Sunday Brunch at FarmiCia

If I had to pick a favorite meal, brunch would win, hands down. There's something about the lazy weekend morning and the always impossible decision between sweet and savory that gives brunch an appeal neither lunch nor dinner could ever live up to- or maybe it's just the fact that this is the only time cocktails are encouraged at 11 AM. 

In my quest to gastronomically conquer Philadelphia's brunch hotspots, my two companions and I ventured down to FarmiCia, a Philadelphia must, this past Sunday morning. Conceived by the owners of the famed Metropolitan Bakery, this quaint Old City locale has a fresh, "farm-to-table" menu that does not fail to disappoint in quality or variety. 

Walking into FarmiCia, I instantly loved the rustic atmosphere and coziness of the restaurant- several nice touches were an abundance of string lights, a Christmas tree decorated with gorgeous sunflowers, and I was struck by the beauty yet simplicity of having a single green apple as the table centerpiece. 

After settling down and browsing over the menu, we were informed by our server that we had arrived during "Brunch Happy Hour," which meant that all of the drinks were half-price. We couldn't pass up the opportunity, and we ordered a round of the White Peach Sangria. It was chilled, crisp with a hint of peach, and served with the freshest fruit- the perfect way to begin our delectable meal. 

White Peach Sangria

I decided on the Grilled Cheese for my entree, which consisted of Amish cheddar and tomatoes pressed between multi-grain toast and served with a fruit salad. Although the toast was a bit greasy for my taste, I was pleasantly surprised by the large portion of fresh fruit and and that the cheese was thoroughly melted. 

Grilled Cheese with Fruit 

K ordered the Turkey and Avocado Club, which, in my opinion, was the best at the table for getting your money's worth. Split into four sections, it was a double layer of sourdough with heaping portions of both turkey and avocado. Also heaping was their serving of fries, which were amazing- thin, crisp, and perfectly salted. 

Turkey and Avocado Club

A immediately decided on the Quesadilla, which was scrambled eggs, jack cheese, potatoes, and chorizo all wrapped in a large tortilla and served with green chili salsa. She highly enjoyed this mexican-inspired entree, and especially raved about the chorizo, saying that it wasn't too chunky. 

Bittersweet Flourless Chocolate Torte

After polishing off our fabulous orders (literally, there was nothing left on our plates), we of course couldn't leave without something sugary to satisfy our palates. Although I wanted everything on the dessert menu, we all chose our treats fairly quickly. A ordered the Orange Pound Cake, which was paired with a delightful blood orange sorbet, K chose the classic Carrot Cake, made unique with the use of a cream cheese ice cream topping instead of frosting, and I went with the decadent Bittersweet Flourless Chocolate Torte sided with coffee ice cream. Although our server had warned me that even the biggest chocoholics found the torte overwhelming, I didn't think it was too much chocolate at all...guess my sweet tooth is bigger than I thought! 

My first FarmiCia experience went above and beyond expectations, and I would recommend their brunch to anyone. In fact, I am already planning out future visits; I think I'll go with sweet next time and order the Brioche French Toast or Buttermilk Pancakes. I highly encourage everyone to head to FarmiCia in the near future, and to bring along any friends who insist on the greatness of dinner over brunch- they'll be immediate converts for sure! 

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Kitchen Confidential

Let's just get this out of the way: I did not make any notable food this week.

I know, I'm sorry. It was a busy week! So, instead of my usual random musings about my food philosophy leading into an awesome recipe with pretty pictures, there will just be random musings.

On the plane ride from Seattle to Philly, I finally read what many consider to be the quintessential book on working as a chef: Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential.

Kitchen Confidential completely surprised me. When I think of cooking, I think of the (at absolute minimum) thirty minutes I take to prepare a meal that I have never cooked before (not including cooking time), and for more complex meals, at least an hour, even when I've cooked them hundreds of times before. I love cooking and I've thought of doing it professionally, but this book really opened my eyes. My über careful, extremely slow way of cooking would never cut it in a restaurant.

