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Archive: March, 2010
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Right now, Meal Ticket operatives KR and RB are eating at Jose Garces' Mercat a la Planxa, which he opened about two years back inside the Blackstone Hotel in the Iron Chef's hometown of Chicago. We'll share their full report soon.
I also just flew back east from a trip to the Windy City, and I dragged a party of four to Mercat this weekend. The 4 of us (including one pescatarian in tow) polished off a solid third of the menu. We were inspired no doubt by a personal greeting from the Iron Chef himself, who dropped by the table after hearing that I flew halfway across the country to eat there. Although I can safely say that everything we ate was divine, the Yellowfin Tuna a la Planxa and Braised Rabbit Agnolotti topped my personal list. And my Chicago friends took the opportunity during our audience with Chef Garces to tell him that he should bottle and sell the Roasted Garlic Dulce de Leche to which he responded, "It is on sale at Garces Trading Company." I am now on strict orders to post several bottles back to Chicago.
When I went there in August, I loved the sangria. The paella negra was also unlike any other paella I ever had. My companion and I also got "special" treatment from the staff after we mentioned to the hostess we were from Philly and had been to his other places out there.
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Notes from the Weekend is a new Monday-morning 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!
MD: Marie DiFeliciantonio
DL: Drew Lazor
Voyaged north on Friday evening to Paul's Bar & Bowling in Paterson, N.J., for the annual Osprey Bartenders Outing. Paul's Bar is owned by Osprey substitute 'tender Paul Awramko, who delivered our yearly dose of pierogies, wings and camaraderie in anticipation of another summer spent pouring Jagerbombs with both hands. —FD
At Jay-Z's sold-out show at the Borgata Saturday night, I swayed (and threw up the ROC) while noting his frequent lyrical food imagery. He always knew it'd be like this when he was in the kitchen. He checks cheddar like a food inspector. He's a good dude, you know we love him like cooked food. This is food for thought — you do the dishes. —MD
Caught a pint of Sly Fox Seamus Red Ale at Sassafras (48 S. Second St.) Saturday night and watched the green-garbed masses stumble by. Thanked Irish God that we were inside the Irish-owned respite. —DL
Speaking of Erin Expressers, caught this gem posted outside Pub & Kitchen (1946 Lombard St.) while walking to ...
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
... Amis (13th and Waverly), where they serve food till 1 a.m. nightly. We would be willing to carry out a series of federal offenses if it meant unfettered access to the restaurant's baccala and its insane tripe stew. Bartender Joann is a total sweetheart and mixes a mean-ass drink. —DL
Any trip to A.C. must include a beer or four at Firewaters bar in the Tropicana. Among the drafts we sampled were Chimay White, Southern Tier Creme Brulee, Kona Pale Ale and Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. The sprawling beer selection isn't the only attraction, either: Day-shift bartender Nancie provides boisterous commentary and philosophical reflections on women who order chocolate martinis and her quest to remove High Life from the draft wall. —MD
One more tidbit from Nancie: In light of the weekend's horrendous weather, the St. Patty's parade in Atlantic City (previously slotted for March 13) has been rescheduled for Sat., March 20. It heads out at 1 p.m. from New Jersey Avenue on the Boardwalk. —MD
After taking in painter Heather Jo Wingate's fan-titty-tastic show "My Humps" at Amberella Gallery, we walked just 18 feet for a satisfying round of P.Y.T. burgers and onion rings. Our bartender was so sweet, she didn't even make faces when I asked for Diet Coke at the bar. —FD
