Notes from the Weekend
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.)
Rachel Burgos: RB Adam Erace: AE Drew Lazor: DL Anthony Sica: AS
At the amazing and raucous LCD Soundsystem show on Friday night, I couldn't help but laugh when I noticed tall boys of Narragansett and bottled water both cost sweaty dance-yrself-cleaners five dollars. I spent $15 total. DL Friday: Spent an hour and a half dismembering this 20-pound Cream of Saskatchewan watermelon from Doe Run Farm. I needed deep-tissue massage (and a new garbage disposal) after, but netted enough fruit to last me weeks. Unfortunately, it would be bad in weeks, and I needed to dispatch the melon with serious alacrity. This week on Meal Ticket, keep your eyes peeled for the three-piece saga (with recipes) on how I did just that. AE Friday night I met up with some friends at Cantina Los Caballitos (1651 E. Passyunk Ave.) for a happy-hour margarita. For dinner I saved dough and treated my friends to the bagged frozen delights of PF Chang's Shanghai Beef & Shrimp in Garlic Sauce, both ... decent. Afterward, walked over to Ray's Happy Birthday Bar (1200 E. Passyunk Ave.) to drink pitchers of gross beer and hear people drunkenly sing their hearts out. I did not participate, but I did cheer them on. RB I celebrated the end of Restaurant Week with drinks at Xochitl (408 S. Second St.) before dinner at Zahav (237 St. James Place). The sweetbreads and halloumi were standouts, but the lamb's tongue ... Jesus Christ, the lamb's tongue! Outrageous, simply outrageous. Zahav's Lemonanna is my favorite drink in the city. I wish they sold a mix for it (paging Green Aisle Grocery). AS![]() |
| Photos | Drew Lazor |
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| Photos | Drew Lazor |
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| Photo | Adam Erace |
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| Photo | Rachel Burgos |
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| Photos | Drew Lazor |
Rachel, were we secretly hanging out this weekend and I didn't even notice? I, too, hit up both Cantina and the SPTR. The waiter at Cantina said they don't do the tequila & tecate special anymore because of too many shenanigans (sorry, guys!), and while it's a staple, I wish I had saved stomach room for SPTR. Haven't been there since they opened a minute ago but the food looks so much better. Must make another trip for that fried chicken, which looked totally banging.
Sunday morning we went to the Trolley Car Diner for brunch. Got a mushroom and onion omelette, which came with hash browns and toast. It was not a healthy breakfast. It was tremendous. Was subsequently about three steps slow at Sunday afternoon hoops, and rewarded myself for a poor performance with raw clams on the half shell at a Mt. Airy fair. There was a miniature donkey at this fair, but nobody ate him, thankfully.
Photographed weddings all weekend and was fortunate enough to eat from Talula's Table. Their food is no joke: http://www.talulastable.com/
barryg, it was my first time trying the Tampopo ramen. Definitely good, and filling and cheap too. I'm also really looking forward to see what Todd Dae Kulper's ramen is like at the Iza-khyber, and not just because it's across the street from my office...
oh hey, upo. great photo, can't believe your mom grows that! that's pretty awesome. it'd randomly pop up in my kitchen at home and kids would be like that, what IS that? and ampalaya was always the bane of my existence as a little kid. i didn't eat anything tasty all friday and cured the ailment by trekking to the free coup de taco entourage fusion truck. the truck had been closed all summer near my house so i was pumped that i finally got to try it. got the medellin & ari-os amigos (lol), the tikka masala tofu (really good, but it would've been ballin if it were paneer instead of tofu) and thai chicken. and they were giving out free honey green tea! night was set. saturday was the old faithful #61 at cafe viet huong -- vermicelli with spring rolls & grilled pork. though they served it with noodles that were a little thicker than vermicelli? still really good. poured on the sriracha & hoisin & just killed it.
Saturday night, the wife and I hit up the brand-new Fork and Barrel in East Falls, and it was, well, pretty goddamn awesome. My lamb burger and the wife's skirt steak were both succulent, the potato fingerlings were to die for, and the beer menu all European, huge bottle variety was outstanding. The joint has one of the best sour collections in the city, at least from what I've seen. I can't sing its praises highly enough. Not sure about the location though. Ridge and Midvale isn't what I would imagine the ideal spot for a candlelit European beer cafe. But who knows.
yikes
This weekend was all about soup for me. Bo Bun Hue at Cafe Diem. Best. Just don't slurp the broth too quickly unless you want to choke on the intense pepper. Slurp noodles, delicately sip broth. (I never remember this.) And also shared a bowl of curry-like beef stew, a special that the owner's mom makes, very occasionally. Now that was broth you can chug. Next day made killer acorn-butternut squash soup with Headhouse haul, including a sweet onion and cream cheese. Also a bit of candied ginger from Green Aisle. Good hot or cold.
The fried chicken at SPTR is unbelievable. The ramen at Tampopo is good--I wish they served it at their 21st St location! I'd be there 3 days a week.
Did you eat from one of their tasting dinners, Neal? Because I was not impressed with the food when we recently went to Talula's. Atmosphere, timing, my friends' wines, all awesome. But food summed up perfectly by one word: meh.
Dude, ampalaya is and always will be the bane of my existence. And now it's sooooooo trendy! People are like "ooh bitter melon is delicious!" Y'ALL LIE. BITTER MELON IS NOT DELICIOUS IT IS SO GROSS
Just responding to the GOT MILK?, Magic Milk Straws at Target comments. First, the image you are posting here is not a GOT MILK? Straw image and was not created by anyone associated with GOT MILK?. I'm not sure where you got that image; however, you can publish www.magicstraws.com on your site to reference actual got milk? Magic Straw artwork. Additionally, (to set the record straight) the OFFICIAL GOT MILK? Straws are not loaded with "all sorts of unnatural goodness". There are no artificial colors or flavors, they are gluten free, low in calories (compared to other alternatives) and provide encourage children drink their milk. They also help parents who have children with dairy allergies by providing a healthier option for flavoring their dairy alternative milk.
well what a coincidence! I end up frequenting both haunts because of its proximity to well, everything south philly. I have (shockingly) not had the fried chicken...yet.
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.)
Rachel Burgos: RB Adam Erace: AE Drew Lazor: DL
Cleaning out my kitchen cabinets on Friday, I unearthed a can of Richi jasmine tea. I barely ever drink hot tea, but I can camel through a gallon of iced tea in a day, so I tried icing the jasmine and it came out great. Just fill a deep pot with a tablespoon of jasmine tea and a hunk of ginger, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Re-use the leaves and ginger for three successive steeps. Strain, sweeten and chill. AE Friday I went to Ten Stone (2063 South St.) for a friend's birthday party. We group shared appetizers that were surprisingly wonderful, like hummus with pita bread, cheese fondue, and hot crab dip. I got the "Tuscan chicken" sandwich that was great mostly because it had artichokes on it. Drank far too many Southern Tier Pumkings (for $5! In pint glasses!). RB Friday night, hid inside my house to spare my liver and to attempt not to spend the money I don't have. Luckily, girlie came home with a takeout reuben from The Sidecar (2201 Christian St.), the most bangingest reuben of them all. DL![]() |
| Photo | Adam Erace |
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| Photos | Drew Lazor |
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| Photos | Drew Lazor |
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had some delicious juicy burgers at sketch on saturday night and then had a kick-ass and cheap meal at dim sum garden on sunday. i've walked past dim sum garden so many times and never gone in, and i'm kicking myself for having waited so long. soup dumplings! everything was great. i'm going to go back again and again... lather, rinse, repeat.
