Notes from the Weekend

Notes from the Weekend: May 9

POSTED: Monday, May 9, 2011, 4:42 PM

Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend

Notes from the Weekend is a Monday feature that sees the members of Team Meal Ticket compiling all the food/drink highlights uncovered during prime eatin' time, Friday to Sunday. Consider this a place for good deals, great dishes, wicked cocktails, recipe triumphs (and tragedies), bizarro conversations and more. We're eager to share our notes, but especially excited to read yours.We encourage you to leave notes from YOUR weekend in the comments. Have at it! (View past NFTW installments at citypaper.net/notes.)

Click for more »

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 4:42 PM Permalink | 8 comments

Notes from the Weekend: April 25

POSTED: Monday, April 25, 2011, 5:43 PM

Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend

Click for more »

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 5:43 PM Permalink | 11 comments

Notes from the Weekend: April 18

POSTED: Monday, April 18, 2011, 3:36 PM

Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend

Click for more »

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 3:36 PM Permalink | 10 comments

Notes from the Weekend: April 11

POSTED: Monday, April 11, 2011, 6:21 PM

Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend

Click for more »

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 6:21 PM Permalink | 16 comments

Notes from the Weekend: April 4

POSTED: Monday, April 4, 2011, 6:35 PM

Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend

Click for more »

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 6:35 PM Permalink | 11 comments

Notes from the Weekend: March 28

POSTED: Monday, March 28, 2011, 5:44 PM

Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend

Click for more »

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 5:44 PM Permalink | 12 comments

Notes from the Weekend: March 21

POSTED: Monday, March 21, 2011, 5:24 PM

Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend

Click for more »

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 5:24 PM Permalink | 5 comments

Notes from the Weekend: March 14

POSTED: Monday, March 14, 2011, 6:17 PM

Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend

Click for more »

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 6:17 PM Permalink | 11 comments

Notes from the Weekend: Feb. 28

POSTED: Monday, February 28, 2011, 11:16 PM

Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend

Notes from the Weekend is a Monday feature that sees the members of Team Meal Ticket compiling all the food/drink highlights uncovered during prime eatin time, Friday to Sunday. Consider this a place for good deals, great dishes, wicked cocktails, recipe triumphs (and tragedies), bizarro conversations and more. Were eager to share our notes, but especially excited to read yours.We encourage you to leave notes from YOUR weekend in the comments. Have at it! (View past NFTW installments at citypaper.net/notes.)

AE: Adam Erace EF: Erin Finnerty DL: Drew Lazor AP: Adrian Pelliccia LRP: Laurel Rose Purdy

Photos | Drew Lazor

I spent most of the past week in gorgeous New Orleans, crashing at the home of our beautiful and generous friends AR and JR and eating and drinking and goofin' about town. Gonna share a couple highlights from our Friday-to-Sunday festivities pictured above are po'boys from Mother's, the local institution that came recommended by The Corner chef and former NOLA resident John Taus. We opted for the "2/3 size" option at lunch Friday, but if they'd given us these mofos at the full-size price I certainly wouldn't have noticed up top's your classic fried skrimp variety, and on bottom is Mother's "Famous Ferdi," that unmistakable po'boy bread stacked up with pickles, mayo, baked ham, roast beef and debris gravy, the Nawlins term for the meaty drizzle derived from the bits and juices that collect in the bottom of the pan when you're carving up a hunka meat. DL

Photo | Adam Erace

Friday morning, the fiancee and I made settlement on our very first house together. It's a South Philly fixer-upper with lime-green rugs, faux pine paneling, drop ceilings, aqua tile and piss-after-a-long-night-of-boozing-colored countertops. (Curiously enough, there are no mirrored walls.) We celebrated at Artisan Boulanger Patissier (1646 S. 12th St.) with pistachio croissants and spinach/mushroom quiche. Will be fortifying myself there often, as sweat equity begins this week. First order of business: new raised beds in the backyard. Growing season is around the corner. AE

