Archive: February, 2011

Pizzeria Stella goes collegiate

POSTED: Monday, February 7, 2011, 6:45 PM

Filed Under: Dealage

Starting tonight, students from area colleges (Temple, Penn, UArts, Drexel, etc. â anything goes!) are entitled to a super dinner deal at Pizzeria Stella (420 S. Second St.). For $29, student couples will get their choice of any two appetizers, any pizza and any two flavors of gelato. All you need is a valid student ID and you're in the money. Date night happens every Monday evening at Stella from 4 to 10 p.m., so grab a friend and hoof it over to Headhouse. You can use the money you save for a mondo Valentine's Day dinner deal.

Tweets that mention Pizzeria Stella goes collegiate :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-07 14:57:13

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Nicole Leung, MidtownLunch:Philly and Deva Watson, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Pizzeria Stella launches its college date night deal tonight: http://ow.ly/3RSFd [...]

Posted by Adrian Pelliccia @ 6:45 PM Permalink | Post a comment

American Sardine Bar, before and after

POSTED: Monday, February 7, 2011, 5:46 PM

Filed Under: Openings | Photos

Courtesy of John Longacre

The shot above is the interior of the Wander Inn (1800 Federal St.) before the team from South Philly Tap Room began bashing and reconstructing the thing in August 2010. Now, what will soon be known as American Sardine Bar (we had word back in September) is about a month away from opening, according to owner John Longacre. Hit the jump for a peek at what ASB looked like this past weekend.

Photo | Drew Lazor

Longacre and crew have installed a brand-new bar and a 16-draft system (plus two hand pumps), and they've ripped up something like four layers of flooring to restore the original tiling. Toward the back, there are also original chalkboard walls salvaged from the Francis M. Drexel School at 16th/Moore (another in-the-works development project headed up by Longacre). Though the whole of the space has been overhauled, they have kept certain original elements of the Wander, with refurbishments (see the upholstered bar walls and the plush U-shaped booth in the back), which makes for a rad vintage feel when mixed up with salvaged elements from Provenance. SPTR chef Scott Schroeder is putting together the Sardine Bar's menu, which will be a sandwich-focused production. The ground floor of ASB should be open to the public within 30 days; an upstairs level should be ready to go come summertime.

StoopPhilly Links | StoopPhilly

Posted 2011-02-08 07:02:01

[...] Street!!! (East Passyunk Crossing) Introducing Technically Philly office space (Technically Philly) American Sardine Bar, before and after (Meal Ticket) City Launches Fun New Pothole Website (philebrity) Tweet   This entry was posted in [...]

Dennis

Posted 2011-02-07 14:00:50

Cannot wait! I live at the opposite corner of 18th and Federal and am quite excited for the opening. I spoke to Mr Longacre one day last week and he stated about the end of February will be the opening.

O Diddy

Posted 2011-02-09 17:23:43

Point Breezy in the House!!

Susan

Posted 2011-02-09 16:04:33

Best news EVER!!!  Can't wait!

Jawn2980

Posted 2011-02-09 14:54:23

Another Point Breeze resident here, stoked to live less than block from this place.  Thank you Mr. Longacre!

Drew Lazor

Posted 2011-02-07 15:13:53

Hey Dennis! I just moved to the neighborhood. Really looking forward to this new hang.

Retardo

Posted 2011-02-07 15:18:13

Place looks hot. Hot hot.

Ticket Stubs: Meal Ticket Weekly Recap, Feb. 7-11 :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2011-02-14 10:51:33

[...] Check out the interior progress at Point Breeze’s Wander Inn, soon to be known as American Sar... [...]

Tom

Posted 2011-02-10 17:39:56

Check out Point Brizzy in the Hizzy !!!!

Foobooz » Quick Bites:

Posted 2011-02-08 10:17:11

[...] Meal Ticket has a photo of the forthcoming American Sardine Bar. The old bones are definitely still visible. Opening is targeted for within 30 days. [Meal Ticket] [...]

Brie

Posted 2011-02-09 13:31:59

POINT BREEZE CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS OPENING!!!!!!  WILL BE EPIC AND WE'RE SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!

Save Point Breeze

Posted 2011-02-08 13:57:37

[...] of which: American Sardine Bar, before and after :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper           Reply With Quote              + Reply to [...]

