Vegetarian

Feb. 23: Vegan cocktail night at Khyber Pass Pub

POSTED: Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 6:50 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Food Events | Vegan | Vegetarian

Attention, herbivores! The Southern-focused Khyber Pass Pub (56 S. Second St.) is hosting a veg/vegan-friendly evening of cocktails and savory snacks tomorrow, Feb. 23, beginning at 6 p.m. KPP is replacing its usual po'boy fillings ordinarily a selection of fried chicken, oysters, roast beef and many other carnivorous options with fried mac 'n' cheese, while also offering an entire chalkboard of vegetarian/vegan eats, like hearty sweet potatoes paired with vegan bourbon butter, toasted pecans (gotta hang onto that Southern swagger) and cane syrup. The vegan beverage/cocktail selection is large, with choices like the light-heartedly named "Natalie Portman Pucker," which might make one feel closer to PETA and those who support it. While we're on the topic of support, keep in mind that a big portion of proceeds this evening aids The Food Trust, which focuses on the available knowledge, accessibility and affordability of healthy food to the public.

poncho

Posted 2011-02-22 15:22:34

This sounds like so much fun!

Posted by Laurel Rose Purdy @ 6:50 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Congo Bars and more from Nicks Vegan Café

POSTED: Friday, February 18, 2011, 5:58 PM

Filed Under: Vegan | Vegetarian

Photo | Rich Farnkopf

Grindcore House. Pumpkin. Rocket Cat Café. Soy Café. The Bottle Shop. Café Mocha. And me. What do we know that you dont yet? That Nicholas Sanfratello, the guy who put the name World Café on the vegan-menu map (at Fourth and South) before entering the bar/after-hours scene of the '90s (Café Limbo, Bongo Room) is back in action. After retiring for a few years, he created Nicks Vegan Café, a commercial kitchen across from Fairmount Park where he makes and sells vegan baked goods for both wholesale and retail in addition to savory items for eat-in or takeout. A lifelong vegetarian (at least since 1973) and one-time musician (his band Red Weather was the first act ever to play the original Dobbs), Sanfratello had never attempted anything of this magnitude the preparation of vegan foods in such a ample space. "North 33rd Street is as big as Broad," he says. "I have a loft on top of the Café and have an unobstructed view of the city skyscape from my back deck. It makes me feel like I am living in the country, while being 6 minutes from Center City." At his location, he has "veganized" traditional comfort foods seitan cacciatore and cheesesteaks, veggie meatballs and meatloaf, with more mock-meat items to come. "I felt as if I had unfinished business in that field after closing the original World Café," says Sanfratello. "I believe in nutrition as a solution to most physical and mental disease. I also see the traditional restaurant business as a little too decadent in a time when the world is collapsing." Sanfratello sees food as function, but doesnt believe vegan have to be boring. Most particularly flavorful and great for those who cant get to his locale are his baked goods, muffins and Congo Bars (pictured). They're made with hemp (no THC), a highly nutritional detoxifying agent. My fave happens to be the Mango Goji Berry Congo Bar. Visit any of the aforementioned stores or go to nicksvegan.com to check out his wares.

Tweets that mention Congo Bars and more from Nicks Vegan Café :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-18 20:32:46

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Vegan Cooking, Vegan News. Vegan News said: Congo Bars and more from Nickâs Vegan CafÃ© :: Meal Ticket ... http://bit.ly/gchuGx [...]

Posted by A.D. Amorosi @ 5:58 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Vegan lunchtime delivery from Miss Rachel

POSTED: Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 7:00 PM

Filed Under: Dealage | Vegan | Vegetarian

missrachelspantry.com

Rachel Klein of Miss Rachel's Pantry, Philly's own vegan personal chef, is now delivering your lunch on Fridays. Each week, Klein's Lunch Club offers up a variety of vegan (plus gluten-free) options â all of which include a sandwich, cup of hot soup, fresh fruit and a sweet snack â for just $10. To make convenient even more convenient, you can order straight from the Lunch Club's site without picking up the phone. Miss Rachel is keeping things simple, hearty, and good for you, with choices like BBQ seitan sandwiches, tofu "chicken salad" and tomato tortilla soup.

Scott

Posted 2011-01-19 19:51:51

Rachel catered Thanksgiving for us. It was wonderful, and she's a sweetheart.

