xtian

Rx makes a really great chai creme brulee, served with pomegranate molasses. Its one of my favorites (and unfortunately usually keeps me from ordering all the other fabulous choices on their dessert menu).

On the olive oil subject-- Friends had brought us back olive oil from Marrakesh that was the best I've ever had. The writing was in Arabic, so I don't know the name. Does anyone know of some good Morrocan olive oil that cen be sourced in Philly/Montco?

I would suggest checking out Patty & John's restaurant, near Hanover, PA. I have eaten there several times and found it be one of the better choices in the area... albeit off the beaten path. They do plenty of group dinners and banquets, although I have never been there for that type of occasion, so don't know if the price or quality differs. For an evening meal in their restaurant (they also have a tavern), $20 might be tough. Another budget option you might consider, if you don't need a sit down meal is Seven Valleys Winery. However, you would need to hire a caterer or bring in your own food. It is the perfect size though and is a very nice location. You can only serve their wines, and we brought in an extensive buffet of antipasti, cheeses, desserts which we put out as a stationary buffet and had a very nice party. They will also coordinate pig roasts for you.

Agreed! It is worth a trip to RTM just for that and their baby arugula to make the most delicious BLTs ever. Bacon is double-smoked and comes from Green Meadow Farms. This thread might even inspire me to pull out the Saveur issue from this winter that featured bacon... bacon tempura, peanut butter-bacon cookies, and more.

You might also check out Armenian Delight in the burbs, on West Chester Pike in Broomall. Obviously it is more Armenian than Greek, but they carry many Greek products. I have used their spanikopita when catering to greek clients and it was hit. Good Luck!

You should really check out Hanareum (sp?), which is a Korean supermarket located at the intersection of Broad & Cheltenham. Not exactly NW Philadelphia, but it is a very short drive down Cheltenham. They carry sashimi grade tuna and other fish at great prices. They also carry basic salmon filets, chicken, beef, and amazing produce at great prices. I forget how the prices run on take-out sushi, but it is very fresh. Also, for great life-on-a-budget items, check out the frozen gyoza, dumplings, and shumai... It is a great way to entertain on a shoe string.

We are headed there for two weeks in August and we'll stay with friends in Margaree Harbor/Chetticamp area most of the time. My chef husbamd would love to take advantage of the local specialities-- whatever they may be?... Besides, I'd sure appreciate some inexpensive local watering holes that have a great clam fry, or whatever it is you folks eat up there. Finally, what the good local beer? All suggestions are much appreciated!

I visit there often and never fail to come home with more than I need, just because if looks so damn good! And the peonys!...

Persian Grill in Lafayette Hill has fabulous kebobs, although I can never break away fromt the ground chicken one-- such a nice, garlic-lemon flavor. The real treat though, it the rice that it come with. Yum.

I recall just reading about a picnic basket special being offered by Smith & Wollensky ... or is it McCormick & Schmicks (they all blur together to me!) that sounded wonderful. $55 for a multi-course menu for two, packaged to go with plates, cloth napkins, etc. Add some wine or sparking lemonade and you're all set!

Try Lee's Produce on Fayette/Butler in Conshohocken.

Alma de Cuba has a private dining room upstairs and would be a great choice if your budget allows. As far as I know its stairs only though, so that might not work for your group. Brasserie Perrier also has a private room. Haven't been to Moshulu for quite awhile, but that might also be a nice option for summertime, waterfront dining.

Croquembouche could be a beautiful option. Traditionally a wedding cake, but rules are made to be broken, right? Miel does them, but Aux petit Delices is much more reasonable.

It is actually this Sunday, the 10th. You still have time to get tickets!

My hub did the personal chef thing for awhile (as the chef, not the client). He cooked at the client's house on Mondays and left a meal for Tuesday, and then cooked a meal on Wednesday and left a meal for Thursday. The clients would typically eat out at restaurants, parties, fundraisers on the weekend nights. It was a great set up and at the time and complemented our catering biz well, since most of our gigs were on weekends. Great for me too, because he could shop and prep two extra portions and knock out our dinner at the same time. It eventually ended due to the client's divorce. The challenges for him were mainly the idiosyncracies of the clients-- kids didn't like fish or anything spicy, wife liked frou-frou, husband liked comfort food... it is tough to come up with continually creative meals that will please everyone at the table. On the other hand-- a single person (especially an adventurous eater like Holly) would probably be much easier in that regard. Based on his experience as well as others that I know, it seems that word of mouth is the best way to connect. Although, I have seen listings on Craig's list from time to time and that may be a good place to posted a wanted ad. Everyone I know who has done this is a freelance catering chef & has a flexible schedule.