Media Digest for PA Forum

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Craig Laban finds Le Jardin firing on too few cylinders as the most recent culinary occupant of the Art Alliance manages to disappoint.

Rick Nichols finds a new modern take on Romanian food at Delanco’s Europa Café as Carmen Rednic takes cues from Transylvania, Austro-Hungary and soccer-playing countries around the world as she creates dishes drawing from all parts of her background.

Diann Marder does a little follow-up with Julie Powell, the girl who decided to tackle an entire Julia Child cookbook in one year, and managed to become a reality star made good.

Murry’s Deli, the well-known Bala Cynwyd deli, has expanded in West Chester, and also added a smart little bar with an small yet impressive wine list.

Philadelphia Daily News

Sono Motoyama pops in on Aya’s Café and finds the Italian and Egyptian menu a solid selection great for a neighborhood place.

City Paper (Philadelphia)

Maxine Keyser tastes of the proudly Calitalian Sovalo and finds its offerings more than up to par.

Carolyn Wyman gives out the 411 on some of the local places you can pick your own apples.

Drew Lazor updates us with the skinny on four joints recently debuted.

Pat Hogan makes sure we know about some local food events sure to liven up somebody’s tongue.

In the Philadelphia Weekly ,

Lauren McCutcheon satisfies her longings for Stephen Starr at Buddakan as she finds it as tasty and familiar as ever.

Kirsten Henri alerts us all to the Patches of Star Dairy and its celebration of all things goat as the newly hip national food trend makes its way to the City of Brotherly Love.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bob Batz reports on continuation of a tradition as Italian wine-making is still alive in Brownsville, while also noting Brownsville mayor Norma Ryan’s contribution to the A Taste of Italy fundraiser event with a recipe or two.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Karin Welzel profiles a true family restaurant when Calabria’s goes under the microscope and shows off the mother, father and three brothers who work to ensure smooth sailing.

Sally Quinn reviews Bahama Breeze , a well-thought out chain restaurant that sets a nice tropical theme for its diners.

Michael Machosky lunches at Willow and finds the sister restaurant to Luma quite pleasing.

The Morning Call (Allentown)

Susan Gottschall visits the renovated Gregory’s Seafood Factory and finds it serving quality food at reasonable prices to hordes and hordes of folks.

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Craig Laban finds Restaurant Alba amidst the emergence of a fine northern Chester County dining scene.

Rick Nichols finds a Kimberton Hills farm that does more than just make organic food for area residents.

Deborah Scoblionkov marks on how groovy Auburn, Pennsylvania’s Long Trout Winery’s fruit wines can be.

Philadelphia Daily News

Sono Motoyama pops in on Bookbinder’s and discovers a tasty rebirth.

City Paper (Philadelphia)

Elisa Ludwig finds a new Korean barbeque joint downtown as Miran and finds a bevy of positives that make up for its (hopefully) correctable negatives.

Alex Richmond gives us a little sushi insight on differences in eating preferences here versus Japan.

Drew Lazor updates us with the skinny on four joints recently debuted.

Kelly White gives us the down-low on some

hidden foodstops worth your time spent searching.

In the Philadelphia Weekly ,

Lauren McCutcheon falls for the allure of Lan Zhou Noodle House when she sees the entertainment newcomers and veterans both enjoy.

Kirsten Henri finds a nice slice joint when NYPD Pizza imported itself onto 11th Street.

Neil Ferguson introduces us to the star attractions at the J&J Trestle Inn.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Karin Welzel finds that Fresco’s doesn’t limit itself to traditional Italian flavors for its inspirations.

Librarians found things to do other than stack books when they decided to publish First Editions: A Collection of Recipes from the Ligonier Valley Library detailing different hors d’oeuvres recipes from friends, staff and anyone else.

[philadining]

The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Craig LeBan finds the new Old City sushi spot Haru a horror, delivering a rare no-bells review…

Rick Nichols somehow manages to resist the lure of the roast pork and tries DiNic’s 5-Hour Brisket sandwich.