I just went to Dim Sum Garden tonight. Pork/chive pan-fried dumplings, soup dumplings and marinated sliced pork...bestial!
John E., that makes sense re: the Sabrina's crowd. It was massive.
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Sabrina's on Callowhill was jammed on Sunday as folks walked over there right after the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. When you have 19,000 runners and add in their guests, the near-by places are bound to get packed. Me, on Friday, I had some good beers at Time followed by some always-great tacos at Cantina Los Caballitos. Saturday, tried out Amis and was thoroughly impressed with the innovative and tasty dishes, including the ravioli and fettucine. Delightful. Dessert was at Capo Gira. Sunday, for brunch after the half marathon, was at Kite and Key on Callowhill, and enjoyed the pulled pork and some good Founders Centennial beer.
Friday night I made a BLT at home with homemade bacon, late-season tomato and Wild Flour bread. Saturday, I stopped by the Bryn Mawr farmers market for some provisions and rewarded myself with a chicken apple sausage from the Renaissance truck. Really good. For dinner, we hit Cantina Dos Segundos. I had a Mexican hot dog (ridiculously good) and some pork belly tacos. Sunday was 2 birthday parties with friends and family -- tomato pie at the first for lunch, then burgers and dogs at my parents' house for dinner. Finished up the evening with Rubicon and Boardwalk Empire.
damnit drew, lift is busy but without a major line every weekend. it's perfect--i feel no guilt keeping its glories quiet (the chili spread that comes with the fried egg panino is god's gift to brunch) + no wait. plus, i walk by sabrina's everytime i go to lift. *evil grin*
SamJ, that agnolotti is soooo good!
thanks to yom kippur and the sun going down, got to share the rest of doron taussig's funnel cake at the phils game friday. powdered sugar everywhere. afterwards picked up some el jarocho -- not hungry enough for a super torta (still holding out for it though), so i got a chorizo torta instead. tasty but the texture was all wrong. everything was mushy and soft. and i love chorizo so it was semi-upsetting. saturday i hate to say that i hit paesano's (was giving my friend the ital mkt tour) and it was (noooo) disappointing. my bolognese felt like it had been pre-made and reheated, the lasagna seemed over-fried? it hurts me to write this. but a paesano's buff friend of mine has a theory that the first time you get one of the all-stars, you're so overwhelmed by the experience that it's kinda like chasing the rabbit hole when you do it a second or third time. thoughts?? the whole poor sandwich curse was broken later that night at the south philly taproom where i got their bacon cheeseburger & manayunk brew's california dreamin' (really into it). the pickled veggies added the perfect kick and that burger was seasoned so well. so much peppery goodness.
I meant Shortcake and "outrageously delicious"! Got too excited about writing my review on Meme.
Had an amazing dinner at Meme on Friday. Ordered the Agnolotti and agreed with SamJ that it was outrageous delicious. It was so good that I wanted to lick the plate. Equally addictive were the Sizzling Mussels with lemon, olive oil, and herbs. Once you eat one, you just can't stop. For entree I ordered the Salmon catch of the day and for dessert I got the strawberry shortcut. Loved the dessert so much that I had to ordered one to go. Definitely will be back later this week!
My favorite part of being a Philadelphian?: Introducing non-locals to Sarcones. They're always impressed for very little work on my part. My standby is the Sinatra, but I went CC this time, which is pretty much the same thing, but with roast beef instead of prosciutto and provolone instead of mozz. Somehow, later that night, I fit Nam Phoung bun in my belly. Hit up El Camino Real for early dinner on Sunday and was much more impressed than the first time I went, which was just meh. Certainly not the best Tex-Mex ever but it tastes better, minus the disappointment.
Friday Night was the Pavement concert. I cooked up a batch of beer for this occasion simply named Pavement Pale Ale and we all drank copius amounts of the not-so-pale ale, which was tasty. Saturday was at Citizens Bank Park. The binge drinking continued with Sloshball, a New Orleans take on Kick Ball where you must have a beer in hand at all times. So if you catch a ball for an out and drop the beer, no out and you must get your beer before you can make a play. The other rule is that you must finish your beer at second place and get a new one before advancing. You can stack second base tho and take a breather so you don't die. There are a few other rules, but not many. I was thankful to gorge on Campo's "The Heater" afterward, which helped kill a possible massive hangover. Sunday night was cooking at home and recovering from such an epic weekend. With goods procured from South Jersey's Westmont Farmers Market, I cooked up a fantastic flat iron steak on the grill with a side of corn on the cob, potatoes au gratin (sadly not homemade) and a side salad with all locally grown veggies. Needless to say, it was a great weekend.
Had a great dinner chez Katz at Meme on Friday. Agnolotti with corn, ricotta and truffle was outrageous. So was Spanish mackerel with shaved foie, hanger steak with bone marrow, sizzling mussels, raspberry pannacotta and a very nice pinot noir...rock and roll.
Friday night we hit up Pub and Kitchen. It was good, but we were given a weird table despite the place being empty. The food was fine, I had a chicken breast and my gf the salmon. All in all though, I think I'm over this place, too many new spots to go check out. The rest of my weekend consisted of not eating for a while due to yom kippur and then stuffing my face due to yom kippur and football. My mom's koogle is awesome and of course the obligatory lox, whitefish, herring, bagel, veggies galore combo. OK, here it is, the M.S. bagelwich... bagel>cream cheese>tomato>lox>onion>cucumber>swiss cheese. Nom.
Kicked off the weekend by seeing a Fringe show so utterly ridiculously not-good that we had to shove Wawa hoagies down our throats afterward. Saturday began with Benna's coffee and Cosmi's b-fast sandwiches, but the star of the day was an early dinner at Southwark. Good god, people, go here immmediately. B and I had planned on getting a few apps off the menu (IDK, my BFF farmhouse platter?) ... until our server told us about the specials. Caviar-topped raw oysters? Beef sausage with pawpaw cornbread? CHICKEN LIVER MOUSE PROFITEROLES!!?!??1? Holy crap. Then, after an AMAZING Fringe show we hit up way. Too. Many. Belgians at Eulogy. Saison Miel, you are my new best friend/sworn enemy. Sunday was a lesson in hungover-osity, so not much of interest was ingested. I will say, though, that honeycrisp apples are still up for grabs at Headhouse. Get there!
If you didn't like the table you could've, perhaps... asked for a different one? Bagel is toasted?
Friday, after snagging a generously donated Chemex from Kelly and also a good espresso from Bodhi Coffee, hit up my new favorite bar - Adsum. While I haven't yet tried Chef Levin's delectable edibles (pirogies, you are calling me!), I'm in love with the Head Cocktailian's concoctions. I almost never name what I want, just switch between "What's new that you're working on?" and "I feel like something with X liquor today." Preston's creations are never too sweet, always full of multi-layered flavor and with just enough kick to beckon a nice buzz.
Wait...you went to El Jarocho and you DIDN'T GET A SUPER TORTA?! You are excluded from Super Torta night! youre so overwhelmed by the experience that its kinda like chasing the rabbit hole when you do it a second or third time. Not this guy, Paesano's delivers for me errytime!