Slightly impossible for us not to drop a chunk of coin at Parc (227 S. 18th St.), no matter how many times we repeat the "one drink and something small to eat, that's IT" mantra over and over and over. That's what happens when you suck down a handful of solid Sazeracs in the early afternoon. Whatever, it was raining. —DL
On Sunday, under the assumption that deep-frying something could only make it better, I ordered the Sunshine Roll — a battered and fried Philly Roll — at Wild Ginger (657 Cross Keys Road) in Sicklerville. I assumed wrong. Perhaps some things are better sans fryer. —MD
Sunday afternoon, I brewed a French press of Burlap and Bean's Peru La Florida for two law students, who sucked down black-as-night mugs of the stuff faster than I could offer them sugar. —DL
Skipped the crowds that mobbed the Sidecar (2201 Christian St.) Friday and Saturday nights for IPA's Greatest Hits, opting instead to swing by on the late-night tip Sunday. Had Anderson Valley 20th Anniversary Imperial IPA on hand pump, a Stone Ruination and an awesome short rib and cheddar/bacon grits dish. —DL
Friday: Lunch at Handynasty in the OC where I had the amazing dry-spicy Kung Pao Chicken and crazy-delicious cold pork belly appetizer. After work, I hit the Founders Brewery Philly Beer Weekend night at the SPTR where everyone was still foaming at the mouth about the recent PLCB crackdowns. Founders had purportedly planned to tap some rare kegs, but this did not come to pass. Saturday: Braved the rain for a trip over to Green Aisle Grocery for a complimentary cup of Ommegang Witte and an (expensive) bottle of Fee Bros. Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters. Later, I cracked open a 1-liter bottle of Mr. Beer West Coast Pale Ale and played some ridiculous Xbox war-is-hell game, then watched The Hurt Locker on Netflix before heading over to POPE's rare, aged Dogfish Head night for aged kegs of the Delaware brewery's Fort and Burton Baton and topped it off with a Great Divide Yeti. Sunday: A bit rough around the edges and an hour later than planned, recovered with Green Eggs Cafe's massively satisfying cast iron skillet-prepared and -served Kitchen Sink (cheddar eggs, potatoes, biscuit and sausage gravy)
Friday: Founders night at SPTR - ALL Founders drafts were $3-4 and that was ridiculous. Paired the beers with excellent food per usual. Heard the rare beer was Kentucky Breakfast Stout (!!!!!!!) and will be tapped at a later date. SPTR was followed by drunken times at the Dive & karaoke at Ray's Happy Birthday Bar. Saturday: Tried the new Xochitl. Loved the late night happy hour in the basement lounge ($5 for bangin', strong 'ritas), the famous and artery clogging but delicious queso fundido, and chicharrones. Sunday: Spent most of the afternoon at Devil's Den for brunch and Bell's beers - Hopslam, Van Twee, Consecrator were all on tap and amazing. This week will be spent at the gym, dudes.
Three words: Porkslap Pale Ale. In a can, at Percy Street, Sunday happy hour. (After a $3 half-price pint of Slyfox Rauchbier.)
Saturday brunch at Distrito — had the Torta, which was less pretty than anything else we'd seen served, but likely just as delicious. Saturday dinner at Beau Monde — crazy-expensive (and not-that-impressive) cheese plate, veg-stuffed crepe. Sunday brunch — pancakes and crispy scrapple at Green Eggs. Sunday dinner — leftovers. Lethargy.
Saturday night dinner at Zahav. Loved it - merguez was my favorite. Could mainline that hummus. Sunday brunch at Memphis Taproom. Friendly, and a good bloody mary, but didn't love their take on chilaquiles.
Sunday brunch at fish., Fried Oyster omelette, Lobster grilled cheese, best bloody mary in the city.
Partook in the Turista Menu at Modo Mio. I'm not huge on Italian but it was delish. Fave part = the meatballs.
Sara, I might see you at the gym if I can ignore that fried oyster omelet that's calling my name. Or is that you, lobster grilled cheese? Bloody mary?
Dinner at Lolita on Saturday night...what can I say? It was heavenly, as usual. Had the Pechuga de Pato, aka duck...perfectly cooked. Also, my body decided I can longer drink tequila, so I mixed the blood orange margarita with Makers Mark. I wish I could rewind and do it all over again.
