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→Passover begins Monday, and after delving into this delicious collection of recipes, we thought you might welcome a spoonful of dining news. For the “let’s go out” crowd, a.kitchen has a nice looking menu planned for both Tuesday the 26th, and Wednesday the 27th. Here’s what the kitchen is working on:
Of course, once we got our senses all aflutter over a Thanksgiving redux, or as Huff Post puts it, “springtime Thanksgiving,” we grew curious about what other restaurants in town decided not to pass over the opportunity to dazzle our taste buds.
After some searching, we found this Uwishunu Passover Roundup. We were most intrigued by La Calaca Feliz and Cantina Feliz’s Passover dinner, available from March 25 to April 1, which fuses Mexican flavors into traditional Passover fare. Highlights of the four-course meal include a red chile and matzo ball soup served with avocado and chicken (this spin on tortilla soup is a clever rendition of the classic ball in broth) and a “brisket” taco. And, since we’re suckers for Zahav, Chef Solomonov’s six-course Passover feast (available Monday, March 25 through Tuesday, April 2) also got our attention. Salt cod cakes, a whole grilled chicken and chocolate almond tart? Sign us up; Passover or not. (Complete menu here.)
Don’t want to dine out, but cooking is off the table? Now might be a good time to try Bacchus Market’s catering goods. From carrot dill soup, charoset, and gefilte fish to roasted filet of beef with horseradish sauce, green beans almandine and potato latkes, you can’t go wrong. And, they can even hook you up with all the fixin’s for a proper Seder plate.
Also on our radar: Philadelphia Queer Passover Seder 2013
Forget the four questions…WE only have one: What are YOU doing for Passover this year (assuming you celebrate)?
photo courtesy of the Interwebs (please feel free to claim if yours; couldn’t find the owner)
→In honor of National Pi Day, we’ve decided to give you the 411 on the local 314. And, while we could talk math, we hope you won’t mind that we’re adding an “e” to Pi. Turns out we’re not the only ones with crisp, golden crusts and creamy, flavor-bursting fillings on our minds; to celebrate National Pi Day, Magpie, the hip new pie shop at 16th and South is treating customers to Signature Butterscotch Bourbon Pie slices for—you guessed it—$3.14. And, since one slice is never enough, tomorrow is a good excuse to try their other twists on classic pies, such as the Buttery Caramel Apple or Lemon Curd. Even restaurants want a piece of the Pi pie; Supper Restaurant is offering an all-pie menu, which includes items such as a stout-braised short rib and mushroom pie with horseradish cream and a Mississippi mud pie with caramel swirl ice cream. Like whoopie pies? Head to the Reading Terminal Market, where you might just want to make love to the bananas foster and lavender honey variations at Flying Monkey. Or stop by Beiler’s (this Yelp review should convince you: “While I’m not quite ready to join an Amish community, I am a full-fledged worshipper at the house of Whoopie”). Home bakers, there’s no time like the present to get that dough into the fridge so it can chill. If you’ve still not found the perfect crust recipe, Ina Garten can help. Or, if you’re looking for some insPIration, might we suggest testing out this bourbon-orange pecan or this coffee toffee pie recipe? (Tell us how they turn out!) No chance you’re baking your own OR making a trip to town? Heck, go the simple route: Tastykake pies at Wawa. The bottom line, is that you can have your pi and eat it too. —@kimettinger
→In food news we missed (and that dovetails nicely into our pre-meditated theme of gluten-free cooking), Philadelphia was recently dubbed, “World’s Most Celiac-Friendly Destination”—an impressive honor for a city renown for its indulgence in beer, soft pretzels, pasta, donuts…
Here’s the scoop. And, if you’re looking for a fix, check out Brûlée Bakery‘s chocolate peanut-butter brownies. You’ll have a hard time buying that they’re gluten-free.