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 5:46 PM Permalink | 2 comments

Taco of the Month Club at Drinker's

POSTED: Monday, February 7, 2011, 4:48 PM

Filed Under: Dealage

The taco is universal, undeniably one food we can all agree upon. Every month, all Drinker's locations â Drinker's Pub (1903 Chestnut St.), Drinker's Tavern (124 Market St.) and Drinker's West (3900 Chestnut St.) â will be debuting a month-appropriate taco innovation, available at a heavily discounted price to all Taco of the Month Club members. Because February is the month of love, Drinker's is featuring the Choco Taco, a sweet treat, resembling an ice cream sundae, complete with raspberry sauce in a chocolate-dipped taco shell. Anticipate a Leprechaun-like taco with green accents for March, and a Phillies themed taco (red shell? we'll see ... ) in April. Want in? Simply "Like" Drinker's Facebook page and it's tacos galore for you. As a club member, you can also score free tacos by posting a photo of your Drinker's taco on your Facebook, Foursquare, Yelp, Twitter or Foodspotting account, or by simply checking in during the web-announced "Tic Toc Taco" time. The powers of the social network and the irresistible taco, now synergized for your drunken eating pleasure.

Posted by Laurel Rose Purdy @ 4:48 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Ticket Stubs: Meal Ticket Weekly Recap, Jan. 31-Feb. 4

POSTED: Monday, February 7, 2011, 4:12 PM

Filed Under: Meal Ticket | Ticket Stubs

Monday, Jan. 31 Kitchen is a new homemade delivery/catering service in West Philly. Check out food/cocktail pairings for a flat rate at Xochitl through February. Chili contests, fancy-shmance bourbon, references to Betty Draper's fainting couch and more in Notes from the Weekend. Tuesday, Feb. 1 Dock Street's chili pepper-infused Prisoner of Hell ale is heavenly. Lots more details on Fork & Barrel's upcoming Center City joint, called The Grainery. Wednesday, Feb. 2 Adam Erace shares the Erace Clan's crab gravy recipe. His grandmother has subsequently disowned him. Falafel Bar is brand-new in Center City. Adrian Pelliccia has your V-Day dinner plans on lock! Check out his huge Valentine's roundup. Check out the boss interior of Opa, opening this week at 13th/Sansom. Thursday, Feb. 3 Sonata chef/owner Mark Tropea just launched his latest winter menu. Take a photo tour of Plenty, the new Passyunk Avenue food market. A.D. Amorosi chats up developer/restaurant owner Joe Grasso about his still-to-come American Oak. Friday, Feb. 4 Chip Roman and Jason Cichonski's collaboration in Chestnut Hill has a new name. It was nice knowing you, Snackbar. Mmm, edible hippos! The latest Weekly Candy features a mammalian snack from Kinder. Laurel Rose Purdy checks out the French side of Lebanese food at NoLibs' Cafe La Maude. The Francisville neighborhood has a new cafÃ©, called Flying Carpet.

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 4:12 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Flying Carpet Cafe opens in Francisville tomorrow

POSTED: Friday, February 4, 2011, 11:30 PM

Filed Under: Openings

Our esteemed/brand-new City Paper EIC Theresa Everline had first word on Flying Carpet on Brownstoner Philly in December, and now we hear the Francisville venue (19th/Poplar) will open its doors for a sneak peek tomorrow, Feb. 5, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.Â There'll beÂ food samples, plus stuff to drink and music from DJ Matt Maticks. Fifteen bucks at the door gets you unlimited access, and a portion of the proceeds will "benefit the neighborhood of Francisville." We'll update when we hear more.

Ticket Stubs: Meal Ticket Weekly Recap, Jan. 31-Feb. 4 :: Meal Ticket :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2011-02-07 11:14:12

[...] previous Flying Carpet Cafe opens in Francisville tomorrow [...]

Tweets that mention Flying Carpet Cafe opens in Francisville tomorrow :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-05 06:12:47

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mary Brown, Mary Brown. Mary Brown said: Flying Carpet Cafe opens in Francisville tomorrow: Our esteemed/brand-new City Paper EIC Theresa Everline had fi... http://bit.ly/f8cg8H [...]

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 11:30 PM Permalink | Post a comment

New Holland Soul 'n' Suds at Kraftwork tomorrow

POSTED: Friday, February 4, 2011, 10:15 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Food and Music | Food Events

We always have a blast at New Holland events in town â remember the Philly Beer Week beer/cheese smackdown at The Sidecar in '09? â and this weekend will provide even more Michigan-based hijinks. Swing through Kraftwork (541 E. Girard Ave.) tomorrow to take advantage of 15+ ultra-rare New Holland brews (Michigan exclusives, aged renditions of flagships, etc.) on tap at the Fishtown beer bar. Everything will be tapped at 10:30 a.m. in preparation for brunch, but the evening will truly kick off come sundown, when Adam Ritter of Kraftwork/Sidecar, P.O.P.E. owner Dennis Hewlett and local New Holland ambassador Joel Armato get to spinning soul records from their deep-ass vinyl collections. New Holland brewmaster John Haggerty and the brand's "beervangelist" Fred Bueltmann will be in the house, and we hear chef Brian Lofink will be cranking out some thematic eats from the kitchen, as well.

