We're Here to Help

POSTED: Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 8:00 PM
This Thursday, April 29, more than 200 area restaurants will donate 33 percent of customers' food bills to fund HIV/AIDS organizations. ActionAIDS, the Philly-based group that coordinates this annual event, formed in 1986 and is now the single largest service organization in the region. The org's mission is to enhance the lives of those afflicted by HIV/AIDS, provide education to the surrounding community and offer preventative services and teach advocacy. Proceeds from restaurants will also benefit HIV/AIDS services at the AIDS Coalition of Southern New Jersey, AIDS Delaware, Family and Community Service of Delaware County, Planned Parenthood of Bucks County and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania. You can search participating restaurants by cuisine, meal time, or region on Dining Out for Life's website. Don't forget to fill out an envelope to win an Apple Vacations trip for two to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (the winner will be announced in May). Should you feel a bit more generous, additional donations can be tucked inside your raffle envelope. "Anyone who donates $25 or more will receive a ‘thank you' note and a 20% Off Tuesdays card in the mail,” says Michael Byrne of ActionAIDS. "There are over 50 participating restaurants in the region, and 30 are right here in Philadelphia. There are some great places." Use the card any Tuesday for the rest of the year to claim your discount, as long as it's not a holiday or combined with other promotions.

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Posted 2010-04-27 15:57:15
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Posted 2010-04-27 19:42:34
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Posted by Marie DiFeliciantonio @ 8:00 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 7:30 PM
cocinatipo.com
A Meal Ticket reader checks in with this question:
I'm looking for some Catalonian blood sausage. Do you know of any markets, butchers or grocers that might have this for sale anywhere in the area?
One place that comes to mind off the top is Orlando's Quality Meats on Ninth between Christian and Carpenter, where they do blood sausage, or morcilla, in-house. (We failed to realize that Orlando no longer works out of the Italian Market. Our mistake — thank you to commenter Pucca.) But where else? Who's got the best? Drop your ideas and suggestions in the comments.

Holly Moore
Posted 2010-04-20 14:52:56
If you're talking Morcilla, head up North 5th.  There is a butcher on the right hand side just north of Somerset that does great morcilla, along with an outstanding octopi salad.

Pucca
Posted 2010-04-20 15:03:22
Orlando left his store two years ago! He has been working for Giunta at RTM since he left the 9th street market. Talk to him, he may still make it for a special order.

deeney
Posted 2010-04-20 15:59:31
Freddy and Tony's at 2nd and Allegheny, cheap take out prices and you can buy either by weight or dollar amount.

caga tio
Posted 2010-04-20 16:15:32
I am willing to bet that you will not find Catalan (style) blood sausage in Philadelphia.  Though I do not recall seeing it in their case, you may want to talk to the people at Garces Trading Company to see if they will sell you some.  Other then that, your best bet is ordering it online at latienda.com

PhillySon
Posted 2010-04-20 16:44:16
DiBruno Bros. occasionally carries Morcillo Sausage.

cscott
Posted 2010-04-20 22:54:39
Thank you for all your responses.  I am actually looking for Botifarra Negra, a Catalan pork blood sausage.  I did in fact order some Morcilla from latienda.com and am expecting it to arrive tomorrow.  I was recently in Barcelona and there are several recipes I want to try out which call for this particular sausage.

Felicia D'Ambrosio
Posted 2010-04-21 08:27:00
Asked Xochitl chef Lucio Pazzo where he sources his excellent morcilla after tasting it for the first time last night -- he said D'Angelo Bros. in the Italian Market makes two types -- the Mexican style (pork sausage/beef blood) he uses, as well as a South American style with dried fruit and nuts! 

The pulpo y morcilla skewers in black garlic mole were sheer genius.

anne
Posted 2010-04-21 11:52:55
Swiaki's in Port Richmond sells Polish blood sausage - kishka
Posted by Drew Lazor @ 7:30 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 5:30 PM
Filed Under: How-To | We're Here to Help
DragonBallYee
Weaver's Way Co-op
South Philadelphians interested in participating in the formation of a food co-op for the neighborhood should mark their calendars for Mon., April 26 at 6:30 p.m., when organizers of Germantown food co-op Weaver's Way will speak on the topic. Learn exactly what a food co-op is, how it works and volunteer to participate at the meeting, which will be held at the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center (SPOAC) at 1430 E. Passyunk Ave. at Dickinson.

Alison
Posted 2010-04-20 13:25:59
Fantastic!

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Posted 2010-04-20 14:40:36
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Rachel
Posted 2010-04-21 10:36:20
yes!

