Archive: February, 2011

Blue Bear Tavern getting close

POSTED: Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 6:04 PM

Filed Under: Openings

The group that brought you Zavino (112 S. 13th St.) is close to putting more roots down in the bustling Midtown Village restaurant scene esper Hospitality is reviving 216 S. 11th Street as the rustic bilevel tavern Blue Bear. (It was originally slated to be named Sherlock's.) Blue Bear, slated for a "spring" opening, will feature a classic Americana menu from chef Brent Hazelbaker. He'll offer up a signature burger, topped with smoked gouda, applewood-smoked bacon and caramelized onion, in addition to other meaty standards, including New York strip and filet mignon. Lighter fare Nicoise salad with sushi-grade tuna; a chopped salad tossed with house vinaigrette; tuna tartare will also have a place on the menu. If you're in the mood for an extra-hearty meal fit for a lumberjack (or any large man in flannel), you'll probably gravitate toward the buttermilk-fried chicken breast with pancetta gravy and aged Swiss cheese served atop a novelty-size buttermilk biscuit. They'll be keeping the gourmet pub fare within reason, with sandwiches and salads topping out around $13 and entrees ranging from $18 to $24. We'll keep you posted as official opening dates come in.

Ticket Stubs: Meal Ticket Weekly Recap, Feb. 21-25 :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2011-02-28 10:48:27

[...] Blue Bear Tavern (formerly Doc Watson’s) is getting close at 11th/Walnut. [...]

New reservation app NoWait and Zavino want to text you :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2011-03-01 11:02:06

[...] as it gets off the ground. While they’re currently the only place in Philly to use the app, Blue Bear Tavern (216 S. 11th St.), which will be opening next month under Zavino ownership, is also in line to use [...]

Posted by Erin Finnerty @ 6:04 PM Permalink | 3 comments

The early word on Cook

POSTED: Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 5:00 PM

Filed Under: Openings

Audrey Claire Taichman of Audrey Claire and Twenty Manning Grill touched base with us to share a few prelim details on Cook, a new-for-Philly concept going into 253 S. 20th Street, last Snackbar. "The main word here is collaboration," says Taichman of Cook, which'll serve as a demo kitchen, food classroom, cooking resource center and intimate venue for one-off dinners. "When you have a party, everyone congregates in the kitchen," adds the restaurateur, who's now got all three of her venues on the same block. "This will be your dream kitchen that everyone can hang around in." Taichman, who was inspired to pursue this concept after co-chairing last year's Feastival, says the small dining room at 253 S. 20th will be revamped to feature a central open kitchen surrounded by about 16 seats a center stage of sorts for chefs (or any food-minded person, really) looking to host dinners or book signings, teach classes or hold demos. (Cook will be available for private rent-outs by chefs or guests, but they'll also schedule programming for the public in-house.) Established restaurant folk will surely be attracted to the space for showcase or promotional purposes, but it's also cool to think of it as an audition platform for chefs who have yet to land a brick-and-mortar space, or even investors. The kitchen staffs of Audrey Claire and Twenty Manning will oversee the day-to-day operations of Cook, which will also feature a library of cookbooks and food periodicals; the downstairs restaurant kitchen will remain intact, and Taichman says it'll be used mostly for prep or for a catering operation down the road. The collaborative space should be open by June. "It's just a way of giving back and celebrating the culinary arts plus, I don't have it in me to run another restaurant," laughs Taichman.

Tweets that mention The early word on Cook :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-22 12:38:11

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by RachelGoldberg, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: We chat up Audrey Claire Taichman about Cook, her new collaborative kitchen concept coming this summer: http://ow.ly/41dwT [...]

