Arkansas Blacks made their appearance this week at Benuel Kaufman's produce stand. These are small, hard, excellent storage apples. Put them in your fridge's crisper and they'll stay crisp at least until February. I find they get even a little sweeter over time. Benuel is selling them for $1.69/pound, the same price for Pink Lady and Rusty Coat apples. I haven't tried them, but Pink Lady is a relatively new cross of Golden Delicious and Lady William varieties (I never heard of the latter before). The Rusty Coats are a flavorful russet variety; the "bite" is crisp, though the flesh is tender once you get through the skin. Benuel also had the unpasteurized cider this morning.
Not much new at the fish stores, though John Yi has "white" tuna fillet at $9.99. On the salmon front, sockeye and king were selling at $9.99 and $11.99, respectively; both have to be from frozen this time of year. Norwegian farm-raised going for $6.99, domestic for $5.99. Mahi Mahi was $4.99.
Iovine's has once again rearranged its layout and aisles to keep customers on their toes. Didn't see any porcini today, but the packaged hedgehog mushrooms were $9.99 vs. $14.99 for the loose variety, if I recall correctly; I repackaged the hedgehogs to a plain paper bag when I got home and other than being broken up, they looked just fine.
This time of year we like to try pumpkin ravioli. Pasta By George has it frozen. Not inexpensive, but a whole lot easier than making it myself. I serve them topped with a melted butter sauce flavored with fresh shredded sage leaves added just before serving.
Last week I remarked how Tokyo Sushi was dark at 11 a.m. and wondered whether they had shut the door on operations early now that their lease isn't being renewed. Not the case, they are open. Problem is, they've always been a bit sporadic about their hours. No doubt that was a contributing factor in market management's decision not to renew.
Reading Terminal Market
Started by
rlibkind
, Mar 04 2005 12:35 PM
1073 replies to this topic
#61
rlibkind
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#62
mrbigjas
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Posted 17 November 2005 - 05:00 PM
Iovine's has once again rearranged its layout and aisles to keep customers on their toes. Didn't see any porcini today, but the packaged hedgehog mushrooms were $9.99 vs. $14.99 for the loose variety, if I recall correctly; I repackaged the hedgehogs to a plain paper bag when I got home and other than being broken up, they looked just fine.
that's another one of those things you have to watch out for when wrapped in plastic (besides the peppers i whined about earlier). i bought some of the seconds cinnamon cup mushrooms in a package last week and when i got them home and unwrapped them to put them in paper, the smell was like getting punched in the face--i thought they were just wrapped tightly but they were slimy and moldy.
but on the bright side they took them back with no problem. i like the deals but just be careful what you're buying.
#63
rlibkind
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Posted 17 November 2005 - 08:24 PM
Sauteed the hedgehogs tonight (along with two big domestic whites) and they were just fine. Hardly needed any trimming at all.
Sometimes those plastic package specials are less than they seem, but as good merchants the Iovines, as you discovered, believe the customer is always right. Of course, Jimmy still hasn't supplied paper bags for the loose mushrooms, a topic I have repeated discussed with him for at least five years, to no avail. Often, I bring my own (or get one from another merchant) and brazenly open it with a broad downward arm movement through the air beside his computerized post at the head-end. Why don't you badger him too, mrbigjas, and maybe he'll starting supplying small paper bags for us! I mean, at $19.95 a pound and more for the exotic fungi, that's the least he can do.
Sometimes those plastic package specials are less than they seem, but as good merchants the Iovines, as you discovered, believe the customer is always right. Of course, Jimmy still hasn't supplied paper bags for the loose mushrooms, a topic I have repeated discussed with him for at least five years, to no avail. Often, I bring my own (or get one from another merchant) and brazenly open it with a broad downward arm movement through the air beside his computerized post at the head-end. Why don't you badger him too, mrbigjas, and maybe he'll starting supplying small paper bags for us! I mean, at $19.95 a pound and more for the exotic fungi, that's the least he can do.
#64
mrbigjas
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Posted 18 November 2005 - 07:51 AM
you know, that's not a bad idea. i think i will!
#65
wkl
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Posted 18 November 2005 - 08:34 AM
paper bags for breathability? or some other reason?
thanks in advance.
thanks in advance.