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 10:15 PM Permalink | Post a comment

"Super Fowl" wing-off at Varga Bar this Sunday

POSTED: Friday, February 4, 2011, 9:46 PM

Filed Under: Contests | Food and Sports

The Lombardi Trophy looks really nice with a wing on top of it, doesn't it? Keep the theme rolling during Super Bowl XLV at Varga Bar (941 Spruce St.), which will host a chicken wing competition lovingly dubbed Super Fowl Sunday. If you think you've got a killer wing recipe, email rich@vargabar.com ASAP to register; all you need to do is show up to Varga with your fully prepared wangz at 5 p.m. (the bar will provide a chafing dish/Sterno setup to keep 'em hot). The first round of judging is up to the guests at the bar (pay $5 to be a taster). Then, during halftime of the big game, the top four vote-earners will be judged by a pro panel. The winner of THIS round will return to Varga on Sunday, Feb. 20 for a head-to-head competition against Varga chef Evan Turney. Beat him, and he'll cook you a full-on all-the-frills dinner for you and a guest. Good luck, wingnuts.

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 9:46 PM Permalink | Post a comment

The French side of Lebanese eats at Cafe La Maude

POSTED: Friday, February 4, 2011, 7:50 PM

Filed Under: Food News

You're wandering around Northern Liberties. Maybe you don't want a gargantuan brunch. Maybe the lines around the corner are a little too daunting. You could just be in the mood for something different. Cafe La Maude (816 N. Fourth St.) appears to be transplanted straight from the Latin Quarter in Paris, but what's really going on inside is truly Lebanese.

La Maude, named after owner/chef Nathalie Richan's mother, showcases the subtle French influence on Lebanese cuisine. Richan spent her younger years in her mother's North African refuge restaurant, where she honed her technique for spice. For grab-and-go, Maude serves flaky croissants and pain au raisin from Au Fournil and brews La Colombe coffee and espresso, but the truth is in the Lebanon-focused dishes â housemade kibbe (stuffed lamb patties), pitas, fresh Fattouch salads, Cypriot Haloumi cheese every which way, or even just a quick omelette. For the most traditional Middle Eastern breakfast, order the foul moudamas platter: garlicky hummus (Maude's way), marinated whole fava beans, fresh tomatoes, parsley and a few scrambled eggs. There are few places at which to grab such a thing. Shroud yourself in Edith Piaf and rest-assured you'll be well-fed.

Khara Cartagena

Posted 2011-02-05 10:15:19

Try the Foul, scrambled eggs surrounded with hummus, topped with tomatoes, and drizzled with olive oil.

Cafe La Maude

Posted 2011-02-04 15:58:18

[...]  [...]

rory

Posted 2011-02-04 15:29:26

randomly saw this place when Honey's had yet another 45 minute wait for a late brunch (really? 45 minutes at 1:30 pm. Damn, I thought my laziness had finally been put to good use!). Decided to eat here instead. Nice little spot.

Kelly

Posted 2011-02-04 16:31:39

This is one of my favorite little spots - the warm fava bean salad (La Maude Salad) is amazing and I've brought family here when the wait has been excruciating at Honey's, only to find that they enjoyed this place a lot more.

Posted by Laurel Rose Purdy @ 7:50 PM Permalink | Post a comment

WEEKLY CANDY: Kinder Hippo

POSTED: Friday, February 4, 2011, 7:00 PM

Filed Under: Weekly Candy

Photo | Adrian Pelliccia

Once a week, Team Meal Ticket shares its latest sugar-laden fixations. Do not tell 0ur dentist. IN QUESTION: The cute-as-hell, crispy, creamy lil' mammals known as Kinder Hippos. The top half is a light and airy molded wafer cookie, while the bottom is coated in signature Kinder chocolate and crunchy particles of indeterminate origin. At its core, the hippo is filled with a smooth choco-hazelnut dream paste that is destined to please anyone. A perfect study in contrasts. AVAILABLE AT: Most delis that traffic in expensive little candies near the register. A single, individually wrapped hippo typically runs about $1.29. My personal favorite place to buy hippos is the Palm Tree Market (717 N. Second St.). They always have a well-stocked hippo section, not to mention a wide array of similarly satisfying Kinder treats rarely found elsewhere. HOW MANY DO WE TYPICALLY EAT IN ONE SITTING?: These little goobers are surprisingly rich (go figure), so we tend to max out after about two. Also, they're mad expensive! That puts a damper on things. FINER POINTS: I actually have a question â what are the little crumbs that crust the bottom of these guys? They're like little flakes of chocolate that have been somehow enhanced, and I can't figure out how. The first person to educate me in the comments will be entitled to one Kinder Hippo, on me.