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.)
Rachel Burgos: RB
Adam Erace: AE
Drew Lazor: DL
Anthony Sica: AS
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| Photo | Adam Erace |
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| Photo | Adam Erace |
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
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| Photo | Adam Erace |
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
a friend of our fam who lives in margate always called it, "two cents plain, five bucks a scoop" ;)
Spent the weekend in OC, MD for the last beach-y session of the season. Ate boardwalk pizza and birch beer on Friday before wandering off the boardwalk to find a bar. We stumbled into The Bearded Clam (awesome) and drank super cheap drafts for hours and hours and hours. We also ordered $1 jello shots that came with whipped cream on top. Cute and totally gross. Saturday morning we made an awesome brunch (shrimp and grits and tomato salad) after swinging by a mini farmers market right off the highway. I got roped into listening to a long story about wizards with one of the old tanned hippie stoners manning the booths. I'm not sure how it started but I'm pretty sure that I just smiled and said hello. I must look like I'm into wizardry? Saturday night- crabs crabs crabs crabs crabs. And bud light lime.
Friday night celebrated the birthday of my pal Phillygrrl with a girly sleepover. Her man had provided homemade Filipino egg rolls (they have a name... Drew?) and drank 3 Olives Bubble Gum vodka while singing 80s and 90s karaoke to the touristy dudes congregating outside the windo. Oh, and her present was Cafe Estelle housemade bacon, snagged from Green Aisle.
That's my bad Sarah. Fixed! I owe you a sundae.
Lumpia is the best.
word. also word on the impulsive, outdoor meal stops at adsum -- stopped there one wednesday afternoon after hitting philly aids thrift for an adsum burger (that pancetta-onion orgy legit killed me) and an old fashioned, even sat out in the drizzle and it was wonderful. friday we sucked the last grilling days out of summer and had asian-ish burgers with cabbage salad, wasabi mayo & mushrooms sauteed in sherry vinegar & madeira. afterwards, hit up teri's in the ital market for their hop wallop special (eh) + shots of jamison (in hindsight, the shots were unnecessary). saturday went to paesano's at 9th & christian and decided to branch out and choose something other than the gustaio or the bolognese. got a zawzeech, which was pleasantly sweet and enjoyable, though my friend called it "just a sausage and pepper sandwich." but sometimes, you don't need marinara and fried egg all over your fingers (though i'm kinda aching for it right now). my friend had the pesce fritti which he said tasted like a "big mac in the best way possible." (i agreed)
Lumpia :) They're called lumpia, Danya.
Was home in Queens for Rosh Hashana. Ate challah, gefilte fish, apples and honey. Also ate several bagels. God damn those were good bagels. You can't argue with Queens bagels.
two cents plain is at 9305 ventnor avenue in margate. they also make a mean mint chocolate chip milkshake, complete with all of the settled pieces of chips at the bottom...best eaten with a spoon. a childhood favorite.
Is there a reason no one goes to Devil's Den brunch? Stumbled in around 1 on a Saturday because the $3 ($3!!!!) Bloody Mary's called, and left with a stomach full of some oh-so-fluffy eggs benedict (and vodka), but there was no one there! A couple held down an outside table but my party were the only other people in the joint. What gives? Was I just there on an off day? The other notable weekend meal came courtesy of Lee How Fook, which was all delicious (subgum duck = fave) and ludicrously cheap for the amount of food consumed.
[...] Read this now!• Eat This Immediately: Pawpaws• Starr announces chef for 18th/Sansom pub• Notes from the Weekend: September 13• Restaurant Week Pick for Sept. 13: Bistrot La Minette• Top Chef Not So Quickfire: [...]
So I really made the rounds this weekend, and all with a local theme. Friday night started at Tweed for drinks, where we tried a duck burger with duck breast from River and Glen farms. Then wandered over to Barbuzzo and had an under-whelming Vegetable board of local veggies with less than local dressings. Saturday was redemptive with a trip to the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival where we loved mushroom risotto from Talula's Table and mushroom ice cream at one of the local stands--delicious. Not to mention a box of beautiful portabellas to take home for grilling. Then we went out to Terrain in Glen Mills on Sunday for a delicious brunch where we had an amazing mushroom quiche (I obviously didn't get my fill of shrooms the day before) and a beautiful egg white omelette with local leeks and farm fresh goat cheese. Since we're counting Monday too, I rounded out the weekend with a Pocono River Bluefish BLT from the Standard Tap. Apparently I'm not the only one keeping the 3 day Labor Day weekend spirit alive...
Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend
Notes from the Weekend is a Monday Tuesday (this week) 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.)
Rachel Burgos: RB
Adam Erace: AE
Drew Lazor: DL
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
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| Photo | Adam Erace |
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
Holy smokes, that meal sounds awesome! I may have just drooled a little. My dear friend is very Irish, and she has a HUGE family party every St Patrick's day that involves the making and consumption of smoked butt with cabbage. I stopped laughing at the "butt" part when she described how good it was.
As is typical when preparing a meal for 10 people, my cooking buddy and I tried making something that we'd never tried before--namely, pork butt (and yes numerous jokes ensued afterward about eating butt). I must say, at $2/pound, what a fantastic bang for your butt, I mean buck (too bad I can't use Mr. Lazor's nifty strikethroughs on the comments). Slow roasted it with a dry rub and some fresh herbs for about 5 hours, and ate it with a squash and wild mushroom risotto and blanched wax beans. Managed to digest enough to make room for dessert: grilled peaches with lemon zested whipped cream and maple glazed pecans.
Okay, i can't resist talking about Mac and Manco's, since I was also there yesterday and yeah, yeah, it's a tradition. But $60 for two pies and five drinks? Erm...did you ever notice you never, ever get a check when you ask for your tab nor are you ever handed a cash register receipt? And that the guys who work there are all obvious relatives of Mrs. Manco and clearly can't do simple math..so they stare at your order and do a tally in their head...only it's never the same amount. We actually laugh cos' we always order the same thing when we go as a family and eat there - two pies and four small drinks. Now, a plain pie is $17. Small drinks are allegedly $1.50. We've had our bill anywhere from $45 to $60, too. On Sunday I went up to the window and ordered two pies to go. The response was $34.00. I said to myself, "Ha! Finally!" Except as we stood there waiting for our pies to cook, my son wanted a slice on the side and a small drink. Somehow, it went up from $34 to $42. I walked away and said to my son, "Did I just pay $8 for a slice of pizza and a small Coke?" Yep. So like, how do they get away with no receipts, tax, etc.? If I didn't like their crappy pizza so much, I would never go there but even though it seems to get thinner and thinner and more expensive each year, it's the rule that we have to eat there. Oh yeah, one final thing. I'm a vegetarian and always get vaguely sick after I eat their piza though again, not enough to keep me away. I am wondering if the lard in the crust rumor is true. On second thought, don't tell me.