#66
wkl
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Posted 18 November 2005 - 08:47 AM
also, thanks to the advice upthread, godshalls quickly packaged up 12 lbs of chicken for me on a friday morning. i also bought a whole duck from them for $4 something/lb. i used it to make two recepies from paula wolferts new book. the duck was delicious and at that price i may be working duck into my weekly meals this winter.
from fair food i purchased a bag of dried pasta/ noodles made from spelt. they were unmarked and the girls there weren't sure how to prepare them, so i just boiled them quickly and gave them a little bath in some rendered duck fat. really good. a nutty flavor and chewy texture. i'd reccommend them if they still have them.
from fair food i purchased a bag of dried pasta/ noodles made from spelt. they were unmarked and the girls there weren't sure how to prepare them, so i just boiled them quickly and gave them a little bath in some rendered duck fat. really good. a nutty flavor and chewy texture. i'd reccommend them if they still have them.
#67
rlibkind
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Posted 18 November 2005 - 08:53 AM
I don't know the technical reason, but I would imagine "breathability" is the key. If you aren't using mushrooms as soon as you bring them back from the store, they keep best in a paper bag. The paper bag lets the moisture escape so they don't get slimy. Of course, keep them for more than a day and they'll start to dry out, but that's a problem you can cope with (lots of mushrooms are dried then reconstituted, after all) as opposed to going rotten due to excess moisture.paper bags for breathability? or some other reason?
thanks in advance.
#68
rlibkind
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Posted 26 November 2005 - 09:02 AM
Saturday, Nov. 26 visit
I arrived right when the market opened this morning at 8 a.m. and found a parking space on Arch. That means it will be a slow day, what with refrigerators overstuffed with turkey leftovers. The sandwich and trinket merchants should do fine today with holiday shopping crowds, but the meat, fish and produce vendors aren't expecting a plethora of buyers.
Earlier this week I stopped by Whole Paychek for red meat (one of the few areas where this chain offers some decent value). Since I was planning on a Mexican dish, I thought limes would be nice for margaritas. Wrong. At 50 cents each for conventional Mexican limes, I passed them by and drank beer instead.
So, how much were the Iovine brothers getting for the same limes at the Reading Terminal Market this morning? A mere 20 cents. (Same price for lemons.) Another big Whole Paychek/Iovines price difference: Bananas. Yes, the Whole Paychek banana is "organic", but is that really worth twice the price (99 cents vs. 49 cents per pound)?
Some other interesting pricing disparities among citrus fruits at Iovines today. Florida navel oranges were five for a $1, but Florida juice oranges were 4 for $1. Reason? I'm only guessing, but I think the navel orange crop is new to Florida (in this country navels are traditionally grown in California) and the growers are attempting to establish a market presence. Also, the juice oranges were simply better: for the same size orange, the juicers were heavier (not unexpected). That's a good rule in judging citrus fruits of all kinds. Pick out the heaviest individual fruits in its variety; it will be loaded with juice, which is what you want.
The Mexican Haas avocados at Iovines were the largest I ever recall seeing, and they were ripe and ready at $1 apiece. Grab bags remain great deals. A five-pound bag of sweet potatoes for $1 represented a substantial saving over the 3 pounds for a dollar price in the bins. Maybe these sweets weren't quite as perfect looking, but they'd mash just fine. Among the bell peppers, greens were $1.49, while reds, yellows and oranges were $1.99 (not a bad price for the yellows and oranges). I usually do not buy out-of-season berries, but it was hard to resist the Costa Rican blackberries at $1 for a half-pint. They smelled good and didn't look bad (though the individual berries are small). They will be lunch today in some yogurt.
Although you may not wish to think of bird after Thursday, if you've got a crowd to feed a much more succulent alternative to turkey is capon. L. Halteman, Harry Ochs and Godshall all carry capon for the holidays, and all were priced at just under $3 a pound. What sets this castrated cock apart is (1) lots of breast meat and (2) juicier breast meat.
If you want cheap wild salmon, John Yi has it: Alaskan salmon filets at $2.99 a pound. Of course, this isn't sockeye or king (which go for $10-14 a pound); although the clerk couldn't tell me, it most likely is either chum or pink salmon, which usually winds up in cans. Still, this would be very appropriate and economical to use in salmon cakes or even salmon salad or spread. In fact, I would be perfect as a spread if you chopped in just a little bit of a strong smoked salmon for added kick along with capers, finely chopped herbs (dill or chives) or sweet pickles. (To my mind, it would be a waste to use king or sockeye for a canape spread unless you had some scraps as leftovers.)
Also at the fishmongers: good-looking swordfish steaks at $7.99; same price for cod steaks at John Yi's. Halibut fillet $11.99 and steaks $10.99 at Golden Seafood. Where Yi was selling farmed striped bass (actually a white bass-striper cross) for $4.99, Wan Seafood was offering wild striped bass for the same price.