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 5:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Fathom Seafood House in pictures

POSTED: Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 4:00 PM

Filed Under: Openings | Photos

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

Stopped into Fathom Seafood House (200 E. Girard Ave.) yesterday, its first official day in business, to snag a few pix for all y'all Meal Ticketers. (Some previous coverage here and here.) Mike Stollenwerk's casual oyster-slurping bar looks great, from the nautical-themed tables looking out onto Girard to the fully stocked shucking station elevated on a platform abutting the open kitchen. (The Fish/Little Fish owner jokes that it'll double as a DJ booth when the sun sets.) Fathom's menu, accompanied by 10 beers on draft, is bar food Stollenwerk's way, its main portion topping out at $14. (Pictured: the cod-filled pierogi, with bacon, onions and brown butter, and salmon burger with maple mustard.) The lobster grilled cheese and swordfish schnitzel sound like surefire signatures, but we're also lusting after the raw bar offerings — rotating East and West Coast oysters, Jonah crab claws, marinated mussels and halved lobsters among them. Stollenwerk says Fathom will go from 4 p.m. to "close" on weekdays, and open around midday for lunch on the weekends. His plan is to eventually open in the a.m. hours on weekends for kegs 'n' eggs-style service.

PhillyChitChat

Posted 2011-02-22 11:07:21

Yum lobster grilled cheese.

Tweets that mention Fathom Seafood House in pictures :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-22 11:40:33

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jan Hayes and Jamie Gordon, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Pics inside the brand-new Fathom Seafood House: http://ow.ly/41a8n [...]

Stephanie

Posted 2011-03-02 22:55:37

Ate there tonight. Amazing seafood, great beer selection, cool atmosphere with great music... Perfect.

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 4:00 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

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.)

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

Empanada deliciousness at Gavin's Cafe

POSTED: Monday, February 21, 2011, 7:54 PM

Filed Under: Eat This Immediately

Photo | Adrian Pelliccia

Gavin's Cafe (2536 Pine St.) has been quietly offering the area just west of Fitler Square some rare Argentinian delight since it opened last summer. Directly abutting Taney Park, the narrow space offers standard lunch and breakfast fare, like croissants, bagel sandwiches and salads. The Argentinian side of the menu, though, is what sets it apart. Gavin's traffics in some of the freshest empanadas around they're a treat that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in town, much less in the (nearly) restaurant-free surrounding neighborhood. After hearing that these puppies tend to sell out within just a few hours of being made, I booked it over there early and camped out to secure a few for myself. The empanadas are prepared from scratch daily, and if you arrive around 10:30 a.m., you can actually watch the entire process in the open kitchen, from the rolling out of the dough to the carefully timed removal from the oven. I managed to get my hands on two spinach empanadas (the filling of the day) while they were still piping-hot as far as freshness is concerned, you'd have a tough time finding anything on the level of these puffy pastries.

Tweets that mention Empanada deliciousness at Gavins Cafe :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-21 15:54:33

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by gavinscafe and MidtownLunch:Philly, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Empanada deliciousness at @GavinsCafe: http://ow.ly/40BRL [...]

Posted by Adrian Pelliccia @ 7:54 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Nana Petrillo's debuts hand-brewed coffee

POSTED: Monday, February 21, 2011, 7:00 PM

Filed Under: Coffee

Photo | Adrian Pelliccia

The Piazza's gelateria Nana Petrillo's (1001 N. Second St.) recently switched up its coffee service to the hand-brewed pourover method grinding the beans on demand, then brewing it through a quick-drip filter that's recently started catching on in Philly. This made-to-order system ensures that the coffee is as fresh as possible. There are only two bean varieties available right now (Tanzanian peaberry and Sumatra), but be on the lookout for additions from local roasters Cafe Excellence, like Brazilian Sweet Blue and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe.

Chris

Posted 2011-02-23 16:02:47

Great coffee. Had it today. I highly recommend it.

Posted by Adrian Pelliccia @ 7:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Paesano's on Throwdown this Wednesday

POSTED: Monday, February 21, 2011, 5:50 PM

Filed Under: Chef Salad | Food TV

Photo | Drew Lazor

Chef Peter McAndrews of Paesano's (above, on the Philly Pork Crawl) gets his Flay'ed out moment in the sun this Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 8:30 p.m., when Food Network airs the Throwdown with Bobby Flay episode featuring McAndrews squaring off against the Iron Chef in a "grinder" battle. (Can't say we've ever heard anyone in Philly refer to a Paesano's offering as a grinder, to be honest. Isn't that more of a New England thing?) The episode, which taped in November, saw McAndrews pitting his signature beef brisket/tomato/fried egg Paesano sandwich against a creation of Flay's. Here's the ep description from FN's site (wonder what they mean by "15-round championship" ... ):

Philadelphia is known as the city of Brotherly Love; except when someone comes and challenges a local hero - or sub, or hoagie or grinder in this case. Whatever you call it there's no love lost when Peter McAndrews puts his famous "Paesano" grinder up against Bobby Flay in a 15 round championship Throwdown. Will Bobby's Italian grinder go the distance?