On Saturday, I had a great lunch at Garces Trading Company (Locust between 12th St & 11th Street). It was a fantastical experience. Food and service were excellent, and everything was fairly priced. I started off with the Vichyssoise Chaude ($9.00 - potato, leek, bay scallop, chive, bacon) this creamy soup was just delicious, and the scallop were sweet and fresh. For my 2nd course I had The Spaniard ($9.00 grilled chicken, bacon, almond romesco aioli,manchego cheese, romaine). This sandwich was out of this world good...crisp, bold flavors, all combine on a crusty bread -- the almond romesco aioli was definitely a different pleasurable experience for the taste buds. And if you forget your wine, this is a BYOB, there is a well equipped State Store with some great wine selections -- at very reasonable prices. Definitely a great spot to visit for a nice lunch, or dinner on the go. I highly recommend it!
Friday: Work and self-imposed house arrest to clean and get ready for... Saturday: Family arrives to pre-game for the Flyers game. Stromboli from Georgetti's and pretzels from Cass' Soft Pretzel Bakery (both located in Cinnaminson, NJ). Chickie's crab fries at the game (natch). Post-game celebration at Tom Fischer's in Westmont. Passed out on the couch at approximately 8 p.m. Sunday: Met the boyfriend's parents over brunch at Parc. Warm shrimp salad with avocado, parmesan and lemon beurre blanc. Two bellinis. Mmm. Sunday school at Tria featuring a buffalo cheese and pinot noir. Leftover stromboli for dinner. This morning: +4 lbs.
Sunday brunch at Morning Glory Diner consisted of hot coffee served in tin mug, smoked salmon frittata with asparagus, goat cheese and chives, soft biscuit, and grits. Their homemade ketchup was sweet and smokey, which I prefer to anything store-bought. Enough food to keep you satisfied all day.
-Fuqi fei pian delivered from Szechuan Tasty House a equally spicy alternative when it's raining too hard to make it over to handy nasty. -Phooey to all the people who say you have to measure precisely when baking. Whole wheat chocolate chip muffins with inappropriate amounts of milk, eggs, sour cream, and baking soda still came out handy tasty. -Chuckled over comment cards with a server at Fond as they were closing on Saturday night. One customer complained about the servers explaining the dishes as they brought them out. And yes the veal sweetbreads were awesome.
Who complains about a server explaining the food they're serving? That is stupid. I've witnessed some "drops" get out of hand but for the most part, I like to know what I'm eating. It's fun!
Agreed. Even if I have the ingredients nerdily memorized from when I peeped the restaurant hours before going in, I still like to hear it. FYI, said customer also asked for "more non-chocolate dessert items" on the menu. 3 out of 5 clearly wasn't enough. My hot date, who typically hates on cheesecake, drooled over their chevre and citrus-ed version.
no dining out this weekend due to various committments...and a desire to cook. Friday I made a banging homemade pizza. Dough made from scratch topped with an arugula salad, a little bit of fresh mozz, chicken sausage and pecorino. One of of my favorite pizzas to make. Saturday I made tilapia and whole wheat pasta with a roasted fennel and sundried tomato sauce. side arugula salad and flatbread. Both nights dinner was accompanied by a mixed case of dogfish head beer.
Social comments and analytics for this post... This post was mentioned on Twitter by mealticket: Here are Team Meal Ticket's eatin'/drinkin' NOTES FROM THE WEEKEND. Leave your notes in the comments! http://bit.ly/bhO1Im...
Friday was spent at home in anticipation of the Craft Beer Express and Pliney the Younger tapping at Tria. After standing outside in the rain for 30 minutes at Tria I got my one allowed glass of Pliney and enjoyed it very much. Then I headed to Johnny Brenda's for the Stout brunch and the beginning of the Craft Beer Express. Hopped the bus to Kite and Key for a flight of 60, 75, 90 and 120 min IPA to go with my bowl of Wild Boar chille. After filling up on wild boar, we headed to Sidecar where I enjoyed a Pliney the Elder - and thus had both the Younger and the Elder in one day. Ended the crawl at Devil's Den, drinking water at first and then enjoying the Ommegang and Duvel flight and cheese plater pairing. Finished of with some mussels. Sunday morning I spent recovering, then headed to Brewers Plate Sunday night, for what was to me the best beer and food event I've ever been to. Southwark's porkhead and salad was amazing, as was the cheese in the VIP room, paired with Vicotry Old and New World beers. I left this weekend full, and tired and loving Philadelphia.