Has anyone else noticed there a box for tips on the Golden Seafood counter?
Yellow railroad tracks are painted down the central aisle between Arch and Fibert to direct visitors to the holiday model train exhibit at the Reading Terminal Headhouse. I saw it last year and enjoyed it immensely. Not quite as impressive as the layout at Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry, but the terminal's layout is only temporary and impressive nonetheless. Take the kids of all ages to see it.
I arrived right when the market opened this morning at 8 a.m. and found a parking space on Arch. That means it will be a slow day, what with refrigerators overstuffed with turkey leftovers. The sandwich and trinket merchants should do fine today with holiday shopping crowds, but the meat, fish and produce vendors aren't expecting a plethora of buyers.
Earlier this week I stopped by Whole Paychek for red meat (one of the few areas where this chain offers some decent value). Since I was planning on a Mexican dish, I thought limes would be nice for margaritas. Wrong. At 50 cents each for conventional Mexican limes, I passed them by and drank beer instead.
So, how much were the Iovine brothers getting for the same limes at the Reading Terminal Market this morning? A mere 20 cents. (Same price for lemons.) Another big Whole Paychek/Iovines price difference: Bananas. Yes, the Whole Paychek banana is "organic", but is that really worth twice the price (99 cents vs. 49 cents per pound)?
Some other interesting pricing disparities among citrus fruits at Iovines today. Florida navel oranges were five for a $1, but Florida juice oranges were 4 for $1. Reason? I'm only guessing, but I think the navel orange crop is new to Florida (in this country navels are traditionally grown in California) and the growers are attempting to establish a market presence. Also, the juice oranges were simply better: for the same size orange, the juicers were heavier (not unexpected). That's a good rule in judging citrus fruits of all kinds. Pick out the heaviest individual fruits in its variety; it will be loaded with juice, which is what you want.
The Mexican Haas avocados at Iovines were the largest I ever recall seeing, and they were ripe and ready at $1 apiece. Grab bags remain great deals. A five-pound bag of sweet potatoes for $1 represented a substantial saving over the 3 pounds for a dollar price in the bins. Maybe these sweets weren't quite as perfect looking, but they'd mash just fine. Among the bell peppers, greens were $1.49, while reds, yellows and oranges were $1.99 (not a bad price for the yellows and oranges). I usually do not buy out-of-season berries, but it was hard to resist the Costa Rican blackberries at $1 for a half-pint. They smelled good and didn't look bad (though the individual berries are small). They will be lunch today in some yogurt.
Although you may not wish to think of bird after Thursday, if you've got a crowd to feed a much more succulent alternative to turkey is capon. L. Halteman, Harry Ochs and Godshall all carry capon for the holidays, and all were priced at just under $3 a pound. What sets this castrated cock apart is (1) lots of breast meat and (2) juicier breast meat.
If you want cheap wild salmon, John Yi has it: Alaskan salmon filets at $2.99 a pound. Of course, this isn't sockeye or king (which go for $10-14 a pound); although the clerk couldn't tell me, it most likely is either chum or pink salmon, which usually winds up in cans. Still, this would be very appropriate and economical to use in salmon cakes or even salmon salad or spread. In fact, I would be perfect as a spread if you chopped in just a little bit of a strong smoked salmon for added kick along with capers, finely chopped herbs (dill or chives) or sweet pickles. (To my mind, it would be a waste to use king or sockeye for a canape spread unless you had some scraps as leftovers.)
Also at the fishmongers: good-looking swordfish steaks at $7.99; same price for cod steaks at John Yi's. Halibut fillet $11.99 and steaks $10.99 at Golden Seafood. Where Yi was selling farmed striped bass (actually a white bass-striper cross) for $4.99, Wan Seafood was offering wild striped bass for the same price.
Has anyone else noticed there a box for tips on the Golden Seafood counter?
Yellow railroad tracks are painted down the central aisle between Arch and Fibert to direct visitors to the holiday model train exhibit at the Reading Terminal Headhouse. I saw it last year and enjoyed it immensely. Not quite as impressive as the layout at Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry, but the terminal's layout is only temporary and impressive nonetheless. Take the kids of all ages to see it.
#69
rlibkind
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Posted 26 November 2005 - 09:14 AM
Nov. 26 visit
Addendum
Benuel Kaufman was low on Arkansas Black apples today, but he expects to bring a lot more in next week. He had Pink Ladys, Stayman Winesaps and other varieties. Also well stocked (as of 9 a.m.) with unpasteurized cider.
