Bloggers' Bites is a series of posts chronicling the foodie adventures and musings of Penn Appétit's blog staff. For this special Thanksgiving edition, Penn Appétit bloggers reflect on their favorite memories from a holiday that's all about good food.
Zoë Kirsch: Thanksgiving Day is all about the day after Thanksgiving. I say this because in my home, Thanksgiving dinner is almost too much. It's a heaven-sent avalanche of food, hell bent on sending you straight into a coma. My Kentucky-born grandmother and mother pull out all the stops. There's the classic: stuffing, two kinds of gravy (vegetarian and meaty), turkey (light and dark), cranberry sauce, and mashed potatoes. There's the Southern regional: pickled peaches, marinated brussels sprouts, and corn pudding. The pair have dessert covered, too, in the form of three pies (Chess, pecan, pumpkin). As the dinner winds down, we pat our bulging tummies and decide no more meals for the next ten years. Cue the next day. The sun has risen, and we can now stand up without falling over. Time for round two. We tell ourselves that the suffering endured last night has made us wiser, and so we help ourselves only to measured portions of stuffing, gravy, turkey, and cranberry sauce. Just those, microwaved and sandwiched between two thick slices of whole grain bread.
Katie Behrman: 10 years ago, my family made a pecan pie for Thanksgiving. I had never had a pecan pie before, but all I had heard that day were my mom’s rave reviews. After consuming a delicious, and plentiful, meal, we first decided to go see the 2nd Harry Potter movie. We left the freshly baked pie on the counter and bid goodbye to my dog. When we returned from the movie, however, we were shocked to see that the pie had fallen to the ground! Its dismantled container rested on the floor, but its contents were nowhere to be found. What could have happened? My dog sulkily came in to greet us, and for good reason. Crumbles of pie had attached themselves to his whiskers and crust lay embedded in his eyelashes. He had eaten the ENTIRE PIE! Crust and all. Somehow, while we were at the movie, my dog had managed to knock the pie off the counter and lick away each and every morsel! Although I was disappointed that I didn’t get to try the pie, I don’t think I would have remembered the taste as much as I remember seeing my dog mope across the room, tail under legs, with little specs of gooey pecan littering his nose.
AJ Winkelman: Thanksgiving, for me, is not about food. Yes, I LOVE ridiculous amounts of moist, healthy turkey meat, but honestly most other Thanksgiving staples are just not that exciting for me. Thus, in my most special Thanksgiving memory, food is an afterthought. That Thanksgiving is the one in which my family and my cousins, who had previously never shared a Thanksgiving, were together. The piles of fluffy mashed potatoes, multiple turkeys, and the pumpkin pie were better than any food I've ever had, not because they tasted better, but because they did what no other food had successfully done before them: they connected our three families, if only for one day.
Laura Sluyter: With all the lore and love surrounding the Thanksgiving turkey, some may find it surprising that my vegetarian aunt always hosts our family's Thanksgiving feast. I, however, think it's the perfect arrangement. My aunt cooks the turkey (and tofurkey) with as much care as anyone, and she takes the sides to a whole new level. Green beans, asparagus, salad, beets, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, creamed onions, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, dressing, homemade bread, and so on. With a side dish to person ratio greater than one, its no surprise we all leave the table stuffed. At least, I tell myself, it's mostly vegetables.
Krystal Bonner: As a vegetarian, my favorite part about Thanksgiving is introducing my extended family to delicious meatless holiday dishes. As a rule, I steer clear of preparing cooking that attempts to mimic meat (anyone who has tried Tofurky can attest to the prudence of this). Instead, I try to utilize seasonable produce and fresh herbs to create flavorful dishes that everyone can enjoy. This year I'm going to attempt a walnut and apple cornbread dressing (some Thanksgiving jargon for you—it's only called "stuffing" if it is cooked while "stuffed" inside the turkey). Of course, my other favorite part of Thanksgiving are the desserts—no dietary restrictions there other than the size of my stomach!
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Bloggers' Bites: Thanksgiving 2012 Edition
Thursday, July 12, 2012
LA's the Place (to eat)
Earlier this summer I explored Los Angeles, with a focus on food. My host and I ate mostly outside, puncturing our afternoons with iced coffee and pastries. What follows is a highlight reel of the bites of Los Angeles, with an eye towards the unique, the summery, and the fun.
The Sweet:
I’m a firm believer in multiple dessert days during vacation months. Los Angeles, land of yoga and coconut water, also has a sweet tooth.
Grab ice cream at Sweet Rose Creamery in Brentwood. They’re known for salted caramel, but you can get salt as a topping on any flavor. The blueberry muffin flavor that I tried was excellent and unusual. The crumbly muffin and blueberry bits fit nicely into an ice cream.
Most cakes are a little dull, a little dry, and rely heavily on icing. Not so at Sweet Lady Jane bakery on Melrose (they also have a Santa Monica location). This bakery is open late and serves HUGE slices of cake, from vegan berry to cappuccino cheesecake. We tried red velvet and chocolate almond mocha, and could not stop raving about the moist cakes and their flavorful frostings. These cakes are decadent, but not too sweet. Bonus: We were there near closing, so they offered us some free day-old bread and croissants. Breakfast the next morning was excellent!