Thanks for sharing. I made hotdogs last night so I haven't had the mood for dining out. But I still want to visit this place. Thanks for the post! It's quite exciting to see that there are a lot of places left to have a good time.
I guess I really enjoyed myself more than I spoke of at Firewaters this weekend....Nancie=Nanci. forgive me!
saturday i went to hawthornes and drank more than half a growler of brooklyn cookie jar porter to myself... it was awesome but headache the next day was not. really love hawthornes. next day was AMIS...which was amazing... i highly recommend the oxtail gnocci and the riccotta app. and the escarole salad. amazing. only thing i cannot recommend are the stuffed clams. way way too salty. but everything else was amazing. great service too. definitely going back. and they had cookie jar porter on tap haha which was ironic since i had way too much the night before. oh well. had dessert at garces trading company. love that place. it feels very new york. get the vanilla bavarian cake it's the best one.
I got a little out of control over at McCluskys on 43rd this past weekend. Not in my drinking, but I ate WAY too much and was hurting seriously the next day. Not many people know about it, but it's a great little hole in the wall with awesome food.
Hi! I just thought I would let you know that yours is one of the few websites which display ok on my phone in Tenerife (DON'T EVER BUY ONE!). So I'll probably be checking returning lots more lol
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From now until this Wednesday, March 17, Bridget Foy's (200 South St.) will be running a special menu to honor St. Patrick. Shimmy on over for some O'Reilly's Stout/cheddar soup, or corned beef and cabbage, then finish up with Bassett's Irish coffee ice cream. Also on offer: $5 pints of Sly Fox's O'Reilly's Stout and Seamus Red Ale. Sláinte!
Full St. Paddy's menu after the jump.
FOOD:
O'Reilly's Stout and cheddar soup
Guinness beef stew
Corned beef and Ccbbage with parsley red bliss potatoes
Pan-seared salmon with colcannon, baby carrots and watercress
Herb-crusted lamb chops with Brussels sprouts and bacon, roasted potatoes and a Jameson mustard cream sauce
Bassett's Irish coffee ice cream
DRINKS:
$5 Sly Fox O'Reilly Stout and Sly Fox Seamus Red Ale
Whiskey: Jameson, Michael Collins, Powers, Tullamore Dew, Bushmills, Feckin
Draft
Guinness
Miller Lite
Brooklyn Lager
Brooklyn Pennant Ale
Yards IPA
Flying Fish ESB
Flying Fish Seasonal
Stoudt's Pale Ale
Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat
Leinenkugel Amber Ale
Stella
Peroni
Domestic Bottles
Bud Light
SA Lager
Sam Seasonal
Coors Light
Miller Lite
Miller High Life
MGD64
Blue Moon
Yuengling
Michelob Ultra Import Bottle
Heineken
Heineken Light
Stella Artois
Corona
Specialty and Craft
Victory Hop Devil
Duvel
Blackthorn Cider
Rogue Dead Guy Ale
Chimay Blue Grand Reserve
Magic Number 9
Brooklyn Brawler
Yards Pale Ale
Erie Railbender
[...] in Chicago• Notes from the Weekend: March 15• St. Patty's menu at Bridget Foy's• NOW OPEN: Tabu Lounge & Sports Bar Video Blog• Behind the Scenes with Kurt Vile• PSN Dodgeball Leagues• Tricking [...]
[...] (200 S. 12th St.), which opened in March, will launch a tweaked menu this coming Monday, May 31, says co-owner Jeff Sotland. Here’s the [...]