Two Philadelphia alums -- Brian (former sous of Roy's) and Kara (former pastry at Striped Bass) are holding down THE best food in Manasquan NJ's little commercial strip. I visited three times in one weekend, proving that nowhere else can even come close to these guys. London Broil sandwich -- horseradish cream, perfectly mid-rare slices of beef, pepperjack and fried shallots like to die Cheesesteak -- just as good as the best in Philly Chicken Salad sandwich -- why isn't there corn and bacon in every version? Highly recommend checking it out if you're ever in that particular Shore 'hood. http://www.yelp.com/biz/max-devros-manasquan
Saturday-cocktails at Cantina where I was the only guy without any type of facial hair. Followed it up with one of the best dinners of the summer at Fond. Corn risotto with crispy pancetta and a swordfish with tomatoes and tzatziki. Sunday-Metropolitan bakery croissant on the way down the shore and then a potluck dinner on the bay in LBI. Pork loin sliders, BBQ brisket sandwiches, bacon wrapped dates, jalapeno poppers and copious light beers. Sunday back in town for breakfast at the counter at Honeys. Huevos rancheros with chorizo, and a double cheeseburger with BBQ potato chips on it in my in-laws backyard to close out the holiday weekend.
Thursday and Saturday nights were closing nights at the bar, so I just threw down a Southhampton Keller Pils or two after my shift. That beer has been on constant rotation in my thirsty hands. Friday was a late night but with quick jaunts after work to the Pope (MORE KELLER PILS for me and my man) and then the Sidecar right before closing time to take home a six pack (Duck Rabbit Amber, Prima Pils, Stoudts Pils, Purple Haze, Lagunitas IPA, and... something else) Sunday, I worked the inaugural brunch at Local 44 and couldn't take my eyes off the food. This stuff looks and tastes gooooood. I personally ordered the PB&J French Toast sticks and Shitake Scrapple-- and sampled the vegan Red Flannel Hash. Sunday night brought a night of rest with some Dogfish Punkin, Victory's Hellerbock, and some burgers and spinach dip on a friend's deck. Monday = more work, nothing exciting to report. Amen.
I forgot to say: PISTACHIO CROISSANTS by Artisan!?!?! Did not know. Now, I do.
Re: Microwave corn - My hyper-gourmet aunt & uncle shocked me this summer when they served bluefish they caught, zucchini from their garden & bread baked by a friend with - gasp - microwaved corn on the cob. Who knew?
Having guests from out of town is always a great excuse to get the best Philly offers. So:
SAT Started out with a traipze through 9th St Market and then on to East Passyunk to score supplies. Wowed the visiting fam with Capogiro ("Best gelato we've ever had!"). A stop at Hawthorne's outdoor seating on the way back for some choice Yards selections.
Back home for a cheese plate that included prosciutto & mozz from Claudios, & was pepped up by Zahav hummus and amazing fig jam from Green Aisle. Followed by grillin: Griggstown herbed poussin and NY Strips from South Philly Acme. (No one can tell me the mafia does not run that meat dept. They have the best beef, hands down.)
SUN Showed off the Headhouse Market. As I was shopping for goods, Mr. Not-hungry-yet-its-too-early snagged a breakfast sausage sandwich from the Renaissance truck, and ate the whole thing in about 2 minutes. "I was trying to save you a bite, but..."
MON Visitors are fun, but when they leave it's time to relax. Happy coincidence: new fave Catahoula was hosting a Bartenders' Association gathering with Plymouth Gin. Even existing on the fringes meant random exotic-but-hardcore cocktails repeatedly found their way into our hands. The Oyster Shooters are incredible (2 for $5) and the Po' Boys rock.
Eating & drinking this weekend was as stellar as the weather.I don't have to imagine it Adam-- ITS ALREADY DONE!!! I make some pretty delicious (albeit definitely white person, inauthentic-style) banh mi on those baguettes more than I care to admit. I've been on a self imposed Artisan hiatus for a while because it was bordering on Intervention-style addiction.
Can we talk about the goat's milk butter at fish? I could eat that by the ice cream scoop.
Kib, Artisan really is the best. Could you imagine a banh mi on those baguettes....
Friday was my birthday and I celebrated with my buddy, whose b-day was the following day. We started with breakfast at Morning Glory, then hit the bars: POPE to Varga to Fergie's to Oyster House to Tria to Slice (yeah, not a bar but we needed food) to the Franklin to Johnny Brenda's. God bless my sainted wife for taking me home that night. Saturday, the aforementioned sainted wife treated me to an amazing birthday dinner at the chef's table at Elements in Princeton, NJ. It was a multi-course extravaganza with seriously good cocktail and wine pairings. The food is definitely worth the drive. Sunday, my brother and I brewed 20 gallons of rye pale ale for his upcoming wedding and then went to a family party where the host grilled up some great pizza (pulled pork with smoked gouda and scallions was a highlight). Monday, brunched at Johnny Brenda's on a croque madame, Standard Porter and Dock Street Satellite Stout. Back at home for dinner I grilled a butterflied chicken while my wife sauteed spinach and made potatoes and corn on the cob. I washed it all down with some delicious rosato from Proprieta Sperino.
I've had the almond... had it yesterday, in fact. But c'mon, pistachio? I'm drooling.
That cherry really is adorable. Also, Adam, Artisan Boulanger is my favorite. I love it as much as I love my cats. Friday I was FINALLY rewarded with something I had been waiting for. For four days in a row, I had faithfully gone to the POPE (literally across the street from my house, but still!!!) with the hopes that Ephemere would be on tap after spotting it on the "coming soon" list. On Friday, I finally got to have some of it and it was worth every day I spent chasing the dragon. Saturday I ate a lunch of pork schnitzel and spaetzle at a creepy, creepy place in rural PA. It was full of old people and had a "raw bar" right when you walked in the doors that was totally unattended and had a bunch of shucked oysters sitting on ice. I was tempted to steal some but the whole place smelled like a nursing home so I somehow lost my urge to eat shellfish. It was a weird place but I got drunk there. Silver lining!
That butter is awesome. I seriously think you can judge the quality of a restaurant by the tastiness of its butter.
The goat's milk butter at fish is sublimely good. Like i don't understand why goat's milk butter isn't everywhere. I also don't understand how it's still possible to get reservations at fish. Way underrated.
When you wanna get re-addicted, I am an excellent enabler.
All the croissants are great there--I think they call them croissants, although they look more like danish--but the pistachio is the best I've tried. I noticed them for the first time last weekend, saw the green shade and figured it for something tropical like guava. Grab 'em if you see 'em,
To be fair, I should clarify that one pie was white ($19.25 versus the $17 for a regular), plus $2.50 to add spinach. By my math, I figure each soda for about $2. It's pretty ridiculous when you put into perspective that you could get a pizza at Osteria for less than the $21.75 cost of the white--but I can't help love the M&M. Been going there since I had enough teeth to tear through a slice.
Celebrated Larry's birthday at the Mill Creek Tavern on Sunday. The super friendly bartender wanted to pretend it wasn't his special day but he was so chatty and sweet (not to mention an excellent pourer), I was down to celebrate with him either way. Then hit up Fiume, for some Jack and Gingers and delightful bar banter with the 'tender, Alli.
I asked the Patches of Star lady at Headhouse why she doesn't sell goat milk butter. She said it's because it takes an insane amount of milk to make it, and she would have to charge so much for it it's not worth it. Re: Fish, I love the food but the service has ranged from erratic to indifferent (bartenders excepted).
BBQ on Lemon Hill on Labor Day. Practically empty! What the hell? Had chicken and veggie kabobs, then lazily decided to put marshmallow kabobs on the grill, rather than holding them over it (so taxing!). Naturally they melted into a giant mallow blob, which we all dunked our graham crackers and hersheys in. Somehow the remainder scraped off easily. I highly recommend this accident.