Photo | Laurel Rose Purdy

Friday's eating began as a rushed-as-hell pickup from Alyan's (609 S. Fourth St.) for Foul Medames with Tehina and grape leaves to give me some Middle Eastern happy for the work night to come. But then my status went from good to great: Have any of you been to The Latest Dish (613 S. Fourth St.) recently? Housemade sausages are happening. Newish chef Steve Forte is showcasing his own, and on Friday the feature was a clove-y winter Cotechino over white beans and bacon. Hearty as shit, subtly spicy, actually kind of perfect and he's doing Bratwursts with kraut sometimes, too. Get some. LRP Friday: I went home to my parents' house and picked up a giant vegetable lasagna from Di Bruno Bros. (1730 Chestnut St.) that'd been languishing in their freezer for much too long. They saw themselves clearing out extra freezer space; I saw dinner. I took it back to my apartment, stuck it in the oven, and served my roommates some delicious, well preserved veggie lasagna. Victory. AP Late late, wound up at Kennett (848 S. Second St.) again. It's just comforting to know that I can fall in there at midnight and drink a bunch of Cotes du Rhone alongside a legitimate, fresh and local cheese board. I can tell that everyone believes the hype (did you read AE's review yet?); each barstool and every seat in the dining room was occupied for awhile. LRP Dropped by Honey's (800 N. Fourth St.) after work on Friday for a quick dinner and had the usual vegetarian chicken fried steak, as well as a rare instance of questionable service. I attempted to replicate their delicious blueberry compote at home later in this weekend and failed good enough, but just not the same. Any suggestions or exact recipes found hidden in an armoire, please pass along. EF

Photos | Drew Lazor

We really only treated ourselves to one upmarket dinner in NOLA there's waaaaay too much wonderful stuff to eat and drink and see to detonate the whole budget at one or two amazing debt-inducing restaurants. (I'll be back in April, Besh!) On the reco of Corbin Evans, another Philly chef and former New Orleanian, we peeped Patois, chef Aaron Burgau's pretty neighborhood bistro (reminded me, looks-wise, of Blackfish) that does Louisiana food "with a French accent." It was a blast. Two faves above: a scary-light potato gnocchi with hedgehog 'shrooms, jumbo lump, edamame and reggiano; and a charred octopus on a bed of fatty chorizo-flecked chickpeas. Couldn't have been happier. Thanks, Corbin! DL

Photo | Adam Erace

Later on Friday, C and I toasted with 200 friends and fam at our engagement party at the pretty swanky Tendenza (969 N. Second St.) in Northern Libs. So busy drinking Ketel/sodas mingling with guests that I forgot to eat. (Yes, I forgot to eat!) But I did snag one of the root beer floats being passed around the room on silver trays. Take-home baggies of L&M Bakery (11 Saint Mihiel Drive, Delran, N.J.) powedered-sugar cream doughnuts were lined up for departing guests, which meant lots of extras at home that I devoured during the remainder of the weekend. AE

Photo | Drew Lazor

Few more po'boys for lunch on Saturday this time from Crabby Jack's, a sandwich joint from the owner of the universally adored Jacque-Imo's, where we grubbed Wednesday night. (At the latter spot, they literally deep-fry a po'boy, bread and everything. My NOLA-resident friends SS and BS split it and were stuffed.) From Crabby's, though oysters, pulled pork, paneed chicken (pan-fried cutlets). Some killer mac 'n' cheese. See, this is why I didn't blow my cash wad on August, y'all. DL Saturday: I had more lasagna. For each and every meal. At the time, I did not regret this decision. AP Late Saturday morning, my brunching companion and I were literally the only two people at Noble (2025 Sansom St.). We enjoyed a zesty lemon curry crepe special and a super-fresh wedge of spinach/mushroom fritatta. If the secret isn't out yet: Noble is open for brunch on Saturday now, people. EF

Photos | Laurel Rose Purdy

Crushed some brunch repeats at Garces Trading Co. (1111 Locust St.) on Saturday afternoon. I'm a sucker for those $25 brunch prix-fixes (holler at your baby artichokes in Meyer lemon broth), but especially that wheel of buttery Nettle Farms Kunik cheese. Half goat, half cow, it's grassy and pasty and evil and so delicious. We finished by being dragged into the kitchen to ogle at the 400-pound pig that was chillin' on the prep table. Dude was about 10 times the size of me; I showed my boyfriend a picture of the pig's enormous cabeza, to which he remarked: "Look at how much head cheese they're gonna make." LRP Most of my Sunday consumption was made up of picking and snacking. The main event was a tasty blend of three flavors of my only vice: Capogiro Gelato (117 S. 20th St.). Killed the cup of Thai coconut milk, meyer lemon and Grey goose/avocado before the Oscars began. Can't wait for next year's show. I have a feeling Hall Pass is going to SWEEP. EF We avoided the brunch lines at every single brunch offerer on Sunday when it's nice out, forget about it. So instead I had some bananas and weird Icelandic yogurt because I am a creature of many habits. Finished off the weekend late on Sunday night by sliding into the back bar of N. 3rd (801 N. Third St.) to make fun of celebrities, drink some more Cotes du Rhone (La Chouffe for the beau) and actually eat a meal. I loved my sesame-crusted tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes, but I burned the roof of my mouth. Boyfriend had the roasted chicken, always stellar. All of a sudden there was a pile of chocolate ice cream in front of me and I don't remember a thing thereafter. LRP Sunday: After OD'ing on lasagna and not having it in me to face another lasagna breakfast, I booked it over to Steak Queen (38th b/t Spruce and Walnut) to check out their revamped menu. Brunched on a chicken cheesesteak dripping in ketchup and hot sauce and a new menu addition spinach! For dinner, I headed over to Pho & Cafe Saigon (4248 Spruce St.) and got my standing order: tofu rolls and the venerable No. 27, vermicelli topped with spring rolls and grilled pork. After applying thick coats of hoisin and sriracha, I downed my meal in about 4 minutes. It was a great choice for getting out of my "eat one type of food for an entire weekend" rut. AP