Short Cake Bakery at the Original Farmer's Market
This relatively new stand came recommended from The Amateur Gourmet, so we had to check it out. The decor is adorable and there are lots of sweet food and drink options. We had a peanut butter bar that was good, but not revelatory. I'd try something different next time (we came late in the day so choices were limited).
Cool Haus Ice Cream Sandwiches
This food truck (which exists in multiple cities) was at the Yamashiro Farmer's Market, a wonderful summer Thursday confluence of food trucks, farm stands, live music, and views of the Hollywood Hills. There are even shuttles to take you to the top! Coincidentally, I went on the same day as Philly's Night Market and it was a great substitute. At Cool Haus you design your own ice cream sandwich with their array of cookies and ice creams. We tried chocolate chip sea salt cookies with red velvet ice cream! So decadent, and so good.
Fruit grows better in a warm climate. California nectarines, cherries, and strawberries are sweet and juicy, begging to freshen a hot afternoon. Farmers markets proliferate widely, and Mexican food back east just can’t compare.
The Savory:
In-N-Out: One of the first things I ate in LA was In-N-Out. This West Coast Burger Stand deserves all the press it receives. The burgers are so fresh and the animal style toppings (a special sauce and pickles) are delicious. I don't eat red meat often but I had no regrets about my animal style cheeseburger. I didn't even mind eating it at 11 AM.
Cube: My first dinner in LA was at Cube, a restaurant that bases its ever changing menu on different regions of Italy. I was there for Umbria and had a lovely dinner. They greet each diner with a special cheese pairing presented on a cute chalkboard. Also, their onion rings were amazing (they served them with a special spicy ketchup).
Loteria Grill at the Original Farmer's Market
Loteria Grill was some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. They have a menu that goes way beyond tacos and burritos. I ordered chilequiles, a Mexican breakfast dish that consists of layered tortilla strips, eggs, and various sauces. I first tried the dish in rural Mexico over 6 years ago and it's something I could eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Lasagna Cupcakes from Heirloom LA. Heirloom LA had a truck at the Yamashiro Farmer's Market and everyone was talking about their lasagna cupcakes. They had lots of flavors (the person in front of us on line got the last heirloom tomato) and the size was perfect. We had the roasted vegetable one and it was, aside from the cute presentation, very good lasagna.
Los Angeles may be the cleanse capital of the world but it's also a diverse place full of great food, creative chefs, and some of the best desserts I've had in a while. Maybe a good slice of cake is just the ticket to enduring Los Angeles' crazy traffic!
For more LA suggestions, check out our foursquare list of suggestions. We have ideas for New York and DC too.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Bloggers' Bites: Fishtown's 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff
Bloggers' Bites is a series of posts chronicling the foodie adventures of Penn Appétit's blog staff. On Sunday, March 25, we ventured out to Fishtown for its 2nd Annual Fishtown Neighbors Association Chili Cookoff.
Held in the spacious Skybox @ 2424 Studios, the venue was the perfect location for the cookoff with high ceilings and plenty of room for all the challengers. The judges—Drew Lazor (Citypaper Meal Ticket), State Rep Mike O-Brien (175th District), and Joy Manning (oysterevangelist.com and former food critic at Philly Mag)—may have selected resident Theresa Decker's "Double Decker" and restaurant Loco Pez's "Loco Border Chili," but what did Penn Appétit bloggers think? Read on to find out!
Nicole Woon: 24 types of chili. 5 bloggers. 1 mission: to try them all.
Indeed, this was our quest at FNA's 2nd Annual Chili Cookoff. We rose to the challenge and powered through each challenger's entry. A tip for these types of events: pace yourself. Chili is a substantial food that fills you up quickly, and you never know what you might find at the end!
"Happiness is a Warm Chili," an entry by Andrew McGowan and Dan Friel, captured my heart, stomach, and vote in the resident division. Their epic combination of meats—beef, pork, lamb, and veal (yes, all four in one stew)—with a homemade chili powder was positively delectable. The chili was hearty without being too heavy and was robust with flavor. It was truly happiness in a sample cup. (Plus, I loved the Beatles reference! Major bonus points.)
In the restaurant division, Loco Pez's stellar "Loco Border Chili" wowed my taste buds. Loco Pez took the mundane and made it insane, serving up wild boar chili with bacon, chocolate, stout, and habanero chipotle. The savory stew was topped with a dab of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and a crisp baked tortilla chip. For me, there are five criteria for an award-winning chili: aroma, consistency, red color, taste, and aftertaste. Loco Pez's entry met and surpassed all five. They truly paid great attention to detail with each sample they served up, from the light garnish to the temperature of the chili itself, which was a definite plus in my book!
Now, for a couple awards of my own: The Magnificent Meat Award goes to resident Jed Mecham's "Chili Con Chimi." It was meltingly tender and had the most incredible flavor. One blogger likened it to ropa vieja and I must say I agree with her. While I wasn't a huge proponent for the watery broth, if you served a bowl of just his chili meat, I would be a happy camper.
The Tasty Toppings Award goes to "Murph's Bar Chili," served by restaurant participant Murph's. Each sample cup was filled with a substantial amount of chili and topped to order with fresh chives, crumbled baked tortilla chips, sour cream, and cheesy cheddar. The contrasting textures of the various ingredients was excellent; their chili was delicious as well with an unctuous meaty taste.
