Meet Dexter!
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Showing posts with label philadelphia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philadelphia. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Two Dogs Are Better Than One
We adopted Dante, our chihuahua mix, last summer and I think it only took 2 months to decide I wanted another "because two dogs are better than one." And while that reasoning does seem a bit juvenile, there is some truth to it. Dante is home alone during the day while we're work and surely he gets lonely. Dogs are naturally pack animals so being on their own isn't ideal. Having two dogs doesn't necessarily mean double the work. You're already taking one out for walks and to do their business, what's another tagging along? At some point in the past few months Chris agreed that a second dog would be a good idea...
Meet Dexter!
Meet Dexter!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Professor Sibyll Trelawney Costume
I love Halloween. Dressing up in homemade costumes is so much fun for me and I kinda wish I had an excuse do it more often. So I usually jump at any opportunity where it's socially acceptable to get my geek on. This get-up was for a Harry Potter weekend in Chestnut Hill. If you already own a lot of bangles, you're half-way to a decent Professor Trelawney costume! I chose to imitate Emma Thompson's version of the character in film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. You don't have to be spot on, but there are a few must-haves to convey the look of the looney Divination teacher... or be mistaken for a new-age ceramics instructor living in Tucson*.
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Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Using Natural Dyes
I have the pleasure of volunteering with Greener Partners, a non-profit in the Greater Philly area. I'm working specifically with their organic farm, Longview Farm and Market. Basically I get to hang out around the farm and attend awesome events and workshops! I was excited to attend this one, presented by the Marafiki Arts, about dyeing with natural plant dyes. It's one of those things that I've wanted to try but haven't got around to it. It turns out that the process is pretty simple...
The instructor already had three colors going. Big stainless steel pots simmering with the "dye", water and vinegar. The vinegar acts as a fixative to the fabric. Shown below are marigold flowers, which yield a brilliant golden yellow. They also have a magnificent fragrance as they simmer. In true sustainable fashion, the marigolds were grown at Longview over the summer. It makes me want to grow my own marigolds next year. I'm pretty certain chickens are fans of them as well, bonus!
There also was a brilliant purple made from a crushed South American insect, ew, but it made a gorgeous color. The third color was indigo, that was also harvested from the farm. I knew what the color looked like, but not the plant. The color is made from the dried leaves of the plant, below. The color in the pot looks like a dark sea green, but when the dyed fabric hits the air and oxidizes it turns into that bright blue.
These little wooden flowers made a cute pattern. After the dyeing process, you set the color by rinsing it in cold water, then allowing it to dry.
This is most definitely an art. Because of the nature of the method you could spend a lot of trial and error tweaking your process to achieve the perfect colors. I think I'd like to use natural dyes to do some batiks, where you use wax to draw your patterns. Pioneer Thinking has an extensive list of dye sources and the color they produce, here. Think of all the colors you can create!
The instructor already had three colors going. Big stainless steel pots simmering with the "dye", water and vinegar. The vinegar acts as a fixative to the fabric. Shown below are marigold flowers, which yield a brilliant golden yellow. They also have a magnificent fragrance as they simmer. In true sustainable fashion, the marigolds were grown at Longview over the summer. It makes me want to grow my own marigolds next year. I'm pretty certain chickens are fans of them as well, bonus!
We started off with white pieces of cloth and used various techniques to create patterns. Ah, brings me back to the childhood days of messy tie-dying... We used rubber bands, washers and clamps to make designs. the tiny clamps were really handy and effective at securing the pattern.
Look at that color! You can achieve an endless amount of hues by leaving the fabric in the dye for varying times.
There also was a brilliant purple made from a crushed South American insect, ew, but it made a gorgeous color. The third color was indigo, that was also harvested from the farm. I knew what the color looked like, but not the plant. The color is made from the dried leaves of the plant, below. The color in the pot looks like a dark sea green, but when the dyed fabric hits the air and oxidizes it turns into that bright blue.
These little wooden flowers made a cute pattern. After the dyeing process, you set the color by rinsing it in cold water, then allowing it to dry.
This is most definitely an art. Because of the nature of the method you could spend a lot of trial and error tweaking your process to achieve the perfect colors. I think I'd like to use natural dyes to do some batiks, where you use wax to draw your patterns. Pioneer Thinking has an extensive list of dye sources and the color they produce, here. Think of all the colors you can create!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Dim Sum at the Imperial Inn
Last Saturday was perfect weather for anything but being indoors, so we put our lengthy weekend to-do list aside and hopped on a train into Philly, destination: Chinatown.