Photo | Adam Erace

Sunday did a marathon house shopping, the intensity of which was mitigated by Rocco's Sausages (1601 S. Columbus Blvd.), the little garlic-scented shed like a beauty mark on the ugly mug of Home Depot. Hot sausage. Onions. Peppers. Mustard. Outside on a picnic table in what felt like the most beautiful weather since the summer. AE

Photos | Drew Lazor

After traveling for what felt like 72 hours on Sunday (it was more like 12 stupid, stupid multiple layovers!), I was in absolutely no mood to cook anything or go out and horrify everyone with the onyx bags under my eyes, so we copped some takeout from the new Makiman Sushi near Broad and Spruce. Digging on the chirashi that's simply sashimi draped over sushi rice, kinda like a Japanese naked burrito and especially the pork dumpling soup, which comes with little matchsticks of fishcake. DL

Laurel Rose Purdy

Posted 2011-02-28 18:59:49

ME, the girls at La Va are goddesses. At least those I remember from four years ago.

Posted 2011-02-28 18:34:50

Calling bullshit on Vietnam, which I went to on Saturday. Volcano bowls at Bar Saigon on the fourth floor are an insane $18. Downstairs, they're only $14. Still, delicious and dangerous. Same can't be said for the food, which I could have gotten faster and cheaper in South Philly. I guess you pay for ambiance right?



Also, shout out to the ladies who work at La Va, solely because the dudes who work there are a disaster. The ladies are quick and polite. The dudes always seem to give my order to someone else. Step it up, men.

Posted 2011-03-01 08:47:42

Followed the hype to Kennett on Friday and was not disappointed.  The lamb burger was juicy and the exact right amount of lamb flavor.  I also appreciated the waittress who questioned my second drink order.  "A lord chesterfield, are you sure, i mean have you had it before."  I appreciated her looking out, but sometimes you just feel like a Yuengling.

Sunday brunch went to Paesano's, with two helpers we split the brisket and egg sandwich, the lamb sausage, and the fried lasagna hoagie.  Fantastic way to start a sunday on the couch.

Mikey

Posted 2011-03-01 10:32:05

I went to Zac's Hamburgers in Folsom, PA with a friend that wanted to check it out. I was reasonably impressed by the freshness and value. The burger patties are cheap, small, and have a homemade look, feel and taste. They're essentially an up-and-coming Delco version of Five Guys with a ways to go. They've got plenty of other things to offer such as various shakes, fries and buffalo chicken bites (yum). There's also no shortage of burger toppings. I'm looking forward to returning on a Sunday with friends for their special of 10 burgers for $14, made any way you want.

Posted 2011-03-01 16:17:21

Plus five for the Ron Swanson comment.

Laurel Rose

Posted 2011-03-01 15:00:37

Anthony, I don't find anything abnormal about that.

Nicole

Posted 2011-03-01 11:06:00

When I'm in NOLA I usually save the budget busters for leisurely lunches when both the damage and the pressure to over-order are lighter. Herbsaint is my favorite for a nice civilized weekday lunch.

Drew Lazor

Posted 2011-03-01 11:11:35

That spot came highly reco'd as well, Nicole! I wasn't able to make it this time but want to next time. It looks pretty inside.

rascal b. schuylkillian

Posted 2011-03-01 12:42:32

I am not so sure Zac's is all that up and coming.  It's been a culinary destination for Delco stoners and day laborers since at least the 80's.  Zac's is decent but I prefer Charlies.  "Charlies vs. Zac's" is a long standing debate among Delco hamburglars.

Julie

Posted 2011-03-01 13:11:10

Now I want baby artichokes. You all are killing me.



I'm starting with Thursday because Thursday was Zento Night (thanks for the 10% off tip guys!). After a pit stop at the Khyber me, the boyfriend and best friend started the evening with the fried calamari. Then we had two orders of the mouth meltingly amazing square sushi (one tuna, one salmon), spicy crunchy tuna with eel and avocado, shrimp and fish topped with spicy scallop, the "real" California roll with crab, and probably the best roll I've had yet-avocado, cucumber, and fried shallot topped with bronzino, micro-greens, and more fried shallots with some delicious sauce that I can't remember because FOOD COMA. 