And while we’re on the subject, here are a few notable gluten-free websites (courtesy of @eatDEWwrite‘s about-to-turn-30 and suddenly health-obsessed younger brother) to test out over the weekend. Typically we’re more ecstatic about less commercial looking sites, but since he and his wife have actually made recipes from each of these sites and raved about them, we’re going out on a limb. Besides, not all those pretty pictures result in recipes that taste as good as they look. (Apparently the nom nom app is “worth the money.”)
Of course you can skip all of these completely and just go to Punchfork, which has lots of pretty pictures and curates the best recipes from the best gluten-free sites. The big news is that it was recently acquired by Pinterest. We’re impressed and pretty much expect that all the recipes on this site are going to be delicious, gorgeous and wildly popular with the masses. #winning. (Not us, Jeff Miller, Punchfork’s CEO.)
And though you didn’t ask, here’s a couple of resources to catch you up on gluten-free brew:
→For those of you unfamiliar with Les Dames d’Escoffier International, this accomplished and diverse group of women touts a long list of famous, almost famous and should be famous women as members (Julia Child included). However, these Dames aren’t in it for the fame, they’re in it for the food. And, for the friends—within the membership, in their industries and within the community.
Locally, in Philadelphia, LDEI has an impressive list of members, some you’ve heard of, such as Aliza Green, Kathy Gold, Susanna Foo, Lari Robling, Moon Krapugthong, Lynn Buono, Hilary Bor, Linda Geren, Kelly Morrison, Judy Spielman—chefs, restauratuers, authors, culinary entrepreneurs, educators, kitchen designers, farmers, anti-hunger activists… If it has to do with food (or fine wine & spirits), they’re representin’.
Fast forward to May 4th, when this fully female-loaded organization will host Cuisine, Culture & Community, a day-long symposium celebration of women and food. We’ve got a list of reasons to stay tuned for ticket sales (including a change to hobnob with Nathalie Dupree), but you have to come back next week when we’ll post a few related links and also dish on another very special (read: hot) guest. The event will take place at The Restaurant School, and is open to the public, which of course, is why we’re putting out our teaser. Don’t worry; your plate will be piled high with tweets, posts, clips, et al, including a link to Eventbrite where you can purchase tickets.
Another event that you should have on your radar, and also founded by two of the above-mentioned Dames, Judy Spielman and Moon Krapugthong, is EATS (Eat Along the Street), on April 23rd. You can see what’s cooking by visiting the recently launched Facebook event page, and follow along @TWEgroup and @EATSPhilly as we are getting ready to reveal some of our participating chefs and this year’s nonprofit partner, Children’s Village. Again, we hope you’ll come back for additional scoop.
→In more immediate news, we want to give a shout-out to a few of our favorite food-centric websites here in Philly. Not only do we appreciate the hip writing style (there’s a hint of Esquire mag snarkiness), the coverage is darn good and runs deep. If you’re looking where to go and where not to go, Eater Philly, City Eats, and Epikur will have you sounding like the Siskel and Ebert of Philadelphia dining.
Trust us, once you click these links, you’ll add another hour of Internet time to your day. With all the juicy bits you’re going to get from reviews, chef interviews, recipes and wine/cocktail/beer recommendations, you’ll probably add a few inches to your waistline as well.
→If you haven’t mastered the art of braising and stewing, you’re really missing out on some scrumptious cold-weather eats. And, you’re also not taking advantage of all those wonderfully delicious cuts of meat out there that help keep the grocery bills out of the red zone. (And don’t forget those “tough” vegetables like celery, carrots, parsnips and fennel, that melt-in-your-mouth when prepared with a little TLC.)
Even without a recipe, you can create sublime meals that have a little different spin every time simply by mastering the (um, super easy) techniques and keeping a few key ingredients (wine, a variety of stock or broth, your standard mirepoix veggies, dried porcini mushrooms…) in your pantry at all times.
