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?

I really wanted to get one of these, maybe next time...

Recommended Listening: Rose Windows

"Wartime Lovers" by the Rose Windows has crept into my head since it's been getting air time on Philly's WPXN. The psychedelic, globally-influenced group from Seattle, released their debut album with, none other than, Sub Pop Records in June. The Sun Dogs is a collection of lyrical tales marked with "elements of The Band’s folk-infused rock, The Doors organ-driven psychedelia, and Black Sabbath’s blues-based dirges...". I think my favorite song is "Native Dreams". It has this epic prog rock feel about it with some Persian inspired melodies. I can't help but feel a power similar to Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane from the lead female vocalist. Hypnotic and atmospheric, with considerable nods to the past, this is an album that deserves some attention. Listen Here.

The band includes talent from:

Chris Cheveyo – lead guitar/composer
Rabia Shaheen Qazi – lead vocalist
Richie Rekow – bass/ 1st male vocalist
Nils Petersen – rhythm guitar/2nd male vocalist
Pat Schowe – drums
David Davila – piano/organ
Veronica Dye – flute

This video for "Wartime Lovers" was collaborative effort with Fool's Road, planned and shot in only 8 days after having met, impressive!

Looks like they'll be hitting up Philly in October at MilkBoy Philly. And they're on the bill with a Philly-based band, The Bailey Hounds, who I've seen a few times, definitely recommend them as well!

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!

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.

Recommended Reading: The Flavia De Luce Series

Last year my grandmother, my cousin, and I, started a book club of sorts. One book series that we discovered, and thoroughly enjoy, are the Flavia De Luce novels by Alan Bradley. We've only read the first three, but we immediately fell in love with the precocious eleven year old heroine, Flavia.

Young Flavia lives on her palatial family estate in the quiet village of Bishop's Lacey, England, during the 1950's. She lives with her two older sisters with whom she is constantly at sisterly war, and her distant father who, like any proper Englishman, won't show his grief over the death of his wife, Flavia's late mother. Armed with a vernacular to rival any adult, Flavia has a mind for science, chemistry, specifically. She revels in the privacy of her own wing, complete with her very own laboratory and ancient chemistry texts. Fortunately for Miss De Luce, the sleepy town of Bishop's Lacey becomes much more interesting as it becomes clouded in various mysteries.

The books read much like tales of Sherlock Holmes. Flavia is highly intelligent, curious, and bears a razor sharp wit. She narrates these stories with Sherlock-esque flair. And with it there's a whole new layer of humor, given her age and station in life. It's sort of unique to have a young girl narrate adult fiction novels, dealing with murder, deception and other sinister plots. Have I piqued your interest yet?

There are are now a total of five books in the series...

Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag
A Red Herring Without Mustard
I Am Half-Sick of Shadows
Speaking From Among The Bones

And coming in 2014, Mr. Bradley will publish The Dead In Their Vaulted Arches. Of the three we read, I think I enjoyed A Red Herring Without Mustard most, but just start at the beginning, I'm sure that you'll adore the little scientist detective. I for one, am quite looking forward to reading them all!

Recommended Viewing: Sound of Noise

With Chris sick, our weekend plans were neglected and Netflix was a prime source of entertainment. One film we watched was exceptional, Swedish produced, Sound of Noise. Netflix gives you recommendations based on your own scoring, and this was rated quite high. I put off watching it for awhile because it's subtitled, and sometimes I just don't feel like reading a movie, you know?

In any case  it's about a tone deaf cop from the anti-terrorist unit of a Swedish city, who tracks down the guerrilla percussionists. Sanna, the musical mastermind, arranges for six local drummers to participate in four completely illegal and outrageous musical performances that create music with sounds from the objects in their space. But this is no happy flash mob, kind of performance. These are more like musical heists. For instance, the first movement involves them dressing as surgeons, stealing a patient and a operating room, and using the equipment and the patient as instruments. It sounds ridiculous, but the music actually sounds... good.  This a clip from the hospital performance. No spoilers, but if you enjoy this, you'll love the movie. Additionally you can listen to the soundtrack, here. But I'd warn you to watch the film first before you can fully appreciate the music.