Tweets that mention Vegan lunchtime delivery from Miss Rachel :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-01-20 12:20:19

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Vegan Cooking, Bobbie Johnson, CyG vegans, Spenser Villwock, Vegan Dream and others. Vegan Dream said: Vegan lunchtime delivery from Miss Rachel: This post was mentioned on Twitter by Bosewell Vandahmier, sdj, Rache... http://bit.ly/fszZb5 [...]

Tweets that mention Vegan lunchtime delivery from Miss Rachel :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-01-19 15:19:56

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Bosewell Vandahmier, sdj, Rachel Klein and others. Rachel Klein said: Thanks to Meal Ticket for this cute write-up! http://fb.me/TrdRxdmB [...]

ruths

Posted 2011-01-21 13:32:25

The BBQ seitan sandwich is divine...as is the snickerdoodle. Thanks Rachel!

Ryan

Posted 2011-01-21 12:41:39

Actually met her a few weeks ago at a friend's housewarming. She was totally sweet, and she brought some food with her, and it was delicious.

miss rachel

Posted 2011-01-26 20:16:49

Thanks for the lovely comments! Just a heads up... the URL has changed slightly. It's now:
http://missrachelspantry.com/The_Lunch_Club.html

Lindsey

Posted 2011-01-19 23:39:46

Rachel's food is amazing, and she's so cute!  <3

Posted by Laurel Rose Purdy @ 7:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Dec. 21-23: Winter veggie tasting at Horizons

POSTED: Monday, December 20, 2010, 6:01 PM

Filed Under: Food Events | Vegan | Vegetarian

Photo | Michael T. Regan

Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby at Horizons (611 S. Seventh St.) have put together a winter vegetable tasting available starting tomorrow, Dec. 21 (the first day of winter), and running through Thursday, Dec. 23. Check after the jump for the full five-course rundown, which will run $45 a head (the whole table must participate); they'll pair it up with wines for an additional $20.

Parsnip and Chestnut Bisque mulled wine spiced onion confit Pinot Gris, Iris Vimeyard, Oregon

Warm Maitake and Rutabaga Salad little leaves, grilled green onion, pistachio vinaigrette Viognier, Cline, California

Haluski shaved brussels sprouts and cauliflower, hand cut pasta, truffle sauce Pinot Noir, Chaddsford, Pennsylvania

Porcini Shepherds Pie grain mustard sauce, smoked walnuts, celery root, black trumpet mushrooms Petite Sirah, Eos, California

Pumpkin Spice Beignets ancho hot chocolate Gewurtztraminer, Valckenberg, Germany

Jawn Philly

Posted 2010-12-20 17:01:49

check out Horizons on the jawn - http://www.thejawn.com/view/744/horizons

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 6:01 PM Permalink | Post a comment

NOW OPEN: Blackbird

POSTED: Monday, October 4, 2010, 6:49 PM

Filed Under: Menu Time | Openings | Photos | Vegan | Vegetarian

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Blackbird Pizzeria (507 S. Sixth St., 215-625-6660), the all-vegan operation from chef Mark Mebus and partner Ryan Moylan, opened quite quietly over the weekend, but that didn't stop a steady stream of vegheads from trickling in to check out what's been done to the long-running Gianna's space. It's been freshened up/reworked quite a bit, but Blackbird aims to feed the same modest price point crowd that their predecessors serviced with an approach all their own, of course. Mebus, who cooked here at Horizons before relocating to New York to put in work at a number of vegan joints, is starting with a lineup of signature pizzas, using Daiya cheese as well as meat alternatives like seitan sausage and barbecue baked tofu. (We grabbed of the "Nacho," with avocado, caramelized onions, jalapenos and cheddar Daiya.) For sandwiches, he'll offer his thin-sliced seitan cheesesteak, a marinated tofu Cubano and several other options. Full menus after the jump (they're still in soft-open mode, so not every item may be available just yet). One cool feature that will please no-impact types who also happen to love the 'za: If you take out your pie (delivery might be added down the road), you'll get it in a very rad, 100 percent recycled-material Green Box, the top of which breaks down to create plates. The bottom half then folds over and clicks together to create a conveniently sized leftover container for your fridge. (Peep the video demo.) Blackbird is open from 3 to 10 p.m. every day but Monday.


Click to enlarge

Michelle

Posted 2010-10-04 15:57:28

I can't wait to go back and try more!

Ticket Stubs: Meal Ticket Weekly Recap, Oct. 4-8 :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2010-10-11 13:27:38

[...] Blackbird, serving an all-vegan pizza and sandwich menu, opens in the old Gianna’s space. [...]

Kathy L.

Posted 2011-01-24 12:05:42

Everything I eat here is out of this world.  5 Stars!  seriously.

