January 29th, 2014
I am looking forward to Groundhog Day just as much as to the Super Bowl. Super Bowl Sunday is not the only the only event going on. Phil will come out of his burrow and, hopefully, will not see its shadow. Could not handle 6 more weeks of winter. Lots of events happening while waiting for Phil to come out. Please visit http://www.groundhog.org.
Federal Donuts, from Philadelphia, came to my house this past week-end and they were so good. My favorite? The Cookies & Cream. Federal Donuts offer Coffee, Donuts, and Chicken…people line up for hot donuts right out of the oven…your choice if you want chicken or not. Please check them out at http://www.federaldonuts.com.
We have balmy winters in Southern Delaware. The beaches is a great place to enjoy a snow event. Fresh snow….the surroundings are quiet. This morning was such a day.
So, my “rescued” Heinz 57, Addy, decided it was time to go outside…..Oh, I don’t thik so.
This is more like it…I think so.
Waiting patiently for spring!! Talk to you later.
December 8th, 2013
Walking through Main Street in Manayunk in Philadelphia a window caught my attention. A consignment shop. The name of this shop was Greene Street Consignment, located at 4313 Main St., Philadelphia, PA 19127. Tel. 267-335-5478. I have found that this is not the only location….New York, New Jersey and other parts in Pennsylvania. Visit http://www.greenestreetconsignment.com.
Greene Street Consignment has a fresh take on the whole consignment shopping experience. This shop looked like a boutique, storefront included. Plenty of namebrands, but they are focused on style.
Next time I visit Manayunk I am definitely stopping by. I need to find out more about it.
Whether you are a shopper or consignor, just remember that recycling your clothes gives them another chance…don’t discard them, let someone else enjoy them a second time around.
Talk to you later.
September 21st, 2013
For 5 years I have looked for a gluten free pizza that would make my mouth water. I found it!! You know it had to be good when customers eating at The Couch Tomato in Manayunk were ordering it…they did not have a gluten allergy. In my family’s gluten free journey (celiac disease), I would say that you can pretty much substitute ingredients to make recipes just as good as any. Pizza? Well, that has been a different story.
The Couch Tomato has gluten free pizza that is truly delicious. Our choice was Bacon, Goat Cheese, Olive Oil, Caramelized Onions and Mozzarella. It looked and tasted sooo good.
The neighborhood of Manayunk has a Main Street lined with restaurants and boutiques. During any given day, customers enjoy outdoor dining in, practically, every restaurant.
The Couch Tomato is located at 102 Rector St., Manayunk, PA 19127. Tel. 215-483-2233. Website? http://www.manayunktomato.com.
The restaurant has a casual atmosphere, the staff is friendly, the food was very good, and the prices were reasonable.
Our choices, besides the pizza were:
Risotto Fritters – Vegetable and mozzarella fritters with a sweet fire roasted tomato sauce and pesto. They were crispy on the outside, the center was soft and perfectly seasoned.
Cheesesteak Bites: Sirloin, fried tortilla, caramelized onions and peppers, mozzarella and sharp provolone, and siracha ketchup. This was a big portion, perfect for table sharing…tasty.
The grilled Caesar was a salad that was thoroughly enjoyed….house croutons and topped with naturally raised chicken.
What’s Going on in Manayunk?
Kicking off Restaurant Week is the StrEAT Festival, Saturday, 9/21. Main Street will be lined up with Philly’s best food trucks from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Restaurant Week will be on going through October 5th.
Check out http://www.manayunk.com/signature-events/streat-food-festival-restaurant-week.
Saturday, September 28th is the 2nd Manayunk Tomato Trot, a 5K Trail Run, or Walk for LUNGevity. The Race will start at 4:30 p.m. First 250 registrant will receive a Free Manayunk Tomato Trot T-Shirt. The after party will be at The Couch Tomato where you can enjoy live music, free pizza, awards, and giveaways. Register at http://www.tomatotrot.com.
September 15th, 2013
The City of Philadelphia has 4 great Catholic Shrines. Philadelphia is a city where the foundations for our right to freedom and religion were laid.
The Shrines are: St. John Neumann Shrine, St. Katherine Drexel Shrine, Miracolous Medal Shrine and St. Rita of Cascia Shrine which is the one I visited.
People visit churches and cathedrals for their own reasons. I am Catholic.
On Friday I visited the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia, located at 1166 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. Tel. 215-546-8333. Website? http://www.saintritashrine.org.
St. Rita is one of the most popular saints in the Catholic Church. She is known as the “Saint of the Impossible”. She has an amazing answer to prayer. St. Rita was born in 1381 and died in 1457.