Michael Klein writes about the opening of the upscale Greek Estia, and the closing of South Street Spanish spot Mallorca, and more in this week’s TableTalk

Philadelphia Daily News:

Sono Motoyama pigs out at Porky and Porkie

City Paper:

Mary Armstrong gets fresh with seasonal foods

Carolyn Wyman shops and chops with Jean-Marie Lacroix.

Drew Lazor surveys new restaurants on the scene

Andrew parks gives his pics for Pub Grub

The Philadelphia Weekly

The Taste Dining Guide 2005 is viewable on-line or downloadable as a .pdf

Kirsten Henri reviews Liberties Walk pioneer Deuce, and goes into sugar shock at Chocolate by Mueller in the RTM

Neil Ferguson tosses back a few rounds at Krupas

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Alice T. Carter flips for La Filipiniana

Michael Machosky is crazy about Taqueria Taco Loco

Rochelle Hentges and Chris Pastrick do a pizza-slice shoot-out

The Morning Call (Allentown)

Sylvia Lawler visits Raphaela’s in Bethlehem for Caribbean and Latin-American cuisine.

Edited October 26, 2005 by philadining (log)

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Craig Laban finds a semblance of his N’awlins rumblings at Carmine’s Creole Café’s new, hopping domicile in Narberth.

Rick Nichols chronicles a duo checking out the grand old dame of oyster bars when they visit the Grand Central Oyster Bar.

Philadelphia Daily News

Sono Motoyama visits a Northern Liberties favorite when N 3rd and Peter Dunmire get sampled.

City Paper (Philadelphia)

Maxine Keyser finds something worth eating at Haru.

Elisa Ludwig crows about vegetarian dining power in the blocks west of Rittenhouse Square.

Drew Lazor talks about three new spots that will further expand the city’s dining repetoire.

Tami Fertig finds some worthy eats in New Jersey.

In the Philadelphia Weekly ,

Kirsten Henri checks out Deuce before indulging her sweet yet healthy tooth at Chocolates by Mueller.

Neil Ferguson finds old school drinks at Krupas.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Karin Welzel meanders around the Café at the Frick before findng out the latest on all manner of apples.

Kimberly Palmiero investigates Steelhead Brassiere & Wine Bar and finds the Marriott City Center’s restaurant quite fetching.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Amy McConnell Schaarsmith reminds us how easy it is to bake a pie from scratch.

Mackenzie Carpenter updates us on the state of salmon, fresh, farmed and wild.

The Morning Call (Allentown)

Susan Gottschall finds the the Shanty reborn as an uneven second version of the Allentown classic.

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Media digest November 7, 2005

The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Craig LaBan indulges in Korean Tofu Stews at Jong Ka Jib.

Rick Nichols raves about the rurki at the Polish bakery Julia Bakery& CafŽ.

Michael Klein describes a shake-up at Salt and Pepper, and more, in Table Talk.

The Mystery Muncher noshes at the new outpost of Murray's in West Chester.

The Daily News

Sono Motoyama hits the beach at Isla Verde.

City Paper:

Elisa Ludwig goes spelunking at Ambler's La Cava.

The phenomenon of offering dinner before a show is examined.

The Philadelphia Weekly

Lauren McCutcheon steps out onto El Balconcito for Portuguese-Peruvian fare in the Northeast.

Kristin Henry finds vegan desserts at Gianna's Grille.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Sally A. Quinn fights the crowds at McCormick and Schmick's.

The Morning Call (Allentown)

Susan Gottschall docks at Camden's Dockside in Easton.

Edited November 8, 2005 by herbacidal (log)

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Monday November 14, 2005

Philadelphia Inquirer

Craig Laban checks into the king of Philly BBQ, Sweet Lúcy's.

Rick Nichols stops by the newest hotspot in town, Amada.