Philadelphia boasts the fourth largest Chinatown in the country, located in Center City between 11th and 8th streets. Chris is lucky to work nearby, so he and co-workers can pop into Chinatown for delicious and authentic eats. Chris has spoke of the Imperial Inn before, as it's touted as one of the best dim sum establishments in Philly. So Saturday afternoon I went for my first dim sum experience!
My knowledge of dim sum comes from a mix of food and travel shows, so I was expecting a Chinese tapas sort of dining. Close, but not quite. A dim sum experience goes something like this... You are seated and are offered a pot of tea. Waitstaff pushes carts piled high with various small dishes. Much like a Brazilian steak house, as they pass by they offer whatever they have on their cart and then they mark what you've taken on your table's bill. After you've eaten your fill, you take your bill up to the counter to pay.
Here's a Serious Eats article on dim sum etiquette. In short, always share, and when in doubt, just eat it! Because there's no menu, I asked a lot of questions, "what's this, what's that?" But generally it's just fun to go by what looks appealing, and just try it because it's most likely delicious. Since Chris had been before he knew a few staples, wide rice noodles, sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves and bao, below. We tried to get a variety of dishes, but there is only so much two people can eat. Which is why dim sum is perfect for a group to share dishes.
Shown above; pork and shrimp dumplings, beef rice noodles, and scallion bao. The sticky rice is steamed with various meats and spices inside a giant lotus leaf. This was the one dish that I wasn't too keen on. There was a flavor, I'm assuming from the leaf, that hit me the wrong way. It was reminiscent to an earthy tea aftertaste. My favorite were the scallion bao, oniony pork filling inside a glutinous steamed bun. The photos aren't the best representation because the inside of the restaurant was very dark, no windows, just typically ornately decorated with Chinese artwork. And on a side note, I hate taking photos of my food while I'm out! I feel like it takes away from the dining experience. But what's a blog without photos, right?
The restaurant was pleasantly busy, and you could tell that all the food coming out was fresh from the kitchen. Next to us was a table of older gentlemen that seem to be locals. It looked as if they were already there for hours, conversing, eating and enjoying tea. They seemed know how to spend an afternoon right. It's fitting that dim sum translates to "touch your heart", because isn't that what good food does?
Philadelphia boasts the fourth largest Chinatown in the country, located in Center City between 11th and 8th streets. Chris is lucky to work nearby, so he and co-workers can pop into Chinatown for delicious and authentic eats. Chris has spoke of the Imperial Inn before, as it's touted as one of the best dim sum establishments in Philly. So Saturday afternoon I went for my first dim sum experience!
My knowledge of dim sum comes from a mix of food and travel shows, so I was expecting a Chinese tapas sort of dining. Close, but not quite. A dim sum experience goes something like this... You are seated and are offered a pot of tea. Waitstaff pushes carts piled high with various small dishes. Much like a Brazilian steak house, as they pass by they offer whatever they have on their cart and then they mark what you've taken on your table's bill. After you've eaten your fill, you take your bill up to the counter to pay.
Here's a Serious Eats article on dim sum etiquette. In short, always share, and when in doubt, just eat it! Because there's no menu, I asked a lot of questions, "what's this, what's that?" But generally it's just fun to go by what looks appealing, and just try it because it's most likely delicious. Since Chris had been before he knew a few staples, wide rice noodles, sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves and bao, below. We tried to get a variety of dishes, but there is only so much two people can eat. Which is why dim sum is perfect for a group to share dishes.
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Shown above; pork and shrimp dumplings, beef rice noodles, and scallion bao. The sticky rice is steamed with various meats and spices inside a giant lotus leaf. This was the one dish that I wasn't too keen on. There was a flavor, I'm assuming from the leaf, that hit me the wrong way. It was reminiscent to an earthy tea aftertaste. My favorite were the scallion bao, oniony pork filling inside a glutinous steamed bun. The photos aren't the best representation because the inside of the restaurant was very dark, no windows, just typically ornately decorated with Chinese artwork. And on a side note, I hate taking photos of my food while I'm out! I feel like it takes away from the dining experience. But what's a blog without photos, right?