David
Posted 2010-04-27 12:24:28
As a Weavers Way member I support this. I was late but our other representatives carried on well, without me. I'd say 50-60 people attended and after breaking into small groups to discuss this whole thing with wants and needs, committees were formed. More meetings and planning sessions to come. If you're in South Philadelphia then keep your eyes out for this, especially if you want to see it happen.
Posted by Felicia D'Ambrosio @ 5:30 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Wednesday, April 14, 2010, 8:30 PM

This Saturday, local bloggers will bring out their best goods for The Great American Bake Sale, which will raise money to aid nearly 17 million children in America (that's about one in four) without access to nutritious, high-quality food and resources. The proceeds benefit Share Our Strength, a national charity actively working to combat the problems through educational programs and financial support. To do your part, head to Liberties Walk outside of A Full Plate Café (1040 N. American Street) on Sat. April 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are also bake sales in Pittsburgh and Hershey at the same time. More than 20 bloggers have already signed up to donate plates of cupcakes, cookies, brownies and a few specialty treats. "We've even got gluten free and vegan foods," says organizer Julie DenOuden. "We're trying to appeal to all different diets, but then there's some things that are just plain yummy." Foodaphilia has compiled a short list of some of the projected offerings, which includes goodies like Carbomb cupcakes and burger-shaped cookies from Burgatory.
Posted by Alexandra Harcharek @ 8:30 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Tuesday, March 9, 2010, 8:02 PM
Filed Under: We're Here to Help

Herr Foods Inc., the Nottingham, PA-based manufacturer of Herr's-brand snack foods, has voluntarily issued a recall of Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt Kettle Style Potato Chips. Herr's initiated the recall based on the recall of an ingredient in the chips made by Basic Food Flavors, Inc. in Las Vegas -- hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), which may be tainted with salmonella. Customers who purchased the recalled products can return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

The ingredient from Basic Food Flavors has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. Herr's has a strong commitment to consumer safety and the highest quality standards. Salmonella has not been found in any Herr's products and there are no known illnesses reported.

These are the only products being recalled:

  • ‘Herr's Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt Flavored' Kettle Style Potato Chips
  • With code dates FEB 27, 2010 up to an including May 15, 2010
  • Bag Net Weight 8.5 oz. UPC 072600011519
  • ‘Herr's Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt Flavored' Kettle Style Potato Chips
  • With code dates FEB 27, 2010 up to an including June 12, 2010
  • Bag Net Weight 1.875 oz. UPC 072600014909

Alexandra Harcharek
Posted 2010-03-09 15:11:38
Oh no! Those are the best chips.

Dicky Dunn
Posted 2010-03-09 16:35:40
Nooooooooooo!!!!!

Alexandra, the Cheddar and Horseradish kettles are equally good.
Posted by Felicia D'Ambrosio @ 8:02 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Monday, March 8, 2010, 8:10 PM
Click to enlarge

Thanks to Amy Giuffi of Cochon (801 E. Passyunk Ave.) for putting us on to this charity benefit happening tomorrow, March 9: Organized by South Philadelphia Pediatrics, Eating for Reading will see seven Queen Village-area restaurants dedicating proceeds from tomorrow's dinners to purchasing books for kids in need.

The fundraiser was put together by Dr. Christine DiNicola of SPP. Cochon's in, as are Bistrot La Minette, La Fourno, the newly liquor-licensed Sauté, Mustard Greens, Salt & Pepper and Trattoria La Costiera. For rezzies, call the restaurants or hit up Open Table.

On a quasi-related note, THE BABY ON THAT FLYER IS CLEARLY NOT REAL BECAUSE GOD IS NOT ALLOWED TO MAKE BABIES THAT ARE THAT CUTE

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 8:10 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Friday, February 19, 2010, 5:00 PM
Filed Under: Gifted | We're Here to Help
Hugs For Soldiers
The Girl Scouts "Cookies From Home" program sends treats to troops fighting overseas

Nothing is more seasonal in February than Thin Mints, Caramel deLites and Peanut Butter Patties. That's right, fat kids, it's Girl Scout Cookie time. Though this fat kid loves nothing more than mowing down a sleeve of Thin Mints like she'll never have wear a bikini again, there comes a point where one must back away from box.

But how can anyone with a pulse resist those adorable little Girl Scouts with their big eyes, earning their way to summer camp through advanced cookie marketing? Support the kids (without the calories) and our men and women in the armed forces by participating in the Girl Scouts' Cookies From Home program.

Just buy a few $3.50 boxes from any Girl Scout for inclusion in cookie shipments to troops fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Last year Liberty USO of Pennsylvania & South Jersey, who facilitates the shipments for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, delivered 4,626 cases all over the world. That's 55,512 boxes of sweetness for folks who will actually burn it all off during P.T .