Philadelphia Daily News

Sono Motoyama wanders into Positano Coast.

City Paper (Philadelphia)

A.D. Amorosi talks with David Ansill, who is remaking Judy’s Café into Ansill.

Maxine Keyser finds a glatt kosher Chinese restaurant in the western suburbs in

Yi Tzi-Peking.

Drew Lazor highlights four news items of note.

Carolyn Wyman talks about 5 cakes too good to share.

Philadelphia Weekly

Lauren McCutcheon wanders into the new good ol’ Happy Rooster.

Kirsten Henri finds a spot of tea at Remedy.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Amy McConnell Schaarsmith advises against procrastinating towards

preparations for Thanksgiving dinner.

Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher recommend some American cabernet sauvignon.

Charles Passy investigates Thanksgiving in a box for all the shortcut seekers out there.

Amy McConnell Schaarsmith finds some twists on Thanksgiving classics.

Pittsburgh Tribune

Karin Welzel finds the Franklin Inn reinvigorated by Mexican cuisine.

Kim Kweder finds American Root Beer Company amidst a national craft brewing boom in the soda industry.

Alice Carter finds Jacksons Rotisserie in an office park business hotel quite satisfying.

Morning Call (Allentown)

Susan Gottschall walks into the marriage of McDonald’s and the 1950s when she finds Fuddrucker’s.

Edited November 16, 2005 by herbacidal (log)

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Tuesday November 22,2005

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Craig LaBan pulls a chair up to The Chef’s Table in New Castle, DE before giving a good review to his own Thanksgiving barbequed turkey.

Rick Nichols gets pinched making pierogis at the Ukranian-American Citizens League of Philadelphia and also overcomes his childhood distaste for liver at Jake’s in Manayunk.

Michael Klein gives details about the new restaurant Gayle, Restaurant Taquet, The Sidecar Bar & Grille, and more, in Table Talk.

The Daily News

Sono Motoyama (and beau Stephane)see what’s shakin’ at Salt and Pepper.

April Lisante gets a little confused about what kind of food is really served at Amada, while telling us about Thanksgiving dinner at Jose Garces’ Glen Mills home.

City Paper (Philadelphia)

Carolyn Wyman talks turkey with Roger Bassett.

Pat Hogan notes recent openings and closings in Feeding Frenzyand upcoming events in What’s Cooking.

The Philadelphia Weekly

Lauren McCutcheon sees the plate as half-empty at Albertino Ristorante Italiano.

Kristin Henry gets bubbly about the new craftbrew sodas at DiBruno’s.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Karin Weizel staves-off hunger at The Mighty Oak Barrel.

Jolie Williamson gets some Italian comfort food at Johnny Carino’s.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Gretchen McKay rhapsodizes over B&B Breakfasts.

Bruce May offers some Thanksgiving wine pairings to pair with the bird and the mash.

The Morning Call (Allentown)

Susan Gottschall gives Vintage a swirl.

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This should have been posted Sunday/Monday, so articles included are those leading up to November 28, 2005.

City Paper (Philadelphia)

Maxine Keyser pops into Majolica.

Elisa Ludwig checks out some great dosas at Uduppi Dosa House.

The Philadelphia Weekly

Lauren McCutcheon wanders through the

Black Door.

Kristin Henry checks out Lacroix’s breakfast buffet.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Karin Welzel stops by Farmington’s Aqueous.

Healthy holiday cooking is the focus right now at California’s Center in the Woods.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Marlene Parrish gives the step by step on how to make your own gingerbread carousel.

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The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Craig LaBan follows the migrating ducks to Sang Kee Asian Bistro in Wynnewood.

Rick Nichols irons out the differences between a Bistro, a Bouchon and the French Laundry with Thomas Keller and Jeffrey Cerciello at the Four Seasons.

Michael Klein is living the Pura Vida and more in Table Talk.

The Daily News

Sono Motoyama gets sticker-shock at Estia.