Recommended Viewing: Safety Not Guaranteed

I grew up without cable television, which was quite the social hardship from the ages of 7-17. And now that I'm an adult, with my own my money and my own house, I still don't have cable. But don't worry, now it's my choice. In our minds we've just got better things to spend our money on. But that doesn't mean I don't like to watch television series or movies, not at all, I can couch potato with the best of them. Instead we use our X-Box to stream Netflix and Hulu, and it's perfect for us. Instant Netflix has a great selection of movies but sometimes it's hard to sift through all the titles. That's why I'd like to share when we find something we particularly like.

Safety Not Guaranteed:

I think we initially chose this movie because it stars Aubrey Plaza. The girl who is insistently grumpy and sarcastic in all her roles, but in an endearing likeable way. Plaza plays a twentysomething, Darius, interning at a Seattle-based magazine; and doesn't seem to be happy with her life, or what she's doing with it. She gets assigned to cover a story of a man who continually runs an ad in the paper for someone to go back in time with him. Wanted: Somebody to go back in time with me. This is not a joke. P.O. Box 91 Ocean View, WA 99393. You'll get paid after we get back. Must bring your own weapons. I have only done this once before. SAFETY NOT GUARANTEED.

Darius and staff writer Jeff, played by Jake Johnson, from "New Girl", trek to a small seaside town to investigate what kind of person thinks they can go back in time. Is he serious, or is he just a lunatic? After some snooping they find the home of Kenneth, Mark Duplass, from "The League". When Jeff's journalistic aggression scares Kenneth off, Darius is charged with using her "feminine wiles" to their advantage, pretending that she is applying to his ad to be his traveling companion. As Kenneth trains her for their time travel, Darius begins to connect with another person for the first time in her adult life...

Don't worry, no spoilers here. We both thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It was humorous, but in a subdued indie sort of way. It was heartfelt at times, but I didn't cry. I liked how I was actually unsure how everything would pan out. I didn't know until the very end whether Kenneth truly had a time machine or he was just a paranoid delusional conspiracy theorist. The relationship of Darius and Kenneth is really sweet, especially at a point when Kenneth sings a song (written for another girl) on his zither by their campsite fire. We suspect that Duplass is actually playing, so bonus points. There's also a few subplots about Jeff reconnecting with a girlfriend from his past that don't detract from the overall movie flow. Overall four stars from us.

Get this free font.

The Dandelion: 124 S. 18th St, Philadelphia

Get it? Dandy...Lion? How clever.

I have yet to have a meal at a Stephen Starr restaurant that has left me wanting. And yesterday was no exception. We took Chris' mom to The Dandelion near Rittenhouse Square for a Birthday Brunch. The Dandelion is styled as a British pub, and probably a lot nicer than a regular old British pub too, serving their takes on traditional British pub food, Bangers and Mash, Cottage Pie, Sunday Roasts... As luck would have it, this past weekend was the first taste of spring Philly has seen this winter; a gorgeous time to be out enjoying good food and drink with good company. This wasn't my first experience with The Dandelion, but it was the first sit-down meal I've had.

If the rooms of the restaurant had names, we were in the Dog Room. Stately grey wainscoting with rich emerald walls covered in framed paintings and artwork of dogs. Daschund print curtains, and "Mans Best Friend" lighting. We started off with some drinks, a Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout for me, and my mother in law got a flight of cask drawn ales. The waitress recommended the scones to start off, and how glad we were to take her advice. Best scone I've had since, since well... England! Warm scones arrived with raspberry jam and yes, clotted cream. The scones were so delicious they incited discussion of  Chris's grandmother's Irish recipe for scones, as well as, Googling how to make clotted cream. Perhaps a post for another day...

With each bite I replaced both jam and clotted cream.

After we had savored them to the last bite, we ordered two Full English Breakfasts and an Eggs Benedict. I went with the Full English because it just seemed like the right thing to do. When I lived and studied in London, as a student I had very little funds, so my Full English's at the local cafe were not as expertly prepared as this.  

Gotta get a little of everything in each bite

Heinz Baked Beans, check. Cumberland Sausage, check. Fried Tomato, check. Mushroom, check. Additionally there was a phenomenal piece of blood pudding. It was so fresh and seasoned to perfection that it made me forget what's it made of. My only complaint, if I were pressed to complain, is that the bacon was American "streaky bacon" and not traditional back bacon. What's the difference? And that certainly did not detract from the deliciousness of the meal. As I greedily wiped my plate clean and took my last bit of Stout, I sat back in my squashy cushioned bench and thought about when I could nap. Spot on, Dandelion. Cheers!