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Last Monday, Cherry Hill's Flying Fish held off on the release of its new Exit 16 Wild Rice Double IPA in light of the recent hub-bub involving beers not registered with the state. Luckily, everything's been filed and they're ready to go — the release party has been rescheduled for tonight, at McGillin's (13th and Drury), from 6 to 8 p.m. Cheers, PLCB!
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
Before catching a screening of Green Zone, we caught a few here. Where were we?
Eulogy!
Noelle: You have the right neighborhood, and that's a totally solid guess, but you're a few blocks off.
oh, nevermind, looks like the screening must have been in West Philly
No, don't leave Old City, Noelle! Come back! NOEEELLLEEEEEEEE!
Society Hill Bar
Ashley: Closer...look a little north...
sasafras?
No sir. Sassafras rules though, I drank a Sly Fox Seamus there this weekend.
Took me a few glances but the gold lamee Elvis on the left wall gives it away. It's Charlie's at 3rd and Arch.
Joel, you are correct! This is Charlie's. First time there. Lamb burger.
Drew, just saw this, scrolled down the page, and was hoping to be the first to answer! Love Charlie's--it's one of my neighborhood spots!
Dammit, I was going to say Charlie's, but the lighting threw me off. I actually interviewed there for a kitchen job a couple of years ago but ended up choosing something else. Is the food decent?
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| Courtesy of Moore College | |
A student/faculty/staff green mission group at Moore College of Art and Design (1916 Race St.) left its earth-conscious mark on the school's dining room last week. In conjunction with the café's catering service, SAGE Dining, the group has replaced the café's disposable paper products with reusable and recyclable wares made from tempered glass and plastic. To accommodate to-go diners, a limited stock of paper goods is still available.
The Environmental Task Force, which aims to bring eco-awareness and sustainable solutions to the campus, has also initiated campus-wide student art supply trading, recycling programs, the use of more energy-efficient light bulbs and windows and proper art supply/material disposal training for students and faculty.
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| Click to enlarge |
OK, so we've been inundating you with Philly Beer Week(end)-related coverage this entire week — for example, we told you about the Highbrow Bar Crawl, Big Wood Weekend and the Craft Beer Express here on Meal Ticket, plus a bunch more in What's Cooking. Here's one more pick for you — today through Sunday, the Sidecar (2201 Christian St.) will be pouring some of the best India Pale Ales in all the land. Full lineup for all three days above. Though we're pretty sure Russian River's lauded Pliny the Younger is already kicked (the bar opened at 3), there are plenty of contenders to sip tonight, including Avery's Ale to the Chief, Smuttynose's delicious Big A and local favorites like Troegs' Nugget Nectar and Stoudts' Double IPA. Chase these hoppy H-bombs with water, y'all.
[...] [...]
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| effectualdesigns.net |
That's the cutest logo.
[...] Meal Ticket tipsters JC and DO for simul-sharing word of Cups & Chairs‘ opening with us. (We first mentioned it back in March.) The tea-centric café, located at intersection of Fifth, Passyunk and Monroe (701-03 S. Fifth St., [...]
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| Photo | Molly Eichel |
CP's own Molly Eichel, who oversees our film coverage as well as our excellent A&E blog Critical Mass, dropped us this photo of a sign taped up on the door of WMD Hot Sauce, which opened recently at 1212 South Street. NOT A HOT SAUCE EMERGENCY! Don't worry — it's been resolved.
We checked in with WMD owner Bobby Bolders, who tells us the emergency in question was a "hot sauce shortage in Manhattan" — apparently, several venues up there were in such dire need of bottled spice that Bolders stocked up his car and hauled an entire shipment to NYC himself. Now that's service.
In related news, Bolders tells us he's waiting on an order of bhut jolokia — aka ghost peppers, aka the HOTTEST PEPPER ON THE PLANET — to arrive at WMD. He doesn't quite know what he's going to do with the deadly bastards, but we bet it'll be serious. Will keep you posted.
[...] Don't worry, the WMD Hot Sauce âhot sauce emergencyâ has been … [...]
Darn, from the title I though you meant they rescued their logo/website from design purgatory...
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