City Paper:

Alex Richmond cures his hangover with a nice bowl of menudo.

Peter Burwasser offers up some wine pairings for the holidays.

Danny Adler gets fancy schmancy with upscale junk food.

Drew Lazor notes recent openings and closings in Feeding Frenzy.

Pat Hogan surveys upcoming events in What’s Cooking.

The Philadelphia Weekly

Lauren McCutcheon grades eating at local Culinary Schools, and also shares her Top 5 of the Moment which might just contain the only recorded use of the term “fart juice” in a food story.

Kirstin Henry makes fun of us here on eGullet in the course of describing the trials and tribulations of opening a restaurant in Philly, including the saga of Paul Lazrow and Sushi Nation as described in this eGullet thread.

Kirsten also ventures out to Adamstown, to Stoudts Brewery.

Steven Wells pines for British Puddings.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Alice T Carter checks is turning Japanese at Chaya.

Chris Pastrick and Rochelle Hentges referee a Ravioli Smackdown.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Nancy Anderson collects some Nibbles about the local food scene.

The Morning Call (Allentown)

Susan Gottschall dares to be different at Magnolia Vineyard.

Sylvia Lawler finds home-style Mexican at La Lupita.

Edited December 11, 2005 by herbacidal (log)

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Craig Laban visits Meze.

Rick Nichols visits Margaret Kuo’s in Wayne for a Sichuan education.

Philadelphia Daily News

Sono Motoyama visits Estia.

City Paper (Philadelphia)

Peter Burwasser looks into holiday quaffing options.

Alex Richmond investigates a personal favorite, offal, in the form of cow stomach.

Drew Lazor lists some up ‘n comers.

Danny Adler gives some restaurant fancified junk food.

The Philadelphia Weekly

Lauren McCutcheon pops in on local culinary schools to get some cheap eats.

Kristin Henri has a latte or eight at Chapterhouse.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Karin Welzel helps us get jiggy with Slovakian traditions as the Senkos guide us along.

Karin Welzel investigates what’s hanging at Halo Café.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Amy McConnell Schaarsmith offers party tips sure to help your holiday party run smoothly,

just before offering up some holiday recipes for Christmas dinner.

[herbacidal]

The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Craig LaBan looks back at the past year in The Bells of 2005. Despite an enthusiastic take on the local scene, there were no 4-bell reviews issued this year…

Rick Nichols tries to decipher the menu prose at Gayle .

Michael Klein is star-struck by the names associated by some new restaurant projects in Table Talk.

An anonymous diner visits Hamlet Bistro in Mt. Airy.

The Daily News

Sono Motoyama assesses the Mexican-French fusion at Paloma.

Joe Sixpack pops the top on a new trend for craft brewers: cans!

City Paper:

Maxine Keyser excavates Pompeii.

Carolyn Wyman reminisces about Tea Sandwiches at Lord and Taylor.

Drew Lazor notes recent openings and closings in Feeding Frenzy and burns his butt with Top 5 Spicy Dishes.

Pat Hogan surveys upcoming events in What’s Cooking.

The Philadelphia Weekly

Lauren McCutcheon is a sucker for the grilled octopus at Estia, and swings by The Hinge.

Kirstin Henry gets a lift from Crespelle, and gets toasted at some local dining or drinking spots with fireplaces.

Tom Acox corners two Unqualified Reviewers at Minar Palace.

Mara Zapeda puckers up for Preserved Lemons.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Sally A Quinn takes the tube to Elephant and Castle.

Michael Machosky grabs a dog at ”The Dirty O”.

Pamela Starr gets a lesson in Roasting Quail from Ryan Racicot of Trilogy.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Virginia Philips visits a local Feast of the Seven Fishes.

The Morning Call (Allentown)

Sylvia Lawler gets cozy on The Terrace.

Edited December 22, 2005 by herbacidal (log)

[herbacidal]

The media digest is/was on hiatus for the holidays. It will resume this coming Sunday.