International Women's Day: How To Be A Woman

Truth be told, I had no idea it was International Women's Day until Google's homepage told me this morning. And usually I don't go for "this sort of stuff", but I am a woman and I thought I'd share a book I've read that really changed my views on "feminism".

“We need to reclaim the word 'feminism'. We need the word 'feminism' back real bad. When statistics come in saying that only 29% of American women would describe themselves as feminist - and only 42% of British women - I used to think, What do you think feminism IS, ladies? What part of 'liberation for women' is not for you? Is it freedom to vote? The right not to be owned by the man you marry? The campaign for equal pay? 'Vogue' by Madonna? Jeans? Did all that good shit GET ON YOUR NERVES? Or were you just DRUNK AT THE TIME OF THE SURVEY?” ― Caitlin Moran, How to Be a Woman

Caitlin Moran is a British broadcaster, TV presenter and columnist at The Times, and I'm pretty certain since this book has been published, she's gotten a whole lot more popular (check out this fansite, fuckyeahcaitlinmoran). I think I came across it as suggested reading on Amazon, or the like, and I was put off immediately. "Why on Earth do I need to know how to be a woman, I am a woman?! What is this feminism she's peddling?" And then I began reading an excerpt from a chapter entitled, "Why You Shouldn't Have Children". And although I'd very much like children, I have thought about it as an actual life decision rather than my whole purpose for existence. And it seems that Moran has a similar view... And with a click of the mouse I bought it, full price (that doesn't happen often!).

Moran's writing style is just how I'd imagine her speaking, with lots of CAPS, asides, and exclamations! The entire book is literally laugh out loud humorous. I'd be reading in the other room and my husband would say, "Are you reading that funny feminism book again?" Yes! Moran single-handedly turned me on a 180° course toward proudly being a feminist. Because up until I read it, I was ashamed of bawdy women making demands that frankly seemed outdated. And I'd like to think that it's just a product of me growing up in a time when I didn't have to struggle for equality, or that I never thought I couldn't be the CEO of a company, or that I never had to worry about my right to vote. Why do we need feminism if there is nothing left to fight for in this country? Moran brings up a great point from the get-go.

"a) Do you have a vagina? and
b) Do you want to be in charge of it?

If you said 'yes' to both, then congratulations! You're a feminist.” 

A compelling argument. She breaks down the book into Chapters of her own life, giving history and perspective from her experiences. Chapter titles include, "I Start Bleeding!", "I Become Furry!" and "I Don't Know What to Call My Breasts!" and so on. If anything, I could relate with her on a lot of topics, things that you probably wouldn't have talked to anyone else about as you went through it. And by the end of the book she became a feminist hero, and a person I'd love to share a pint or two with and go dancing.

 A few of my favorite quotes that just may get you to read...

"If I'm going to spunk £500 on a pair of designer shoes, it's going to be a pair that I can (a) dance to "Bad Romance" in and (b) will allow me to run away from a murderer, should one suddenly decide to give chase. That's the minimum I ask from my footwear. To be able to dance in it, and for it not to get me murdered."

"When a woman says, ‘I have nothing to wear!’, what she really means is, ‘There’s nothing here for who I’m supposed to be today."

"Now I believe that there are only four things a grown, modern woman should have: a pair of yellow shoes (they unexpectedly go with everything), a friend who will come and post bail at 4am, a fail safe pie recipe, and a proper muff. A big, hairy minge. A lovely furry moof that looks – when she sits, naked – as if she has a marmoset sitting in her lap. A tame marmoset, that she can send off to pickpocket things, should she so need it – like that trained monkey in Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Moranthology is currently on my reading list.

Recommended Listening: Wild Belle

Wild Belle is a brother/sister duo hailing from Chicago. They have a very chill funky reggae sound, and when I first heard them I actually thought it was new Santogold. Below is the video for Keep You, I love the the crazy sax throughout this track. I am very much looking forward to their album Isles, which will release next Wednesday. But until then you can find some singles, Keep You and It's Too Late, to listen to on Spotify. You can also find them rocking out at SXSW coming up this week and Coachella in April.

