There are many reasons to venture out West Broad Street to the hamlet of Centerville, and one of the best is to visit the . Regulars hang out at the bar or meet friends for drinks here, and patrons of all ages return weekly for dinners that range from burgers to gourmet preparations.

Making selections from the menu is a difficult task, given the number of delicious-sounding items. We ordered an appetizer of smoked rainbow trout ($6.95) that, if served with soup or a house salad, would have made a wonderful light dinner. Mesquite-smoked and served chilled with chopped tomatoes and onions, capers and horseradish sauce, plus crackers, it was an absolutely perfect summer start to a meal.

Bottomless Pitt enjoyed a small spinach salad ($3.25) with fresh baby-spinach leaves, country ham, egg, mushrooms, tomato, onion and croutons before his entrée arrived. And what an awesome entrée it was — six extra-large scallops on a bed of angel-hair pasta, all prepared with bacon, onion, garlic and sherry ($16.95).

I chose the other white meat ($12.95), 4- or 5-inch-thick slices of marinated pork tenderloin slathered in a flavorful Dijon mustard and fresh tarragon sauce. The mashed potatoes, and sautéed zucchini, squash and onion medley were the perfect complement.

The Kentucky Derby Pie we chose for dessert was a rich, gooey, sweet finish to a great meal. Chocolate chips were melted and oozing, and the coffee ice cream on top was drizzled with fudge sauce.

I like the Red Oak for its range and reasonableness. The wine list is good and the desserts are homemade. The ceiling fans, mantelpiece with old books leaning against memorabilia, original artwork hanging throughout and friendly service all make this a nice respite from a harried day in the city.