Apologies, I neglected to post previously about this.

Edited January 3, 2006 by herbacidal (log)

[herbacidal]

Apologies, I've been overburdened with other duties to do very much with the media digest these last few weeks.

I'll be continuing my regular routine now.

The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Craig LaBan endures the waits for good tacos at La Lupe.

Rick Nichols renders his opinion about Dietrich’s.

Michael Klein alerts us to Posh Restaurant, and other recent openings in Table Talk.

The Daily News

The Mystery Muncher has lunch at Waterlilies in Lahaska.

Joe Sixpack wonders why all the brew-pub action is in: the burbs.

City Paper:

Maxine Keyser goes for broke at Estia.

Elisa Ludwig manages to decode the sign and not call Fat Daddies “Fat Dappies”.

Drew Lazor notes recent openings and closings in Feeding Frenzy.

Pat Hogan surveys upcoming events in What's Cooking.

Kelly White counts down the top 5 deliveries.

A.D. Amorosi blows out the candles at Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar.

The Philadelphia Weekly

Kirstin Henry says Gayle doesn’t blow, and mulls over warmed wine at North 3rd.

Niel Ferguson is pished-off at A Bar Named Sue.

Tom Acox corners two Unqualified Revfewers at The New Deck Tavern.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Karin Welzel mussels her way into Point Brugge, and slows down for the food at Six Penn.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Nancy Anderson Nibbles on food events.

Elizabeth Downer tracks the movement of the chefs from Baum-Vivant to Sunnyledge.

The Morning Call (Allentown)

Susan Gottshall samples the Portuguese cuisine at South Side Steel in Bethlehem.

Edited January 23, 2006 by herbacidal (log)

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Philadelphia Inquirer

Craig Laban highlights one of the pioneers, Astral Plane.

Rick Nichols looks at an Indian kitchen.

Philadelphia Daily News

Sono Motoyama visits Amada and loves it as much as we all do.

City Paper (Philadelphia)

Elisa Ludwig checks out the Center City version of a popular South Jersey eatery, Pelican Fish.

Carolyn Wyman visits cult favorite Wing Bowl’s supplier, the Rib Ranch.

The Philadelphia Weekly

Lauren McCutcheon visits the Sidecar Bar & Grille.

Kristen Henri waxes poetic about escarole soup at the Fitzwater Café.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Karin Welzel finds salmon 3 ways when 3 chefs present different styles of preparation.

Karin Welzel advises those less familiar not to cut the noodles.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

David Douglas Shannon focuses on

a Steeler bar in the land that film built.

Marlene Parrish talks about yet another inter-city sports championship wager as the Gazette and the Post-Intelligencer throw down.

the Morning Call (Allentown)

Susan Gottschall finds everything satisfactory at Billy’s Downtown Diner.

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The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Craig LaBan declares the tapas tops at Amada.

Michael Klein is fired-up about Palate Restaurant, and lists other recent openings in Table Talk.

City Paper:

Trey Popp surveys the state of the cheese plate.

Ellen Minsavage give props to Mom&Pop ops.

Elisa Ludwig waffles about Bonte.

Kristin Detterline sips a pint at South Philly Taproom.

Drew Lazor notes recent openings and closings in Feeding Frenzy.

Pat Hogan surveys upcoming events in What’s Cooking.

The Philadelphia Weekly

A look at the competitive eating, and apparently, competitive cleavage, at The Wing Bowl.

Kirstin Henry is living the Pura Vida at a new Guatemalan restaurant, and then talks about Rome a lot before sneaking in a few words about pizza at Rembrandt’s.

Niel Ferguson can barely bear Barristers, so he races to Grace. .

Tom Acox corners two Unqualified Reviewers at Mama’s Pizza.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Karin Welzel gets nutty with the chef of Asiago Euro-Cuisine.

Alice T Carter drifts down the Blue Nile to Abay.