Warby Parker, where have you been all my life?!

For anyone who wears glasses, you understand that they generally cost a good chunk of change. Once you get over the expensive designer price tag for a pair of frames, you get a little sticker shock when they add your actual prescription to them, so you can, you know, see out of them. I was turned onto this website, Warby Parker, so named after some Jack Kerouac references. And I, for one, will never bother looking at another store for glasses for as long as these guys are in business. Here's why...

1. They have a huge selection of frames AND sunglasses, each with various colors and finishes.
2. You can select up to 5 pairs to try on at home, for free.
3. Glasses and lenses start at $95, total. 
4. They're philanthropic; they do a buy a pair give a pair scheme, like TOMs. 

No, I'm not lying, it's for real. Here's the 5 I tried on at home.

Marshall, Striped Sassafras

Bensen, Whiskey Tortoise 

Beckett, Revolver Black Matte

Pierce, Greystone

Preston, Sandalwood Matte

All of these are $95 total. You can easily add your prescription online during checkout. The at home try-on could not be more simple. You pick out your frames online and ship them to your address. Days later you get a nice box of frames with clear plastic lens inside. You get 5 days to wear them around the house and test them out on your friends and family. Then on the 5th day place the shipping label provided on the box and drop them off at a UPS location. Easy. I think I'll be opting for the Preston style. And now my only problem is I'll want more than one pair, and I've got to try on some sunglasses ASAP!

The Barnes in It's New Home

The historic and elite Barnes Collection has moved to it’s new digs on the Parkway in Philadelphia, previously housed in Dr. Albert C. Barnes private home in Overbrook. The Barnes Collection is, hands down, my favorite collection and presentation of fine art I have ever seen. Dr. Barnes not only had an exclusive taste for art before it’s time, but he arranged and displayed his pieces by elements of color and design. So, unlike a regular museum experience, each wall is chock-full of paintings, furniture and metal workings that all flow together, through shapes, color or theme. It’s eye candy for any art lover. Renoir beside Van Gogh and flanked with Soutine? Monet next to French 18th century hinges? See for yourself!

This was my first visit to the Barnes’ new home, and I was concerned that the new building would somehow take away from the beauty of it’s original setting. Thankfully, it did not, and I will venture to say it has enhanced the collection and the entire experience. All of the actual artwork is hung in the exact same way in a indoor replica of the original house. But the museum it self is modern and airy, allowing for dining, learning and other cultural entertainment. I’d like to think that a museum of this caliber will draw in visitors internationally, and maybe give Philadelphia some more cultural props!

Cezanne, Bathers

Van Gogh, House and Figure

Matisse, The Joy of Life

Manayunk Brewing Company: 4120 Main Street, Philadelphia

I've been to the Manayunk Brewing Company before for their own beers and other tasty drinks, but this was my first dining experience. I genuinely enjoy all of their brews from the Bohemian Blonde to the Schuylkill Punch (it doesn't actually include any river water). I had a Kennett Square Pizza cause I like eating local things when I can, and more importantly I love me some mushrooms. Nearby Kennett Square bears the title of “mushroom capital of the world”, and if you don’t believe me, Wikipedia will set you straight.

The pizza was described as “mushrooms, goat cheese, caramelized onions and mozzarella”. What was delivered was only slightly disappointing. I was hoping for 2x the mushrooms, and the onions weren't caramelized, just cooked. So maybe the chef forgot to do that part, or the menu writer doesn't really know what caramelized means. I gripe because that would really have made it awesome. The crust was nice and thin, and well done. And the mushrooms that were present were tender and meaty. And yes, I ate it all. I’ll be be back, it’s fun to eat outside by the river, but perhaps I’ll opt for the burger next time, they looked really good…

Tico: 222 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA

Photo Credit: Melissa Ostrow.

This past Saturday we dined at Tico, whilst in the Boston Area for a bridal shower. We ended up here through a suggestion from Chef’s Feed. An awesome app that crowdsources where local chefs eat. Because who better to tell you where to eat, right? Download it now! But I digress. Tico specializes in Tex-Mex style tapas. An array of different flavors and styles all presented in small plates. Typically I don’t like sharing my food, but in places like this I hang up my only-child hat and embrace the experience.