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 6:49 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Top Chef Not So Quickfire: Grape Expectations

POSTED: Tuesday, September 7, 2010, 4:11 PM

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

If youre a food nerd like me, you cant watch Top Chef without screaming obscenities at the contestants while peacefully pondering what youd whip up for Transcendently Beautiful Padma each Quickfire. If a case of backseat cooking is what ails ya, dig this fresh weekly column featuring recipes based on each TCQF. This latest ep of Top Chef (recap plug, what up) had the Five Alive work a wine pairing into their Quickfire dish. Far more interesting and applicable than cooking with idioms and no gratuitous Terlato BJs! Way to go, producers! If you can drink wine, you can pair wine. And unlike Angelo while lacquering short ribs, its not hard. One no-fail combo is off-dry (grapespeak for slightly sweet) wines with spicy food. For this NSQF, I pulled a bottle of 2008 Willm Alsatian Gewurztraminer from the ~~dusty nook between the pantry cabinet and the TV stand~~ wine cellar. Gewurtz can range from bone-dry to diabolically dessert-like, though as a general metric the ones made in Alsace are not as sweet as their German counterparts. This leggy vintage contains just enough residual sugar to temper the heat of spicy tofu, as well as lingering spice notes (ginger, coriander, cinnamon candy) that can keep up with the recipes aggressive deployment of chipotle and cumin. As an added bonus, this Gewurz delivers a spice-extinguishing effervescence that foams over the tongue like Scrubbin Bubbles. Refreshing, yo.

Spicy Tofu

Lima-Coconut Puree and Macadamia Crunch

Go Get This: ... for the tofu 1/2 lb. block of firm tofu, pressed and drained 1/2 cup chipotles in adobo 1 tbsp. honey 1 tsp. cumin seed 2 tbsp. neutral oil, like peanut or canola Salt and pepper, to taste ... for the puree 1 cup lima beans, shelled 1 can coconut milk 1 tsp. cumin seed Juice of 1/2 a lime Few leaves fresh lemon verbena, chopped Salt and pepper, to taste ... for the crunch 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, toasted 1 tsp. cumin seed, toasted and ground Few leaves fresh lemon verbena, chopped Zest of 1/2 a lime Salt and pepper, to taste Now Do This: Start by making the marinade by pureeing chipotles, 1 tsp. cumin, honey and 1 tbsp. of oil. Cut the tofu into four half-inch slices, toss in marinade and refrigerate 30 minutes to an hour. While the tofu is marinating, combine half the can of coconut milk with a cup of water and 1 tsp. cumin in a sauce pot. Bring to a simmer, then add lima beans. Cook 10 minutes. Separate the beans and cumin from the coconut milk and water with a strainer. Discard the liquid and transfer the beans and cumin to a blender. If youre patient you should let them cool first. (I am not.) Get the blender going, add lime juice and stream in fresh coconut milk until the beans pull away from the sides of the pitcher and form a thick, smooth puree. Pass the puree through a strainer to make it extra-smooth, add chopped lemon verbena and season with salt and pepper. Reserve. Prepare to cook the tofu by heat a tsp. oil in a pan. Remove the tofu from the fridge and blot off extra marinade. Sear on one side until the marinade has caramelized, approximately 10 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 8 minutes. While the tofu is cooking, toast and chop the macadamia nuts for the crunch. Mix with toasted, ground cumin, chopped verbena, lime zest, salt and pepper. Plate: Spread the coconut-lima bean puree on a dish and arrange the squares of tofu on top. Sprinkle with macadamia crunch on top and pop that bottle of Gewurz like an Alpine gangsta.

bravoTV.com

Spinaderella cut it up one time.

Kelly

Posted 2010-09-07 12:22:28

I knew that was tofu when I saw the pic, but I told myself it could not be.

Then I read the recipe.

It was true. I will make this immediately.

Posted by Adam Erace @ 4:11 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Campo's launches a veggie cheesesteak

POSTED: Monday, August 30, 2010, 3:56 PM

Filed Under: Vegan | Vegetarian | Weird Regional Foods

Courtesy of Campo's

When one thinks of Campo's Deli (214 Market St.), "vegetarian-friendly" might not be the first descriptor that comes to mind. But now the Old City staple is adding a cheesesteak to its ever-growing vegetarian menu, featuring vegan beef from vegadelphia. The name doesn't sound familiar? Vegadelphia are the ones responsible for Citizens Bank Park winning all those veg-friendly PETA awards over the years. Campo's latest sandwich features the vegan beef along with peppers, mushrooms, onions and cheese.