Michael Machosky is over the moon about New Moon.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“Munch” goes to the CreekHouse.

Amy McConnell Schaarsmith gets fresh with the chef at Bona Terra.

The Morning Call (Allentown)

Susan Gottshall finds updates of Italian classics at Pasta e Vino in Bethlehem.

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the Philadelphia Inquirer

Craig Laban elaborates on the mysteries of four bells while reminding us not to forget about some of the restaurants with three bells and mentioning two that

lost a bell.

Rick Nichols finds

Cornbread and Coffee amidst a revitalized Ogontz neighborhood.

Rob Watson test drives some Valentine’s Day cookbooks geared for men who want to impress women.

Philadelphia Daily News

Joe Sixpack laments the ending of our local availability of Beamish.

Philadelphia Weekly

Lauren McCutcheon visits Salt and Pepper.

Kirsten Henri gives a few of the many options for Valentine’s Day.

Mara Zepada continues her food adventures with Supper Club as Meze chef Konstantinos Pitsillides and wife open their home to her.

Philadelphia City Paper

Maxine Keyser goes back to an old favorite, Villa di Roma and finds little has changed for the worse.

Caroline Wyman peeks into Shari Stern’s Love Bites class and learns how couples learn to get along in the kitchen.

Pat Hogan finds out What’s Cooking.

In these days of love, Kristin Detterline scouts out her top 5 aphrodisiac dishes.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Karin Welzel finds that the Bigelow Grille makes ‘burgh favorites a little more upscale.

Ann Haighs knows that kitchen gadgets will always be loved.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Amy McConnell Schaarsmith spices up some stews.

Egullet’s Russ Parsons talks with the Chez Panisse co-founder Paul Aratow who recently translated the cookbook that gave him his start in the kitchen.

Morning Call Allentown

Susan Gottschall falls in love again at Amici Trattoria.

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The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Craig LaBan feels the burn at Szechuan Tasty House.

Rick Nichols confers with the boulevardiers at Ansill.

Michael Klein tells us about Shouk, changes at Avalon and more in Table Talk.

Marilynn Marter makes a table of contents for The Book and The Cook Festival.

Diana Marder toasts local Wine Clubs.

City Paper:

Elisa Ludwig cleanses her Palate.

Alex Richmond deals with global warming with vanilla ice cream at Serrano.

Gary M Kramer steeps to conquer local tea shops.

Jeremy Samsoe gambles on Las Vegas Lounge.

Drew Lazor notes recent openings and closings in Feeding Frenzy.

Pat Hogan surveys upcoming events in What’s Cooking.

The Philadelphia Weekly

Kirstin Henry skewers Picanha Brazilian Grill and takes stock of Stock’s Poundcake.

Mara Zepeda decides it’s time to make the doughnuts with Vada Mix from the market.

Tom Acox corners two Unqualified Reviewers at Maoz vegetarian.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Karin Welzel pounds a schnitzel at Kleiner Deutschmann.

Kimberly M Palmiero gives a snapshot of Paparazzi.

Michael Machosky takes a swing at Pinati.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Nacy Naderson is bowled over by the South Side’s Mid-Winter Soup Contest.

The Morning Call (Allentown)

Susan Gottshall waves a red cape at Fieta Olé in Emmaus.

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the Philadelphia Inquirer

Craig Laban pops in on Estia.

Rick Nichols visits Trenton’s other burg and finds Blue Danube.

Coffee travels through the world’s many cultures before settling in at the city’s coffeehouses galore.

Philadelphia Weekly

Kirsten Henri checks out the classic Italian trattoria that opened on Sansom Street in 2005, Gioia Mia.

Neil Ferguson travels to Conshohocken only to be letdown by Carol’s Place.

Kirsten Henri checks out a hookah at Shouk.

City Paper Philadelphia

Maxine Keyster visits Mio Sogno as chef Joe Polutro brings back old South Philly.