Kitchen staff must be human robots, churning out hundreds of the same dish in a night as fast as they possibly can. And they often treated like dogs. Before one proves themselves as a capable cook at a restaurant they are worth absolutely nothing to the rest of the kitchen staff. There is, of course, no room for creativity unless one is the head chef and gets to decide the menu, but even then there is almost no improvisation on a day-to-day basis. Even for chefs that get to be creative, the job is even more about management than it is about cooking.

I am very happy I read this book, if only because now I will hopefully stop daydreaming about cooking for a living. Hopefully...

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Lunch at Lacroix

A luxurious French restaurant, Lacroix is located in Rittenhouse Square, inside the Ritz Carlton Hotel. I decided to visit Lacroix during Restaurant Week for lunch. We sat at the window seat, which had a beautiful view of  Rittenhouse Square. The atmosphere was very chill yet luxurious; I also thought that the restaurant was really clean and not too crowded.

For the appetizer, I ordered the Caesar salad. It tasted just like an ordinary Caesar salad, except that it contained "smoked charred red onion," which created a rich flavor.

The funnel soup contained tiny pieces of mango and olive. I had never tried funnel soup before, and it tasted much differently than any other "ordinary" soup. A very creamy soup, the funnel soup's mango and olive pieces added a very strong -- and a bit sour -- taste.

For the second course, I ordered Tagliatelle. It had thin flat noodles and black trumpet (mushrooms) and truffles. On the top rested a coddled egg, which exploded when I poked it with a fork. The egg yolk over the pasta and mushrooms made the pasta really flavorful. Overall, I really enjoyed the pasta.

This is Rohan Duck with black currant and Swiss chard (second course). Although the duck skin/fat part was too oily for me, the dish itself was quite good.

For dessert, each of us ordered three small tarts: one with blueberries, another with mango & berry creamy cake, and one with a cinnamon cream puff. The third course, the dessert, is not set, so it varies depending on which day you visit the restaurant. For instance, the Center City Philadelphia website says that the third course is a "Trio of Petite Desserts". Overall, I think that Lacroix was a great-value meal for two people ($40 for two). Although each course contained relatively small portions, I did feel pretty full after finishing the entire three-course meal. Since Lacroix is typically very expensive, the ability to try the restaurant during restaurant week was a quite satisfying experience!

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News Feed: A Round-Up of the Week's Top Food Stories

Image via Midtown Lunch

• Comeback kid: Saigon Cuisine, the new Vietnamese BYOB at 40th and Chestnut, has reopened for good after being closed by the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections shortly after its grand opening

• University City: Shake Shack, which opened last summer at 20th and Sansom Streets, plans another location at 3200 Chestnut St. for late summer/early fall

• Food trends: Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House at 3432 Sansom St. is serving up flights of...Chowder shots?

• City Paper's Adam Erace reviews Rue 52, West Philly's new coffee-and-crepes eatery at 503 S. 52nd St.

• Eat this: Meal Ticket sings the praises of West Philly's Four Worlds Bakery's soft pretzels

• Reading Terminal: Midtown Lunch reviews the Valley Thunder grilled cheese, made with cheddar, homemade brisket, and baked macaroni and cheese, from the new Valley Shepherd Creamery stall

• 108 S. 18th St. is the future location of Spike Mendelsohn's Philly branch of Good Stuff Eatery

• Food history: Smoked Tongue and Calfsfoot & Wine Jelly? Check out the menu from President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Ball, March 6, 1865

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Valanni 1229 Spruce Street

Whenever there would be an awkward lull in a conversation during rush, and after I had exhausted talking about my love of Wharton, I would just start babbling about how excited I was for restaurant week.  And now the time has finally come.  While I have been to all the must-sees in Philadelphia, like Parc, Fogo de Chao and Distrito, I decided to venture to a restaurant that is not as well known, Valanni, but I’m shocked that people aren’t beating down its door.  The décor, food and service were all exceptional.  The restaurant has a very sleek and urban feel, patent leather furniture and dangling lights everywhere.  It makes for the perfect location for a girl’s night out or for an intimate but edgy date.  