Elliott Brooks: My two favorite chilis were actually both resident chilis. I found that by-and-large while the restaurant chilis were consistently good, the resident chilis were allowed more creativity. This meant that while some of the resident chilis were stellar, a few were downright bizarre.
My favorite resident chili was Theresa Decker's Double Decker, which was a tasty Mediterranean spin on chili. It had a really nice texture, and had plump raisins that had soaked in the meat juices, adding a really nice sweetness to the chili. It was served with cilantro sour cream, toasted almonds and jalapeno relish. The flavors played off each other nicely, and the almonds added a great crunch.
My second favorite was Andrew McGowan and Dan Friel's "Happiness is a Warm Chili". The chili was made from a combination of beef, pork, lamb and veal and was, as I described it "meat-flavored heaven". The combination of meats made the stew incredibly rich and delicious.
Of the restaurants, my favorite chili was the Pickled Heron's "Trois Petits Cochons", which was perhaps the least chili-like of the bunch. It was more of a white bean cassolet, with sausage, bacon and headcheese. Even though the thought of headcheese is a bit repulsive, the chili itself was very buttery tasting. I personally really liked it, although other bloggers were not huge fans.
Abigail Koffler: I had a great time at the Chili Cookoff. My favorites were "Loco Border Chili" and "Carne Adovada," both prepared by professional chefs. The loco border chili, served by a charming aussie, was complicated. It had texture, sweetness and meatiness and a salty tortilla tip accent. You didn't want to spoon it down all at once. You wanted to sit down with a bowl and a good book. "Carne Adovada" would have been a delicious dinner. The cornbread added the perfect texture and everyone in our group wanted a big bowl of the avocado cream. Chili cookoffs require a certain strategy. Clever names, perfect temperatures and creative toppings make your bowl of chili stand out from the crowd. With 25 in the mix, only the best were remembered.
Brittney Joyce: Resident chili:
My favorite resident chili by far was the "Happiness is a Warm Chili" batch. The four kinds of meat, beef, pork, lamb, and veal, were incredibly tender. The chili was also warm flavor-wise without being too spicy, making it a deliciously cozy great. The makers of this batch seemed to go light on some other traditional chili ingredients like beans and chunky peppers, but this worked out perfectly because the meat was so tasty.
Restaurant chili:
The "Carne Adovado" chili was my favorite restaurant variety. The chili was not too spicy and had nice texture, but what really took it to another level was the topping. The creators had a cilantro-avocado cream that they put on top, and the bright flavor of cilantro combined with the creamy richness of the avocado paired wonderfully with the chili, complementing its spicier tones. The cilantro-avocado topping was something that I had never associated with chili before, but we saw cilantro at a couple of others tables too and it is now something that I would definitely consider as a topping the next time that I make chili. The "Carne Adovado" group also served a delicious savory chorizo cornbread muffin with their chili, which earned them some bonus points from me. The "Loco Border Chili" came in a close second for me, but was a little bit too salty for my taste.
Vegan chilis:
I tried to be open minded in trying the available vegan chilis at the competition. However, I didn't really like any of them. Most of them diverged a lot from traditional chili flavors, and while many meat-based chilis there did this as well I found that some combination of spices and texture made the vegan chilis much less palatable to me. Oh well, maybe next year!
Jessica Chung: The Fishtown Chili Cook-off was a really great experience. The atmosphere was warm and friendly and the venue was packed with locals. There were the biker type in their leather jackets and bandanas, the moms with kids, and the young couples—all craving chili. It felt like an indoor block party, one in which they only served chili!
There were twenty-five different types of chili to try. At first, that didn’t seem like too much: you only got a sample. However, I got so full by the tenth cup that I couldn’t eat any more! From then on, I would gauge whether or not it was worth it to stuff my stomach with another taste based on the other bloggers’ assessments!
Out of the ones I did try though, I did have my favorites and my least favorites. Of the restaurants’ chili, I liked “Murph’s Bar Chili.” It tasted like a taco in chili form. The meat was tender, which was good, but it was the toppings that made this one stand out. The crunchy tortilla chips, cool sour cream, gooey cheese, and crisp chives made for great contrasts against the warm broth and soft beef. All of the different textures melded well together to create something that was more than just your everyday chili. I also really liked Soup Kitchen’s chorizo sausage cornbread. Their chili was unremarkable, but their cornbread was delicious. It was sweet with little bits of sausage. It was not grainy and was very moist. The bits of sausage lent a slightly salty flavor to the sweet muffin and a bit of a chew.
My least favorite of the restaurants’ chili were Barcade’s and Brindle Café’s. Barcade’s chili consisted of beer-soaked beans and pork belly with a whiskey mole sauce. Unfortunately, the alcohol was so potent that it made me cringe on the first bite. Instead of lending flavor to the dish, the liquor made it taste like a shot! Furthermore, instead of alcohol, it was Indian spices that overpowered Brindle Café’s chili. I tried the vegan version and it tasted more like an Indian bean dish than a chili. I think the idea was good, to infuse Indian flavors into the dish, but it turned out that the spices took the show, allowing no room for the main ingredients to shine.