You also don’t need any fancy equipment, though slow-cooking is as good an excuse as any to splurge on a few new pieces of Le Creuset or a party-sized “cooker” such as All-Clad’s that has a removable ceramic insert to make storing leftovers (and clean-up) a simple task. I find the smaller dutch ovens easier to deal with when not cooking for a crowd, but the larger appliance really is great for entertaining. One of my favorite recipes that I’ve made was for pulled pork, a recipe that I failed to adequately detail, and a fantastic beef stew from Philly-based Andrew Schloss’ Art of the Slow Cooker.
Epicurious has plenty of inspiration too. One of 2012’s culinary highlights was inspired from its tantalizing repertoire of lamb shank recipes. If you want to impress, this is the dish. (There are lots of other good ones to try though, depending on how much effort you want to put into it.)
There are lots of worthy tips and tricks out there online and probably on your bookshelf, but if you’re coming up short on inspiration, this site will have you drooling—and running to the market—in about 3 seconds flat. (And in you’re in the food writing or teaching biz, pay attention to the website. It does exactly what you want your readers/students to do: salivate!) —@eatDEWwrite
Center City District Restaurant Week returns this Sunday, January 20th, which means a quick trip to the city—or a short walk/cab ride if you live in town—will get you a 3-course dinner for only $35. For those of you who can endure a daytime food coma, many restaurants are also offering 3-course lunches for $20.
We’ll be keeping our eyes on @PhilaRestWeek for updates throughout the restaurant week period (January 20-25 & January 27- February 1, 2013).
In the meantime, we’ve been digging into the menus of participating restaurants listed here. (If you search thoroughly, you’ll even find some spots such as a.kitchen & Zama that snuck in a 4th course.)
Don’t have time to sit down on your computer to check out your options (reservations are going like hotcakes; we learned that the hard way last night)? Here’s a link to the mobile app: http://m.centercityphila.org
For those of you who miss CCDRW altogether, don’t sweat it. In November, Michael Klein reported that East Passyunk is planning its own restaurant week February 24th to March 2nd with 3-course lunch/dinner menus at $15, $25 and $35. And, @foobooz was all abuzz earlier today about Philadelphia magazine’s Philly Cooks Week slated for February 25th-28th. Apparently the City of Brotherly Love is aiming to become the City of Brotherly Chubs—just in time for swimsuit season.
→2012 was a tasty year for the City of Brotherly Love, with a steady stream of restaurant openings (and alas a few closings) and vibrant cuisine, which we happily sunk our teeth into. And even though we’re stuffed after all the holiday indulging, Drew Lazor’s recent spotlight on 10 of the most anticipated openings to watch for in 2013 has us drooling into our low-fat, low-carb, low-cal smoothies. On our radar, for today anyway, is Fitler Dining Room, the new spot at 22nd and Spruce brought to us by the Pub & Kitchen team, and the mysterious Serpico, which of course we love simply for its name, and well, because watching Stephen Starr do his thing is the mark of a true Philadelphian.
→For those of you who are in the first week of the proverbial News Year’s Resolution Diet, fear not. All those deceiving delicious eateries we fell in love with in 2012 are still thriving. In case you overlooked them while delving into your preferred comfort fare, the hot list includes Honey Grow, Hip City Vedge, Pure Fare (a 2nd location is in the works), Fuel, and in the finer dining realm, Fare. Tight on dough? These Philly “Celebrity Chef Diet” recipes can help you prep mouth-watering, guilt-free meals in the comfort of your own home. (We’re trying Jeff Michaud’s Braised Chicory tonight; keep you posted.)
If you’re into food and drink, you’re probably also into DIY. And, so are your foodie friends. So with that in mind, we’ve got some suggestions for your—and their—book shelves. This week, we’re staying local (exempting one book), but next week we’ll add in other authors/books that people are buzzing about for all you last-minute shoppers. As always, we welcome your input, which in this case also means your titles.
