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.
January 9th, 2013
Cruising through the t.v. channels I stopped at one that was interviewing a jewelry designer by the name of John Wind. If I remember correctly, it could have been MPT, but I am not 100% sure. I was looking at his story and not the channel, really.
The name of his company is Maximal Art. It is located at 200 Racoosin Drive, Suite 111, Aston, PA 19014. Tel. 800-573-3308. There is so much to know about this designer that has been in business for over 25 years. To know more about him and his designer jewelry pieces, please visit http://www.maximalart.com. You can also find John Wind-Maximal Art of Facebook.
Meet my “Gotta Have It” “Cotton Ball” Pearl Necklace.
The vintage necklace holding the cotton ball is made from materials that are plated and then antiqued. I have not worn my enough to enhance its vintage look, but I am getting there. I almost forgot to tell you…very affordable.
The “Cotton Ball” definitely caught my attention. Made from genuine cotton, lacquered and pearlized. It is a charm which I attached to my necklace. The cotton balls can be irregular. That’s how they are. They can dent if struck on a hard surface. And, they will “shrink” if wet. They also come in different sizes.
As with any jewelry, it is bet to be kept away from water, hairspray, or makeup.
Every time I wear this necklace I get so many compliments. So much so, that I decided that a post was needed….word of mouth, and I am not the only one doing this.
I am wearing and enjoying it!! Talk to you later.
Note: Please visit John Wind Maximal Art’s Facebook page to find out where to find them at the Atlanta Gift Show.
November 15th, 2012
Monday was the day…balmy temperatures, sunny skies; a beautiful fall day. Off we went to spend the afternoon in Philadelphia. To tell you the truth, just in the past year is when I have been discovering this city. Just a little bit at a time. Having lived in Baltimore, Maryland for about 5 years, I went more that way. Some friends are very protective of Philadelphia. All I have to say is that I like BWI better and they turn on me like crazy. Okay, okay. Let’s leave it at that.
 
The more I visit Philadelphia, the more I like it. That’s what I said the other day. Driving around the city; the different neighborhoods are so well defined.
I have been dying to visit the Reading Terminal Market. This market is an institution in Philadelphia. It is 120 years old. It has seen its ups and downs. It is also one of America’s largest and oldest public markets. The Reading Railroad opened the market in 1892, below the tracks of their train shed. In 1990, the building was sold to the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. They re-built the Market to strict historic preservation standards. Today, about 80 independently owned small businesses are thriving in the market. They represent a diversity of nationalities.
You will find fresh produce, imported fresh foods, seafood, and prepared meals. You can park at the Parkway Garage at 12th & Filbert Sts., then get your ticket validated with a purchase of $10 or more.
Cooking classes at La Cucina at The Market – State of the art demonstration kitchen offering classes. For info. and registration, please visit http://www.readingterminalmarket.org.
Market tours are held every Wednesday and Saturday. Stories about Philly’s food favorites. Reservations are required. Please call 215-545-8007.
I knew I was at the market when I saw the unloading of veggies. The carrots were gigantic.
 
As I stepped into the market I was stopped on my tracks by the huge collard greens. Never seen them that big and beautiful.
Even though we knew where we were going, I still had to stop and absorb it all.
The Reading Terminal Market wants you to shop, eat , and stay awhile. Plenty of tables, and chairs.
First stop was going to be Dinic’s, Roast Pork and Beef. In particular, we wanted the roasted pork. Usually, this is served in their bread, which I understand is delicious. Due to gluten allergies, no bread was ordered; we got it with hot peppers and cheese. It did not disappoint, at all. It is exactly as they had described it to me. Succulent, mouth watering and juicy. The wait was about 25 minutes. The line was wrapped around. Tommy Dinic’s has been around for many years. Last year it was featured on Man vs. Food and now their usual fans have to make the lines with the newly discovered fans.
The sign of gluten free food made me look and stop. Nanee’s Kitchen serves Indian and Pakistani food. All fresh made daily; a tasting available. The majority of the dishes are gluten free. The samosas are not. Tel. 267-918-0786.
We had our sights sets on Peking Duck. It has been said that the best Peking Duck can be found at Sang Kee Peking Duck. Besides having a restaurant in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, they also have one inside the Reading Terminal Market.
The ducks were hanging. Sorry about the picture, but that’s the best I could get.
I placed my order and I could hear…chop, chop, chop. The pouring of sauce and my take out was good to go.