Of the residents’ chili, I did not have an absolute favorite. I thought that Jed Mecham’s “Chili Con Chimi” had good, tender, flavorful meat, but the broth was not thick enough. On the other hand, I liked the broth of Randy Malone’s “Uncle Jack’s Tennessee Pride.” It had a sweet barbecue flavor that made it different from the usual salty chili. The meat, however, was simple—just ground beef. As for my least favorite of the resident’s chili, it was Kelly and Holly Stevenson’s “Kelly’s Kreation.” This chili didn’t resemble a traditional chili. The meat was chicken and the broth tasted like pure buffalo sauce. It was thin and tangy and would have worked better as a sauce than a broth.
Overall, the Fishtown Chili Cook-Off was a really great experience. I do not love chili, but I really enjoyed getting to try all different kinds. It was a chance to taste various creations—good and bad—without having to commit to one. I would definitely do it again…and maybe next time
on an empty stomach!
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| Bloggers with happy smiles and full stomachs! |
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Penn Bites
Recently I read an old blog post by Adam Roberts, the AmateurGourmet, on his New York recommendations. He began with a summary of the quintessential nibbles that define New York: dumplings from Chinatown, a hot dog at Gray’s Papaya and an epic bagel. It prompted me to think of Penn bites, the foods that provide a snapshot of life and eating at Penn. Here's my immediate bite list. Feel free to suggest more in the comments.
1. Kiwi
Yes, frozen yogurt is a huge trend. Yes, there are three frozen yogurt places within walking distance of my house. None of them are self serve and none of them offer the breadth of flavors and toppings that Kiwi provides. Kiwi also constantly changes their flavors (countdown to pumpkin season please) and it’s a fun place to run into friends. Penn and Kiwi have a great relationship. How many times have you grabbed Kiwi to catch up with a friend? It’s a thing here and we somehow all convince ourselves it’s healthy.
2. One BIG coffee nursed slowly over the course of a day of studying
My caffeine levels at college are probably dangerously high, something that ought not to continue after graduation. I’m a big fan of coffeeshop studying and suspect that nothing represents the Sundays of my college career better than a large coffee and serious study time.
3. Food carts
Perhaps my favorite part of Penn’s food scene is the food trucks. Where else can you get anything from a macaron (at Sugar Philly) to an arepa (at Delicias Philly) to meatless meatballs (at Magic Carpet) to the perfect hangover sandwich (at Hemo's) within a few blocks of one another, usually for under $5. Waiting in line and running into random people is half the fun. The other half is going so often that the employees know your name and order.
4. Wawa
Penn students get religious about Wawa and after a few weekends here it’s easy to see why. Late night Wawa runs are not merely a culinary experience; it’s social and it’s fun. Also, they have $1 coffee (any size) all of January and that needs to be acknowledged.
5. Houston Salads
I dare you to find another salad bar without a limit on toppings or a charge for anything beyond the basic carrot shreds. Houston doesn’t charge extra for cheese, nuts or nice fruits and the salads are huge! Get your parents to give you some Penncash and get nomming.
6. Brunch
There’s no such thing as breakfast or lunch on the weekends. Fact: These meals always merge. Whether you brunch at Hill, Tap House, Sabrina’s, White Dog or in your apartment, you’re brunching. It’s a thing. It’s tasty, you’re willing to wait for it and it delays the inevitable torture of a Sunday afternoon full of homework.
So there’s Penn, or at least some pivotal parts of it, in a few bites. When your kids someday ask you what college was like, just give them a tasting menu. It will be way less awkward than explaining any actual stories of your adventures.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Study Breaks: Coffee Shop Edition
While many residents of the northeast are savoring the crisp fall air and idyllic trips to the apple orchard, Penn students are visiting the library in droves. Midterm season is upon us and with that comes important decisions: where to study and where to snack. While libraries are the obvious choice, I like to mix it up every now and then with a visit to a coffee shop. Studying in a coffee shop offers an entirely different intellectual experience. Instead of feeling trapped in a library, you are an intellectual expanding your mind in a cozy setting. You seem at once hardworking, sophisticated and classy. In short, coffee shop studying is a win-win situation.
A good study snack is satisfying but quick, a real escape that won’t take hours to consume. My first recommendation is Metropolitan Bakery at 40th and Walnut, more specifically, their chocolate chip dried cherry cookie with sea salt (pictured). Metropolitan Bakery has the added perks of staying open until 7 pm and a 10% Unieats discount. I also recommend the pound cake. It’s deceptively simple but refreshingly delicious.
Another worthwhile spot is Café Clave, located at 43rd and Locust. While this University City destination is a bit of a trek for some students (ahem Hill/King’s Court), the added walk ensures that you will work for a solid few hours, so as not to have wasted your journey. Café Clave is a place to settle in and get stuff done. My GA introduced my suite to Café Clave, and it’s a real treasure. The best part is the little known quiet back room, which features desks, chairs and outlets aplenty. It’s a perfect place to study while the front room is good for chatting or working. Outdoor tables are nice during warmer months. The coffee is good and they are famous for their empanadas, which run out quickly. I recommend their parfaits and grilled cheeses (although definitely not together) with an iced coffee.
Lastly, and not to be overlooked are on-campus coffee shops, notably Williams Café. As a humanities student, I visit Williams Hall at least four times a week. Its central location makes Williams Café the perfect spot to grab a snack and coffee during the day, filling those awkward half hour breaks between classes. Grab some coffee (it’s La Colombe, not Starbucks) and one of their notoriously flaky croissants and grab a seat, either in the Café or Silfen Study Center. Newspapers are readily available, and a few minutes of relaxation or reading does wonders for a stressful day. Even better, there are opportunities for free stuff with punch cards that give a free small or medium drink every 10 drinks. For the social media savvy, you can follow @WilliamsCafe on Twitter to find out about free drink giveaways (the first one is this week).