You can find Girl Scout troops selling cookies near you by entering your Zip code into their Cookie Locator; do it now, 'cause the cookie sale ends March 7 and doesn't return until Jan. of 2011.

Posted by Felicia D'Ambrosio @ 5:00 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Monday, February 8, 2010, 7:42 PM
Filed Under: We're Here to Help
Photo l Felicia D'Ambrosio

Order up the the fudge brownie sundae at the Standard Tap (901 N. Second St.) and Tap owners William Reed and Paul Kimport will donate $2 to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

You can check out other ways to contribute (and eat) on the CHOP Foundation Web site.


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Posted 2010-02-09 02:25:04
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Posted by Felicia D'Ambrosio @ 7:42 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Wednesday, February 3, 2010, 6:54 PM
theworldwidegourmet.com

A Meal Ticket reader just checked in with this query, which is making us pretty damn hungry, we gotta say:

I have an overwhelmingly uncomfortable craving for Yorkshire pudding. Where in this city can I find it, because I'm entirely too lazy to cook it myself?

If you're unfamiliar, Yorkshire pudding is an English side dish that traditionally accompanies roast meats (usually beef). It's made by combining the fat drippings from a roast with flour, butter, milk and about 8,000 eggs to form a crispy-on-the-outside, custardy-on-the-inside carb bomb that becomes all the more delicious when it's used as an edible sponge to sop up pools of salty brown gravy.

Our reader tells us he actually has a Yorkshire pudding pan at home (whatta bum!), but is hoping there's a restaurant out there that cooks up the specialty, either as a regular menu item or as a feature during a weekend feast (the pudding's typically associated with Sunday meals in the UK). Let us know in the comments if you've got any pan-dripping-soaked leads.


Holly Moore
Posted 2010-02-03 14:23:00
Not Philadelphia, but Stoney's Pub on Route 202 in Wilmington does roast beef with Yorkshire pudding on Saturdays - at least they did a year ago.  If not, their fish and chips are "brilliant."

Quincy
Posted 2010-02-03 14:33:30
again, pretty far out; but, they serve an amazing roast and Yorkshire pudding at The Whip Tavern in Coatesville...by far the best I've seen in this area..

jason
Posted 2010-02-03 14:40:24
in town. i need it in this city!!!!!!!!!

Quincy
Posted 2010-02-03 15:20:26
closest thing I know of is the roast beef-stuffed Yorkshire Pudding at the Elephant and Castle (18th and Market)...

BarryG
Posted 2010-02-03 17:18:52
Don't think it's on the menu yet but the obvious candidate for killing this dish in town is Johnny Mac at Pub & Kitchen.  I hope he is reading this.

G Ling
Posted 2010-02-05 15:38:24
The Pub In Cherry Hill has them free with the great old school steaks.
Posted by Drew Lazor @ 6:54 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
POSTED: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 5:06 PM
Filed Under: We're Here to Help

What goes better with peanut butter and jelly than a little love? Radio station BEN-FM, ShopRite grocery and PhilAbundance, our region's largest hunger-relief organization, have teamed up this Valentine's Day to collect the makings of the sticky sandwich staple for people in need.

“Although something of a staple in many people's cupboards, peanut butter and jelly are two food items rarely donated by the food industry,” says Melanie Jumonville, Philabundance's COO. “We are excited about the partnering with BEN-FM and Shop Rite on the Spread the Love food drive which will help us meet a great need for delicious and nutritious foods that are protein rich and have community appeal.”

Donors can drop off peanut butter and jelly at three sites across the Delaware Valley:

  • Farmer's Market at Suburban Square, Anderson and Coulter Ave., Ardmore, PA
  • most stores at the Promenade at Sagemore, 500 Route 73 S # E1, Marlton, NJ
  • Philabundance's 3616 S. Galloway Street location in South Philadelphia

ShopRite is expanding the effort into the realm of social media, donating one jar of peanut butter or jelly for every new Facebook fan PhilAbundance acquires between now and February 14; 100 new fans equals an additional 20 cases of peanut butter, while 200 new fans scores PhilAbundance another 20 cases of jelly.

Online donations can be made via Ben FM's Web site or philabundance.org; all the proceeds will go to purchase peanut butter and jelly for people in need.

Posted by Felicia D'Ambrosio @ 5:06 PM  Permalink | Post a comment
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Founded in October 2008, Meal Ticket is a City Paper blog about food, drink and assorted other things that make you go mmm. We do recipes, interviews, restaurant news, commentary and much more. We don't do restaurant reviews herethose are handled in print, mostly by our critic (and Meal Ticket contributor) Adam Erace. Got a tip, question, thought or concern? Just want to say hello? Please shoot a note to caroline@citypaper.net.

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