A Happy Happy-Hour Food and Bev Experience

I'm not sure why a few of my friends and I thought it was a good idea to gather for a Christmas Eve happy hour this year because Center City was shutting down early and Philly was a bit of a ghost town by 6 p.m. Everything was closing early including Sampan where we eventually wound up. Gotta say, really glad otherwise another year may have gone by where I was unaware this little gem of a bar/restaurant existed.

I know they have a daily weekday Happy Hour, and I'm sure it's as special as it was this past Christmas Eve where they offereed $4.00 appetizers and $4.00 speciality cocktails, all of which tasted great and went down very smoothly, at a super-friendly bar with a beautiful, bright asian-influenced decor. I can't say for a fact that the staff is always this accomodating, but on this night, they couldn't be more so...the bartender's were so friendly, knowledgeable about the product and restaurant, and perhaps because they knew they would get done early, went above and beyond to make us feel so welcomed. We all were getting into the holiday spirit(s)! Sampan (124 South 13th Street)truly is an oasis of contemporary Asian small plates located in the heart of Center City, with a friendly staff and beautiful atmosphere...and that's why I recommending you check it out for yourself sooner rathter than later :). http://sampanphilly.com

My Own Cocktail Creation or Darn, I Coulda Had a V-8 Fusion :-)

Proud of it and that's why I'm sharing the recipe with YOU!

First step - chill your favorite cocktail glass in the freezer...everything tastes better in a cold glass or mug, right?

Then add ice just to keep it cold.

Add 1 shot - Tequila (I recommend Patrone)

Add 2 parts - V8 Fusion Energy Orange/Pineapple Flavored
                        Antioxidant Plus Veggie/Fruit Drink

Stir/Drink/Repeat

Delicious, refreshing and adds that little boost of energy you need when you're hosting a cocktail party, or attending a friend's party...oh yes, I sometimes bring my own beverage just for the fun of it!

A Food and Wine Affair to Remember

http://www.mainlinetoday.com/Main-Line-Today/Food-and-Wine/2013-Visitor-Info/

As I always say "wine" not whine!"  Sharing this event with all my fellow wine lovers who love a good sampling.

Whether you like a rich bold Malbec (Trivento) and a lighter Pinot Noir, the Main Line Today Food and Wine Affair has got you covered.  I'm thrilled to be a part of the Grand Tasting on Friday and am excited to broaden my horizons and palette.  A few years back I discovered the amazing Pinot Noir's from Williamette Valley and frankly they're so good, I've been kind of stuck there ever since.  This Friday, Williamette choices will be "in the house," but I'm excited to branch out into other areas.  Thankfully, my (and YOUR) choices are plentiful!  At Friday's Grand Tasting, you'll be able to sample wines from Banfi Vintners, E&J Gallo (MacMurray, Don Miguel, LaMarca), Majectic Fine Wines, Rutini Wines (including sparkling), Opici Wines, Picolo Tesoro, Remy Cointreau, Robert Kacher Selections, Rutherford, Subarashii Kudamono, Trinchero Family Estate and more.

While I will only be attending Friday night's Grand Tasting, I do wholeheartedly recommend the Winemaker's Dinner the evening before...see why by clicking the link (above) or at www.ilikebenfm.com...the dinner features a brilliant 7-courses and it's always a perk to learn from the experts which wine to serve with any fantastic meal!  I hope you'll come lift a glass with me Friday, September 20th at the Desmond...I'd love to taste right along-side YOU! Cheers!

CHEESESTEAKS

When you grow up in Philly, you know a little something about this sandwich.  While my Dad made a fairly good one in our little Mayfair kitchen, once I discovered how many great CheeseSteak places existed in Center City and South Philly, well, sorry Pop...I found my love of the meat/cheese/bun elsewhere.