Campos Cheesesteak, Vegan-Style - Philadelphia Restaurant Buzz - Zagat

Posted 2010-08-31 14:19:31

[...] will cost you $8.75. And likely save you about that much in heartburn medicine (215-923-1000; via Citypaper).   //      Share and [...]

Posted by Rachel Burgos @ 3:56 PM Permalink | Post a comment

More on Grindcore House

POSTED: Tuesday, August 24, 2010, 8:49 PM

Filed Under: Coffee | Openings | Vegan | Vegetarian

grindcorehouse.com

Last week, Rachel Burgos told you a little bit about Grindcore House (1515 S. Fourth St.), the new all-vegan café in Pennsport. Here's a little more: Owners Mike Barone and Dave Anthem are currently running soft-opening hours of 3 to 8 p.m. daily, mainly to let people check out the PHL: Printers/Haters/Lovers show that's hanging till the end of October. But the duo is slowly rolling out everything else as they work toward regular hours of operation for the 25-seat café. They'll offer beans roasted by Goshen Coffee out of St. Louis, Vegan Treats sweets (including the "Chocolate Peanut Butter Explosion," a dessert exclusive to Grindcore) and an on-its-way selection of sandwiches (some featuring Upton's Naturals seitan). Barone says they plan on installing a radical lending library in the shop, as well as using it as a venue for workshops, performances and film screenings.

Joe

Posted 2010-09-19 18:04:26

Yes, this place is great. Awesome  books and Philly related Art in the back.

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 8:49 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Grindcore House opens this Saturday with an art show

POSTED: Thursday, August 19, 2010, 4:59 PM

Filed Under: Coffee | Food and Art | Openings | Vegan | Vegetarian

Would you like some Napalm Death with that latte? Starting this Sat., Aug. 21, the much-anticipated Pennsport coffee shop/vegan goodies joint Grindcore House (1515 S. Fourth St.) will open its doors for the first time. To celebrate the event, the House will host an art show entitled PHL: Printers/Haters/Lovers, featuring prints by Philly-based artists that pay tribute to our fair city. The opening reception runs from 7 to 10 p.m.; we'll have further details on their food and drink offerings soon, but for now, check out Grindcore on Facebook and Twitter.

Ticket Stubs: Meal Ticket Weekly Recap, August 16-20 :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2010-08-23 09:02:45

[...] Fried butter at Pete's Pork Roll• IN PRINT: City Paper Food and Restaurants, August 19• Grindcore House opens this Saturday with an art show• Flying Monkey Deuce debuts garden room• Win tickets to tonight's Brewer Master Class [...]

More on Grindcore Coffee :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2010-08-24 15:49:44

[...] week, Rachel Burgos told you a little bit about Grindcore House (1515 S. Fourth St.), the new all-vegan café in Pennsport. Here’s a little more: Owners Mike [...]

Tweets that mention Grindcore House opens this Saturday with an art show :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2010-08-19 12:43:53

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Anna Johnsrud, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: South Philly's vegan café @GrindcoreHouse opens Saturday with an art show: http://bit.ly/9L7a1v [...]

Posted by Rachel Burgos @ 4:59 PM Permalink | Post a comment

New vegan blood for Gianna's Grille

POSTED: Thursday, July 8, 2010, 7:39 PM

Filed Under: Openings | Vegan | Vegetarian

Mark Mebus, a vegan chef who's worked for Horizons in Philly as well as Blossom in NYC, will open Blackbird, an all-vegan pizza shop operation, in the former Gianna's Grille at 507 S. Sixth Street. Mebus, who's been vegan himself for a dozen years, says the concept will be "more involved than a hoagie shop," but still very "pedestrian friendly," meaning it'll be no thing to pop in off the sidewalk for a Daiya cheese-laden slice of pie. He's putting together a menu of specialty vegan pizzas, plus salads and sandwiches (a tofu situation, plus a seitan/mushroom cheesesteak variation, are currently in the works). He'll place a big emphasis on high-quality ingredients, going organic whenever possible. Mebus hopes to have Blackbird open in the next two to three months.

Harvey bootlicker

Posted 2010-09-30 19:00:24

Dang you can't escape pushy sales reps.  Even on the Internet these rats don't quit.

Mom & Dad

Posted 2010-09-30 18:46:56

Congratulations Mark!  We're very happy for you. and are looking forward
to enjoying your culinary artistry at the restaurant.  You have worked 
very hard to get this going - hope it's enjoyed by many.