Abby

Posted 2011-02-07 13:26:26

Check out Munchies on South Street.  Ouzie will take care of you and your German chocolate desires.  He somehow always has the hardest-to-find Kinder treats, albeit a little pricey due to the supply/demand sitch.  Kinder Schokobons make my world go 'round and I hadn't seen them since I bid adieu to my German roommate junior year.

Erin

Posted 2011-02-04 16:11:39

I love these guys!

Felicia D'Ambrosio

Posted 2011-02-05 05:23:45

Though not quite as festive as the Hippo, Kinder Beueno bars have a similar wafer/gianduia/chocolate party going on.  Though caloric and expensive, nigh on irresistable.

Tweets that mention WEEKLY CANDY: Kinder Hippo :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-04 14:40:04

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Poster Nutbag, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: WEEKLY CANDY from @urdrian: Kinder Hippos http://ow.ly/3QuzF [...]

Julianne

Posted 2011-02-04 14:18:05

According to Wikipedia, the bottom bits are a combination of frosting and meringue...  Another website refers to them as "meringue bits."

Adrian Pelliccia

Posted 2011-02-04 16:44:50

Julianne, the next one's on me.

danielle

Posted 2011-02-04 16:20:38

I was about to e-mail in about these! Very popular in Europe and hands down my favorite candy.

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

Au revoir, Snackbar

POSTED: Friday, February 4, 2011, 5:47 PM

Filed Under: Closings

Photos | Drew Lazor

Last night was the grand finale of Snackbar (253 S. 20th St.), the Rittenhouse hang Jonathan Makar opened in the fall of 2006. Plenty of familiar faces, regulars and former employees alike, paid a visit to raise a glass and toast to the restaurant's four-plus years, a run that far outpaced any other tenant in this cheerful and challenging corner space. (Disclosure: I've been coming to Snackbar since the very beginning, as my lovely girlfriend ran the joint.) I'm not exactly sure how former chefs Jonathan Adams (left) â he opened the spot and headed out in '08 to do Pub & Kitchen â and John "Chainsaw" Taus (he bowed out in spring 2010 and is now at The Corner) ended up tying aprons on in the kitchen, but there they were, cooking whatever they could get their hands on to feed the wistful mourners congregated in the dining room. It was a sad evening, especially since the restaurant had a fiercely loyal contingent of regulars, many of whom told me they weren't sure how they would replace their evening drink-and-a-bite perch. The tucked-in dining room, fireplace, killer staff and location really lent itself to neighborly lingering. One near neighbor pointed out all the items, from wine keys to pint glasses, he'd either borrowed from or lent to the restaurant over the years. Makar, whose lease was nearly done, is confident he'll open up another spot in the near future, but right now is the time for a bit of bittersweet reflection. It's crazy to think how dramatically the food evolved during Snackbar's lifespan, from Adams' modern-leaning small plates way back when to Taus' stylish take on the classics, with very capable chefs in between (hat tips to Josh Homacki and Dustin Shockley). I think I've personally eaten every dish that's been on every menu in that little burgundy box. So, to Jon, Michelle, Nick, Cory, Doug, Kyle, Colleen, Veronica, Lindsey, Caleb, Goody, Trevor, Paul and all the other good people who have come through Snackbar, it's been a hell of a run. See you behind another bar. To paraphrase/possibly butcher a De Niro quote I heard bouncing around the room last night, sometimes you gotta leave to come back.

barryg

Posted 2011-02-04 14:47:34

This spot would be perfect for a small arepas bar.

Tweets that mention Au revoir, Snackbar :: Meal Ticket :: Philadelphia City Paper -- Topsy.com

Posted 2011-02-04 13:18:42

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Ben Kessler, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Au revoir, @SNACKBAR253. http://ow.ly/3QsWN [...]

StoopPhilly Links | StoopPhilly

Posted 2011-02-07 07:02:02

[...] Philly Post Offices Closing (philadelphiaspeaks) Au revoir, Snackbar (Meal Ticket) Speck: It's More Like âShola Olunloyo and a Series of Unfortunate Events'  [...]

Shane

Posted 2011-02-07 18:48:15

I really liked this place,I will miss it

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 5:47 PM Permalink | Post a comment

« PREVIOUS | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11

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
Bar Crawl: What's new at Ortlieb's
Afternoon Snacks: Richard Blais's Ikea Burger, Waffle "tacos," Coffee nerdery, The U.N. wants you to eat more bugs
Extra! Extra! Lobster openings, chocolate closings and lots of free stuff
Hell's Kitchen casting in Philly
Spike TV's "Bar Rescue" turns Swanky Bubbles into Sheer
Real Talk: 50 Things They Never Told You About Being a Chef
Frozen Drinks Alert: Water ice cocktails at Noir

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