Earl Livengood finished his outdoor market season Tuesday at Passyunk and South, but he's still at the Reading Terminal. We adore his tiny little potatoes, which we fry up (unpeeled) in a little oil with onion, garlic or leek. I also bought chestnuts today. Keep them in the 'fridge until you cook them.
Addendum
Benuel Kaufman was low on Arkansas Black apples today, but he expects to bring a lot more in next week. He had Pink Ladys, Stayman Winesaps and other varieties. Also well stocked (as of 9 a.m.) with unpasteurized cider.
Earl Livengood finished his outdoor market season Tuesday at Passyunk and South, but he's still at the Reading Terminal. We adore his tiny little potatoes, which we fry up (unpeeled) in a little oil with onion, garlic or leek. I also bought chestnuts today. Keep them in the 'fridge until you cook them.
#70
mrbigjas
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Posted 26 November 2005 - 01:25 PM
kauffmans has had plenty of cider this year so far, even late enough for an afternoon shopper like me. i've been cruising through about a quart a week, and i know i've said it before, but it bears repeating: this is about the best cider i've had anywhere, reminding me of how cider was when i was growing up and we got cider from styer's orchards in langhorne, where they would take school groups on tour past the old cider press... anyway, they apparently stopped making it for several years, but started up again last year. i had some and it was disappointing after kauffman's.
another note from today: sometimes it pays to ask about less common ingredients. i was at harry ochs picking up some short ribs and on a whim i asked them about getting sweetbreads. turned out they had some that they'd gotten in today, fresh in 1-lb vacuum packages, $10.99 a pound, which they assured me will easily last a week refrigerated. so i bought a package, and now i'll have to cook them, which i've never done before.
but the point is, i thought they had to be preordered, and it turns out they don't necessarily. something to keep in mind.
another note from today: sometimes it pays to ask about less common ingredients. i was at harry ochs picking up some short ribs and on a whim i asked them about getting sweetbreads. turned out they had some that they'd gotten in today, fresh in 1-lb vacuum packages, $10.99 a pound, which they assured me will easily last a week refrigerated. so i bought a package, and now i'll have to cook them, which i've never done before.
but the point is, i thought they had to be preordered, and it turns out they don't necessarily. something to keep in mind.
#71
rlibkind
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Posted 26 November 2005 - 02:20 PM
I'm not a big gland fan, but nice to know Harry has them. I did buy my beef navels there last week, but they had to be ordered.
Now, can we get veal cheeks? I"ll have to ask. As you proved, if you don't ask, you won't know. But I won't ask about lights. I haven't wanted to know since I accompanied my dad to fix an an abbatoir's refrigeration system.
Now, can we get veal cheeks? I"ll have to ask. As you proved, if you don't ask, you won't know. But I won't ask about lights. I haven't wanted to know since I accompanied my dad to fix an an abbatoir's refrigeration system.
#72
mrbigjas
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Posted 26 November 2005 - 03:33 PM
veal cheeks and hanger steak are the two things i haven't asked for yet. oh and beef heart. as far as lights, that just refers to lamb right? i mean, people don't bother with beef lights, do they?
#73
philadining
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Posted 26 November 2005 - 04:56 PM
OK, I'll bite (or maybe I won't...) what are "lights"?
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#74
jamiemaw
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Posted 26 November 2005 - 05:17 PM
OK, I'll bite (or maybe I won't...) what are "lights"?
The lungs. When making haggis from lamb, you ask for 'the pluck': liver, heart and lights. From a non-smoking sheep.
from the thinly veneered desk of:
Jamie Maw
Food Editor
Vancouver magazine
www.vancouvermagazine.com
Foodblog: In the Belly of the Feast - Eating BC
"Profumo profondo della mia carne"
Jamie Maw
Food Editor
Vancouver magazine
www.vancouvermagazine.com
Foodblog: In the Belly of the Feast - Eating BC
"Profumo profondo della mia carne"
#75
rlibkind
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Posted 26 November 2005 - 09:29 PM
Nov. 26 visit
Addendum No. 2
Forgot the mushrooms at Iovines:
The mushrooms look neat here, because it was taken shortly after the market opened at 8 a.m. before we customers had a chance to mess them up. The porcini were back at $39.99 a pound.
Addendum No. 2
Forgot the mushrooms at Iovines:
The mushrooms look neat here, because it was taken shortly after the market opened at 8 a.m. before we customers had a chance to mess them up. The porcini were back at $39.99 a pound.