Friday I made the Trader Joe's goat cheese and sun-dried tomato ravioli with grilled chicken, sauteed spinach and grape tomatoes, and some olive oil and garlic. Nothing special, but it went quite well with some repeat viewings of our favorite Ron Swanson moments from Parks and Rec. I should have made steak. And ALL the eggs and bacon.



Sunday we skipped down the hill to Main Street for brunch at Bourbon Blue. We took advantage of their Bloody Mary bar, and I had the buttermilk pancakes with fresh berries while the boy had eggs Benedict with a crab cake and potatoes.

rascal b. schuylkillian

Posted 2011-03-01 12:33:04

Last time I was in New Orleans I hit up Mother's for the fried catfish po boy.  It was a killer sandwich, but I am not sure the post-lunch food coma was worth the long ass wait in line.  A cold Abita, a tray of super fresh half shells, and a side of anything deep fried is my favorite New Orleans food experience.  New Orleans is the epicenter of the global frialator food culture.  I love it.

Anthony Sica

Posted 2011-02-28 21:01:30

@LRP- Those Meyer Lemon chokes at GTC are INSANE. I want to have a sauce off between those and the clams at Southwark.  I would brush my teeth with either if it was a normal thing to do.

Michelle

Posted 2011-03-01 11:24:19

New Orleans is beautiful and filled with great people and amazing food. I am still craving po'boys, even though I swore I would never eat again after finishing each one. I was more impressed by the 80-lb women serving and bussing the powder-laden tables at Cafe du Monde than the actual beignets themselves. (Don't hate me, New Orleans!) They were carrying trays piled 8 inches high while weaving in and out of the hungry tourist crowds!





While not New Orleans-specific, a very memorable dish for me was the tater tot "tachos" our friends introduced us to. Very simply, it is a plate of tater tots dressed like nachos and served with sour cream and salsa. I plan on making this at home very soon.

Drew Lazor

Posted 2011-03-01 16:21:08

"I think you may have heard I want a lot of bacon and eggs. What I said was BRING ME ALL THE BACON AND EGGS YOU HAVE. Do you understand me?"



Funniest show on TV! Ron and I have very similar eating tastes.

jamie

Posted 2011-03-02 17:07:10

I love the Kunik cheese at GTC!! Isn't it sexy?

Crawdad season kicks off next week at Chris’ Jazz Cafe :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2011-03-02 13:31:17

[...] so very mysterious Hop Sing Laundromat• New reservation app NoWait and Zavino want to text you• Notes from the Weekend: Feb. 28• Tomorrow: Eat free IHOP, support CHOP Video Blog• Behind the Scenes with Kurt [...]

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 11:16 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Notes from the Weekend: Feb. 21

POSTED: Monday, February 21, 2011, 10:42 PM

Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend

Adam Erace: AD Erin Finnerty: EF Drew Lazor: DL Adrian Pelliccia: AP Laurel Rose Purdy: LRP

Photos | Laurel Rose Purdy

Guapos Tacos parked its handsome self on Strawberry Street on Friday afternoon, exclusively for Amada employees to indulge and gloat on our massive collection of beer bottle caps that's how we won this fiesta used to strategically decorate the side of the truck. We feasted on chorizo-y Mexican pozole soup and, of course, TACOS. Mahi tacos. Carnitas and costillas. Delicious guacamole. Spring weather, and Coke in glass bottles! BLASTING Jay-Z. Lucky us! LRP

Photo | Drew Lazor

I had a very important business strategy strategery meeting with AE and Felicia D. on Friday at Locust Rendezvous (1415 Locust St.) so incredibly important was this rendezvous at The 'Vous that we (at FD's behest) acquired Spanish waffle fries with a side of brown gravy. "You guys are crazy," our server told us, shaking her head. DL Friday: I went over to my friend Sarah's house, where she was hosting a dinner party for our friend Anthony. It was his 21st birthday, and she pulled out all the stops to start, she made an out-of-this-world white bean hummus hybrid, plus a comprehensive meat/cheese platter. The main course was homemade pizza with mozzarella, mushrooms and fresh tomatoes. One of the surprise standouts, though, was dessert: She got tiramisu from The Restaurant School's bakery, which is 1. super cheap; 2. totally under the radar; and 3. pretty great! Will definitely be headed there when in need of a shmancy-yet-cheap dessert. AP Two friends, the fiancee and I capitalized on an elusive Friday night reservation at Barbuzzo (110 S. 13th St.) for a toasty warm table indoors. The expertly charred octopus and educational goat cheese board were stand-outs this time around, as well as the loud crackling of the boys' pig popcorn. The budino was a crowd pleaser, naturally but can we get some love for the steamy bread pudding in here?! EF Introduced my beloved big sister to my also beloved Zahav (237 St. James place) on Friday night. And she said she hated hummus. The second she got a taste of Solo's garlicky Turkish method: converted. The newest haloumi incarnation was heavenly, back to the date jam pairing with crushed walnuts. Kibbe Naya with black harissa and a butter-poached pumpkin, grilled Al Ha'esh, were two personal favorites. I looooooove you, Zahav. LRP