Elisa Ludwig wanders into the latest neighborhood center for alcohol abuse, the Sidecar Bar & Grille.

Gary Kramer finds his Top 5 Small Plate Places full of tasty treats.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bruce May highlights a personal favorite, bourbons and visits the Old Rip Van Winkle family of bourbons.

Elizabeth Downer highlights the latest comfort food made good as grits becomes trendy north of the Mason-Dixon line.

Pittsburgh Tribune

Karin Welzel finds a haven of seafood amidst the city of three rivers as

Rico’s Restaurant continues its tueleage under longtime chef Dennis DeLuca.

Karin Welzel teaches us how to make tasty vegetables and grains during this season of sacrifice.

Morning Call Allentown

Susan Gottscchall finds the Fairways Tavern & Grille not quite as tasty as can be.

[herbacidal]

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Craig Laban checks out northeast Philadelphia’s rodizio at Picanha Brazilian Grill.

Rick Nichols test drives New Tripoli’s apple dumplings.

Marilyn Marter visits chefs on their night off.

Sono Motoyama tells us about sous vide cooking.

Philadelphia City Paper

Carolyn Wyman previews this year’s the Book and the Cook Festival.

Maxine Keyser visits Django to check on changes post-sale.

Philadelphia Weekly

Kirsten Henri checks out Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge

Anonymous gets the 411 on Maslenitsa aka Butter Week, the Russian version of Carnival.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Amy McConnell Schaarsmith gets efficient as she gives us some one-dish meals.

Virginia Phillips talks about unglamorous pork butt.

Pittsburgh Tribune

Karin Welzel visits Scoglio and gets Italian.

There’s a change in perception as Irish food moves from bland to hearty.

Morning Call Allentown

Susan Gottschall peeks into the Bowers Hotel.

[herbacidal]

The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Craig LaBan find the food more rewarding than the menu prose at Gayle.

Rick Nichols surmises that the bubble has burst on soda drinking.

Marylin Marter turns up the heat on the Sous-Vide controversy.

City Paper:

Elisa Ludwig follows Bryan Sikora to Sovano. and is amazed to discover good food in the burbs.

A.D. Amorosi picks his Top 5 rising Star chefs.

Drew Lazor notes recent openings and closings in Feeding Frenzy.

Pat Hogan surveys upcoming events in What's Cooking.

Josh Chamberlain plunges into Dive.

The Philadelphia Weekly

Kirstin Henry is not buffaloed by Ted’s Montana Grill , and explores Astrology and Food.

Mara Zepeda decides it’s time to make the doughnuts with Vada Mix from the market.

Tom Acox finds two Unqualified Reviewers at June’s Restaurant.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Karin Welzel takes some tastes at Tasca Navarre Tapas Bar & Restaurant.

Michael Machosky drools over attempts to make the world’s largest pizza.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Gabrielle Banks tells us about a Pizza-Throwing Contest.

Virginia Lim toys around with Single-Purpose Kitchen Gadgets.

Amy McConnel Schaarsmith takes a tour of Indian Regional Cuisines, tastes some at Green Tree Kitchen and provides a Glossary of Indian Cooking Terms.

The Morning Call (Allentown)

Susan Gottshall experiences Hungary pangs at Paprika’s in Hellertown.

[herbacidal]

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Rick Nichols visits Center City's vegetable mainstay, Sue's Produce.

Philadelphia Weekly

Shouk introduces the hookah lounge concept to the South Street area.

Kirsten Henri shows us just how easy marshmallow peeps can be to make, while Neil Ferguson reminds us that

Euro soccer fans rally at all hours to watch their favorite teams duke it out real-time.

Philadelphia City Paper

Noted local beverage writer Lew Bryson introduces us to a local upstart trying to bring Bluecoat American Gin to the marketplace.

The local Slow Food chapter’s March event, focused on a topic near and dear to my heart, offal.

Kelly White finds 5 great egg dishes at restaurants around the city.