The restaurant was pleasantly busy, and you could tell that all the food coming out was fresh from the kitchen. Next to us was a table of older gentlemen that seem to be locals. It looked as if they were already there for hours, conversing, eating and enjoying tea. They seemed know how to spend an afternoon right. It's fitting that dim sum translates to "touch your heart", because isn't that what good food does?
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| I really wanted to get one of these, maybe next time... |
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Wurst At It's Best: Brauhaus Schmitz Review
In the past few years my mom and I have started to celebrate birthdays and holidays with a day of shopping and dining, rather than gift-giving. Since it was my mom's birthday last week, we set out last Friday for such an outing. We went to Brauhaus Schmitz (which is conveniently located on the same block as our favorite consignment shop, Greene Street). I've been here before and I knew my mom would love it, given my parent's recent trip to Munich, and that it's "Philadelphia's only authentic bierhall and restaurant".
Despite my German heritage, I never really got into German food until I was older, besides the Snickerdoodle cookies my grandmother lovingly and expertly made. At age eleven, I went to an International Summer Camp in Hamburg, Germany, and unfortunately my immature palette found German food "yucky". Das ist shade! But now I love all the wursts, the pickles, the cabbage, and potatoes...
Brauhuas Schmitz gives off the German bierhall vibe straight away from it's exterior, with it's wooden arches beckoning you to come in. Inside, it's a towering space, with open second floor seating. The tall walls are bedecked with vintage posters from Germany. The massive bar is the central focus, a mecca of beers on draft and in bottles. Since we were there for lunch, the crowd was low key. But as I've been there on a Saturday night, I know this place gets packed, with traditionally dressed barmaids swinging giant liters of beer to their patrons.
Of course after a laborious day of shopping we needed something to cool of off. A modest half liter of the Hofbrau Original on draft hit the spot, although it was hard to choose from the lengthy beer list. Prost!
We whet our appetite with a cheese plate, including various mustards, pickles, an bread. There was a Limburger, Camembert, a Stilton, and something hard and bitey. I most enjoyed the pine nut and honey spread, sweet and nutty. As well as the Hungarian paprika onion spread, sweet and smokey. We made little work of the cheese while we decided on lunch.
I've mentioned before, there are few times when I like to share food (only child alert!) but meals like these, sharing is the way to go. The waiter informed me that if we got the "Two Wursts and Two Sides" we could choose two different wursts. So we got four different wursts, and sides to share between ourselves!
It's hard to choose favorites, but my mom and I admitted we liked the Ungarischewurst the best. It's description reads "Hungarian paprika, red wine vinegar, and garlic", and you could certainly taste all of these. The Bratwurst was probably the most recognizable of flavors, with caraway and majoram. Speckwurst is made with bacon, and Baurenwurst with beef. I definitely recommend getting the sauerkraut, it's a traditonal side for a reason, it pairs so nicely with the wursts, a little bit with each bite. The Kartoffelpuffer, or potato panacke was dense, in a good way, and not greasy. The Rotkohl, red cabbage, was sweet and delicious, again it pairs nicely with the wursts. And personally, I usually could take or leave Spatzle, which is sort of a noodle dough riced into little nubs, but this was also very tasty.
Needless to say we had a lovely, and filling, lunch. We enjoyed leisurely dining and watching the afternoon happenings of South Street through the large front windows. Our waiter was a superstar, as he was the only one waiting on the entire lunch crowd. And the food was tremendous. I think I prefer to dine here at night with a crowd and the true bierhall experience, but I suppose that's just another reason to come back!
Read more about the Brauhaus here!
Despite my German heritage, I never really got into German food until I was older, besides the Snickerdoodle cookies my grandmother lovingly and expertly made. At age eleven, I went to an International Summer Camp in Hamburg, Germany, and unfortunately my immature palette found German food "yucky". Das ist shade! But now I love all the wursts, the pickles, the cabbage, and potatoes...
Brauhuas Schmitz gives off the German bierhall vibe straight away from it's exterior, with it's wooden arches beckoning you to come in. Inside, it's a towering space, with open second floor seating. The tall walls are bedecked with vintage posters from Germany. The massive bar is the central focus, a mecca of beers on draft and in bottles. Since we were there for lunch, the crowd was low key. But as I've been there on a Saturday night, I know this place gets packed, with traditionally dressed barmaids swinging giant liters of beer to their patrons.
