab meat with very little filler and crispy brown from the wood fire, accompanied by wood-fired baby potatoes, mixed vegetables and house-made horseradish remoulade. What a treat.
Wood-Fired Lump Crabcake
Our Guests Raved at the Entrees
My husband tried the House Bolognese with Cavatappi topped with organic sweet Italian sausage, Mortadella, San Marzano tomatoes. Andy and I are both very particular about Italian red sauce, but this was good, just slightly sweeter than my own. You could substitute the cavatappi with fresh, organic house-made fettuccine or gluten-free pasta. It’s a winner.
Esther said the pan-roasted Airline Chicken Breast was tender and tasty, accompanied with roasted cauliflower, sautéed zucchini, Salsa Verde and hot honey. Roasted with the skin, it presented with a crispy outer layer.
Other specialties included the Seared Diver Scallops with creamy corn Maque Choux, crispy sage and Sicilian lemon vinaigrette, and the grilled wild-caught salmon with Harissa citrus glaze, toasted wild rice pilaf and spicy seasonal vegetables. Seasonal daily specials are also available.
The Cherry Bomb
Desserts That Are the Bomb!
Naturally, we had to sample the desserts. Oh, my. Just take a look at these photos. The Cherry Bomb consisted of cherries marinated in cherry brandy over vanilla ice cream and topped with house-made fudge sauce and walnuts. You won’t find this at your local ice cream shop.
Berries Vrai
Another favorite- Berries Vrai. Berries soaked in Grand Marnier spooned over a dish of vanilla ice cream, topped with whipped cream and cocoa nibs. The Berry Peach Cobbler was huge- vanilla ice cream topped with baked berries, Peach Schnapps, maple syrup, sugar and house caramel sauce. Totally decadent!
A little coffee with our dessert and what could be more satisfying? This truly is a gem of a restaurant- the kind of bistro that lures you back over and over to explore the nooks and crannies of this creative, seasonal hub. It’s worth the trip!
Vrai Restaurant
1015 Market St.
Lemoyne, PA
Phone: 717-412-0067
Hours: Tues.-Thurs. 11am-8:30pm
Fri. & Sat. 11am-9pm
Closed Sun. & Mon.
Berry Peach Cobbler
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