Poncho

Posted 2010-07-08 15:03:40

This is fantastic news, I cannot wait for it to open!!

Tweets that mention New vegan blood for Giannas Grille :: Meal Ticket :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2010-07-08 15:08:14

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by LucindaLunacy, living on the vedge, Ian Penkala and others. Ian Penkala said: New vegan blood for Giannas Grille :: Meal Ticket :: Philadelphia City Paper: http://bit.ly/cuS5Hy via @addthis [...]

Gijs!

Posted 2010-07-09 15:11:52

Mebus! Congratulations man! Another reason to come back to Philly soon!

SharonRace

Posted 2010-07-10 10:20:55

I'll be there!! The seitan/cheeseteak sounds sooo good!!

veganphilly

Posted 2010-07-11 11:53:20

sweet. an ACTUAL vegan pizza place. something gianna's never was.

carl

Posted 2010-07-11 23:12:01

so giannas is no longer? is it all the same stuff or just a new owner, new name and just pizza but all vegan now?

lilavati

Posted 2010-07-17 13:38:36

GREAT!!!  Philly needs this and you just MADE this vegetarians day!!!!

PUFF

Posted 2010-07-18 12:53:38

It's good to have Mebus back in town. Everyone who knows him, knows him for his true dedication to the vegan lifestyle, and his hard work ethic. This restaurant will be a fantastic addition to the city!

brett

Posted 2010-07-18 20:34:28

Congrats Mark!!  GL and see you at your new spot!

Play Meat

Posted 2010-07-19 16:01:43

Wait, seriously, Gianna's is gone?  Anyone know any details about this?

Posted 2010-07-21 15:12:07

Wow. I'm moving back to Philly.

Rick

Posted 2010-07-21 19:27:30

Wow!!  An all vegan casual restaurant, exactly what we need.  Sorry to hear that Gianna's is gone, but looking forward to this new venture.

Isobell

Posted 2010-07-23 10:05:51

"Vegan blood."  What a horrible phrase to associate with a restaurant.  Hopefully the food choices will be better since a casual vegan restaurant will be a great at addition to the neighborhood.  Good luck.

Tony

Posted 2010-07-23 11:08:25

Cheers to Mark Mebus!  Can't wait to try more of your great vegan foods - I hope there may be at least 1 great locavore option too.  Best luck!

Shel

Posted 2010-07-23 11:16:11

I think it was a joke, maybe not a very funny one but a joke anyway. Way to uphold the humorless miserable vegan stereotype! (PS I'm vegan too)

NOW OPEN: Blackbird :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2010-10-04 13:49:57

[...] Pizzeria (507 S. Sixth St., 215-625-6660), the all-vegan operation from chef Mark Mebus and partner Ryan Moylan, opened quite quietly over the weekend, but that [...]

Timothy

Posted 2010-08-08 20:08:55

This guy is really talented. I heard him talking about wanting to do this a year or so ago on tghe stoop in Brooklyn. Im really happy that it came true for him. I cant wait to eat at Blackbird. I just wish it was in NYC!!!

Foobooz » Quick Bites

Posted 2010-07-28 20:36:34

[...] Blackbird will be the name of the vegan sandwich and pizza shop going in to Gianna’s on 6th Street near South. [Meal Ticket] [...]

michael c

Posted 2010-07-30 15:32:57

Hi Mark I believe I met your parents at a food demo I was doing in north wales or another whole foods and they told me about your new location. Please to meet you. I make a deliver seitan to the area and would be happy to get involved with your cooking ventures. You can contact me if you would like to or I will look for your opening. I deliver to the south street area on wednesdays. Good luck and glad to hear of another veg place coming. Sincerly Michael C TEMPL FOODS

Chris

Posted 2010-11-12 01:48:04

Gianna's sucked a dog's dick. They were inconsistent and I, as well as a few friends got food poisoning from there. I'm glad their dickhole staff is gone as well (hopefully?) and that new management is making this 100% vegan. Fuck you Gianna's.

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 7:39 PM Permalink | Post a comment

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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.
Bummer: Grub Street Philly shutting down
Notes from the Weekend: May 20
Frozen Drinks Alert: Water ice cocktails at Noir
Afternoon Snacks: Rachael & Guy do improv, Bacon hot dogs, Seasonal cocktails both posh and... less-so
Now Serving: Jerry's Bar
Hell's Kitchen casting in Philly
An edible guide to Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
Spike TV's "Bar Rescue" turns Swanky Bubbles into Sheer

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.

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