And now, in no particular order, some of our favorites, old and new…
Generally speaking, there isn’t anything Aliza Green writes about that doesn’t tantalize our taste buds, but she’d probably enjoy us pumping up her latest cookbook, Making Artisan Pasta (with photos by one of our favorite local food photographers, Steve Legato). If you’re into spending quality time in the kitchen with friends and family, this title will give you plenty of excuses.
Endangered Recipes: Too Good to be Forgotten, by Lari Robling is a fun (and tasty) look at “vintage recipes from another era.”
Andrew Schloss’ Fire It Up: 400 Recipes for Grilling Everything is just one of several books of his that we’ve handed out in recent years. Mastering the Grill is also well-worth the money if you’re going all out with a grilling theme.
Recent buzz put this book by Dina Bucholz on our radar, and Turkish taffy on our minds:
The Unofficial Narnia Cookbook: From Turkish Delight to Gooseberry Fool – Over 150 Recipes Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia
I have very fond memories of my grade school teacher bringing me Turkish taffy to heighten my reading experience, so when I read Daily News columnist, Molly Eichel‘s, review, this reflection struck a chord:
Each time I open the pages of my well-worn copy, I yearn for Turkish Delight, the candy the evil White Queen uses to bribe Edmund into giving up his siblings. If family safety is on the line, Turkish Delight has to be pretty freakin’ delicious, right?
For non-carnivores, Almost Meatless by former Philly Mag food critic Joy Manning and Tara Mataraza Dezmond will have you hashtagging #meatlessmonday well into the new year.
Philadelphia Chef’s Table is from another Philadelphia magazine alum, former food editor April White. How can any Philly foodie resist a book dubbed, “50 recipes straight from primo Philly dining tables?”
For Vetri (and Osteria) fans who missed this last holiday season, Marc Vetri‘s Rustic Italian Food will have you (and your guests) drooling.
Shake, Stir, Pour-Fresh Homegrown Cocktails by local garden-to-bar mixologist, Katie Loeb is at the top of my wish list and is sure to be on yours too once you take a peek.
And just because we—and everyone else in Philly—have a thing for food trucks, we’ve included The Truck Food Cookbook by John T. Edge, famed food-culture chronicler for the New York Times, Saveur and other outlets.
We hope you’ll come back next week for another helping. —dew
→We can’t eat or drink this, but we CAN toast to it: This Thursday, 12/6, Penn Appétit turns 5 and its student writers, editors, art directors, bloggers, et al, are in all-out celebration mode. Problem is, there are minimal details other than the where and when. (Publicity fail?) Regardless, we’re still impressed with this polished culinary rag, which received the 2010 Penn PubCo award(s) for Best Design, Best Leisure Article, and Best Overall Magazine. Doesn’t look like there’s been a follow-up issue but the blog is up-to-date. Check it out.
An event we can give you more details on, and that is kid-friendly, is Davio’s Gingerbread House Workshop, Sunday, 12/9, from noon-3pm. It’s $50 per child, but since they’re being assisted by professional pastry chefs and will have a chance to nibble (buffet lunch) while getting in some face-time with Santa, you’ll likely get your money’s worth. Don’t forget to bring an unwrapped toy for Davio’s Toys for Tots collection.
Celebrity chefs that you probably won’t meet this week, though you want to: Rachael Ray and Ina Garten. The love-to-loathe her media mogul will be at The Free Library on Saturday, Dec. 8, doing a live Q+A with one our favorite men-about-town, Michael Klein. We’ll avoid the paraphrase and send you to his blurb on it. Be sure to note his ticket giveaway contest and deadline. The Barefoot Contessa will be signing books at Williams-Sonoma in King of Prussia on Thursday, 12/6 (rescheduled from October). If you did not purchase a book beforehand THROUGH W-S, you will not be able to participate in the signing. You may show up, linger, take photos, tweet and bask in her entertaining glory—unless of course things get out of control and there’s a crowd clamp down. On last check though, popping by for a peek was welcome. If you go, we want to hear about it and see your photos, so please share on our Facebook page. Both events should be a lot of fun.
the whole-y grail 