Even though she wanted to be a nun, in obedience to her parents she married. Her husband was not very nice, to say the least. But with prayer he, in time, converted and became considerate and God-fearing. They had 2 sons.
Then, her husband was murdered.
Around the year 1411, St. Rita entered the Augustinian Convent in Cascia. In the convent, her life was of charity, and severe penances. Her prayers obtained for others remarkable cures, deliverance from the devil and other special favors from God.
“So that she might share in the pain of His Crown of Thorns, Our Lord gave St. Rita a thorn wound in her forehead. It was very painful and gave off a disagreeable odor, yet she considered it a very great grace.”
At the age of 76 she died and people flocked to the convent to pay their last respects. Many miracles took place through her intercession.
Her body was preserved perfectly incorrupt for several centuries, and at times it gave off a sweet fragrance. At the beatification ceremony, the body of the Saint raised itself up and opened its eyes.”
The life and spirit of Saint Rita of Cascia is reflected in the statuary and art throughout the Shrine, which occupies the lower level of the church.
Upstairs is the beautiful and majestic church, built in 1907. Even though the actual church was closed, they let me in and told me to take my time. Look how pretty it is.
At the altar, a prayerful atmosphere encourages private and meditative prayer, always in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. This you do not see in most Catholic churches.
Have a great day!
August 21st, 2013
We went for a little bit of a more upscale Chinese dining….it is still a very casual place…Han Dynasty is located at 3711 Market St. in Philadephia. The telephone is 215-222-3711. Website? http://www.handynasty.net.
The cuisine at Han Dynasty is known as Sichuan. “Sichuan” , previously known as Szechwan, is a province in the West of the Southern Central Region of China.
This restaurant serves food family style. It is perfect for sharing and they do open for lunch and dinner.
You can eat at the bar or sit at the tables. It does get crowded. Our server was CJ and he was great with his recommendations.
Han Dynasty packs a lot of heat in its dishes. The level of heat for each one is on the menu. But, if you want a little milder or hotter, don’t be afraid to ask because they will be more than happy to oblige.
And this is what we ordered:
The Dumplings in Chili Oil were spicy and perfect for an appetizer.
I thought this particular entree had tofu, but I am not sure if they forgot and gave me an extra order of Stir Fried Lamb in Hoisin and Oyster Sauce. It was good and I did ask for a number 5 in the heat level.
The Pork Long Hot Pepper Style were stir fried and included shredded long hot peppers. Full heat!!
CJ told us that the Salt & Pepper Shrimp were very good. We did try them and they were very light and had just the right amount of salt, pepper, and heat.
And, I loved this vegetarian dish of Bok Choy with Black Mushrooms!!
No dessert was necessary, just a long walk along the streets of University City.
Please note that if you do have a gluten diet they will be able to modify some of the dishes.
Talk to you later.
August 5th, 2013
When it is sunny in Philadelphia the visitors and residents really come out to enjoy the beautiful weather. Sunny skies, low humidity, and cooler temperatures, that’s what everyone in the city was enjoying on Sunday.
Parc is one of those restaurants that sit overlooking the square. Outdoor dining in a cafe atmosphere…great music playing in the background.
Parc is located at 227 S. 18th St, at Locust St., Philadelphia, 19103. Tel. 215-545-2262. Website? http://www.parc-restaurant.com. Parc is also part of Starr Restaurant Group.
It was late in the afternoon, but nevertheless, Parc was crowded and still serving lunch. They open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday Brunch.
The bread is baked in-house and smelled delicious. Since I have been eating gluten free, I have almost forgotten how dense bread really can be.
A few appetizers were ordered:
The Steak Tartare was made with chopped filet, capers and a quail egg on top.
This appetizer is one of my favorites at Parc. Chicken Liver Parfait with red wine gelee. It is a filling appetizer, perfect for sharing, as well. I didn’t, but you know what I mean.
An Heirloom Tomato Salad offered the taste of summer!!
Our server mentioned that he loved the Trout Amandine with Haricots Verts, and lemon brown butter. And he was right….delicious!
I decided on the Sunday Special. I think the Coq Au Vin makes its appearance at Parc every Sunday…so if you are there, I recommend it. It is so tasty and it really falls off the bone.
Parc offers wonderful desserts, but to tell you the truth we were totally satisfied…..so a little walk it was all that was needed.
Talk to you later.
February 14th, 2013
I was out and about, walking, in Delray Beach, late in the day when a bus caught my attention. I decided to check it out. It was painted with writings all over.
In large letters http://www.onemillionactsofkindness.org was standing out. No idea what it was. A few people were looking at it, as well.