Photos | Drew Lazor

Takeout from Fuji Mountain (2030 Chestnut St.) later Friday night was a good look the sashimi spread and Florida Roll (salmon, masago, non-goopy non-mayo spicy sauce, avo) were lovely, but my personal favorite thing to get from The Fooj is hamachi kama, the crunchy, salty, meaty tuna neckbone. Pescetarian girlfriend said this is the closest she can get to eating fried chicken, and I agree. Hit it with a little lemon and pick big crispy-skin-covered hunks up with your fingers. Top 5 foods. DL

Photo | Adrian Pelliccia

Saturday: Sarah and I decided that we'd join forces and make another pizza from scratch. This time, we topped it off with the leftover brie and mozzarella from the previous night and topped it with slices of zucchini and lemon juice. For the base, we went with a creamy ricotta-basil spread. It was transcendent (see photo). Also, I learned the secret to awesome pizza dough: honey. AP

Photo | Drew Lazor

The odd lull period between the hours of 3 and 5 p.m. is my favorite time to go to Village Whiskey (118 S. 20th St.) there's almost always room for me at the bar, and I can chill and enjoy my drink (Sazerac this time) without getting mean-mugged by a lady from Perkasie waiting to boot me off my stool. Plus, if you're a spirits geek and possess basic manners, the bar staff is happy to let you peep stuff from its unreal collection, like this 150th anniversary Campari none of us have. DL I sadly skipped brunch altogether this weekend. Saturday's breakfast? Just some Van's gluten-free blueberry waffles, which are the TRUTH. GF or not, these trump any and all other alternative flour-having frozen waffles. Also a "Divine Grape" GT's Kombucha my new signature flavor, which a girlfriend says "smells like balsamic vinegar." It kind of does. I like that. LRP Saturday was a slow day spent in a futile battle against a cold, but I found time to make it to Rim Café (1172 S. Ninth St.) to visit Italian Market superstar Rene Kobeitri on a top-secret mission from Meal Ticket details and photos coming soon! EF Saturday popped into an absolutely packed Manakeesh Cafe & Bakery (4420 Walnut St.), the last of three visits for Official City Paper Business (read the review next week). The looooong line of head-scarved females, hipper-than-thou undergrads and West Philly locals affords ample time for stargazing at the gem-like sweets in the impressive pastry case. No doubt Manakeesh's bulk pistachio purchasing is largely funding the nuts' national ad campaign. Snooki don't come cheap, after all. AE One of the best dinners I've had in a long time alert: Cochon (801 E. Passyunk Ave.) killllled it Saturday night! Still full. Gene Giuffi's smoked/sous vide-d/grilled spare ribs with insane onion rings (loved GG's ribs for a minute!) and crawfish risotto croquettes in a nutso lobster butter sauce to start. Then onto fried oysters, plus sweetbreads over gnocchi dressed up carbonara-style. Mains (this is where my arteries were like noooo but my stomach was like KEEP ON DOING WHAT YOU DO DREW): a HUGE bowl of bouillabaisse (mussels, shrimp, crabmeat, scallops), and skirt steak topped with mushroom/Roquefort sauce and a side of foie gras bread pudding (literally a lil' foie nubbin chilling inside!). By dessert poor man's pudding I seriously didn't know what to do with myself. Go there. DL Before completely crashing on Sunday, went out to lunch with the future in-laws at Rembrandt's (741 N. 23rd St.). I loved the revamped tofu-less veggie banh mi, held together with fresh slices of avocado and pickled veggies. Followed that up with an apple empanada, drizzled with caramel sauce and accompanied by vanilla gelato. It was perfect in every way, but I think I still prefer Taco Bell's doughnut-y, Hostess Pie-like $.99 version. EF Sarah and I decided to go all or nothing with this pizza thing and continued our dough bender into Sunday night. We made the same ricotta-basil sauce and opted to go balls-out as far as toppings were concerned: caramelized onions, leeks, chunky bacon. After three solid days of only pizza (the occasional salad got peppered in there from time to time), I have only this to say: No regrets I would do it again in a heartbeat. AP

Photo | Drew Lazor

Birthday brunch at one of my fave places Sunday afternoon Mémé (2201 Spruce St.)! Place was jammed but we still got my food crazy speedy tripe/chorizo/chickpea stew topped with a sunny-side egg, biscuits 'n' gravy, cherry-stuffed griddle cakes topped with shaved foie (no more foie for awhile or I will die). Girlie had an omelette that, if I remember correctly, did not have foie in it for some reason. DL