Thanks for posting the pic of the cherry! It somehow eases the guilt I feel from consuming its cuteness. Friday was the first time I've eaten at the bar at fish and it won't be the last- so wonderful! Meme was great as always (corn and ricotta agnolotti with truffle and parmesan oh my!) and I can't get the delicious veggie board at Kraftwork out of my mind. Great food AND a killer episode of Mad Men? September is shaping up to be pretty amazing!
Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend
Notes from the Weekend is a Monday Tuesday (this week) 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: AE
Drew Lazor: DL
Anthony Sica: AS
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
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Interestingly enough, I also hit up SNAP for the first time--got very enthused and made a slew of different cocktails, including SNAP/Iced Tea, and SNAP/bourbon/bitters/orange. They paired very nicely with the dry rubbed, beer-braised, BBQ'ed baby back ribs we made, though also left my better half cursing dark liquors and me proclaiming "Oh, Snap!" Other notes: I have come to the conclusion that Stella is by far the tastiest Starr food in the city. Also, I was delighted to discover a diner breakfast place not far from my house, which I shan't reveal in fears that too many others will flock to its deliciously greasy and cheap platters. Does anyone else think that brunch is too energy-intensive whilst recovering from a hangover?
I hate cherry water ice, but I love cherry gelati. Weird.
i went to ellicott city maryland and watched both "when in rome" and "the back up plan" in the same night, thats right, no shame. all while enjoying probably the last burger and corn on the cob of the season. sunday woke up after a few too many glasses of that cupcake white wine? and went to "the house of india" for indian buffet!! i also tried SNAP, it's secretly really strong and tasted like a candle! not in love :(
The salt and pepper squid is good, but what makes it awesome is the accompanying salad. Fried onions, sliced jalapeno, sliced green scallions and mint. After Pho Hoa and John's, but before Oyster House and Noble, spent and hour or two at the Sidecar. I will never stop loving it there and it is without a doubt my favorite neighborhood bar. Go Sidecar!
Thanks Taylor! I won't eat them now...
We wavered with ordering the lobster roll but if you say it is worth it I will give it a gamble.
It does taste like a candle! I tried SNAP on its own and I really wasn't happy about it, but I would give it another chance in a cocktail.
Friday night, a few of us went overboard at Stogie Joes and ordered basically everything. And then we ate basically all of it. Everything was so, so good. An out of towner who was with us compared the pizza to Ellio's pizza which made us all SO incensed but he recovered by swearing up and down that he loves Ellio's and meant it as a compliment. Saturday morning I attempted to recover from the previous evening with copious amounts of Vita Coco. However, my old friend coconut water quickly turned against me. As I walked around the neighborhood that afternoon it sloshed around in my bag and eventually all over my phone. My phone spent the rest of the weekend in a Tupperware container of rice. :( Other notable weekend moments include trying SNAP for the first time (very tasty but my heart still belongs to ROOT) and making awesome sweet potato and black bean tacos. I will eat sweet potatoes and black beans together, in basically any form. Sunday
On Friday, spent the day as Shoobies in Ocean City/Avalon. Hit up Mack & Manco for a slice of white pizza and a birch beer, and was only moderately skeptical that they've got a big sign in the restaurant proclaiming, NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINK (INCLUDING WATER BOTTLES). Hmm. Anyway, Friday night we went to The Diving Horse, run by the folks at Pub & Kitchen, for a multi-app-course grubfest. Best bets: Tuna crudo, raw oyster, cheese plate, any of the desserts. Lobster roll was tiny (they should really call it a slider), but still delicious. Saturday evening was a gluttonously awesome send-off for my friend who's moving to Chicago. Started off at home with Tabasco-brand Bloody Marys and gimlets and champagne; then headed to Oyster House (didn't see Drew there, though we figured out we were there at the same time). For drinks: I ordered the French Fox, but the table favorite was the Oyster House Punch, served in a Mason jar. I somehow decided two lobster rolls in one weekend would be a good idea, so ordered their version ($26). IT IS WORTH IT. Srsly. After dinner we moved to the bar for Drew's aforementioned late-night happy hour (which you can only take advantage of at the bar, FYI) and may or may not have had oyster shooters. Afterward we grabbed a drink at the Ranstead Room, which is way swanky and fun, with cute, bespectacled waiters. I ordered the Bartender's Choice (you tell them what type of alcohol/sweetness/booziness you like and let them take it from there) with the simple instruction, "St. Germain, please." They brought me a crazy-good concoction of St. Germain, gin, 7-Up and muddled cucumbers/oranges/limes. A-mazing. We were hung over on Sunday but that did not stop us from brunching at Black & Brew. Thank you, breakfast BLT and iced coffee, for waking me from the dead.
I always complain that there's no good Thai food in the city but Erawan was totally delicious. I don't remember the name of what I ate but it involved shrimp and glass noodles so I was happy. Also, Sandy's on 24th and Locust has some of my fave homefries ever.
Does anyone else think that brunch is too energy-intensive whilst recovering from a hangover? You're speaking my language. Bring me eggs, I'm too still-drunk to move
Yes, there is a horticulturist in the house! Berries are very pretty, but don't go eating them unless you're sure what they are. It's hard to tell from the pic, but it looks like you've found a species of Viburnum, which are NOT edible. Viburnums have opposite leaves, which the plant in the picture appears to have, while Blueberries (perhaps you've mistaken this shrub for a blueberry) have alternate leaves. These berries are also missing the distinct flared crown of a blueberry. This weekend, I didn't eat a single berry. Only bananas and pluots. Also apples, pears and oranges in sangria.
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: AE
Drew Lazor: DL
Anthony Sica: AS
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
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| Photos | Adam Erace |
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I ate like total shit this weekend: on Friday I rewarded my hard weeks work with silk city cheese fries and a couple of victory prima pils to wash it down. a little later on I got a little hungry watching piranha 3D, which feasibly could be my kick start to cannibalism (no homo the jerry O'Connell wiener scene). Saturday I woke up with only a minor hangover then rode out to the burbs for the 1yr anniversary party for reign skate where I ate burger from the grill followed by peer pressure eating at subway which made me feel less like an asshole. the rest of the day was filled with sparkling lemonade from B2 mixed with a healthy amount of sweet tea vodka and the most epic EKTA feast/food baby that's ever filled my belly (the lamb vindaloo is my new go to.) Sunday I ate my delicious ritual of lemongrass tofu hoagie and fried shrimp rolls from QT Vietnamese. I also drank copious amounts of Coca-Cola while drawing piles of rocks until midnight.
It has been too long since I went out for dinner, so Saturday night I headed out to Supper. I started the meal with Mini Lobster Rolls and Duck Fat Fingerlings with Truffle Mayo. Love the Truffle Mayo and was tempted to order the fingerlings again just for that. Decided to skip the very popular Smoked Chicken Wings and got the special of the day, Mussels, instead. Went light with the entrées and ordered the Pan Roasted Sea Scallops and the Grilled Hanger Steak. Ordered a Lemon Tart and Peach Cake with Sweet Corn Ice Cream for dessert. So good! Will be going back to Supper just for those two desserts. Our waitress mistakenly ordered us a Banana Bread Pudding and decided to give it to us anyway. I dont see it as a mistake. I think it was meant to be.