School is stressful. Routines are easy to establish but hard to break. Deviate from your routine just once; study at a coffee shop; try a new flavor of tea; spend 10 minutes eating a croissant and just thinking. A little study break makes all the difference.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Haute Chocolate
Philadelphia’s current wintry weather calls for a cozy spot by the fireplace and a steaming cup of something warm. What’s my drink of choice? A mug of decadently rich hot chocolate, lavishly topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream and fluffy marshmallows. Cocoa is not only a sweet treat, but also a health drink in disguise: the beverage has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times those found in green tea. There’s no better reason to sip away!
The best hot chocolate I ever had was at a small café located on Île Saint-Louis, a natural island in Paris that overlooks the Seine. I was stunned when the waiter arrived at my table with a cup, spoon, and pitchers of whole milk and melted chocolate. It was the first experience I had at a café/restaurant where I could adjust the level of “chocolateyness” to my liking—needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. As I sipped my cup of chocolat chaud slowly and people-watched, I knew I was having the ultimate Parisian experience.
What about the times you can't jet off to Europe? There are plenty of Philadelphia locations that can satisfy your hot chocolate cravings. Right near the Radian on campus, Capogiro makes more than just incredible gelato—they serve a delightful Italian Hot Chocolate, accompanied by a generous helping of whipped cream and dusted with cocoa powder on the side. The foam on top of the cocoa masks the thick richness beneath; the drink completely warms you from the inside out. It’s like sipping pure melted chocolate, only better. (For those adverse to such a heavenly drink, they also offer “regular” Hot Chocolate.) Max Brenner in Center City is famous for their wide cocoa selection (not to mention any other chocolate dessert you can think of). They offer global options (whether it’s the Mexican Hot Chocolate spiced with red chili, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper; the Swiss Whipped Cream Chocolat; or the Hot White Chocolate hailing from Trinidad) in both hot and cold varieties. An added bonus? The fun you get from drinking out of their architecturally cool cups. RIM Café in South Philly’s Italian District is also notorious for adding chocolate to every beverage on their menu. The drinks go well with their massive cannolis and excellent biscotti, making you feel like a true Italian for a day.
My other hot chocolate favorites:
• Seattle’s Best Coffee’s “Cocoa Trio”: hot cocoa topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, white chocolate shavings, and a log of dark chocolate.
• Caffe Nero’s Hot Chocolate Milano: a true European hot chocolate (thick, rich, and smooth).
• Recchiuti’s Dark Hot Chocolate: there is a slight bitter tone from the dark chocolate they use in the drink, which perfectly counteracts and balances the drink’s natural sweetness. The huge vanilla bean marshmallow on top is the icing on the cake.
• Jeff de Bruges' Chocolat en Poudre: the resulting drink made with this French chocolatier's hot chocolate powder will instantly transport you to the streets of Paris.
If you prefer to be your own barista in the comfort of home, check out these recommendations for the best supermarket hot chocolate mixes!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tim and Jordan's Best of . . . Indian Food
This week in Tim and Jordan's Best Of: it's a delicious, flavorful, spicy cuisine that's ubiquitous on campus. It's Indian food, oft-enjoyed by undergrads discovering Penn's ever-varying tapestry of ethnic offerings. Our campus has its fair share of basic staple smorgasbords, but don't settle: skip Sitar, nix New Delhi, and venture a bit off the beaten track if you're looking for the best. Today we'll take a look at some of the more Indi-pendent joints around campus that are the cream of the Calcutta crop.
Tiffin
Founded by a Wharton MBA graduate, Tiffin is primarily a delivery service. After all, a tiffin is a lunchbox in India, into which wives (or servants) diligently package freshly-prepared food to be delivered midday to their working spouses (or clients). Appropriately, Tiffin is just that–freshly prepared, delivered, home-cooked Punjabi-style cooking. Tiffin's major selling point is its sincere authenticity. It's not overspiced, or swimming in cream and oil like in much of the buffets' standard fare. Rather, each bite is delicately spiced and exudes lightness. One lunch or dinner tiffin will run you $7.50 to $8.50 and includes two vegetable dishes, a generous smattering of dal (lentils), a heap of rice, and a serving of accompanying chutney. Compared to the 12 or 13 dollars you'd have to shell out at one of those buffets, Tiffin is an amazing deal. Tiffin's cuisine suits all, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, and we were amazed by their expansive but concentrated menu.
Our tiffin featured gobi manchurian, a delicious marriage of sautéed cauliflower and a zingy tomato sauce; aloo mutter (a simmered curry of potatoes and peas); and dal tadka, delicately cooked yellow lentils with a hint of cumin. Needless to say, each dish left us extremely impressed.
For the more adventurous, be sure to try their Indian pizza, which has become a very common dish in India. It consists of a bang-on combo of a western crust layered with paneer, curry sauce and various spiced toppings, combining the best of cream and spice into a familiar form factor. In this case, better ingredients really does mean better pizza–a veritable Papa Jain's, if you will.