Photos | Adam Erace

Sunday, kept dinner simple at home with penne tossed in Severino prepared pesto. Here's a nifty trick for adding texture to pasta dishes: breadcrumbs. Right on the burner, I lightly charred a slice of sourdough, tore it into big pieces and pulsed it in the food processor to form loose crumbs. Earlier, I had fried some pancetta; I added the crumbs to drippings (try it with bacon, too) and sauteed on medium heat till till toasty and brown. Seasoned with salt and pepper and scattered over the penne, the golden breadcrumbs added a porky top-note and rough crunch. No pasta should be without them. AE

The Skinny Fat Kid

Posted 2011-02-23 14:18:05

Sunday first brunch was at Meme for griddle cakes with shaved foie gras. second brunch an hour later at Dandelion for chicken liver and foie gras mousse with grape chutney. Dinner was a chicken sandwich at Silk City. Monday morning tour of Hudson Valley Foie Gras followed by dinner at Eleven Madison Park. Four Courses were Foie Gras torchon with Quince gelee, Pink Snapper, Roast Pork with Speatzle. Also had amazing sea urchin panna cotta, sturgeon sabayon, chocolate with thai chiles, and black truffle beignets.

Erin

Posted 2011-02-22 08:53:32

SABLE - MOZZ STICKS WITH GRAVY? You just pulled some Inception shit on me. Gonna need to go ahead and try this. I am jealous of your heavy gravy heavy weekend.

Drew Lazor

Posted 2011-02-22 23:27:28

sometimes my scones bend back

juliana

Posted 2011-02-22 22:25:12

the giant! i miss him.

Sara

Posted 2011-02-21 23:47:46

Yo - the boyfriend and I went to Cochon Saturday night for our 5 year anniversary, too. We also got those ribs - fucking divine - and I also got the bouillabaisse, which was heaven, especially those mussels and scallops . He got the pork belly. Mmm, pig. We ended splitting the cognac cheesecake and creme brulee. Brought some killer beers along - Goose Island Madame Rose and Foothills Brewery Sexual Chocolate.



Ended up at Monk's later that night to indulge in Cantillon and Cascade sours.

juliana

Posted 2011-02-21 19:49:06

Made it over to Artisan Boulanger Patissier a little too late Sunday morning to get croissants, so, instead we purchased some brioches (so cheap!) and a baguette in order to make some ham, egg and cheese sandwiches. Boyfriend couldn't stop talking about how good ABP's coffee was. For dinner, made super stoner food kimchi quesadillas with bacon, sauteed yu choy and flourless chocolate cake to go with a Twin Peaks marathon. Sunday reclaimed.

barryg

Posted 2011-02-22 00:42:20

Actually, it's at 8th & Wolf, not 10th.

kibby

Posted 2011-02-22 14:32:40

Friday night I went to Pub and Kitchen for a friend's birthday dinner. It was super loud and busy so I couldn't really hear what everyone was ordering and was bummed when the food came out and everyone at the 12 person table had ordered either a burger or fish and chips. It goes against everything I believe in! Also, as I navigated the packed crowd to smoke a cigarette I noticed that a guy was wearing a euro-looking track jacket thingy that said "DUSH" on the back of it. It was pretty amazing and also accurate.

Saturday, a friend and I decided to grab lunch at Dandelion since we were in the neighborhood. It was my first time there and the food was good! Our server, while totally being on top of shit, seemed kind of surly and "over it" which just made us like her more. I'd go back just for the pickled beetroot jar, yummmm. We sat at one of the high-top tables by the bar and got repeatedly bumped into (hard!) by the table of dudes behind us. They weren't wearing "DUSH" jackets but totally could've been, if you know what I mean.

Sunday I planned on having a quiet night at home and making dinner. I did make a yummy meal of miso glazed chicken and a quick pickled radish salad with avocado and sesame but alas a quiet night wasn't in the cards. We got a call from a friend who was at the Pope. Living across the street from it is amazing but it also means you NEVER have a good excuse not to go if you are asked. Alls well that ends well though and we ended up having hilarious conversations over a few too many Piraats.

Felicia D'Ambrosio

Posted 2011-02-22 13:07:54

Mozz sticks with gravy, yes indeed. This is the kind of revelation that can only come to you at Little Pete's at 3 am, minutes after drinking really old DFH 120 minute IPA.  Mystique was totally trying to cop my gravysticks.

Michelle

Posted 2011-02-21 23:11:31

It was my first time having kama at Fuji Mt. and it was seriously good.  In terms of sashimi and rolls, though, my heart still belongs to Vic.



