Lisa1349

Muchos kudos to Katie for hosting yet again! The food... yum. The highlight for me were the bacala fritters. Oh wow - imagine tempura-ish batter with something great that made them orange - paprika? I thought I'd be thrilled with the fried plantains, but I prefer the sweet, super ripe ones.

Philly Falafel balls have the slightest twinge of curry in them, which I enjoy and is new to me. I went the second day they were open and they were so happy. I sat in the window so passersby would see others there enjoying. I love the fries with the sandwich combo - they come sprinkled with fried onions and hot peppers. A nice touch to the usual previously frozen. I couldn't tell if they were using frozen fries or not - I'll have to investigate again. They did mangle my order - sandwich combo no tomato with fried eggplant inside. I got tomato and no eggplant. Minor kink that will not keep me away. They're right next to my parking garage and nail salon! Edited to add: they are closed Saturdays and Friday after 3pm.

I haven't read LaBan's review yet. I mentioned to Katie how the food was more than 2 star. If the space looked like Striped Bass (I adore chef Lee there as well) in a larger space, this would be a three star place. Next time I have to sink into the lobster mac n cheese. We were thinking of attempting it along with the pistachio goat, but were more responsible than that! There were only 2 people in the kitchen as well. Chef and I assume sous. This is an advantage because there isn't a large team who hasn't been trained properly, it's 2 people who know their stuff. Imagine someone in the food biz has an early dream of their own restaurant. Then imagine they weren't poisoned by bad examples and didn't sour of the business. This is the restaurant of a chef who endured, and never lost sight of the dream.

I've been meaning to ask what 'Louisiana style pizza' is - the statement on their sign. So you were down the block and didn't visit the aisles of balsamic here? Hmpf.

The beers were hit and miss. They did have a great peach ale while in season. The food was usually a miss. The decor was log cabin-ish with a minimal bar. They closed almost a year ago and nothing has filled the space yet. They got by with mediocrity because of the office parks nearby. The main downfall was Outback Steakhouse opening in the same stripmall. Many of the beers had little finish, complexity or carbonation. There is a decent Indian Restaurant in that same stip mall, whose name escapes me.

I'll be stopping by a preview party tonight, and report back on the new digs.

We indeedly do not currently have Tarama. We've got it's meze cousin, Taramasolata. Our suppliers do have it and we'd be happy to special order for you, with discounts for case purchases. PM me! Speaking of Greek specialties, we do have fage Greek yogurt that I am addicted to.

Can you buy rabbit at DiBruno? I know where you can ← Rabbit sausage from D'Artagnan Rabbit may be included in our new frozen offerings set to unveil in a few weeks.

Most recently leftover taco meat on whole wheat bread with gobs of mayo. Quite yummy.

Sometimes I don't bother and it works to my advantage. If the cashier doesn't know the difference between haricot verts and stringbeans, I deserve to save that $2 a pound.

The recipe for cherry fig brownies from Petite LuLu is amazing. They will become my signature homemade brownie. There is leftover fig jam that I will swirl in coffee cake or stick in thumbprint cookies. Anyone with even a passive liking for chocolate must make these bronies.

Thanks for the info! I probably won't make it that specific date, but the drive is beautiful and the farm is worth the drive from Philly, I've been there before.

I'll be there and have room for 3 more comfortably, 4 slightly squeezed into my Hyundai Elantra departing from the burbs. I haven't decided what to bring.

Victory is in a similar spot. Tentative date for road trip is Sept 10th.

A message has been forwarded to me about a special event happening at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia this Saturday Aug 27th. A sampling of over 50 brews from around the region with music and more. Visit www.worldcafelive.com for tickets and more info. $28 in advance, $33 at door. I can't make it but it looks fabulous.

After enjoying their 10th anniversary brew, Decadence, at Monk's recently, I decided it's time I made a pilgrimage to see their digs in Easton. Their website speaks of tours and tastings on Saturdays from 12-3. Has anyone been? I'm planning to attend during my 'not going anywhere' vacation from work in September. Over the years as my interest in ferments has grown, so has their skill. They're better and better all the time.

Yes, but which DeLorenzo's? I vote for our first stop that was my first pizza club experience.

One truck I've been meaning to try for 2 years: across the street from Elephant and Castle on 18th and Market, diagonally across from Starbucks. There is always such a line it's hard to get by on the sidewalk and always smells of BBQ. Anyone know it?

Did you find out the hard way as they don't take reservations?

Does the Pocono brewery still make beer on site? They've been there for at least 10 years on 611 a couple miles before Camelback. That would be the only place of it's kind up there.

I do recall some many months ago, a newly paternal forum host asked Eric Asimov about more beer articles. Their reply? also features a multimedia tasting which discusses American hops. Bravo.

I most certainly am if it can be on a Sunday. Sounds similar to a certain potluck in North Jersey! Great ideas by Katie and Evan.

Jack & Ollie's from England makes Gorgonzola and red onion chips that are divine. The Bistro Chips are good, and leave finger residue like Cheetos.

Professional chefs have enough problems getting food out to the dining room. How could what happened have been a surprise? I was morbidly curious and couldn't take my eyes off. When it was over, I mourned my wasted hour. GIVE ME A REAL PRIMETIME BROADCAST NETWORK SHOW ABOUT FOOD!!!

Wow, wish I could make it... the beau and Mom have the nerve to share the same birthday, this weekend. We'll be enjoying BBQ at The Smoked Joint. What a great idea, Andrew.