phillyjazz's Profile
The tiny NYC kitchens of some real NYC chefs
If you think the TImes is ridiculous, try the Wall Street Journal !
Valley Green Inn ? Anyone Been lately
What I experienced was a very haphazard approach to seating diners at the coveted outdoor tables. A simple "take a number, or paper waiting list would have solved it. As it was, there was no organization, and people who just walked up were seated ahead of other who had waited nearly an hour. That is just bad management.
GINO'S IN KING OF PRUSSIA
I had a Gino Giant. Made me pine for the old Sirloiner. Also, fries do not touch fresh-cut Five Guys. It was interesting from a nostalgic viewpoint, but not enough to send me back twice.
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Five Guys
1650 Nixon Dr, Moorestown, NJ 08057
Anthoy's Coal-Fired Pizza: Horsham
We used to enjoy Charlies (and also Franzone's, Perrota's and especially Penny's up by Limerick. Norristown always seemed to have sweet sauces, but blends of cheese other than gummy Mozzarella. Also, medium thin, crispy crusts (often with corn meal ... Charlies' is still around ??
Valley Green Inn ? Anyone Been lately
We ate there a few times this summer. There was a pretty long wait, and the staff is not particularly good about keeping track of who was waiting longest for tables. We do like eating outside (with our dog) though.
The food was fine. Fries, as mentioned, were a standout. Also pretty killer grilled cheese and bacon-cheeseburgers.
Best Cheesesteak near Logan Square
is Bill still behind the counter making the sammies ?
HP SAUCE
Speaking of Tamarind, Pickapeppa is a good sauce to try if you like HP. From Jamaica (but not very hot at all) it should certainly be considered among the A1 / HP category.
Le Bec-Fin NOT Closing: I Knew It!!!!
Apparently it is going in the site of the old Rago's on Montgomery Ave. I'm glad he's not DIRECTLY competing with the little bakeries on Haverford Ave.
Best homemade pasta in Philly?
Osteria has spaghetti ala Chitarra (cut over strings.) It is incredible. Ristorante Panorama used to serve it. I don't know if they still do. You can get the cutters (Citarra) at Fante's.
We bought one years ago near 9th at a little mom and pop store that sold bocce sets and stuff.
Former Philadelphian Back for a Visit - Need Food Advice
If you are into neighborhoods, you might get a kick out of the Jazz/Blues BBQ that Le Cochon Noir delivers in the Parkside area of West Philly. Off the beaten path, but a great place to get real dry-rubbed smoked ribs or check out the Blues brunch with some chicken and waffles and grits.
It's pretty unique for the area, and the most authentic BBQ (ribs) I have found in the area.
Lunch at Han Dynasty in Royersford
Had a very nice lunch there with my family (and brother / sister-in-law, and mom) today. Mom and daughters are not fans of hot, so they had sesame chicken, and a scrambled eggs and shrimp dish with sweet potato pancakes as an app.
The rest of us shared some VERY spicy Dan Dan noodles, Dumplings in Chili sauce, Shredded beef with green peppers (relatively mild) and some double orders of both chicken and fish (Flounder) with dry hot peppers. We probably could have had more variations, but with five of the seven loving those two dishes, we need to double up.
For January 2nd, it was not very busy. We got seated at one of the "lazy Susan" tables, so dishes were easily shared.
Food was served HOT right out of the kitchen, and service was wonderful... tea and water refilled regularly. The dishes (all of which we had tasted before) were perfectly prepared. Fried batter dishes were crisp and not at all greasy.
I'll have to try it again to sample more adventuresome dishes. Certainly it has not gone downhill since Han has been paying attention to the Philly location.
unfriendly service leaves bad taste in Ambler
India (by population) is the second largest English speaking country in the world. Granted, the accents can be difficult to manage sometimes, but I don't suspect many Indian folks working in Philly area restaurants would have a language issue with English. Their total number of English-speakers will likely dwarf our own in a few years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_English-speaking_population
unfriendly service leaves bad taste in Ambler
We all have our own set of tolerances and expectations, but as others have pointed out, they may not always be appropriate to every situation. I don't expect to be greeted by a Maitre 'd or fawned over in ANY ethnic restaurant (unless you consider "French" ethnic.)