Bottom line, Tiffin offers some of the best indian food you can get in Philly, in our opinion. And it's convenient to boot! They also boast a collection of physical restaurants, which we're itching to try. And who says Wharton graduates don't go on to do great things?
Desi Village
Situated west down Baltimore Avenue, Desi (pronounced DESS-ee) Village is a hidden gem in an already overlooked but foodie-approved section of West Philadelphia. Even from the outside, there is a welcome and warmth to its ambience, not unlike the food itself. Abandon the all-you-can-eat approach and tailor your meal for your cravings: Desi Village's menu covers it all, from ajwain to zindagi.
The reviewers' typical meal starts off with a platter of pakoras, served with a plop of mouth-watering pudina chutney. Our curries arrive–malai kofta, paneer tikka masala, and saag paneer, say–not to discount the side of raw onion and garlic naan. We suggest going the family-style route: the more the merrier. Everything can be spiced just to your liking, so no capsaicin complaints there. The curries are clean, fresh, and flavourful. The malai kofta, those classic balls of vegetables and cheese, bathe in a savory tomato curry sauce, but aren't drenched. Sop up the spinachy saag with your garlic naan, or taste some tikka, whatever you like. Both are scrumptious and smooth, flavored to the last detail.
Or try some other nuggets: their chicken tikka is some of the best there is (or so we've heard, the authors are vegetarian), or have a go at more lamb vindaloo than you can shake a stick at. Top off your meal with a glistening gulab jamun, and you'll see why this place is second to naan.
Desi Chaat House
Looking for something different? Desi Village owner Hassan just can't seem to quit. He's added yet another treasure to the toolbox. Desi Chaat House, a stone's throw away on 43rd on Balitmore, offers something completely unique to Philadelphia: authentic Indian street food, also known as chaat (pronounced like "chart"). Bits of bhel peppered with papris are placed in a pool of tangy yoghurt and sweet 'n' spicy tamarind chutney. Cold and salad-like, these are surprisingly satiating as a quick bite or dinner on the go.
For beginners, don't be fazed by their confounding conglomerate of choices. And don't let the sulfurous odor dissuade you: it's the natural brimstone-containing black salt pervasive in these parts. If you're planning a trip, we'll help you out with your order. The papri chaat, samosa chaat, and bhel puri are all safe bets, each with their own spin on this crispety, crunchety treat. Be sure not to miss out on their student deal (but which doesn't include authentic Indian sodas like Thumbs Up! and Limca). If you're itchy for a litchi, they've got that, too. Unlike Taglio and Già Pronto, this dynamic duo really packs a punch...to your tastebuds, not to your wallet.
So there you have it: our take on the best of Bharat. The next time you have a craving for curry, transcend Tandoor and try out one of these Hindustani havens that are sure to keep you cumin back for more.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Best of ... Bubble Tea
Choice can be difficult. With this in mind, we bring you the "Best of" series, a weekly evaluation of the culinary establishments that stand above the rest.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Philly Alfresco
Although it’s been hard to tell lately, it is, in fact, springtime in the city. Yes, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and it’s beginning to warm up (most days). After the winter we’ve had, what better way to enjoy the weather than to take it outside? Your food that is. Dining alfresco is like an event in the city. On any mild day you can see lines of people vying for those outdoor seats, waiting to see and be seen. Here are some of the top places those warm-weather crowds are flocking to wine, dine and take in some of that well deserved sunshine.
The Plough and the Stars (123 Chestnut St): This warm Irish restaurant, which opened in 1997, is known as much for its outdoor seating as it is for the grand former bank building in which it is now housed. An Old City fixture for years, Plough and the Stars specializes in Irish fare with a Continental flare, and an appreciation for locally grown produce and ingredients. They also feature live music most days, often of the lively traditional Irish variety. The alfresco seating offers awesome views of the most bustling part of Old City and even comes with some large umbrellas to provide a little shade. So, if you’re ever in the area, Plough and the Stars is a can’t miss - literally, the bustling crowds are often the loudest on the street.
El Vez (121 S. 13th St): Of course, no talk of Philly restaurants is complete without a mention of a Stephen Starr creation. El Vez, often overshadowed by its more famous Starr cousins, is at the epicenter of Midtown Village, one of the up and coming neighborhoods in the city. Serving funky and fun Mexican food in a funky interior (complete with a bejeweled motorcycle and gold velvet booths), it also has some of the city’s best outdoor seating. With things on the menu ranging from classic burritos to the “Cesar Chavez” salad, Mexican food lovers will love the loud and over the top atmosphere of El Vez. It’s also great for people watching due to its proximity to some other great Midtown dining spots (i.e. Raw Sushi, Capogiro Gelato, Vintage Wine Bar, etc.)
Tria Washington Square (12th and Spruce Sts): Its high profile sibling, Tria Rittenhouse Square, is already quite well known for its sidewalk seating so close the park. This second Tria venture, while conceptually the same, is contextually very different. Located on a much less bustling corner of the quaint Antique Row section of the city, Tria offers some of the best selections of bruschettas, cheeses and white and red wines in the city. While they do offer a few salads and sandwiches to quench the hungry, their concentration - what they are best known for - is the continental beer, wine and cheese. On a good day, it is almost always packed with neighborhood locals hoping to take in the picturesque tree-lined streets and prewar townhouses. Don’t fret even if you can’t get a seat outdoors; the windows slide open fully to allow an open air experience for indoor diners too.