I had a good weekend that included various tasty beers and some good meals at home and out and about. Weekend started off with the always incredible Prohibition Taproom green beans and a few Avery Maharajas. Dinner that night at home included some grilled mahi mahi, fresh corn, some home grown tomatoes and avocado salad. I made a banging dressing that consisted of greek yogurt, roasted poblanos, cilantro, lime and avocado. Incredible mixed with the corn. I've been using greek yogurt in everything recently... Saturday my lady made some fig and prosciutto sandwiches and i mixed up some above average vodka and sodas. I remembered I had frozen some pureed watermelon into ice cubes, and added that along with a leave of basil and a wedge of lime to the drinks. All of which made for an enjoyable evening watching the sunset at the park. A rainy sunday inspired us to go to the movies with a quick trip to Eulogy beforehand because I hadn't been there in a loooong minute. I will say, the Rodenbach Grand Cru on tap there is a really special beer and quite perfect for a rainy late afternoon. After the movies a hankering for raw fish resulted in a detour to Haru, which was sufficiently meh, but hit the spot none the less. The crab and papaya rolls were the best of the few we sampled.
My weekend eating was shaped by the week leading up to it. The previous Sunday I had guests in town to see Paul McCartney so I got some sandwiches for before and after the show. Then the next day I took them to Paesano's. Tuesday I hit to road to see Phish and we picked up sandwiches from Ricci's for both lunch and after the show. Then Wednesday we picked up sandwiches from a good deli on Long Island. That's right, 4 straight days of non-stop sandwiches. So Friday I think I had broth or something for dinner. Saturday I met a family friend at Parc and had the burger, which was excellent. Burgers in summer with ripe tomatoes are that much better in general, and Parc had really fresh produce to go with the gargantuan patty smothered in raclette. Saturday night was dinner with friends at Sabrina's on 9th. We split the calimari, mussels and veggie something or other. Dessert was John's Water Ice. Chocolate for me. My friend got Birthday Cake ice cream which was awesome. Sunday morning I made my world famous turkey bacon breakfast burrito. OK, Philly famous. Neighborhood famous? Sunday night was a vermicelli bowl from Pho Hoa. Followed by a tasty helping of True Blood. (I did not eat any people though, maybe next week.)
on Friday my dad helped me move some hand-me-down furniture from north jersey to my south philly apartment, so I thanked him with a Geno's steak. I know, I know, but the man loves them. We had a hot cherry pepper eating contest inspired by the vat of them next to the ketchup. I lost embarrassingly, and got called a wuss. My dad keeps it real. Saturday I did my usual- grabbed an Ultimo iced coffee whilst dicking around the city running errands. Later that night a friend kindly made us an early dinner, the catch being I provide beers & wine in exchange for her cooking. Totally awesome, righ? We had chicken parm, grilled asparagus, and some raviolis. yummm.
Supper's dessert are so good, I save room every time!
Left the shore on Saturday with some breakfast at Maggie's in Avalon, which is becoming somewhat of a tradition with the shore group. On Sunday, I took the outta-town shore group stragglers to Koch's and they thought it was hilarious. In the great Sarcone's v. Koch's debate, they took the side of Koch's but admitted that it was comparing apples and oranges (although the "I prefer my sandwiches Jew-ier" was a favorite quote of the day.)
Woodberry Kitchen was awesome- I could eat that smoked onion dip (1st pic) everyday.
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.)
Rachel Burgos: RB
Adam Erace: AE
Drew Lazor: DL
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Being down the shore means I pretty much only eat tortilla chips and corn on the cob, probably because they go best with my case-a-day shore beer habit (what up, Black Label). I broke the streak for some Wildwood treats, including a fried oreo (don't remember exactly what stand but it was closest to the Morey's Pier with the Nor'easter and the superior Tilt-a-Whirl) that was way better than the one sampled in Ocean City last year. In addition, stole bites of some Kohr's Bros and a Chipstix, which I like better when they are called Tornado Potatoes because that's a way funnier name. Question for all: Why no Johnson's Popcorn in Wildwood? I can never find it, which is devastating considering that popcorn is one of my major food groups.
The snozzberries taste like snozzberries.
Love the Box Lunch in Wellfleet- it takes me back too! :)
I ate a donut wrapped in prosciutto. My very own creation and one I definitely recommend. Must second the awesomeness that was the PYT Korean burger. Wow! How I ate Capogiro afterward is beyond me but I did. Happy to note that Nana Petrillos in the Piazza is now serving their delicious gelato. Great news about Bojangles in PA. Now scheming how to get a ride there.
LoDo, I like it! You'll be an expert by the time I make it out dude.
WHAT! This is great, and as you said, upsetting news. Thanks Taylor! Also, are you suggesting that bo berries do not grow naturally on the Eastern Seaboard? I wanted to get some local/sustainable ones...
Experienced both the all-time worst (Leggett's Sand Bar) and utterly delicious, all-time best contender (Max Devros) veggie burgers in one weekend in Manasquan, NJ. After the sad, pallid veggie burger Leggetts foisted upon me, I was eager taste Max Devros' version. Their deep-fried patty was composed of fresh, identifiable veggies and topped with a piquant red onion-cucumber slaw on a nice hearty bun. Found out via Facebook and the inestimable Peter Woolsey (chef/owner, Bistro La Minette) that Max Devros' is owned and run by Brian Devereaux (former Roy's sous) and Carrie Chavenson (former Striped Bass pastry chef), which explains the quality pedigree of my veggie burger, breakfast chorizo burrito and totally philly cheesesteak-and-egg breakfast sandwich. Well done, Philly crew! Hope this makes Manasquan dining a bit more palatable.
I just looked at that Bojangles' picture again and it made me super full.
The most impressive spot on my hustle-bustle of my weekend was watching a 'burb-based full-blown, step-by-step 18th century pig butchering. WHOA, to the all the details they included. Photo recap here: http://bit.ly/cktfv3
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Drew Lazor and Meal Ticket, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Latest NOTES FROM THE WEEKEND is live. We talk Bojangles, biscuits 'n' gravy, Thai food, ice cream sundaes, lots more: http://bit.ly/calF5Y [...]
Loved reading about your adventures in Durham eating. Good to know somethings never change. (Duke kids, polo shirts.)
Saturday revisited a childhood favorite in Cape Cod: The Box Lunch ("Home of the Rollwich"). These folks were doing wraps way before wraps were cool; the Wellfleet location is the original, though they now have eight locations. Childhood summers I ate there at least 5x/week. Even ordered my old standby, the all-veggie "Organic Pocket," -- used to be a vegetarian -- and ate it for breakfast. (Seems they were doing organic before that was cool, too.)
http://www.boxlunch.com/I went to Zengo in LoDo (lower downtown), Denver. Holy hell... this place was excellent. http://www.richardsandoval.com/zengodenver/
Cosmic Cantina! I ate there in 2004 and never forgot how delicious it was. Plus, the ceiling fan and sleepy atmosphere during the August afternoon when I visited sealed my love forever.
Drew, you'll be happy/upset to know that there is *one* Bojangles' in all of Pennsylvania, and it's only as far away as Reading. Also, Bo Berries are these synthetic-like fruit pellets. Still, awesome!