The place has a very up-beat vibe, there was a good crowd for a Saturday, but not so loud you couldn’t hear your own conversation. I began my meal with a house margarita made to perfection with salt on the rocks. We started off with Mixed beef tacos, Chorizo in Chimichurri, and Roasted Cauliflower. The tacos had melt in your mouth shredded beef, then a sprinkling of crunchy beef, topped off with fresh cilantro and radishes on soft corn tortillas. Texture won me over on these. Chorizo came skewered “ala plancha” in a Chimichurri marinade. The marinade soon also marinated hunks of bread after the Chorizo was devoured. My favorite of the evening was the Cauliflower. It came roasted topped with a mild shredded cheese, a creamy chipotle sauce and toasted fava beans. Again the textures were amazing, and the creamy chipotle complimented the mild cauliflower quite nicely. It’s something that I may try to replicate in the future (especially since we just got fava beans in our CSA box last week). After that we had some room in a our bellies for one more plate. Mushroom quesadillas with a truffle oil and olive tapenade. Another favorite, these mushrooms were divine, housed in a crispy, chewy, flaky quesadilla. Oh Hello, truffle oil and olives, did you want to hang out too? It was a delicious ending to the meal. So delicious we opted out of dessert. If I lived in the area, I would certainly be back to bring more friends.

*My only teeny criticism is that they need to fine tune their playlist. It almost sounded like it was a staff members iTunes library on shuffle. Control the ambiance with music, it’s very important!

Dettera: 129 E. Butler Ave., Ambler

This weekend we went out for a birthday dinner for my mother dearest. Of the Italian persuasion, Dettera is relatively new addition to the growing restaurant scene in teeny weeny Ambler. We arrived a little before our reservation to enjoy the Happy Hour at the swanky bar. The bar top curves and reflects the shape of the cut out ceiling that exposes it’s large wine selection. There were a number of tasty cocktails offered, as well as $2 Yard’s Love Stout draft. I enjoyed an expertly muddled Raspberry Coconut Mojito while others took advantage of the $2 drafts.

We were seated in a spacious booth with a good view on the goings-on of Main street and the nearby Ambler Theater. All of the staff were all well-informed about specials and the menu, suggesting wine pairings and favorite dishes. I shared the Homemade Ricotta Cavatelli with Fava beans as a starter. The Cavatelli had a great texture, and included some salty pancetta in the creamy goat cheese sauce. My only complaint would be the beans were slightly under cooked, no tragedy. I tend to get beef when I go out because it’s something that we rarely make at home. So for my main course, I ordered the Sliced Wagyu Sirlion, with swiss chard, herbed spatzle and trumpet mushrooms. The sirlion was divine, prepared to medium rare perfection. The swiss chard was paired nicely with the mushrooms and spatzle, different textures all coated in sirlion au jus.

 (I was so excited to tuck in, I forgot to take a photo of it right away. 
Which explains the poor presentation below.)

Other members of our party got the Bouilliabaisse, Mahi Mahi and Braised Short Ribs. It seemed as thought the Bouilliabasse was the only disappointment because the flavor of the broth over took that natural seafood flavor, however all the seafood were prepared well. Overall there were smiling faces and happy bellies.

After dinner, we stayed at the bar to help them finish their keg of Love Stout to make way for a fresh keg. (Mission accomplished!). I would recommend Dettera for any sort of special occasion or for pre or post theater drinks and nibbles.

The Farmer’s Cabinet: 1113 Walnut Street, Philadelphia

Last night we went out for our first Center City Sips Happy Hour this summer at The Farmer’s Cabinet. All I knew of the place was that it has a huge European draft selection, something I can get behind. My first impression, when I entered, it was ridiculously dark. Not just eye adjusting dark, but nothing but candles dark. When I could actually see, the decor was fabulous. It had a rustic Victorianesque look with bottles and deer heads covering the walls. Candles were the primary illumination (hence the darkness) coming from a number of hanging mason jars, and tall pillars stacked and piled on tables. The place was a buzz, a large crowd, fitting the roaring 20’s motif.