Le Bus Rittenhouse Square (135 S. 18th St): This small, local bread chain has quickly become one of the most popular bakeries in the area. Started nearly twenty five years ago, they began serving food from an old converted school bus on our very own Penn campus. Gradually, it gained so much popularity that it became a bread supplier to restaurants across the region. Now, it has established a Rittenhouse bakery that is often packed with locals yearning to get a taste of their wide variety of breads and pastries. From bagels to brioche to croissants and scones, Le Bus is a baked goods lover’s dream. While it’s outdoor seating is limited, if you go on a good day and manage to grab a sidewalk table, it can be unparalleled. Located right down from the square on one of the busiest city streets, Le Bus is a great place for people watching while munching on a muffin or sipping on some coffee.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Best of Philly: Falafel
Crispy on the outside, moist chickpeas and secret spice blend on the inside, and tastebud-exciting all over, falafel is a food most of us are familiar with--falafel balls freshly fried, creamy hummus, a variety of fresh and pickled salads, tehineh (sesame paste), and pita. Seems simple, right? Like any simple food, however, it is both easy to make and easy to mess up. But when you find a good falafel it is one of the most exciting and satisfying meals there is.
I set out on a mission to find the best tasting, most authentic, take-out falafel sandwich purveyor in Philadelphia. After much walking, tasting, and deliberating, I've narrowed it down to the top three.
Mama's Vegetarian
18 S. 20th St. (bet. Market and Chestnut); $6; Cash Only; Kosher
Mama's is usually so busy you'll have to wait a few minutes for fresh-out-of-the-fryer falafel, but the wait is worth it. The Large Mama's is a five-falafel gem with optional hot sauce, traditional salad toppings (tomatoes, onions, pickled cabbage), a generous dollop of hummus, and a finishing squirt of tehineh. You choose white or wheat pita, and the Israeli experts will assemble your meal in a way that smacks of military efficiency. The sandwich gives hot, spicy, crispy, and fresh in every bite. I often go out of my way to get falafel from Mama's, making it a necessary side trip when I go shopping or studying downtown.
Maccabeam
128 S. 12th St. (bet. Walnut and Chestnut); $5.75; Glatt Kosher
Like Mama's, Maccabeam is Israeli, and at both you'll hear Hebrew from the staff and, oftentimes, the clientele. And like any good Middle Eastern joint they are not shy on portions. The sandwich was stuffed to the brim, but the taste of the falafel was not lost in the hodgepodge of other flavors. The server smashes the falafel in the pita with his tongs, spreading it throughout the sandwich and showing he knows what he's doing. This sandwich had an excellent combination of crispy and moist, salty and spicy, freshness and tang - with the pickled cabbage a particular standout.
Alyan's
603 S. 4th St. (at South); $5.30
The unassuming front opens into a genuine Middle Eastern take-out counter, complete with falafel fryer, shewarma spit (you've seen it at Greek Lady; it's what they would call gyro), and Arabic. Doubling as a sit-down Lebanese restaurant, you can also get your goodies to go, including a falafel sandwich jam-packed with mouth-watering goodness. Like Maccabeam they smash their hot, fresh falafels - as if the Arabic accents weren't enough proof of these guys' authenticity. Lots of tehineh and a fully-stuffed pita combine for a sandwich that is as delicious as it is messy. I couldn't get enough and finished it all the way down to the last drop of tehineh on the foil wrapper, all the while dripping cucumbers, tomatoes, and tehineh onto the unsuspecting South Street sidewalk.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Coffee Shop Hopping
It’s even better than the bars. Why? Because you can do it during the day.
It’s the middle of finals. You’re getting cabin fever from Van Pelt (not to mention to the food selection in Mark’s Café is sub-par), Buck’s is loud and filled with sorority girls planning their nights out while you are desperately trying to crank out those fifteen pages due tomorrow, and Starbuck’s just smells funny. So what do you do? Why, you get out of town, of course.
I don’t mean literally. There are a plethora of off-campus study locations (and by this I mean coffee shops, because I refuse to work out of the easy reach of food), both near and far. I aim to bring you a far from comprehensive listing of a few of the choicest options.
First, if you want to stay near campus, The Green Line Cafés, two of which are at 43rd and Baltimore and 43rd and Locust, are excellent choices. Socially responsible coffee meets edgy West Philly in a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Unfortunately, the Baltimore location does not offer wireless access but the Locust one does. The Locust shop is also two doors down from Koch’s, so if the vegan-veggie vibes of the Green Line aren’t doing it for you, you can always pop over to Penn’s best and only deli for pounds of (free) meat.
If you want to venture farther, well, that’s when the fun starts.
Across the Schuylkill but still close:
Walnut Bridge Coffee Shop, which I think is at the intersection of the Schuylkill River and Walnut Street, offers free wireless, comfortable chairs, and chocolate truffles.
Just a little further (Rittenhouse Area):
Tuscany Café, at Rittenhouse Square and Locust (West End of the square), is my choice for morning work, as its little window-front bar gets so much sun it could probably power the whole café. (I have a think about sitting in the sun.)
Just diagonally across the square is the Center City Barnes and Noble, whose second-floor Starbucks offers better-than-Tazo teas but pay-for wireless (BOO).