I'm counting today since Monday is my weekend. Lunch: Korean short rib burger with kimchee at PYT. Incredible. Definitely worth getting out of bed before noon for!
Watts grocery was seriously awesome. I got scrambled eggs with squash, onions and farmers cheese (a favorite of mine!) that was served with buttery grits, homemade biscuit and the most delicious blueberry jam/compote I have ever had. I seriously wanted to pick up the ramekin and drink the jam, but refrained because everyone is so polite in the South and I didn't want to alarm those around me. Plus, our server poured the rest of my iced Americano in a plastic cup so I could finish it on the ride back- so kind.
Ah, Bojangles. That was filling, but we dipped into those 4 biscuits we got for the road sooner than you'd think...
Mmmm. Camden Riversharks game friday night. "Uncle Frankie's" roast pork sandwich with garlic sauteed broccoli rabe, sharp provolone, hot peppers. yummmm! pork me.
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.)
Rachel Burgos: RB
Adam Erace: AE
Drew Lazor: DL
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| Photo | Rachel Burgos |
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I am way jealous of the weekends Drew and Adam had. I will most certainly dust any and all fruit that comes my way with lime sugar.
Friday night was at home with a Negroni followed by an IBLT (Irish bacon, lettuce & tomato) on Wild Flour Yards ESA bread. And several homebrewed witbiers. Saturday dinner: many Yards Saisons and a Standard Burger at the Standard Tap. Sunday, it was all peaches, all the time at Osteria. Started with a Siena cocktail, made with bourbon, Aperol and muddled peaches. Then the *must eat* Pesca pizza -- peaches, chanterelles and lardo (I made sure to save some for Monday lunch). For secondi I had veal shoulder roasted in hay with peaches, pistachio and radicchio. Dessert was sweet ricotta fritelle with raspberry jam. Totally unnecessary but so good. On the way out, we passed Jamie Moyer and family on their way in.
Tim, this drink you speak of sounds delicious.
Pic! http://twitpic.com/27du30
Dear Drew, My name is Alex Moore and my parents own Coveside Crabs. We are so glad that you tried us and enjoyed your live crabs! We believe that cooking them yourself is just as much a Maryland tradition as the crabs themselves (plus it's actually pretty easy to do). We sell crabs until end of October/early November so we hope to see you again this year! Thanks for the shout out and posting your awesome pictures of our family business. Enjoy your week and hope to see you next time you have a craving for crabs! Thanks, Alex Coveside Crabs
Cantina's breakfast burrito w/veggie sausage redeemed the restaurant from a I-don't-know-what-that-is-but-it's-not-chilequiles previous brunch experience. I didn't come close to finishing it but wasn't hungry for the rest of the day. Delish.
Haha Drew, glad my birthday could appease the crab desire, though minority chaotic we pulled off one of the best set of crabs I have had (26 year MD resident) so yes that needs to happen again, the sooner the better.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Drew Lazor, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Latest NOTES FROM THE WEEKEND is LIVE. Read what @adamerace, @drewlazor & @negitron did, then share in the comments! http://bit.ly/bvLbuh [...]
Cafe de Laos makes a crazy duck curry. Crispy duck nuggets lie atop veggies covered in a brown curry sauce with multiple deep flavors and just enough heat to make you stop and pant every several bites. Although they forgot one of our appetizers in the full Sat night room, I'm def going back ASAP.
Went to Sidecar for half off pork sundays! Pork Nachos and Sweet pulled pork bbq over cornbread. All for half off. The rest of the weekend was all applesauce, crackers and pepto. You can guess why.
Sunday morning I had one of my favorite breakfast sandwiches, the egg and cheese from Ants Pants. It has sharp cheddar, 2 yolk-oozing eggs and is served on the most delicious long roll. Does anyone know where they get their bread? That roll and the honey wheat toast are some of my favorite breads!!!
Alex, great to hear from you. It was only right to do my little part to spread the word, you guys do an awesome job. And you're 100 percent right about steaming the crabs themselves...I fell out of the habit for several years but am definitely back at it now. Thanks and cheers!
I'm going to osteria is eat that pizza ASAP.
As am I.
Was in Michigan visiting family. Friday: Hit the Hop Cat in Grand Rapids and did a flight of Hop Cat brews (Sage Against the Machine, Kodiak Killer, Red Panda, Hoppapotamus) and non-Hop Cat brews (Livery's Double Paw IPA, Arcadia's Hop Mouth and B Craft Black, and Short's Huma Lupa Licious). Left with a growler of Hop Cat's Sage Against the Machine. Saturday: Hit Marshall's Dark Horse Brewpub, not far from the big oil pipeline spill (in fact, there was a smell of tar in the air). That didn't distract from enjoying a Double Crooked Tree IPA, a Sapient Trip Ale and a beer called Rod, a red ale brewed with herbs and apparent aphrodisiacs. Sunday: Ate many hot dogs and an Atwater Block Michigan Lager as the hapless Tigers trounced the even more hapless Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Comerica Park.
[...] - Notes from the Weekend: August 9 [09aug10] [...]
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.)
Rachel Burgos: RB
Adam Erace: AE
Drew Lazor: DL
Anthony Sica: AS
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Friday night I ate at the Fat Salmon for the first time and it was great! I was really sad that the posters of singing sushi seem to have disappeared from their design scheme, though. That was one of the best things about Shinju. Saturday had bahn mi from Ba Le Bakery. Duh, they were delicious. We also got a coconut milkshake that came with a sealed plastic cover on the cup. I thought the best way to open it would be to stab at it with a straw. This was the wrong approach and the whole side of the cup burst open and spewed coconut milkshake all over my purse, car and boyfriend. My car stills smells kind of coconut-y. Saturday night we went to the Kimberton Fair out past Valley Forge and stuffed our faces with italian sausage and pepper sandwiches, cheese fries, amazing birch beer (out of a fake wooden barrel!) and donuts made by firefighters. I also got howled at by carnies and a bruised face from an especially crazy carnival ride.
Adam - is that scoop the butter on those pancakes? How about calling the dish Pistachio-Bourbon Butter with a side of... Guess I feel the way about butter that you do about mayo. To each his own. Saturday had an off-putting experience with my 4th visit to Han Dynasty: after waiting 45 min for entrees, first to arrive was SO hot that after a few bites we simply could not eat anything else. Had to have the rest wrapped up to go. "I thought you liked spicy!" said Han. "Don't you know, you are supposed to shake all the seeds off each piece of meat before you put it in your mouth?" Um, didn't. And tasty as the pickled cucumber in chili oil appetizer had been, it was even better the next day, at home atop Zahav hummus from Green Aisle, as dressing on arugula/mushroom salad. Redeemed.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Drew Lazor, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Share your NOTES FROM THE WEEKEND with @drewlazor, @adamerace, @negitron and the rest of Team Meal Ticket: http://bit.ly/cOAUbP [...]
