REPORT: eG "Heartland" Gathering 2012 (Philadelphia)

**Chris Hennes** · August 9, 2012

The annual Heartland Gathering is upon us, as people started arriving in Philadelphia today. My first stop was the Fair Foods Farmstand in the Reading Terminal Market to pick up a pork shoulder for the Saturday Feast: it's in the sous vide rig now....

KatieLoeb · August 10, 2012

Mmmm. Pork shoulder. Can't wait to try that on Saturday!

So a small bunch of us made it over to Lemon Hill this evening for some fine grub and cocktails and to welcome Kerry Beal and torakris in true Philly style. I met up with the ladies, soon followed by philadining and cdh. Yummy snacks of crispy chicken livers, beets, pastrami spiced chicken wings (damn these are good, how had I never ordered them before?) and crispy pork belly were universally enjoyed. Fine cocktails, expertly prepared by Pete, our stellar barkeep. Quick surgical strike at Capogiro for some fabulous gelato/sorbetto for dessert. It was good to be vertical. And to eat. My tank was running low. Feeling renewed and ready for tomorrow!

Mummer · August 10, 2012

Glad y'all could get together. Looking forward to our dinner @ Zahav tonight. Hopefully the rain will serve as a well needed coolant & leave the area. Enjoy our wonderful city!

rlibkind · August 10, 2012

Just back from Iovine Brothers Produce at RTM where I purchased ingredients for tomorrow night's gazpacho. Food cost: $12.67.

philadining · August 10, 2012

Didn't have the good camera with me last night - but I promise to bring it to Zahav! But I couldn't resist a quick iPhone snapshot during our stop at Capogiro:

Yep, that's Ramos Gin Fizz Gelato. I can't say it tastes just like the cocktail, but it was good!

I love their bitter chocolate gelato, but I might actually prefer the sorbetto, when they have it. It's a pure, direct chocolate bomb... (Paired here with Cactus Pear... )

So, note to other visitors, get to a Capogiro! There are several:

13th and Sansom

20th and Sansom

3925 Walnut in University City (West Philly)

1625 East Passyunk Ave (South Philly)

more info, hours, flavors, etc:

http://capogirogelato.com

percyn · August 10, 2012

Are we going to Capogiro after Zahav (assuming they are open) tonight? Have to try that Ramos Gin Fiz.

Capaneus · August 10, 2012

I say Zahav to Southwark to Capogiro, for the full compare-and-contrast effect - and to see the comical look of excruciating agony on the wrist-disabled bartenders' faces!

philadining · August 10, 2012

It might be a little too late... but we'll see what time it is when we finish up at Zahav. If we can make it, I'd be up for it! They're usually open until midnight-ish on fridays in the summer.

**Chris Hennes** · August 10, 2012

A group of out-of-towners were led (by Katie Loeb) through the Italian Market. Of course I've got a zillion photos, but I'll start with the important ones... what we ate at Paesano's:

We had the Paesano, the Arista, the Panelle, and the Gustaio. And some potatoes.

**Chris Hennes** · August 10, 2012

Since we had clearly not eaten enough at Paesano's, we also hit Isgro for cannoli...

But first, some other shots of Isgro:

At long last, the cannoli is filled (fresh of course, so it stays crisp):

And finally, the gang, basking in the glow of the cannoli:

**Chris Hennes** · August 10, 2012

Naturally we hit Fante's as well, and look what we found on the shelf:

So of course we had an impromptu book signing:

If you haven't been to Fante's it's almost reason enough to visit Philly, it's aisle after aisle of kitchenware:

**David Ross** · August 10, 2012

The annual Heartland Gathering is upon us, as people started arriving in Philadelphia today. My first stop was the Fair Foods Farmstand in the Reading Terminal Market to pick up a pork shoulder for the Saturday Feast: it's in the sous vide rig now....

Now how did you get that machine on an airplane out of Oklahoma?

**Chris Hennes** · August 10, 2012

The machine itself is very small, I just bought the cooler at the 7-11 when I got here.

gfweb · August 11, 2012

Great stuff! Wish I were there.

nolnacs · August 11, 2012

Mmmm.... Isgros cannoli... so delicious.

gfweb · August 11, 2012

For the full Philly you gotta have a Wawa

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KatieLoeb · August 11, 2012

Although a bit further from the Italian Market, the cannolis from Varallo's Bakery at 10th & Morris are pretty awesome too. They're closed for vacation until September as of this week, but their "special" cannolis have the ends of the shells dipped in chocolate and the filling is laced with Strega. OMG. Those might be my fave cannolis in the city. The rest of their cookies, pastries and cakes are amazing as well, and outrageously inexpensive for the quality. Have to show that place to you all on a future visit.

Edited August 11, 2012 by KatieLoeb (log)

philadining · August 11, 2012

Dinner at Zahav:

Edited August 11, 2012 by philadining (log)

rotuts · August 11, 2012

thanks for so many (delicious) pictures!

**Chris Hennes** · August 11, 2012

Great photos, Philadining. We will get some course descriptions up soon, courtesy of Jim, one of the servers from Zahav.

percyn · August 11, 2012

It was great to meet everyone yesterday, even though the table setup was not optimal for mingling.

Zahav was excellent! Hope I had some leftover Duck Hearts and Lamb for breakfast today :wub:

Beth Wilson · August 11, 2012

Wow! The food looks delicious! One day I will make it to one of these events. Thanks for all the great photos.

cdh · August 11, 2012

Absolutely fantastic meal last night! Great turnout of old and new faces, and sublime cooking by Zahav's magical kitchen. How they acheived the tenderness in the duck hearts will remain a wonder...