I also noticed a bike. On it, just a plain sign saying “riding 9,000 miles for kids” and “overcome bullying through love”.
There was a slot on the bus to put donations. So, I put something in. Then, I started to take a picture and a voice said “thanks”.
Bob Votruba came out. Chit chat ensued and I wanted to know more about him and his mission. He has already surpassed the 9,000 miles on the bike.
Bob told me that it all started after the Virginia Tech’s massacre. His mission is to save kids’ lives. Personally, near his home, 3 students were killed at Chardon High School in Ohio on 2/27/12. Three young adults he new from his hometown took their own lives. He is honoring them and at the same time he is raising awareness of bullying and adolescent suicide.
Bob also has a sidekick…Bogart. He is his traveling companion and a very social one too. He is a Boston Terrier, who loves people and, actually, has his own story to tell. He even has his own book, which you can purchase by visiting the above mentioned website. Bogart was getting an ear treatment on that day, so I did not get to meet him.
Bob and Bogart have been riding around the perimeter of the United States, beginning and ending in New York City later this year. Bob has 3 children.
The website is full of information, challenges and ways for all of us to extend our kindness to others.
I told him I had not seen him in my neck of the woods….Delaware Beaches!! He said he had been in Delaware, though.
You can find One Million Acts of Kindness on Facebook and Twitter. You can e-mail him at thekindnessbustour@gmail.com. He is more than willing and able to speak at schools and other venues.
If you are, or know someone, who is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
I think his story was perfect for this Valentine’s Day….a good feel story.
And Bob gave me my Nikon moment and off he went….talk to you later.
January 13th, 2013
I am trying to stay ahead of the flu. Believe me, I have been overexposed. Some have it in my household…I got the flu shot, vitamins, and tons of liquids since I decided to start juicing. Getting those nutrients directly from fruits and vegetables. I hope it works.
I shopped for the juicer at some of our stores in Rehoboth Beach. I decided on Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer. First of all it is a proven juicer. Secondly, the price was $99. There were some that were $49 but I did not know how they would hold. And, then, there were the ones that were $200 and up. I am a novice at this. The third attraction to this juicer was easy clean-up.
Juicing is expensive, no two ways about it. I usually buy fresh but when you are juicing you need to buy in larger quantities. I have beets, turnips, celery, oranges, melons, greens…I got avocados and bananas. Please note that the juicer is strictly a juicer. No smoothies; avocados and bananas do not have liquid, therefore blend those in a blender or food processor and then add to the already made juice.
I love Gala apples so this was one of my first juices.
Freshly squeeze orange juice is always a treat. Juiced with the rind so as to absorb all vitamins.
Look at the color of the celery juice. Celery is full of vitamins and low in fat. It is also a natural diuretic. Something new I learned is that some people are allergic to celery. In Europe they disclose if products contain celery.
I decided to make popovers. I have not been too successful at them. It could be the gluten free flour used. I am getting better. I want them to be light but they still come out more muffin-like. They were delicious, don’t get me wrong. I used the pulp collected in the pulp collector to give my popovers added flavor.
Before I post the recipe, let me tell you that I used an interesting gluten free flour. Mama’s Almond Blend. It has white rice flour, tapioca flour, potato starch, sweet rice flour and almond meal flour. It is a light flour; non gritty. To learn more visit http://www.glutenfreemama.com.
I also used a 100% Coconut sugar. It is, apparently, the “in” sugar to use. I, actually, won it at Good Earth Market & Organic Farm, located in Clarksville, Delaware. http://www.goodearthmarket.com. It is organically grown and more nutritious. It smells like coconut, but it does not taste like it. The taste is more like raw sugar with a hint of caramel. Diabetics, please listen, because coconut sugar ha a low glycemic index, it is better for you.
Orange Popovers
3 eggs (room temperature)
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/4 milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups gluten free flour (if not Celiac or without gluten sensitivity, use regular flour)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons of orange zest or pulp
Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees.
In a large bowl whisk the eggs with sugar and zest.
Whisk in milk and 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
In another bowl whisk the flour with the baking powder and salt.
Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until small lumps only remain.
Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and brush the inside of the popover or deep muffin pan.
Place the empty pan in the oven for about 10 minutes. Don’t worry if the butter starts browning.
Take it out and then, carefully, fill them half way. You can sprinkle some of the rind or pulp on top just before putting them in the oven.
Bake for about 40 minutes.
Nice and hot, ready to eat.
Great with honey. I added to my raw honey some freshly squeeze orange juice and rind. The Country Harvest raw honey came from Manchester, Maryland. Dip or spread.
Enjoy!!
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