IMO, if you want that kid of attention, be prepared to pay for it, and patronize establishments that provide it. If you expect a shot and beer bar in Kensington to provide the same experience and level of service as the Swann Lounge, you are just setting yourself up for disappointment.
HP SAUCE
According to this, it's now made in the Netherlands :
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP_Sauce
When I lived in Montreal, one always saw this instead of A1. Apparently there are now "frutier" variations (Chicken and Rib) as well as a "Bolder" formula.
Le Bec-Fin NOT Closing: I Knew It!!!!
I could sure dig a Perrier bread bakery in Narberth ! I'm there every day.
peppers from the Produce Junction's pepper plant
Produce Junction is KILLER for fruits, veggies and flowers.
Food near Liacouras Center?
There is not much non-fast-food around Temple, but you might try the Draught Horse Pub on Cecil B. Moore. I guess it is still open. Decent burgers, etc. better than Wendy's.
Picanha Grill
I just ate at Chima last night. I am spoiled because I always cook over hardwood at home, but the real fire at Picanha does it's magic. You don't get the same from a gas flame.
Tarpon Springs Gyros
When I was kid we went to Florida to see the Apollo 11 launch in 1969. We stopped in Tarpon Springs for a day, and I had never experienced Greeks let alone sponge fishermen and their cuisine. It was my first experience (at 12) with both Gyros and Souvlaki. They were both incredible then, and Tarpon Springs, with its open air beer-gardens struck me as a magical place that time would never change.
I hope it hasn't !! I need to go back.
Phila Bagel Co on Wash + Columbus closed? What now?!
I went to University in MTL. I really miss St-Viateur. Now if we could only get some real poutine and smoked meat, we'd be in business !
Phila Bagel Co on Wash + Columbus closed? What now?!
Apparently they are building a Montreal style wood-burning oven. Even a day-old MTL bagel can't compete with one hot out of the oven. The only problem I have found is that if you eat a half-dozen of them still warm (not a difficult feat) , they expand in your stomach!
Their website is up !! http://www.spreadbagelry.com/
Can we talk about Wawa?
Say what you want about the "de-humanization" of it, I have yet to see an order prepared wrong.. If I want human interaction, I'll go for a bartender (or a hooker.) If I want a properly made sandwich, give me a touchscreen any day !!
I just wish you could order ANYTHING for breakfast that didn't have eggs.
Can we talk about Wawa?
http://www.philly.com/philly/jobs/industries/retail/20080727_PhillyDeals__Wawa_hoagie_rolls_now_from_Vineland.html
Best Cheesesteak near Logan Square
I used to live at Park Town Place (on the parkway) when I first moved to Philly. I had a roast beef sandwich at Cherry Street EVERY NIGHT on the way home from work. If the beef was just roasted, and rare, I would have it just like that. If it had been cooked well done, I would have it soaked with gravy.
I don't believe they even HAVE a grill there. They DO roast their own beef, an it is a great beef-n-beer bar. Maybe not up to Nick's but they are not a legend.... just a great corner taproom.
Fogo vs. Chima
I have been to both, but not for a few months. Anyone recommend one over the other. My son's 18th birthday is tomorrow, and he is up for some rodizio. I'm closer to CC than Na Brasa or Picanha,
Just wondering how each are faring recently. I like the parking situation better at Chima..
good liquor stores in Philadelphia (for rums)
The best liquor stores in Philadelphia are in New Jersey .
Best Cheesesteak near Logan Square
Agreed .. Especially if you order one with fried onions (or sauce) it will be a soggy mess unless eaten immediately. Sometime they can be a soggy mess even if you DO eat them immediately.
Can we talk about Wawa?
Wawa dumped Amorso last year for a Jersey bakery (an apparent tax dodge by the Amoroso family to bake in a zone where they benefit from tax credits, and don't need to pay union drivers) so they don't get daily delivery any more.
There are lots of great Jersey rolls, but Wawa is not buying from Liscio's .. that's for sure.
Best Cheesesteak near Logan Square
I just remembered Mace's Crossing right on the Parkway. I usually get their chicken cheesesteaks (the only place in the world I eat those..) I am sure their traditional cheesesteaks must be quite good as well.