ThadS

Posted 2011-02-21 13:31:15

Grinder? So lame.

CEF

Posted 2011-02-22 11:34:14

Drew-



I say grinder when the person on the other end of the phone doesn't understand me saying I want them to put the ham and cheese hoagie in the oven. 



Me: "Can you throw the hoagie in the oven to melt the cheese?"

Them: "You want me to do what?"

Me: "Make it a grinder."

Them: "Oh."

Tweets that mention Paesanos on Throwdown this Wednesday :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-21 18:14:57

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by angela boddie, Becky Carter. Becky Carter said: Paesano's on Throwdown this Wednesday: 23 at 8:30 pm, when Food Network airs the Throwdown with Bobby Flay episo... http://bit.ly/gjLCDH [...]

barryg

Posted 2011-02-21 17:28:28

Yea in Philly a grinder is a hoagie with cheese melted on top. However, Paesano's does not serve grinders.

Drew Lazor

Posted 2011-02-21 17:44:41

I'm familiar with the term grinder, my dad is from the CT/MA border and they're all over the place up there, but honestly I've never heard anyone use the term grinder in Philly before.

Karenleepa

Posted 2011-02-21 14:02:06

The term grinder has been used in Philly for years. It means the hoagie is heated. I think it just means it's a sub in other areas. So we'll see what it means on Throwdown.

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 5:50 PM Permalink | Post a comment

All-you-can-eat sushi Mondays at the new Makiman

POSTED: Monday, February 21, 2011, 5:08 PM

Filed Under: Dealage

eatsushi.com/makimansushi

We told you about the brand-new location of Makiman Sushi (1326 Spruce St.) in last week's Feeding Frenzy column. Now here are some details on their all-you-can-eat extravaganza, which goes down every Monday (including today!). Owner Peter Hong tells Meal Ticket that the AYCE selection features around 40 rolls, 20 nigiri and eight soups/salads/apps. (Some of the items clam soup, uni, ikura, etc. have a one-order limit.) A max of three orders per person at any given time, and there's no sharing unless everyone at your table is AYCE-ing. Gotta clean your plate before ordering more, and, like many AYCE sushi deals, you will be charged for anything you don't finish. To take advantage of the dinner-only deal, you must arrive at Makiman before 9 p.m. Cost: $24.95 a head, three bucks cheaper than at Hong's Makiman location in the NEast.

Mario

Posted 2011-02-24 01:46:22

If you're gonna do an AYCE night just do it...restricting the ordering is not gonna bring the people in? You're like a gambler gambling with scared money!! $24.95 is high...and if it's $3 cheaper than the other place you mentioned then that place is crazy high!



For those of you that like AYCE you have to go to Tokyo in Deptford, across from the Mall...in the small strip mall where Salad Works is...It is the best Sushi buffet AND SUSHIMI that you'll find....and it's cheaper than $24.95....$19.99 during the week and $22.95 on weekends...plus it includes crab legs, Steak, chinese food, and so much more....and a great atmosphere...like a nightclub!

Tweets that mention All-you-can-eat sushi Mondays at the new Makiman :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-21 13:33:43

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Dr. Shaun Jones MD and len vannicola, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: All-you-can-eat sushi Mondays at Center City's Makiman: http://ow.ly/40tYw [...]

poncho

Posted 2011-02-21 12:59:35

Oh man, I could totally go for a boat full of sushi right about now

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 5:08 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Coming soon: Port Richmond Pour House