#76
rlibkind
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Posted 26 November 2005 - 09:32 PM
Yes, lamb, but now that I think about it, I imagine veal would work.veal cheeks and hanger steak are the two things i haven't asked for yet. oh and beef heart. as far as lights, that just refers to lamb right? i mean, people don't bother with beef lights, do they?
#77
Kobi
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Posted 27 November 2005 - 11:14 AM
Has anyone ever had anything particularly noteworth at "By George," the Italian prepared foods and pizza stand? Everything always looks great, I have never gotten around to going, though.
Thanks!
KOBI
Thanks!
KOBI
#78
rlibkind
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Posted 27 November 2005 - 11:17 AM
I think George's has a very decent pizza, and the prepared foods I've tried have been good. The eggplant parm makes a wonderful low-carb lunch! Last week I picked up some of the frozen pumpkin ravioli; declicious served with sage butter. By all means, try it. Same owner also operates Mezze in the center court.Has anyone ever had anything particularly noteworth at "By George," the Italian prepared foods and pizza stand? Everything always looks great, I have never gotten around to going, though.
#79
mrbigjas
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Posted 27 November 2005 - 02:53 PM
Same owner also operates Mezze in the center court.
oh! that explains why their slices cost the same...
by george used to sell a potato and caramelized onion pizza that i loved, but they don't have it anymore, and no one knows what i'm talking about when i ask for it. i feel like i'm in the twilight zone or something. i love their pizza. i'd like to get a fresh one made sometime and eat it directly out of the oven--i suspect it would stand up to some of the best pizza places in town--but at this point i've only had slices.
#80
rlibkind
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Posted 27 November 2005 - 06:49 PM
I agree -- they've got the best pizza no one ever talks about in the city. And better than some that are talked about.oh! that explains why their slices cost the same...Same owner also operates Mezze in the center court.
by george used to sell a potato and caramelized onion pizza that i loved, but they don't have it anymore, and no one knows what i'm talking about when i ask for it. i feel like i'm in the twilight zone or something. i love their pizza. i'd like to get a fresh one made sometime and eat it directly out of the oven--i suspect it would stand up to some of the best pizza places in town--but at this point i've only had slices.
Hmmmmm . . . sounds like a definite Pizza Club outing. Perhaps coupled with a quick trip to or from Fairmount for Rembrandts and Illuminare, perhaps.
#81
shacke
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Posted 28 November 2005 - 11:19 AM
Nov. 26 visit
Addendum No. 2
Forgot the mushrooms at Iovines:
The mushrooms look neat here, because it was taken shortly after the market opened at 8 a.m. before we customers had a chance to mess them up. The porcini were back at $39.99 a pound.
While the porcinis looked better than what I found today, they were there nonetheless and I look forward to roasting them tonight. Thanks for the heads up.
Dough can sense fear.
#82
shacke
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Posted 01 December 2005 - 05:31 PM
Stopped off at Fair Food on my day off looking for brussel sprouts and lamb. Wound up with neither but while there, I went to Harry Ochs for some good lamb, Iovines for my sprouts, little purple potatoes and more porcinis. I inquired about special ordering beef cheeks given the talk about sweetbreads and special stuff on a different thread. I hope to do that one day but would need a sharing partner (min order 10 lbs).
Fischer's pretzel for lunch
Love the $2 parking........ really love the sunday hours coming too. My kids will really like going to see the trains.
Evan
Fischer's pretzel for lunch
Love the $2 parking........ really love the sunday hours coming too. My kids will really like going to see the trains.
Evan
Dough can sense fear.
#83
hathor
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Posted 01 December 2005 - 05:32 PM
Evan, I would go in with you on some beef cheeks. I'm sure they can be frozen.
let me know.
let me know.
#84
I_call_the_duck
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Posted 01 December 2005 - 05:42 PM
I'd love to try to make beef cheeks. Count me in.
Karen C.