For my money, no one does it better than Tony Luke...the man is gifted and without exception remains my Cheesesteak King.  A close second for me is D'Allesandro's in Roxborough though, and maybe it's because sitting at that counter is pure Philly and having grown up here, it just brings back great memories of counter-dining, a special after-school event on any given weekday in Northeast Philly.

Now, I say this with much love and respect for my suburban friends, but the absolute BEST cheesesteaks can only be found within our City limits...sorry Guiseppe's in Ambler, you know I love you too, but just not as much as my City joints...and boy are those joints jumping.  Just drive by Pat's and Geno's any weekend - yes packed...and like you, I've waited 20-minutes or longer to get my Jim's fix and I've already established how I feel about Tony Luke's, makes South Philly the cheesesteak capital of the world :-).

All that notwithstanding, I agreed to judge (for my old mates Preston & Steve) a few suburban-made cheesesteaks this morning and gotta say, they were all really really good. It was Bucks (Mike's in Warminster) taking on Montgo (Guiseppe's) vs. Delco (Cocco's in Aston. WINNER for all three judges was Delaware County - COCCO's in Aston whose cheesesteak, staight up plain-wid, on a delicious Amaroso roll was really fantastic! This must be true because it was on their menu - Cocco's has been voted best pizza in Delaware County 4 consecutive years, so head in and check em out. 2430 Dutton Mill Road in Aston - www.coccosaston.com - Of course, I haven't tried the pizza yet...so jury is still out, in fact, that's a whole other blog post :-)

Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival

Based on how many food-related posts are on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter, Pinterest, etc. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only woman (or man) in the world who gets genuinely excited by food...the taste, the smell, the presentation...all of that genuinely moves me.

So when a food and wine fest comes to town...in this case a town I can get to in an hour...well, like a hot stove, I get really fired up.  The Atlantic City Food Fest is one of the best in the nation...now in it's 6th year it's even bigger and better...they've got it down to a Science - the science of great food and great guests.  Special guests this year include Chef Robert Irvine, The Neelys (Pat & Gina), Rocco Dispirito and Wine Expert Laurie Forster.  Oh, there's lots more...to many to list but all available on the website (link provided below).

If I could learn to cook from anyone in the world, Chef Irvine would be in my top 5 choices (along with Jose Garces, Mark Vetri, Rocco Dispirito and Jamie Oliver).  After I tasted Chef Irvine's sweet potato mash, I was certain I would never eat anything that tasted better!  Like most incredible, well-respected Chef's he's got the gift!

And what goes so well with sweet potato?  Yep, you guessed it Neely's bbq'd anything, pork, chicken, you name it, when it's cooked with all the flavors these two bring, you simply want that smell to live in your nostrils.

I could go on and on and on about great dining experiences, being lucky enough to have tasted wines that will change your life...but what I recommend always is first-hand experience...and you can get that and a whole lot more at the upcoming Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival.  Life is short folks, make it flavorful and satisfying.

Deets:  http://www.caesars.com/acfoodandwine/details.html#page=home

Is the Last Course the Best Course?

It is when it looks like this!

More amazing is that this Jewish Apple Cake Cupcake tastes even better than it looks.  I never embellish the truth when it comes to taste, and this baby is all that and more!  More of a mini-cake with the perfect blend of apples and cinnamon which gives it that honest sweetness (the best kind in my opinion) with the decorative cream-cheese icing giving it a little extra kick.  Not overly sweet, not bland...just perfect!  In the shape of a cupcake gives it that beautiful presentation, and a little less guilt.

Carmel's Last Course in Glassboro, New Jersey also features cream puffs, Chocolate Bottom Macaroons, Rocky Road Candy, as well as an amazing array of cookies including Dark Chocolate Cookies with Raspberry Filling.  If you're having a special event, or just want to treat yourself...do it-contact CarmelsLC@verizon.net.  You only live once so have the cupcake!

Marilyn

BEST TOPPING FOR YOUR BURGER OR DOG!

Memorial Day Weekend is the official launch of Summer...AND the start of grilling season!