Experienced the tour de force of Daniel McLaughlin "cooking" at his Raw Feast on Friday, the culmination of a month of raw eating for his project The Thirteenth Diet. WHYY's "A Chef's Table" radio show was there to document, and the food was quite intriguing -- oh, all the things you can do with nuts! My stepdad's legendary cheese omelets fortified the fam for a trip upstate to Minersville, PA, where we rendezvoused with Army-fied members of the clan who presently live abroad in Bulgaria. Massive platters of Quiznos and Mi-Pal Deli sandwiches, Coke Zeros and local-boy-made-good Yeungling lagers were consumed. Skidded in just under the 9pm cutoff to score burgers, fries and onion rings at CJ Hummel's in Lenhartsville, PA on the way back to Philly Saturday evening. Tasty, simple and cheap -- dinner for 4 was $31. A rare Sunday morning off AND in town requires a trip to Headhouse Farmers Market. Aimee Olexy's Steal Your Face tank top warmed my heart (Sunday was Jerry's birthday) and the lovely purslane and shiso from Queens Farm and peaches from Three Springs Fruit Farm filled my bags with exciting raw materials.
I was lame this weekend, totally brought on by osmosis after hanging out at Dave and Buster's and Cavanaugh's Riverdeck for my best friend's brother's 21st birthday. UGH. Whatever you do: don't sit at the bar at D&B (it smells) and don't go into Cav's (period). Little Pete's greasy goodness turned my drunken frown upside down. Kinda upset they don't have wiz for fries, though. In order to survive Friday's destinations I had to drink heavily which put me out of commission for most of Saturday but I did wake up in time for dinner. (Miss two meals in one day? Never.) Sushi sounds like a notsogood idea when your stomach is on the fritz but that plus a trip to Sundae's for a half-cappuccino, half-coconut chocochip cup (SJ's best, if non-traditional, water ice joint) was the highlight of my pretend-like-it-never-happened weekend. Sunday and still out of commission (cuz I just turned 28 and that's old in imbibing years) I laid around ate frozen food and then quick made fish tacos with sweet potato fries with a chipotle honey dipping sauce. Mayo, water ice and sushi cure all.
D, you'd think that was the butter, but the scoop was actually cardamom ICE CREAM. Who says waffles have to have all the fun?
Drew, So jealous of your weekend! I found a great - no make it FREAKIN'GREAT joint in Asbury Park for lunch! http://wp.me/pSkvM-n5 I ate there on Saturday afternoon, Saturday night was Le Viet - seriously amazing joint with SUPER GREAT FOOD!!!
I ALSO drank a ton in order to deal with cavanaugh's river deck friday night! friend was leaving town and it was their place of choice... I had never been so I decided to do my best not to judge. Now I know better.
[...] miniseries Carnivale De Robotique Meal Ticket• $15 Butcher & Singer lunch through August• Notes from the Weekend: August 2• If you see this man, make him buy you lunch.• Fuel moving into Center City• Han [...]
Friday night, did the Le Bec Fin 40th (and last) Anniversary $40 dinners. All three appetizer options (octopus, watermelon salad and pea soup) were excellent. I had the quail entree, which was surprisingly filling. The cheese plate was ok, but then the dessert cart, as always was just equisite. Great value for a great meal. Do it before the special runs out at the ends of the summer. Saturday night was dinner at Standard Tap. The great thing is that the sandwich portions (for ham and brie, for instance) are enormous, and the side of fries are tasty. Great local beer as always. Sunday featured the 2nd Street Festival and tried a Rustica pizza for the first time. I can see why it won Best of Philly for non-gourmet pizza.
the sunday night tasting menu at fish was absolute perfection! 5 courses for $28... a serious bargain! we loved everything about it, the place is adorable and we'll definitely be back!
donuts made by firefighters There are other types of donuts?
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.)
DL: Drew Lazor RB: Rachel Burgos
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
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| Photos | Drew Lazor |
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
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| Photos | Drew Lazor |
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
[...] and Fla-vor-Ices and make it really hard to reach DIET TACTIC!). It’s also awesome if you smash it up into tiny pieces to top ice cream or sorbet. WEEKLY CANDY: Chocolove’s Almond and Sea Salt Dark Chocolate [...]
Hit up the Paesano's leg of Sandwich Tour 2010 for a heavy-helping of the Liverraci and Doron Taussig. Finished the day off with burgers and freezepops at a Miller Lite-soaked bbq. On Sunday, hit up Harmony for a fried dough ball of deliciousness (and a couple other things I didn't like) before hitting the Punk Rock Flea Market
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Drew Lazor, Meal Ticket. Meal Ticket said: Latest edition of NOTES FROM THE WEEKEND is live. Share your eating/drinking notes with Team Meal Ticket! http://bit.ly/bJOdzV [...]
Dmitri's on 22nd and Pine... surprisingly light and refreshing grilled octopus and this amazing, spicy shrimp pil pil. Yummm!
Oh my god the Super Torta. The Sandwich that KO'd Sandwich Tour.
I bow to the greatness of the Super Torta!
I saw inception at the Bridge, or whatever it's new name is, and they were out of bottled water at the concession stand. Bottled Water!!! Other than that, great weekend!
I enjoyed an escapist, Italian night. First off, my friends and I dined at Positano Coast for the first time. Neither of us could find a fish on the menu that looked better than the pan-seared Branzino. So we both ordered it. The oyster mushrooms and sauteed leeks were perfecto. Afterward, we went across the street to the Ritz 5 and experienced an Italian sensory overload while watching "I Am Love" (Io sono l'amore). The film features a superb gustatory snapshot of Tilda Swinton munching on prawns.
North Carolina Style BBQ Chicken Sandwich at SPTR on Sunday. Not being the biggest fan of slaw, I was pleasantly surprised by the freshness of SPTR's slaw and how well it complimented the tangy flavoring of the chicken. Paired with Terrapin's hefeweissen; can't say that went over as strongly.
Love your sandwich Drew! The banh mi is awesome, I have to try that one, I did it at Q.T. Vietnamese Sandwich, check out my post http://bit.ly/a9Md33 Friday I ate at Mumbai Bistro - it rocked!!!!! http://bit.ly/bAjp5R Then I went to Call Me Cupcake's truck and had a little treat! It's parked at 12th and Locust every Friday http://bit.ly/aJ99lf Saturday - Swedish Meatballs @ Ikea for Lunch and the Greek Salad at Sahara Grill on Walnut for Dinner! Sunday Brunch - Cafe Estelle It was a good food weekend!!!
Friday was blah and blurred after a few bottles of wine. Saturday night we traipsed through the thicket that was the air towards Modo Mio on Girard Ave. Thanks to the officer who pulled me over, sensed my hunger pangs and let me go post-haste. We were only 20 minutes late for our 9:30 ressie and they weren't jerks which was nice. I've heard tons about this place and it is as good as they say besides dessert which was puddled on the plate when it arrived in front of us. In its defense I was close to puddling in that heat myself. Bring cash, wine and order the frittura, sweetbreads and rabbit agnolotti. Skate was good, too. True to form I procrastinated on shopping and prepping the apps I promised for my cousin's engagement party Sunday night. She requested a few faves from parties past: candied dates stuffed with mascarpone/bacon/pecans/parsley topped with roasted butternut squash, grilled asparagus with gorgonzola-garlic, chipotle-honey, and horseradish dipping sauces and grilled beef/brie crostini with a chianti-balsamic-cherry glaze. The power outage threw a fun little wrench into my plating p.o.a. but I did the damn thing and everyone was pleased.
[...] fount of meaty amazingness that appears as a special from time to time. More recently, we discussed El Jarocho’s Super Torta, a sandwich that counts carnitas, ham, pork al pastor, steak milanesa and headcheese among its chief [...]
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