"Oh, suddenly life’s fun, suddenly there’s a reason to get up in the morning – it’s called bacon!" - Sookie St. James
Travelogue: Ten days in Tuscany
"Oh, suddenly life’s fun, suddenly there’s a reason to get up in the morning – it’s called bacon!" - Sookie St. James
Travelogue: Ten days in Tuscany
#85
mrbigjas
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Posted 02 December 2005 - 07:45 AM
i'm in as well if you need someone else.
there should be a new pinned thread:
ISO: SPECIALTY ITEM ORDER SHARING PARTNERS
there should be a new pinned thread:
ISO: SPECIALTY ITEM ORDER SHARING PARTNERS
#86
shacke
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Posted 02 December 2005 - 12:32 PM
i'm in as well if you need someone else.
there should be a new pinned thread:
ISO: SPECIALTY ITEM ORDER SHARING PARTNERS
Sounds like a good idea. The special order would have to come in on a Monday (according to Ochs) and I would need to be off work unless someone wanted to pick it up. I am happy to order it and float the capital.
When I get back from Cali, I will pm those interested and get a big order once I find out the details.
cool
Evan
Dough can sense fear.
#87
rlibkind
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Posted 04 December 2005 - 11:14 AM
For photo and generic report on the Market's first Sunday opening, please see RTM Open Sundays In December topic.
As to what I found on this first Sunday, offerings were abbreviated, at least between 10 and 11:20 a.m. when I was there. John Yi's, for example, didn't seem to have a full complement of fish, though Wan's did. Likewise, Harry Ochs' offerings in the display case appeared truncated, though I'm sure if you didn't seen a regular cut they could pull it out of the walk-in box for you; I purchased a pack of Boars Head cooked brats for dinner (I've got the kraut, which I think I'll cook in some riesling and juniper berries).
The white tuna at Yi's may be getting a bit long in the tooth. Price was $7.99 today, down $2. Still waiting for all the holiday seafood goodies to show up.
Iovine's was fully stocked, including the good looking assortment of mushrooms. Larger than normal clementines were $4.99 a box; I tried one when I brought it home and it was deliciously refreshing. Also bought a couple of rather tiny sweet red peppers, priced at 99-cents/pound, and some garlic, potatoes, juice orange, scallions. If you're craving fruit cake, Iovines still has the Claxton brand from Georgia at $3.99; if you like fruit cake (I do) it's quite good, even if it is better living through chemistry. Depending on size, navel oranges were either 3 or 5 for $1; lemons and limes still 20 cents apiece. Florida juicers 4/$1. Haas avocados $1 apiece; the bin had two different Mexican Haas sub-varieties: one very dark green, the other a lighter shade with a very slightly smoother skin. Both appeared ready to eat.
Also picked up some lingonberry preserves at the Spice Terminal (an absolute necessity if you like Scandinavian-style waffles). Spice Terminal fully stocked for your holiday baking needs.
Until about a year ago the Spice Terminal carried my favorite orange marmalade, "Tiptree Tawny Orange" from Wilkin & Sons. Haven't had any luck finding it until I was at the Columbus Blvd. Super Fresh a couple of weeks ago. It's not to everyone's taste since it is on the slightly bitter side and has rather thicker than normal shreds of rind.
As to what I found on this first Sunday, offerings were abbreviated, at least between 10 and 11:20 a.m. when I was there. John Yi's, for example, didn't seem to have a full complement of fish, though Wan's did. Likewise, Harry Ochs' offerings in the display case appeared truncated, though I'm sure if you didn't seen a regular cut they could pull it out of the walk-in box for you; I purchased a pack of Boars Head cooked brats for dinner (I've got the kraut, which I think I'll cook in some riesling and juniper berries).
The white tuna at Yi's may be getting a bit long in the tooth. Price was $7.99 today, down $2. Still waiting for all the holiday seafood goodies to show up.
Iovine's was fully stocked, including the good looking assortment of mushrooms. Larger than normal clementines were $4.99 a box; I tried one when I brought it home and it was deliciously refreshing. Also bought a couple of rather tiny sweet red peppers, priced at 99-cents/pound, and some garlic, potatoes, juice orange, scallions. If you're craving fruit cake, Iovines still has the Claxton brand from Georgia at $3.99; if you like fruit cake (I do) it's quite good, even if it is better living through chemistry. Depending on size, navel oranges were either 3 or 5 for $1; lemons and limes still 20 cents apiece. Florida juicers 4/$1. Haas avocados $1 apiece; the bin had two different Mexican Haas sub-varieties: one very dark green, the other a lighter shade with a very slightly smoother skin. Both appeared ready to eat.
Also picked up some lingonberry preserves at the Spice Terminal (an absolute necessity if you like Scandinavian-style waffles). Spice Terminal fully stocked for your holiday baking needs.
Until about a year ago the Spice Terminal carried my favorite orange marmalade, "Tiptree Tawny Orange" from Wilkin & Sons. Haven't had any luck finding it until I was at the Columbus Blvd. Super Fresh a couple of weeks ago. It's not to everyone's taste since it is on the slightly bitter side and has rather thicker than normal shreds of rind.