Valanni Interior

Valanni did not make the best first impression. It took us 15 minutes to be seated after our reservation time. And you know us financiers don’t like to be kept waiting.  Time is money and money is time. Valanni prides itself on being a Mediterranean restaurant, but only had one classic Mediterranean dish, hummus.  Also, it was awkward to be looking at the menu in my swanky seat with Rick Astley playing in the background.  The restaurant week menu is structured in such a way that you think you can get four courses, but you can only get three.  However, the incredible dining experience made up for these initial off-putting errors.

Quesadilla

For the first course, I ordered the buffalo chicken croquettes, which were similar to mac and cheese balls, except stuffed with buffalo chicken tasting yumminess.  It was plated over blue cheese and paired with a sweet-tasting celery stick that complemented the slight spiciness of the buffalo crocket bites.  My friends enjoyed the quesadillas, fried goat cheese and shrimp scampi appetizers. The only dish I would not recommend is the baked brie.  My friend said it was bland in flavor and too heavy of a dish.  The appetizers are very bite-sized, but probably for the best, given the size of the next course.

Filet

For the second course, I ordered the filet.  

I order my steak very well-done (despite that it’s a sin in the foodie community).  I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t have to send the steak back at all and they cooked it completely through.  A butter sauce was drizzled over the steak, which added a delicious sweetness to it.  The steak was paired with onions, portabella mushrooms (they were cooked to perfection; no sliminess) and asparagus, which were all sautéed wine sauce – enough to give the vegetables a little tangy flavor without being overpowering. 

Kobe Beef Burger

My only complaint was that I would have liked a starch to balance out all the food groups (aka make sure you’re friends order the kobe burger so you can steal some fries).  My friends raved about the kobe burger, which was loaded with blue cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomatoes; while my friend enjoyed the vegetable paella; however, from the one bite I tried, I thought it was quite bland and a bit too spicy.

For desert, you must order the Oreo Beignet, which consists of a deep fried Oreo served with vanilla ice cream; it’s reminiscent of those deep-fired Oreos during spring fling. Stay away from the bread pudding.  They secretly infuse it with alcohol, which overpowers the natural flavors of the apple, cranberries and almonds.

Oreo Beignet

Granny Smith Apple, White Chocolate, Cranberry and Walnut Bread Pudding

As we like to say in finance, Valanni was in the money.  Make sure to check this one out during restaurant week or for their Valentine’s day special.

-Nicole Pollack

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Penang's Curry Chicken and Rice: A Malaysian Delicacy

Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia's Chinatown lies Penang- a hub for Malaysian cuisine. For my friend's birthday dinner this past weekend, we decided to try the restaurant, which is known for its inexpensive and exotic meals. For my meal, I listened to the advice of our waiter and ordered Penang's curry chicken and rice. I was curious about my dish since curry reminds me of Indian or Caribbean fare.The waiter explained that Malaysian cuisine is notably influenced by South Indian food of the ethnic Indians who live in Malaysia. After a twenty minute wait, I received my entree. The smell alone instantly made my mouth water. The dish contained chopped pieces of chicken, a curry sauce, white rice, and sautéed onions. Topped off with garnish for aesthetic effect, the curry sauce had the right amount of spiciness and flavor. Although the onions were a bit too abundant, I enjoyed the difference in texture between the vegetable and the meat. The portion size was perfect since I hadn't eaten anything since that morning. Every portion of the dish had either a neutral or positive contribution. Nothing tasted inadequate.Upon finishing the curry chicken and rice, I cleansed my palate with a slice of orange before moving on to the dessert menu. I've yet to be disappointed by a Philadelphia restaurant. Until then, I'll have to rate each restaurant outing I've had as worthwhile.

--Ashlee Burris

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Pimiento Cheese: Spice Up Your Life!