POSTED: Monday, February 21, 2011, 4:19 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Openings

portrichmondpourhouse.blogspot.com

John Boswell, a former bartender at the dearly departed Swift Half, tells Meal Ticket he's conservatively about two months away from converting "old man bar" Corner Spot (2253 E. Clearfield Ave.) into Port Richmond Pour House, a casual, affordable neighborhood pub that will stock an exclusively American selection of craft beers. Boswell describes his concept for the 700-square-foot space (pictured), which is still operating as Corner Spot, as a "small corner bar I would like to hang out at — low-key. No big New Year's Eve parties, no crazy shot specials. A good, solid bar." He plans on renovating the interior gradually as he goes. The longtime bartender has no ambitions to compete with the likes of established area beer bars like Standard Tap or Memphis Taproom. "It's done so well already," says Boswell of the Philly gastropub. "What we want to do is bring it downmarket, just a little bit." In addition to his "thoughtful" draft/bottle selection — all American, with the exception of Monk's Sour Ale, one of he and his fiancee's faves — Boswell says he's putting together a small, simple menu that'll feature locally sourced ingredients. You can follow the bar's progress on their blog.

Corner Spot becoming Port Richmond Pourhouse

Posted 2011-02-22 12:33:32

[...]  [...]

Foobooz Philadelphia » Quick Bites

Posted 2011-02-22 12:13:24

[...] Former Swift Half bartender John Boswell has bought the Corner Spot in Port Richmond and is remaking it as the Port Richmond Pour House. [Meal Ticket] [...]

Tweets that mention Coming soon: Port Richmond Pour House :: Meal Ticket :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-22 14:53:12

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jim McMenamin and Meal Ticket, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Coming soon: Port Richmond Pour House http://ow.ly/40rdE [...]

Ticket Stubs: Meal Ticket Weekly Recap, Feb. 21-25 :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2011-02-28 10:48:11

[...] Port Richmond Pour House is opening soon in … you can guess where! [...]

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 4:19 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Ticket Stubs: Meal Ticket Weekly Recap, Feb. 14-18

POSTED: Monday, February 21, 2011, 3:52 PM

Filed Under: Meal Ticket | Ticket Stubs

Monday, Feb. 14 O Burger is a new organic burger brand coming soon to Philly. More than a month into Adam Erace's Aerogarden experiment and he's got some bestial basil. Pascual Cancelliere has opened the long-awaited 943 in the Italian Market. The V-Day edition of Notes from the Weekend features nudity. And pork sandwiches and bolognese. And nudity. Tuesday, Feb. 15 Get Lost (Weekend) with Felicia D's video feature on The U.S. Bartenders' Guild, Philly Chapter. Adrian Pelliccia's guide to fun, drunken Bingo-style games you can play with your Oscar's Tavern cocktail placemat. The nominees for Food & Wine's "People's Best New Chef" are out, and Philly reps! Check out Zahav chef Michael Solomonov's inspiring talk at TedXPhilly. Wednesday, Feb. 16 New food truck Far From Home has hit the Philly streets. Rogue spirits are now available in Philly check them out at Varga Bar. Adam Erace heads on a food-head field trip to San Diego, California. Mike Stollenwerk's Fathom Seafood House soft-opens Feb. 21. Thursday, Feb. 17 The 2011 James Beard Awards semifinalists list is out, and again, Philly reps! Who's lighting it up at March's Amis Industry Night? Han Chiang of Han Dynasty, of course. Double-dip Weekly Candy from Erin Finnerty, featuring Japanese Every Burger and also some weird tree stump candy we cannot identify. Jose Garces' Guapos Tacos truck will start serving/catering again this spring. Friday, Feb. 18 Chef Jeremy Nolen of Brauhaus Schmitz modernizes German fare on his specials board. Froyo brand Red Mango puts roots down in South Jersey. Check out Congo Bars and more V-word treats from Nick's Vegan Café. Peep the full menu for the Feb. 21 izakaya pop-up at Khyber Pass Pub.

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 3:52 PM Permalink | Post a comment

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Notes from the Weekend: June 17
The Lite Choice Opens Flagship Store on 16th Street between Walnut & Locust
Rock Star cheese dinner at Di Bruno's
Now Serving: Lil' Pop Shop
Vetri opening in the Navy Yard, plus a nod to Le Bec
Gone Fishin'
Free stuff for Father's Day
Afternoon Snacks: Party Pizza, Empellon joins tumblr, Giant bibimbap (!), Snickerdoodle cobbler
Happy National Beef Jerky Day!
Now Serving: IndeBlue

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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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