New places in the area include a wine bar on 13th St. and replacements for Buttercup Bakery and Passerelle.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Here’s a guide to choosing and enjoying wine.

Pittsburgh has seen a growth in meal preparation stores that some hope is more than a fad.

Pittsburgh Tribune

Shiloh is the place to go for tried and true staples of modern American dining.

Jacksons Restaurant Rotisserie Bar @ the Doubletree Hotel is a restaurant that manages to be what many of its customers want, from sports bar to date spot to a few in-between.

Morning Call (Allentown)

Lacey’s Restaurant offers sophiscated food in a family-friendly setting.

Amici’s offers Emmaus a neighborhood Italian eatery of a higher standard.

Edited April 17, 2006 by herbacidal (log)

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The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Craig LaBan shocks no one in liking a place where Bryan Sikora is cooking: Sovana.

Rick Nichols finds another great Philly sandwich at Bubby’s Brisket.

Michael Klein tells us about the new Blush, Ansill starting brunch soon, Chung King, and more in Table Talk.

Joseph Slobodzian sips Sake.

Daily News

April Lisante tastes a slice of Cake Man Raven

City Paper:

Elisa Ludwig is not feeling the flow at Flo’s.

Carolyn Wyman smears frosting on The Twinkie Cookbook

Jeremy Samsoe lists the Top 5 Burger Joints

Drew Lazor notes recent openings and closings in Feeding Frenzy

Billy Kekevian surveys upcoming events in What’s Cooking

The Philadelphia Weekly

Kirstin Henry is tempted by Seitan Horizons and takes a shotof Siembra Azul Tequila

Mara Zepeda goes on a Brie spree in From the market.

Tom Acox corners two Unqualified Reviewers at The Mexican Post.

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Ann Haigh talks with the Racicot brothers.

Karin Welzel flashes-back at Cefalo's Restaurant & Nightclub.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Amy McConnell Schaarsmith gets tangled in pea tendrils.

Nacy Anderson surveys upcoming events in Nibbles.

Theresa Lindeman rushes for Super Donuts with Franco Harris.

[Rich Pawlak]

Wouldnt you know, the one week that I get an article published in the Daily News, and darn, there's no Media Digest! Imagine that.

[herbacidal]

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Laban gives the newest high-profile steak joint,Ted's Montana Grill a hit or miss.

Michael Klein's Inklings mentions the space I've been eyeing for a while now,

and its occupant, the wine bar Vintage, along with some other random food comings, goings, and notes.

And our own Rich Pawlak sits down with PLCB Chairman Jonathan Newman

and goes over the changes past, present, and future with the Pennsylvania State Stores.

Philadelphia Weekly

Kirsten Henri becomes the latest local reviewer to check out Django

as she puts it through its paces, before poking into one of the newest local tacquerias, el Jarocho.

Neil Ferguson goes off on some hallucinatory trip sponsored by Ron Palma's Especial.

Philadelphia City Paper

Readers find out about suckling pig and how they can have it at their next event.

Here comes the latest 411 on what's new and worthy around town.

Peter Burwasser teaches us amateurs the merits of the

screw top for wines and their enjoyment.

We learn how to go have cheap eats in some of the city's most pricy dining rooms.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

An ode to hot dogs presents an educational view of an often overlooked food that is sure to warm the stomachs of Holly Moore and many other dog lovers.

Leaving no stone unturned, we have an informal taste test followed by dos and don'ts for hot dog aficionados and rookies alike.

Pittsburgh Tribune

The Pittsburgh Wine Festival brings in the Food Network'sthe Hearty Boys to meet, greet, and be hearty.

The Green Mango is the tiny takeout joint with possibly the best Thai food in the 'burgh.

Morning Call (Allentown)

Razzberries at the Southmoore Golf Course in Bath has lots of good points and perhaps a few bad ones.

[herbacidal]

Please stop catching me between digests.