An essential Southern dish, Pimiento cheese combines sharp cheddar cheese, pimientos, and mayonnaise with a peppering of other regional ingredients, creating a delicious blend of spice and soul. From grilled cheese to fritters, this versatile cheese can be used in a range of dishes. Below are two of my favorite recipes: Relish’s Pimiento Cheese Fritters and Southern Living’s Baked Pimiento Cheese.

Southern Living’s Baked Pimiento Cheese 

• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise 

• 1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimiento, drained 

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 

• 1 teaspoon finely grated onion 

• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper 

• 1 (8-ounce) block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded 

• 1 (8-ounce) block sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded 

• Garnish: chopped parsley 

1. Stir together first 5 ingredients in a large bowl; stir in cheeses. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart or 11- x 7-inch baking dish.
2. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until dip is golden and bubbly. Garnish, if desired. (*NOTE—I ended up baking my cheese for about an hour. I used an 8-inch casserole dish)

Relish’s Pimiento Cheese Fritters 

• 1 1/4 pounds cheddar cheese, grated 

• 8 ounces pepper-jack cheese, grated 

• 4 ounces cream cheese 

• 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, finely chopped 

• 1 1/2 tsp Cajun Spice 

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise 

• pinch of salt 

• 2 cups flour 

• 2 cups buttermilk 

• 4 cups panko breadcrumbs 

• 2 cups Relish's 4 Pepper Jelly 

1. In a large bowl, mix the cheddar and pepper-jack cheeses.
2. In a food processor , add the cream cheese, red peppers, Cajun spice and mayonnaise. Process until combined and there are no clumps of cream cheese.
3. Add the cream cheese mixture to the cheese and mix with a rubber spatula until combined.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Chill for 2 hours or overnight.
6. Scoop tablespoon size pieces of pimiento cheese and roll them into smooth balls.
7. Put the flour, buttermilk and panko breadcrumbs in three separate bowls.
8. Bread the pimiento cheese, place a ball of pimiento cheese in the flour and roll it until completely coated. Dust off the excess. Next, add the ball of pimiento cheese into the buttermilk and completely coat the cheese. Add it into the panko breadcrumbs and press the breadcrumbs into the cheese. Then repeat the buttermilk and panko breadcrumb steps (the pimiento cheese needs to be completely coated or the cheese will leak out during frying.) Continue with the pimiento cheese balls until all of them are breaded.
9. Chill for 1 hour.
10. Add 1 gallon of oil to a large pot. Place the pot over medium heat until a frying thermometer reaches 350 degrees. Fry 6 to 8 fritters at a time for about 3 to 4 minutes and they are golden brown in color. Continue frying until all of the fritters are cooked.
11. Serve the pimiento cheese fritters with the pepper jelly.

Craving more?! Try these tempting recipes: 

Basic Pimiento Cheese Recipe from Southern Living 

Baked Tex-Mex Pimiento Cheese Dip from Southern Living 

Grilled Pimiento Cheese Sandwich from Southern Living 

Macaroni and Pimiento Cheese Bites from Southern Living 

Spicy Pimento Cheese Omelet from My Little Loves blog by Bekah Joy

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Chocolate Tart

Over winter break, I was lazy. At home, I can basically cook whatever comes to my mind, no matter how over the top it is or how obscure its ingredients are. This is because my parents are more willing to give me extra money for groceries when I make the food!

So, of course I was looking forward to cooking and experimenting quite a bit at home, but when I got there I realized something: I also enjoy doing nothing. Every day I was busy hanging out with my friends, and when I got a new camera for Christmas, I decided that I was going to try and make stuff that is not only delicious, but that also looks good in photographs-- and that isn't extremely difficult to make. Naturally, I began my break with a chocolate dish.

This recipe comes straight from David Lebovitz and as far as I can tell, it is perfect. It is not too difficult to make, though make sure you read the steps before you begin so you don't panic and accidentally add the eggs too early, basically making caramel scrambled eggs. Yuck. If you pay attention and make it correctly, this tart is incredibly delicious. It is also so very pretty. Take a look.