We continued with our take-outs and we decided to stop at Pearl’s Oyster Bar. They serve broiled and fried fresh seafood platters, homemade snapper soup and oyster stew. Their telephone is 215-627-7250.
They did not mind that we were also bringing other food to their counter. A couple of orders of oyster stew were placed on our table. It was very good; plump oysters, milk, and for me, oyster crackers.
What a combination of foods; oyster stew, roasted pork, with hot peppers and cheese, and Peking Duck!! Right choices; loved them all.
Could have stayed at the Market but we on our way to visit other places in the city. Rittenhouse Square is so beautiful and as one of Philadelphia’s open space parks, it is a place to relax and enjoy a fantastic day.
Right at 18th & Locust St. is a restaurant called Parc. It is part of the Starr Restaurant Group. It opens 7 days a week. They say their Sunday Brunch is to die for. Tel. 215-545-2262. Website? http://www.parc-restaurant.com. Our server was Stephany and she made sure that what we ordered was gluten free.
Parc is reminiscent of a French brasserie, bistro, and cafe. Very open, large open windows overlooking the park, outdoor seating…great background music, as well.
 
We decided to have a little tasting of something…how could you not? An order of Chicken Liver Mousse with pickled shallots and grain mustard. I have had this appetizer before and can’t say enough about it. Really, very good.
An order of Charcuterie of artisanal meats, country pate, and chicken liver mousse, accompanied by an assortment of their homemade breads.
 
The afternoon was so nice….but, it was time to drive back to the beach. Another visit to Philadelphia soon; that, I am sure of. Talk to you later.
October 9th, 2012
Once in a while I start piling up some of the services that I have used. Word of mouth is such an important marketing tool. I want to pass them on to you. You might need them.
AboutMyBeaches has a Services category on the left hand side of the website. In the past few years I have put them there for your use; from design services to collision services.
One day my garage door was stuck. It ended being something very simple but Precision Door Service, which I had used in the past, was at my house in no time. Telephones: In Delaware, please call 302-429-1992. In Maryland, please call 410-372-4852. Toll free? 800-New-Door. Website? http://www.mynewdoor.com.
The owners of KitchenTune-up are Ron Reichert and Bob DiToto. They have been in the kitchen cabinet business for many years. They specialize in custom refacing, custom cabinets, wood reconditioning and when they say they are going to be there; they are on time. They guarantee their estimates and their work. They are located at 37169 Rehoboth Ave., Henlopen Sq. in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-5544. Website? http://www.kitchentuneup.com.
Again, I had some minor repairs on my kitchen cabinets and drawers and they were able to fix them at a very reasonable cost.
Computers!! Tim Bixby has been in the computer business for quite some time. His new computer services company is called Shore Bytes. It is located at 26412 Broadkill Rd., Milton, DE 19968-2955. Tel. 302-448-4302. Website? http://www.shorebytes.com. You can also find him on Facebook. Email him to info@shorebytes.com.
For years I have used Tim for computer services. He specializes in tune-ups, installation, virus removal, or, you can do like I did and buy a computer through him. Tim looked at my needs and gave me several options. Installation was part of the cost of my new computer. Please note that Shore Bytes services from Ocean City, Maryland to Dover, Delaware.
Most of the time I use BWI airport in Baltimore, Maryland. But, when I use the Philadelphia Airport, then, an airport valet service makes it so much easier. Pacifico Valet takes you in your car and drops you off at the airport. Upon arrival all you have to do is call them and they will pick you up in your car.
Pacifico Valet is located at 6715 Essington Avenue at the Philadelphia Airport Auto Mall. Tel. 215-492-0990. Website? http://www.pacificovalet.com.
If you are driving north on I-95 you will get off on Exit 10….check the website above mentioned because directions are there. Very easy to get to. No reservations are necessary.
Please note that during the holidays you should give yourself some extra time.
Those are my tips for today…talk to you later.
September 20th, 2011
I visited this restaurant in July. The menu probably has changed since then. At this time of the year they will be offering a dinner package that goes with Terror Behind The Walls. You see, this restaurant is located right across Eastern State Penitentiary; the subject of my previous post.
You will find Jack’s Firehouse Restaurant at 21230 Fairmount Avenue, Philadlphia, Tel. 215-232-9000. Website? http://www.jacksfirehouse.com.