Sitting at my farm style dinning table I located the Sips menu, which should be drinks less than $5 and half price appetizers. Their menu consisted of a tiny 3X3 square, with a Bavarian Pretzel and Moroccan Chicken option for $4 each. We ordered a few of each for the table. And I got a glass of Pinot Noir for $4, not too shabby. We were disappointed to say the least with the food, but only in it’s quantity and not quality. The pretzels were smaller than my tiny hand and the chicken was one petite drumstick on a plate. So, it would seem that normally that this drumstick is $8? While it was delicious, it was certainly not 8 dollars delicious, or even 4. I had a feeling from the look of the regular menu, it would be more of the same. So I just stuck to wine for the evening.

The service was not the most hospitable either. I got the overwhelming feeling of inferiority ordering from their tiny Sips menu, despite the fact that everyone in my line of sight was doing the same. At one point, we were actually scolded for ordering one more drink a minute past the Happy Hour. Please, sir, may I have another?!

This makes me out to be a cheap miserly diner, but the fact is, when dining out, I’m looking at the experience on the whole. Food, service, ambiance. Which is why I love specials like Center City Sips and restaurant week. I go to places outside the realm of my wallet, to see if they’re worth the hype. I’d love to love this place, but between the service that’s too high on it’s hipster horse, and the overly priced menu, I just can’t. At this point, the only reason I’d go back is to tell them they spelled “Bavarian” wrong on their chalkboard.

The Lion The Beast The Beat: Review

1. A stellar collection of rock on this album from Grace Potter. It opens, guns blazing, with The Lion The Beast The Beat. The tone of the album is definitely established from the start; the beat is on.
2. Dan Auerbach co-wrote and produced a few of the tracks, including the single,Never Go Back.
3. Parachute Heart
4. Stars
5. Timekeeper
6. Loneliest Soul, has a strange carnival sound to it, reminiscent of The Doors.
7. Turntable is a hip shaking, clap-along-tune with just enough country flare. Potter’s vocals are sexy and confident.
8. Organs and sweet guitar licks mark Keepsake.
9. Runaway
10. The lyrics of One Heart Missing are what get me. A heartsick plea to a lover.
11. The culmination of the epic rockness comes with The Divide. It builds and breaks into brilliant end.

I’d also like to add a shout out to the retro-tastic album art.

The Snow Child: Review

Admittedly my book of choice has some element of the fantastical. When I read the description for The Snow Child I was intrigued. An elderly couple moves to the Alaskan frontier in the 1920’s to escape the emotional stress of losing a baby. Times are tough on the homestead and just when they think they won’t last through another winter, their fortune changes. In the momentary bliss of the first snow of winter they make an angelic girl out of snow. The very next day their creation is gone, but they see glimpses of of small pixie-like girl running throughout the forest with a fox as a companion. She is wearing the mittens of child they made out of snow. Spoilers to follow…

Woodchuck Hard Cider

My new drink of choice for the summer. Woodchuck Hard Ciders. Ciders are so refreshing and light they make the perfect summer companion. And they don’t weight down your belly after you’ve had a few. It’s also a good beer alternative for the gluten impaired. Woodchuck, in particular, make a great variety from Pear (shown) to Granny Smith to seasonal concoctions. The Summer Cider has a hint of blueberry. And it seems, at least in the Philadelphia area, that it’s becoming a popular draft item. I understand if cider isn’t your thing, because, let’s be honest, it tastes like adult juice. But sometimes that’s just what I’m looking for.

Mariachi El Bronx

Mariachi El Bronx is a reincarnation of the LA punk band, the Bronx. I have always been a fan of the modern Mariachi-esque style, Ozomatli, Kinky, Los Lobos. These guys are another I can add to the list. Generally it’s just el fun to listen to. Horns, strings, accordion and a dance beat. Add some tequila and let the party begin!

Tracks include:

1. 48 Roses (sample)
2. Great Provider
3. Revolution Girl (sample)
4. Fallen
5. Norteño Lights
6. Mariachi El Bronx
7. Map Of The World
8. Bodies of Christ
9. Poverty’s King
10. Matador
11. Everything Dies
12. Spread Thin

BONUS! They are playing a free show tonight at Philadelphia’s Sailor Jerry’s.RSVP to get in.