In the vicinity is La Colombe, just north of Rittenhouse on 18th, famous for its coffees, and Remedy Tea Bar, at 16th and Sansom, previously reviewed on this blog.
Then, of course, there’s the park itself, although it is not conducive to productive studying.
South Street offers its own fair share of coffee shops, particularly La•Va, at 21st and South, and the Bean Café at 6th and South.
12th and Pine features The Last Drop, and 11th and Spruce is home to Spruce Street Espresso.
If you’re looking for somewhere new to study and get a little exercise while you’re at it, Philadelphia has more than its fair share of small, neighborhood coffee shops, most of whom offer wireless internet and excellent food and beverages. And the best part? No one you know is there to distract you.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Best Places to get a Banana at Penn
1. Any old dining hall, free with meal swipe
2. Your friendly neighborhood Fresh Grocer, ~20 cents (priced by weight)
3. Wawa, 35 cents
4. Fruit guy at 40th and Locust, 35 cents
5. Fruit Salad carts, 50 cents
6. Pottruck, 50 cents
7. Au Bon Pain, 89 cents (although you can use dining dollars)
8. Cereality, 1 dollar
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Top 5 First Date Spots
In reverse order, my top picks for a nice place to take that special someone:
5) Franklin Fountain - This traditional 1920s-style "ice-cream saloon" serves up old-fashioned, homemade ice cream sundaes and floats in portions so huge that they have to be shared. And after indulging your sweet tooth, you and your date can take a leisurely stroll down Penn's Landing for some good conversation (and much-needed digestion)!
4) Aqua - Simple yet sleek, this unfussy Malaysian/Thai BYOB is the ideal spot for a first date, and will fit his budget (nothing is over $15). The row of cozy tables and impressive waterfall add a nice touch.
3) La Fontana Della Citta - One of the few Italian BYOBs in Center City where diners are not squashed together elbow-to-elbow. The warm, welcoming atmosphere lends itself to a relaxed meal over lingering conversation - a recipe for first date success.
2) Cuba Libre - Walking into Cuba Libre is like being transported to Havana in the 1940s - the palm trees, big ceiling fans, and salsa music. The upbeat, tropical ambience will surely quell any first date jitters.
1) Amada - Along with the hip decor, open kitchen and vibrant music, Amada stands apart with its Spanish tapas experience, where the small plates are meant to be shared. Sampling dishes together is a surefire way to break the ice on a first date!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A List In Response...
...to the post about Michael Pollan's books.
A little advice on eating the "whole foods" way at college (something I am trying hard to do):
1. The salad bar in the dining halls or the salads at Houston are a good option.
2. When Houston has apples or pears, those are good, too.
3. The bookstore has decent fruit salad, although at $3.95 it's a little pricey. Ahh, bursar.
4. When you're at the store, buy fruits and vegetables that last a while, like bananas, oranges, apples, and baby carrots. Good general rule: shop around the outside of the store, and eschew aisle shopping.
5. Don't buy big bags of snack foods.
6. Freeze your breads.
7. If you want something sweet, make it yourself. Home-baked goods are much less likely to have yucky ingredients, plus you can control fat and sugar content. And you're guaranteed no high fructose corn syrup.
8. Generally speaking, don't buy packaged foods at all. If you must, good options are Amy's Kitchen (vegetarian canned soup, frozen dinners and snacks, etc.) and Kashi (7 whole grains on a mission!).
9. Real sushi isn't bad, except if you read the ingredients for Penn Dining's sushi...unpronounceable ingredients AND high fructose corn syrup!
10. Find a friend, and cook together. That way you know you're eating more healthily and you automatically have an eating buddy.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Top 5 Just-Add-Water Meals
(1) Annie’s White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
(2) Simply
(3) Bowl Appetit Three Cheese Rotini
(4) Thai Kitchen Pad Thai
(5) Thai Kitchen Thai Peanut
Based on:
A: Aesthetic appeal (0-5; Nauseating to Tantalizing)
B: How obvious it is that I just added water (0-5; I can still taste the powder to I could pass this off as homemade)
C: How satisfying it is as a meal (0-5; I’m still hungry to No need for a snack)
D: How upset the nutrition facts made me (0-5; Take 10 years off my life to [Almost] healthy)
E: How likely I am to buy it again (0-5; Maybe, if it’s on clearance to I’ll buy seven)
*Note: I decided not to include overall taste because they’re all delicious and all rather comparable to my unsophisticated palate.
Scores:
1: 4, 3, 3, 3, 5 (18)
2: 4, 4, 3, 1, 4 (16)
3: 4, 3, 4, 1, 3 (15)
4: 3, 3, 3, 2, 3 (11)
5: 2, 4, 2, 2, 4 (10)
Friday, April 4, 2008
Top Seven Bottled Waters*
1. SmartWater – Electrolytes…what could be bad?
2. FIJI – Best looking bottle this side of the Mississippi
3. Naked – Can’t find it anymore, unfortunately
4. Fred – Bottle shaped like a flask
5. Ethos – Charitable cause
6. Poland Spring – What it means to be from Maine…need I say more?
7. Any other spring water
Avoid Dasani, Aquafina, and Evian at ALL COSTS.
*I am not condoning the purchase of bottled water, due to its negative impact on the environment.