PS... I hope you guys like the new camera.

From David Lebovitz:

1 1/4 cup (250 g) sugar
6 tablespoons (90 ml) warm coffee
4 ounces (115 g) unsalted butter, cubed, at room temperature
pinch of sea salt
4 ounces (115 g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 ounces (55 g) unsweetened chocolate, chopped
2 large eggs
1/4 cup (35 g) flour
1 tablespoon dark rum or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

One 9- or 10-inch (23 cm – 25 cm) prebaked tart shell (such as French tart dough)
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC.)

2. Spread the sugar in an even layer in the bottom of a large, heavy-duty saucepan or Dutch oven. Cook the sugar over moderate heat until the edges liquefy and being to caramelize. Use a heatproof utensil to gently drag the liquefied sugar toward the center of the pan, encouraging the sugar to melt evenly.

3. Once the sugar is melted, it was caramelize rather quickly. When it starts to smoke, but before it burns, turn off the heat and stir in the coffee. (The mixture will bubble and seize a bit. Be sure to avert your face and you may wish to wear oven mitts.)

4. If the caramel has seized up in places, stir it gently over low heat until smooth. Then add the butter and salt, and stir until melted, then stir in both chocolates until smooth*.

5. Mix in the eggs, then the flour. Stir in the rum or vanilla extract.

6. Pour the mixture into the pre-baked tart shell, then bake for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the filling starts to rise and crack at the edges but the center is still jiggly. Do not overbake.

Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing.

Storage: Tart will keep for up to three days at room temperature, well-wrapped.

Troubleshooting: If any bits of caramel remain after adding the butter, simply stir the mixture over very low heat until they’re all completely dissolved. If any stubborn little bits remain, you can strain the buttery caramel through a mesh sieve, before adding the chocolate.

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Chow Now: Pear & Bleu Flatbread from Harvest Seasonal Grill

If you haven’t yet checked it out, Harvest Seasonal Grill (40th & Walnut St) is one of the newest additions to the restaurant repertoire that Philadelphia boasts. From the décor and ambience, you will notice upon first glance that this farm-to-table restaurant provides organic and sustainable choices for its customers, so the dishes are wholesome and hearty (it also helps that 90% of the menu is under 500 calories!). Our table immediately fell in love with the Pear & Bleu Flatbread, a dish recommended to us by our server. This dish, featuring seasonal pears, Milwood Springs bleu cheese, baby arugula, and fig glaze, is the ultimate starter for an amazing meal to come. The mix of flatbread toppings is a perfectly fresh blend of sweet and pungent flavors, and the thinness of the toasted flatbread keeps the meal light and easy on the stomach. Chow NOW because Harvest’s menu seasonally changes, and where else will you find a fruity-and-cheesy-less-than-500-calorie flatbread?

--Roopa Shankar

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News Feed: A Round-Up of the Week's Top Food Stories

Photo via Meal Ticket

• 34th Street asks Penn students returning from semesters abroad: What is the weirdest thing you ate? 

• Food cart envy: KAMI, serving up korean-inspired food on Drexel's campus at 33rd Street and Arch Streets, hits the spot with "Korean cheesesteaks" 

• Overwhelmed by Center City Restaurant Week choices? Foobooz has a nifty search for filtering specific preferences like vegetarian options and BYOBs

• Open: Keven Parker Soul Food Cafe is up and running at Reading Terminal Market, serving up classic soul food choices like fried chicken, chicken and waffles, and "cheesy cheese" mac & cheese

• Inquirer food writer Michael Klein explains the bane of restaurant owners' existence: diners who cancel last minute

• City Paper Meal Ticket blogger and Penn junior Zoë Kirsch highlights the "gastronomaly" that is Chocolate by Mueller's chocolate covered onion

• Think your a food expert? Do you know your confit from your rillette? Test your food vocabulary with this First We Feast post on "20 Foods You Secretly Can't Explain"

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