Of course after a laborious day of shopping we needed something to cool of off. A modest half liter of the Hofbrau Original on draft hit the spot, although it was hard to choose from the lengthy beer list. Prost!
We whet our appetite with a cheese plate, including various mustards, pickles, an bread. There was a Limburger, Camembert, a Stilton, and something hard and bitey. I most enjoyed the pine nut and honey spread, sweet and nutty. As well as the Hungarian paprika onion spread, sweet and smokey. We made little work of the cheese while we decided on lunch.
I've mentioned before, there are few times when I like to share food (only child alert!) but meals like these, sharing is the way to go. The waiter informed me that if we got the "Two Wursts and Two Sides" we could choose two different wursts. So we got four different wursts, and sides to share between ourselves!
It's hard to choose favorites, but my mom and I admitted we liked the Ungarischewurst the best. It's description reads "Hungarian paprika, red wine vinegar, and garlic", and you could certainly taste all of these. The Bratwurst was probably the most recognizable of flavors, with caraway and majoram. Speckwurst is made with bacon, and Baurenwurst with beef. I definitely recommend getting the sauerkraut, it's a traditonal side for a reason, it pairs so nicely with the wursts, a little bit with each bite. The Kartoffelpuffer, or potato panacke was dense, in a good way, and not greasy. The Rotkohl, red cabbage, was sweet and delicious, again it pairs nicely with the wursts. And personally, I usually could take or leave Spatzle, which is sort of a noodle dough riced into little nubs, but this was also very tasty.
Read more about the Brauhaus here!
Monday, June 24, 2013
North Third: 801 N. 3rd Street, Northern Liberties
Last Friday, we had to take advantage of the daylight hours of Midsummer's Eve, arguably the best day of the year. With Dante in tow we went to the Northern Liberties area of Philly for dinner and a walk. North Third is fabulous restaurant on the corner of 3rd and Brown Street. We got a sunny table outside; a caveat to bringing small children into this establishment; be prepared to explain the female anatomy, because in one room there is a larger than life painting of breasts, just breasts... Anyway, we've eaten here a handful of times, and the food is always superb.
This time I opted for the lamb burger, on special, with arugula, tzatziki, and big chunks of feta. I felt a little silly, this was my first lamb "burger" and I wasn't aware that the inside is meant to be very pink. It alarmed me at first, but our helpful waiter assured me that's how it's meant to be prepared. Whew. That first reaction aside, it was excellent! The tzatziki was fresh and flavorful, and the chunks of feta were a nice salty addition. I know french fries usually are a filler, but I love my fries, especially doused in malt vinegar and an unhealthy amount of salt and pepper. These were also well done, not too greasy (Dante also approved). And of course they have a killer draft line up to match their menu. If you're in the area, I would suggest eating here, slightly away from the busy Piazza on 2nd street.
After dinner we got to mosey on through the park nearby where they were about to show a film. There's a pretty community garden and lot's of artwork nearby. Lovely painted fences and walls. Every time we're in the city like this, it makes me want to flee dull suburbia in the worst way. Or maybe I should just paint a mural on our garage to liven things up.
This time I opted for the lamb burger, on special, with arugula, tzatziki, and big chunks of feta. I felt a little silly, this was my first lamb "burger" and I wasn't aware that the inside is meant to be very pink. It alarmed me at first, but our helpful waiter assured me that's how it's meant to be prepared. Whew. That first reaction aside, it was excellent! The tzatziki was fresh and flavorful, and the chunks of feta were a nice salty addition. I know french fries usually are a filler, but I love my fries, especially doused in malt vinegar and an unhealthy amount of salt and pepper. These were also well done, not too greasy (Dante also approved). And of course they have a killer draft line up to match their menu. If you're in the area, I would suggest eating here, slightly away from the busy Piazza on 2nd street.
After dinner we got to mosey on through the park nearby where they were about to show a film. There's a pretty community garden and lot's of artwork nearby. Lovely painted fences and walls. Every time we're in the city like this, it makes me want to flee dull suburbia in the worst way. Or maybe I should just paint a mural on our garage to liven things up.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Etsy Craft Party: Philadelphia
If you haven't heard, Etsy is having a worldwide craft party tomorrow, June 20th! This year's theme is "Craft for Community". If you're in the Philly area, you should join me and Emily from Growing Wild Ginger! It's being held at 3rd Ward in Northern Liberties. There will be a potluck, craft supply swap and crafting fun. They will also collect art supplies for local art camps within the community. And the best part is it's FREE, so register here!