Cochon was amazing, those crawfish risotto croquettes with lobster butter was the perfect vehicle for the baguette I was not eating to save room for more... Oh well!



Love going to Meme any day of the week, but especially when it's the long overdue brunch visit.  My omelette had scallions, red pepper, mushrooms and queso fresco, so great.  And the server we had was wonderful, I think he is new...

Plum

Posted 2011-02-22 11:29:55

Friday: apparently wife and I are not the only ones who associate warm weather with Oyster House HH, as the place was way too packed by 5:30 when we got there. Headed to Noble instead, totally made up for it with some smoky scotch concoction they had on special. finally "made it" @ Southwark, walked in, was recognized and handed a Sazerac...felt like christmas morning. from there we cruised around the corner to Kennett for some ridiculous brussel sprouts and a pizza.

Saturday: dinner @ Fond, one of my absolute favorites, and alot of others as well as ressies are super hard to come bye. everything as always was great: sweatbreads (favorite in philly), foie, pork belly, steak, malted choc ice cream and meyer lemon cake.  i cannot say enough great things about this place, always consistently great service and food.  pasrty chef even came out to settle an argument over meringue b/n wife and I. adam you need to start stocking their olive bread, cray good.

Sunday: an innocent brunch at Standard Tap turned into several beers and an inpromptu bowling session next door.  Great weekend overall, just wished I had monday off like the lucky ones!

Rascal b. Schuylkillian

Posted 2011-02-21 23:03:34

Ok, my device just had a spelling induced mind fart.  Fingered=gingered. Also cooked up some awesome jumbo meatballs in a fennel/sun dried tomato sauce along with a roasted veggie Mac and cheese.  I love me some fennel.

barryg

Posted 2011-02-22 00:12:39

Friday: Tried unsuccessfully to grab a seat at Kraftwork and El Camino Real. Finally got into The Abbaye and had their Southwest Red Bean Veggie Burger. This thing was heartier than many beef burgers I've had. It was quite tasty with a surprisingly decent tomato and some nice guac to finish it off. Their fries are damn good, too. Following that we were able to stop by El Camino Real for my very first pickleback shot. I didn't hate it, but will I do one again? I don't know, someone buy me a pickleback and we'll find out.

The pickleback necessitated a midnight snack at late night taqueria at 10th & Wolf where I had a great burrito, possibly the best in town outside of Jose's. I love this place, and although I am yet to try the food sober, I am confident in the quality of palate when inebriated. My standards slip, but I still know what's good.

Saturday: Brunch at Oregon Diner was exactly what it was supposed to be (though coffee service was a little lacking). Following the Secrets of the Silk Road exhibit at the Penn Museum (recommended, try to get there before they ship the mummies back to China), we tripled down on the veal at at Hostaria Da Elio. They do a nice veal parmesan but killed it on the stuffed veal chop and especially the veal cannelloni. This was plan B after being denied at Hoof & Fin, but what a delicious plan B it turned out to be.

Sunday: A homemade feast (not by me) of 20-hour vegetarian cholent, roasted cauliflower, whipped tahina, Israeli salad, slow cooked barley, and elephant-shaped birthday cake. I never knew a one year old's birthday party would be so delicious.

Rascal b. Schuylkillian

Posted 2011-02-21 22:56:49

Hit up fergies Friday with mi lady after some over priced vihno verde at vintage.  I wasn't wowwed by bebe's BBQ. It was good, but missing something.  The fried pickles were a tad meh.  The rest of the weekend included some home cooking and fingered burbons

Nick

Posted 2011-02-22 15:47:32

Friday was spent in lovely glenside at jerzee's sports bar for a friends birthday. surprisingly bangin pizza. not surprising clientele. and the loudest bass speakers not at a club shaking the place.



saturday more suburbs checking out the station taproom in downingtown. really really good seafood chowder special and delicious cuban and grilled cheese sandwiches. beers were a bit high priced but i don't think any of the richers noticed.



sunday brunch at resurrection where i love the tallboy beer mimosas and pan con tomate.

L. Renee

Posted 2011-02-22 15:14:35

Friday I checked out The Prim Rib's happy hour and it was quite a treat. Best clam casino in town and the ribs were totally something from the Flinstones..they were HUGE!. Decent drink specials. Clam Casino, ribs, some girly drink = $18.



The piano guy was a classy touch.

Tweets that mention Notes from the Weekend: Feb. 21 :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-21 18:17:02

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Philly City Paper, Drew Lazor and Gene Giuffi, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: NOTES FROM THE WEEKEND in beast mode this week, check it out and share your notes! http://ow.ly/40I5F [...]