It is open for lunch, dinner, and they also serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
I found the restaurant by chance with Michael. Checking out Eastern State Penitentiary and then looking for something to eat. I later found out that there were mixed reviews. On that particular day, we had a perfectly nice lunch on a hot day, sidewalk seating, overlooking the prison.
Jack’s is located in a 19th century firehouse. Bar, entertainment, patio dining, al fresco.
We were brought bread, muffins and a raisin nutty bread.
Michael ordered a portobello sandwich with Swiss cheese. It came with French fries. It was a good size sandwich and the portobello was juicy and well seasoned.
I had the soup of the day. It was a cold tomato soup with basil and a hint of lemon. Thicker than a gazpacho. It was perfect for the weather.
A salad and I was perfectly content.
Note: If you would like to take advantage of the dinner package offered during the Terror Behind The Walls, please make sure to call the restaurant. It is a set price including the ticket for the tour. You will have to pay in advance. In their website you will be able to see the full menu for that particular package.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later…
September 20th, 2011
An adrenaline rush? A thrill? Well, today is when tickets go on sale for this much awaited season at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. It is their Terror Behind The Walls. The best way to buy tickets and check the schedules is by visiting www.terrorbehindthewalls.com, the website www.easternstate.org/tickets, or by just going to their box office at 21st Street and Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA. The box office is open every day from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on show nights.
Also, they are celebrating their 20th anniversary with a special Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, November 11th.
When you visit the above mentioned websites, please click on “New for 2011”. You will be able to see what they will be offering.
Please note that children of ages 7 -12 years old need to go on the designated days for Family Nights. Every Sunday evening, Wednesday, October 12th, Thursday, October 13th, Tuesday, October 18th.
The ultimate Halloween experience will be the Eastern State After Dark VIP Tour. The evening will begin with an hour-long, guided flashlight walking tour of this historic prison.
Eastern State Penitentiary was built in 1822-1836. It was closed in 1971. It was once the most expensive prison in the world.
On this VIP toup the highlights will include the cellblocks, Death Row, Al Capone’s cell, and the underground isolation cells under Cellblock 14. Afterwards you will be escorted to the front of the Terror Behind the Walls’ lines. This tour is limited to 20 people per tour group. The cost is $79 Sundays through Thursdays and $99 Fridays and Saturdays, only available on show nights only.
For this coming week-end 9/23 and 9/24, all tickets for the VIP tour are Buy One Get One Free. You can also call their group sales dept. at 215-236-5111, ext. 16 for pricing.
Note: Terror Behing the Walls will start September 23rd until November 5th.
Daytime Prison Tours are available from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Have a great time!!! Talk to you later….
June 25th, 2011
I don’t think so. Getting hungry, is what I told Michael as we finished checking the Eastern State Penitentiary. We had a target Food Truck in mind; Don Memo. Michael had found it; it has been the Food Truck talk of the town for years now.
A food truck craze, it seems. I know there were always food trucks coming to work sites. Now, they are all over the place. In Philadelphia, the food trucks are diverse; just like the City.
As with anything, some food trucks are better than others, some more gourmet and some specializing in different types of foods including desserts.
I love street food and eat it with total abandon. In Puerto Rico, food carts are a way of life. That’s where I grew up. Starting with my piraguas, or snow cones, to alcapurrias, churros, tacos de jueyes, piononos, etc….I still remember the kiosks in Luquillo Beach.
It was lunch time. Tacos Don Memo is located at 38th Street between Walnut and Sansom. Right behind the University of Pennsylvania. Tel. 610-529-2039. Website? www.donmemophilly.com.
There were several food trucks there, but I understand that during the school year there are even more.
Don Memo had a line. It happens every single day. You can call your order in. Otherwise, be prepare to wait. First of all, everything is prepared to order. You can’t rush food, you know that.
Food Trucks are an evolution from the traditional food cart. Actually, I found that Don Memo’s was more like a cart. It was small but immaculate. I am not kidding. We were all anxiously waiting.
Leo Saavedra is the grandson of Don Memo. Him and the other gentleman did all the cooking.
It was time to use my Spanish. Oh, well, by the time our food was ready they knew I was, originally, from PR and that Michael would be stopping by again and again. Michael was mortified.
There was a menu on the truck. Customers had a choice of meat: bistek (steak), pollo (chicken), pastor (marinated pork) and carnitas (seasoned pork). It seemed that the pastor was the most popular one.