So if you were only planning to sit around on your bum tomorrow night, gather up some craft supplies instead. Let me know if I'll see you there!
Monday, June 10, 2013
2013 Philadelphia Vendy Awards
The Vendy Awards are time when people come together to eat and drink amazing culinary delights prepared by the cities finest food trucks. After you sample everything, you vote! Just my kind of event. They are hosted and originated by the non-profit Street Vendor Project in New York city, and their success has spread nationwide. This was Philadelphia's third awards, and I finally got to be apart of it! This year, it took place in scenic Penn Treaty Park.
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| Even though lines were long, it was all worth the wait! |
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| I got a delicious braised meatball from Foo, but it was their truck art that impressed me most. |
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| Deep fried cheese curds from The Cow and the Curd were outstanding gooey crunchy morsels. |
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| Nothing like a cold ale to pair with all this food on a hot day. |
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| Left: KAMI noodles and Korean style cheesesteak were my personal favorite of the day // Right: Macarons from Sugar Philly |
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| Cupcakes from Cupcake Carnival, Falafel from the Falafel King and Garlic Parmesan Tots from the Tot truck |
Here's a list of all the Finalist Trucks in Attendance, follow the link to find out where they're located!
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The sun finally came out! |
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A view of the Ben Franklin Bridge and the Delaware River.UPDATE: The King of Falafel took home the Vendy Award this year, congrats! |
Friday, June 7, 2013
Thrifted Friday: Vintage Cowboy Boots
I have a new consignment shop favorite located in Manayunk, The Attic. I've always found fun, trendy items there, but only recently have I taken my own clothes there to consign. I like consigning with them mainly because they don't have a minimum amount of clothes that they will accept, which is great for someone like myself who cleans out their closet every season. They also offer 30% in cash of the consignment value of your items or 50% in store credit. I opted for store credit and went home with some great pieces, including these boots!
I don't think I can ever have enough boots, and I've been longing for a classic western pair. These fit the bill perfectly, and my feet too! I fell in love with the warm tones and tooled details.
Caring for leather is a bit tricky. Especially older worn items. The leather stiffens without wear and needs a little TLC to restore it's supple finish. I clean my leather items with some warm water and bit of Dr. Bronner's castile soap. It's super gentle and won't leave any residue. You can delicately wipe and spot clean the leather with that mixture and a soft cloth. Let the leather completely dry, then if it's stiff like these boots use a moisturizer, like Leather Honey. It's got a waxy consistency that you apply a thin coat of and let it sink in. It will completely transform tough leather, and will help maintain new leather. Now, these boots are ready for walkin'!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Hiking in Valley Green
Fairmount Park in Philadelphia can boast of over 4,000 acres of river, forest, trails, and historic monuments. Some vitamin D and some fresh air was exactly what we needed after a weekend of eating, drinking, bonfires, and extreme volleyball.
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Thursday, May 23, 2013
Tiny Terra Ferma
Last night we attended Tiny Terra Ferma's launch party celebrating the farmer's market in Pretzel Park, Manayunk. Yay for buying local! They provided delicious fresh food, live music, and a raffle (no winners here, though). We discovered this garden and landscaping supplier this past weekend, and I've already purchased a fig plant, and some Irish moss for our walkway. Check them out! Or chat with their super friendly staff in person at 4324 Main Street, Philadelphia.
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| The storefront on Main Street. |
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| Some jazzy tunes. |
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| BYO and they were selling some tremendous homemade cider. |
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| Some pretty flowers for sale. |
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| The canal and a view of the Manayunk Bridge. |
Friday, April 19, 2013
Las Cazuelas and The Fire: Girard Street, Philadelphia
The Fire is close by on Girard near Northern Liberties. It's a small bar and venue, with cheap drinks and good music. Chris currently plays with Preston Hull. Give 'em a listen. My favorites are Little Sparks, So This Is The City, and Mariska Hargitay.
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| Chris, on the right, slappin' da bass. |
After Preston Hull, a Boston-based 5 piece played, Dan & The Wildfire. They have a folksy, Lumineers/Mumford & Sons sound, with a trumpet. Lot's of harmonies and great vocals. Check them out!
This was hanging in the bar. It just may be inspiration for my next embroidery project.
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| Words to live by. |
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