L. Renee

Posted 2011-02-22 15:10:17

So I checked at Beagle Tavern in Norristown for brunch on Sunday and...not too bad. I had a monster size burger cooked to perfection, mild wings that literally fell off the wings and some tasty local brew. Calamari left much to be desired. The best part was the bartender, Christian..someone needs to give that guy his own show!

L. Renee

Posted 2011-02-22 15:12:03

OMG! That sounds fucking amazing!!!!

Drew Lazor

Posted 2011-02-21 22:55:42

I'm not blaming you, I'm thanking you!

Darren

Posted 2011-02-22 14:29:55

Friday's beautiful weather beckoned, of course. After a run along Kelly Drive, hit Sabrina's in Fairmount for an afternoon brunch of whole-wheat banana pancakes with a side of scrapple. A perfect comfort-food plate.  Sat at the bar, where service was top-notch and friendly.



Later Friday started with Happy Hour at Perch Pub, and walked into a maelstrom of people of all sorts. The wood varnish still permeated the air (in a bad way). I ordered the happy hour beer Troeg's Troegenator, and they were out, so I asked what the replacement $3 happy hour beer was....and I was stared at blankly, then had a response of "there is not one." I don't get how another happy hour priced beer is unavailable just because the original was kicked. Oh well. Had a tasty Walt Wit, said hello to Nick the bartender, then left.



Headed to Fergie's, where I haven't been in years. The downstairs has been spruced up, has a fresh feel to it. Ordered a few 20oz pints of Dogfish Head Brown Ale and Guinness. Headed upstairs to hear a great band, joined friends at a table, then ordered Mark Bebe's fabulous "west" Carolina BBQ pork sandwich and hand-cut fries. Sandwich was tasty, not as generous in portion-size as it was at Bebe's BBQ when it was in the Italian Mkt. The accompanying cole slaw was weak in flavor. Any of his BBQ is terrific though. A buddy ordered the brisket and loved it. Decided to order a mac-and-cheese for the table too. More of the baked variety...but it was delicious.

Rascal b. Schuylkillian

Posted 2011-02-21 22:48:23

It is happening again....

Drew Lazor

Posted 2011-02-22 11:56:01

Like I said man, Top 5 Foods!!

Adam Erace

Posted 2011-02-22 10:00:26

Kama is my go-to at sushi spots! So much flavor in that boomerang neck bone.

Felicia D'Ambrosio

Posted 2011-02-21 22:36:11

I cannot believe you are pinning the entire Spanish-fries-with-gravy thing on me.  Just because I said Little Pete's mozz sticks are good with gravy. 



Started Saturday morning by tying the grill to the porch to keep it from hurtling away in the tornado, then headed to Artisan Boulanger for breakfast croissants and bread for dinner. Dribbling flaky croissant crumbs all over ourselves, we proceeded to H Mart in Upper Darby to stock up on Korean supermarket things and gorge on samples.  



Spent the rest of the day fiddling with mushroom stock and resultant mushroom gravy, then made clams and chorizo with orange and bay leaf for dinner. Not too shabby, Tyler Florence. 



Whipped up my most successful batch of biscuits yet (Joy of Baking online recipe) to absorb yet more vegetarian mushroom gravy.  Consumed one-half a stick of butter in biscuit form before 11 am, whence I retired, spent, back to bed. 



Subbed out parsley for cilantro in a homemade banh mi with fried tofu, carrots, spicy mayo and kimchee, since we lacked pickled daikon, all on Artisan Boulanger's open-crumbed, crispy baguette. Heavy eating weekend all around.

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 10:42 PM Permalink | Post a comment

« PREVIOUS | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | NEXT »

First Gigs: Jeff Ziga, Little Baby's Ice Cream
If you don't know Nutella is bad for you and your kids, then you are a total idiot and a bad parent.
An edible guide to Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
Notes from the Weekend: May 20
Hell's Kitchen casting in Philly
Frozen Drinks Alert: Water ice cocktails at Noir
Spike TV's "Bar Rescue" turns Swanky Bubbles into Sheer
Real Talk: 50 Things They Never Told You About Being a Chef
Afternoon Snacks: Richard Blais's Ikea Burger, Waffle "tacos," Coffee nerdery, The U.N. wants you to eat more bugs
Now Serving: Jerry's Bar

About this blog

Founded in October 2008, Meal Ticket is a City Paper blog about food, drink and assorted other things that make you go mmm. We do recipes, interviews, restaurant news, commentary and much more. We don't do restaurant reviews here — those are handled in print, mostly by our critic (and Meal Ticket contributor) Adam Erace. Got a tip, question, thought or concern? Just want to say hello? Please shoot a note to caroline@citypaper.net.

Follow team Meal Ticket on Twitter:

@mealticket | @carolinerussock | @adamerace

Search this blog:

Topics:

Blog archives:

May
April
March

February
January