When we arrived Leo was putting together some burritos. They looked gigantic. Then he was ready to fold them. Wait until you see mine.
I almost got a Torta. This is a Mexican Sandwich. The roll is almost like the one from a sub. You start with your choice of meat and then they will add mayo, beans, tomatoes, queso fresco, lettuce, jalapenos, onions, pickles and fresh sliced avocado.
What they called a Tostada was a puffy taco. The customers waiting were ordering mostly tacos and burritos.
Michael got 3 Pastor (marinated pork) Tacos. The taco shells were doubled; made out of corn flour. Tomatoes, onions, a fair amount of heat and packing a lot of flavor. The diced crispy pork was very very good.
I ordered the Burrito. This was an education; Burrito 101. It was so big. I also got the Pastor choice of meat. Then it was stuffed with Mexican rice, beans, avocado, onions, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and sour cream. Heat? Of course. He was surprised. He said the Puerto Ricans that have come to eat there did not want any hot sauce. Are you kidding? I could not belive that.
This burrito. Take a look. Was so perfectly folded. I could have thrown it up in the air and it would have stayed intact.
The inside was so good; great combination. Loved the cilantro and the freshness of the ingredients.
We sat on a bench on the street and ate it all before my brain started to register; about to tell me that food coma was next.
After we finished we took a walk back to the car, but not before checking a few of the other trucks on that street.
The Sugar Philly Truck had French macaroons, which were already sold out. Apparently, very popular. It also had chocolate molten cake, pineapple custard, creme fraiche cheesecake and even creme brulee. The majority of the trucks cook everything on site. This particular truck fixes the desserts at a different location and bring them in. Their website is www.sugarphillytruck.com.
There was the house of Pita.
The chicken truck.
The Japanese Truck.
The Fruit Truck.
And, the Caribbean Soul Food truck.
We saw other street food bounty trucks by Drexel University, as well. But, they would have to wait for another time.
For all food truck aficionados there is a website; http://www.mobimunch.com, where you can find food trucks all over the country.
Note: Tacos Don Memo has a restaurant located at 57 Garrett Rd., Upper Darby, PA 19082. Tel. 610-352-2376.
FYI: If you are in Philadelphia, please check www.wawawelcomeamerica.com. Going on at the present time; festival, showcasing “The Taste of Philadelphia”. Fireworks will be at Penn’s Landing and the concert with The Roots as the headliners will be at Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Info is on that website so check it out.
Have a great week-end…talk to you later….
June 25th, 2011
On my way to the food trucks I stopped by just to get info. on this historic penitentiary. All the prison shows on t.v. do not compare to how massive and impressive this prison is.
Built in 1822-1836, it was then closed in 1971. Now, it is the site for tours, reenactments and special events.
Today, Saturday and tomorrow, Sunday is the only time that they offer the Behind the Scenes Tour: Death Row. You will need to make a reservation online. Tours are limited, though. Please visit www.eaternstate.org.
Eastern State Penitentiary is located at 2027 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19130. Tel. 215-236-3300.
It was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world; also the first true penitentiary. It was designed to inspire penitence, or true regret in the hearts of convicts.
Eastern State Penitentiary was once the home for Al Capon.
It is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entry at 4 p.m.
Save the Date:
Saturday, 7/16 – Bastille Day – At 2:00 p.m. the Street Festival will start. Then, at 5:30 p.m. a Reenactment will take place. This is one of Philadelphia’s most popular summertime events. Join them for a playful reenactment of the Storming of the Bastille and a French-themed Street Party.
Later on September 23rd until November 5th and on Selected Evenings — Terror Behind the Walls. This is a massive haunted house inside a real prison. Called “Perfect for Halloween” by the New York Times and ranked the No. 1 Haunted House in America by AOL City Guide.
Eastern State Penitentiary offers hour-long tours led by an expert tour guide. This tour highlights its 142-year history.
Other tours are what they call “Hands-On History”. They are a series of short interactive experiences (about 5 minutes each) throughout the penitentiary.
If you decide to take advantage of any of these tours, then, get hungry, go across the street to Jack’s Firehouse, at 2130 Fairmount Ave. Tel. 215-232-9000. Website? www.jacksfirehouse.com. It is located inside a 19th century firehouse and it looked very interesting. Could not visit this time, but on my list for the next road trip to Philly.
Have a good one…talk to you later….
 
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