#88
rlibkind
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Posted 10 December 2005 - 11:24 AM
It's holiday time! That means candy.
Another candy purveyor of note is Fisher's in the Pennsylvania Dutch section. Great little hard Christmas candies. I'm particularly fond of their orange slices; much more natural taste that most of the jell slices you can find. While it's not paté de fruit, it is good.
Although they don't sell the variety of candies to be found at the other two purveyors, Pennsylvania General Store offers some interesting sweets, including its own "Keystone Crunch", a cracker-jack like concoction. I'm a sucker for the chocolate covered potato chips, as well as the Swiss chocolate truffles made in Lancaster County by a bona fide Swiss chocolatier (Albert Parisi of Neuchatel Chocolates.
Onward to less intensively sweet items . . .
John Yi's is taking orders for holiday fish if you're planning a Seven Fishes feast. Squid, sardines, etc. Today I picked up a nice looking hunk of wild stripped bass filet ($9.99/pound); I'll probably bake it with onions, olives, capers. What's available now at the RTM's three fish vendors is pretty much their standard fare. I'd expect to see the rarer items starting late next week. (Though squid is hardly rare; it's always available. Wan sells some fairly large squid -- I think it's labelled "sepia" -- which I had last June in Douglas, Alaska. It was prepared as a square piece of flesh, maybe 3x5 inches, then sauteed and served as a "steak". Quite delicious with a citrus sauce.)
Harry Ochs still offers plenty of great cuts of beef, lamb, veal, etc., but it seems as if a bigger portion of the vendor's business is in ready-to-cook and/or eat items. The meat loaf, patés and pot pies always look good. A gent next to me bought a stuffed pork chop (small, because he only has a toaster oven). I went for a hunk of tied chuck for pot roast.
Iovines still has boxes of large and refreshing clementines at $4.99 apiece. No porcinis when I arrived this morning, but the rest of the mushrooms were there. I picked up a "grab bag" of domestic whites, which worked out to $1/pound vs. $1.99 pound regularly; I checked them out when I got home and while they need normal cleaning, looks like they are 99% useable. Perfect to go with the pot roast, along with the parsnips I bought. Small red, orange, and yellow bell peppers all selling for 99-cents/pound; I might sautee strips to go with that stripped bass, or add them to the baking dish. Over at OK Lee produce I spied cactus pears for 99-cents apiece; I'll puree them for margaritas tonight.
Benuel Kaufman out of cider today, but should have more during the week. Arkansas Black apples are no more.
Earl Livengood still had chestnuts, which I've put in the 'fridge for roasting in a day or two. Nice variety of potatoes, and cute little cauliflowers maybe 4-5 inches across. Also Brussels Sprouts on the stalks. Earl also had green peppers out of his storage that looked good, though small: three for $1.
Attention mrbigjas: They aren't booze soaked (that's a DIY project I can get into) but L.L. Halteman's offers three or four different types of "homemade" fruit cakes, each priced a $6.29.
Paul Seinke, RTM manager, said the first of the new merchants to open shortly after the New Year will probably be Flying Monkey Bakery, which currently is a wholesale supplier to restaurants and also does retail baked goods catering. This is its first retail venture. Strictly sweets, not breads. (The Jewish deli that will open in the new year will feature breads, rolls, etc. from Kaplan's New Model.)
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Edited to add content
Another candy purveyor of note is Fisher's in the Pennsylvania Dutch section. Great little hard Christmas candies. I'm particularly fond of their orange slices; much more natural taste that most of the jell slices you can find. While it's not paté de fruit, it is good.
Although they don't sell the variety of candies to be found at the other two purveyors, Pennsylvania General Store offers some interesting sweets, including its own "Keystone Crunch", a cracker-jack like concoction. I'm a sucker for the chocolate covered potato chips, as well as the Swiss chocolate truffles made in Lancaster County by a bona fide Swiss chocolatier (Albert Parisi of Neuchatel Chocolates.
Onward to less intensively sweet items . . .
John Yi's is taking orders for holiday fish if you're planning a Seven Fishes feast. Squid, sardines, etc. Today I picked up a nice looking hunk of wild stripped bass filet ($9.99/pound); I'll probably bake it with onions, olives, capers. What's available now at the RTM's three fish vendors is pretty much their standard fare. I'd expect to see the rarer items starting late next week. (Though squid is hardly rare; it's always available. Wan sells some fairly large squid -- I think it's labelled "sepia" -- which I had last June in Douglas, Alaska. It was prepared as a square piece of flesh, maybe 3x5 inches, then sauteed and served as a "steak". Quite delicious with a citrus sauce.)