So what sets your burgers apart from the rest?  Is there a special sauce or topping that enhances the experience?

Let's share our favs with the rest of the class so we can all try something new and special.  This blog and question inspired by Lucky's Last Chance award-winning PBJ Burger...which I never thought I'd love as much as I do...yes, it's topped with peanut butter and includes a side of jelly and it's amazing!

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD TRUCKS!

At last Saturday's Manayunk StrEAT Festival, there were more food trucks lined up along Main Street than I could count...or taste-test for that matter.  Yes, my usual favs were there, Jimmie's Cupcakes, Joe's Spuds, Mac Mart Cart and Vernelicious, but someone (sorry I can't remember whom) suggested I try Nomad's...the amazing pizza truck with a brick-oven built right inside (that's just cool right?).  Well, thank you fellow-foodie because I believe it was love at first bite...the heaven's opened, the angels sang and for the time it took to eat 2 slices of pizza pie, life was beautiful! 

Perhaps it was the anticipation because just as my Promo Intern got back to our table and sat the pizza down...old friends of mine arrived and we were chatting it up for at least 15-minutes. While we spoke, I looked over their shoulder at least once a minute admiring the artisty of that pizza, longing to take a bite, listening to my stomach growl, hoping they didn't notice how distracted I was the entire time.

Then finally, I got my first bite of what is without exception the BEST brick-oven pizza I have ever tasted!  NOMAD's...if you see this truck out on the street, any street, do yourself a favor and pull over to place an order, even if it means cutting someone off - it's THAT good!  And special thanks to Manayunk Development Corporation for putting together such a great foodie (food-truck) event.  Make sure you head to the Yunk through this Sunday and enjoy lunch or dinner at any one of the fine establishments on Main Street for Restaurant Week...life is short folks...have the pizza!

Just Another Reason to Celebrate CAKE!

Recently judged for City of Hope's "Let Em Eat Cake" event and while this cake didn't take the grand prize I gave it high praise in the cool and silly category.  Great Event for a Greater Cause!

FIRE & ICE = Great food and FUN...my favorite combination

This Friday is the grand opening of a new Restaurant/Bar/Event space called Fire & Ice, 312 Market Street in Olde City, Philly.  I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek last Friday and can't wait to attend because I was really wowed!  You will be too!

I got to sample a few items from the menu which included one of their seafood specialities...Cod...and it was delicious.  In fact, I ordered and was thoroughly enjoying the Mac&Cheese but my friend ordered the Cod and once I tasted it, I wound up eating half his plate...it's that good.  We spoke to the Chef, who was gracious enough to share a few ingredients and while I don't want to spoil it for you...the dash of nutmeg on the Cod brought the flavor to life.

I would be remiss if I didn't point out that the bartender also whipped up a lovely Grey Goose cosmo for me that worked on many different levels...tasted great and helped me relax and start the weekend on the right note :-)!

Everyone's invited to Fire & Ice for their very special Grand Opening Event this Friday, January 24th, so tell a friend and check it out!  I recommend making a dinner reservation, then staying for the after-dinner party!

BelVita for Breakfast

With my hours, breakfast is a real challenge...somehow I'm not always in the mood to whip up something hearty and healthy (and delish) at 4:45 a.m.  Really glad I found BelVita breakfast crackers...the perfect blend of nutrition-sustained energy with 19g of whole grain per serving and energy-releasing B-vitamins and fiber. They taste great, fill me up and give me that little extra boost of much-needed energy.  Of course, having grown up in Northeast Philadelphia and driving by the old Nabisco factory with that amazing smell of cookies wafting from the building...maybe the best smell ever...I'm a long-time fan of Nabisco products.  May I admit that I still miss Brown-Edged Wafers?  So, BelVita is a great find and a perfect breakfast choice - big fan of the Golden Oat, but they also come in other flavors like Blueberry, Apple Cinnamon and Chocolate.  Try em - I think you'll like them too!