Harry Ochs still offers plenty of great cuts of beef, lamb, veal, etc., but it seems as if a bigger portion of the vendor's business is in ready-to-cook and/or eat items. The meat loaf, patés and pot pies always look good. A gent next to me bought a stuffed pork chop (small, because he only has a toaster oven). I went for a hunk of tied chuck for pot roast.
Iovines still has boxes of large and refreshing clementines at $4.99 apiece. No porcinis when I arrived this morning, but the rest of the mushrooms were there. I picked up a "grab bag" of domestic whites, which worked out to $1/pound vs. $1.99 pound regularly; I checked them out when I got home and while they need normal cleaning, looks like they are 99% useable. Perfect to go with the pot roast, along with the parsnips I bought. Small red, orange, and yellow bell peppers all selling for 99-cents/pound; I might sautee strips to go with that stripped bass, or add them to the baking dish. Over at OK Lee produce I spied cactus pears for 99-cents apiece; I'll puree them for margaritas tonight.
Benuel Kaufman out of cider today, but should have more during the week. Arkansas Black apples are no more.
Earl Livengood still had chestnuts, which I've put in the 'fridge for roasting in a day or two. Nice variety of potatoes, and cute little cauliflowers maybe 4-5 inches across. Also Brussels Sprouts on the stalks. Earl also had green peppers out of his storage that looked good, though small: three for $1.
Attention mrbigjas: They aren't booze soaked (that's a DIY project I can get into) but L.L. Halteman's offers three or four different types of "homemade" fruit cakes, each priced a $6.29.
Paul Seinke, RTM manager, said the first of the new merchants to open shortly after the New Year will probably be Flying Monkey Bakery, which currently is a wholesale supplier to restaurants and also does retail baked goods catering. This is its first retail venture. Strictly sweets, not breads. (The Jewish deli that will open in the new year will feature breads, rolls, etc. from Kaplan's New Model.)
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Edited to add content
Edited by rlibkind, 10 December 2005 - 11:28 AM.
#89
lancastermike
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- participating member
- 1,324 posts
Posted 10 December 2005 - 02:30 PM
We visited RTM this morning, and just like Bob, we were at the candy stand to get chocolate covered pretzels. I was eyeing up the wild striped bass as well, did not make the purchase as we were not heading right home and did not want to keep the fish too long.
We were in early and it was not as crowded as other times I have visited. We did walk oveand see the train exhibit. Just as well as there was no cider as my wife does not like me drinking unpasteurised and neither of us are crazy about doing business with Amish for reasons I won't mention here. Well, maybe I will. Ask them if they or any of their family members sells dogs. Puppy mills, a real big Amish business, are a horror in Lancaster Co.
I did tell Maggie when we left that if I lived in Philadephia we would eat alot better and I would weigh alot more.
Enjoyed another trip to Philadelphia and to the RTM.
We were in early and it was not as crowded as other times I have visited. We did walk oveand see the train exhibit. Just as well as there was no cider as my wife does not like me drinking unpasteurised and neither of us are crazy about doing business with Amish for reasons I won't mention here. Well, maybe I will. Ask them if they or any of their family members sells dogs. Puppy mills, a real big Amish business, are a horror in Lancaster Co.
I did tell Maggie when we left that if I lived in Philadephia we would eat alot better and I would weigh alot more.
Enjoyed another trip to Philadelphia and to the RTM.
Mike Weidinger, Lancaster PA.
Any day now, Any day now, I shall be released
Dogs are never gratutious
My Blog
Any day now, Any day now, I shall be released
Dogs are never gratutious
My Blog
#90
mrbigjas
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- participating member
- 3,573 posts
Posted 10 December 2005 - 02:54 PM
today i was at fair food and my wife asked what kind of meat sales they had going on. they didn't have any but mentioned that liver is always on sale. so i asked what else they had of that nature that wasn't liver, and ended up with three lamb's tongues, reasonably priced at $2 a pound. it's a little over half a pound, so now i just gotta figure out what to do with them. i reckon fergus henderson's recipe for lamb tongue with bacon and turnips will do...
and i bought one of those fruitcakes from haltemann's. i'm psyched.
and i bought one of those fruitcakes from haltemann's. i'm psyched.
