Another New York Times nod

I know, I should really be reading the philly.com, but the New York Times has such lovely pictures. Either way, they've been giving Philly the regular nod, first about the beer (see previous post) and now about the city in general. There's a great article detailing a 36 hour vacation in Philly. I feel exhausted just reading it, but must say that I endorse this article for two reasons. First, all the places listed here are worthwhile and fun. Secondly, I don't go to any of these places too often so I don't have to worry about lots of tourists getting in my way, ordering wrong and tipping lousily (is that a word?).

Stay tuned for a follow up 36 hours of how to hit Philly on the way cheep. Have any suggestions of where to go and how to not act like an asshole? Send 'em my way!

On a Friday Night...

Went to the Jamaican Jerk Hut last night to hear our lovely friend Tedford play some Reggae (mon...). The music was lovely, the night was lovely, the garden was lovely and all in all I would suggest it as a wonderful way to spend a Friday night. However, I offer you this one caveat. Don't Order Dinner. Eating was the biggest cluster fuck I've experienced in a very long time. Nothing came out at the same time. I got different parts of my meal at varying times. They ran out of what Anna ordered, but didn't bother to tell her until they brought out nothing more than a side dish for her and asked if that was really all she wanted. In fact, from what I hear, they ran out of everything. Oh, and pitchers of juice (without any booze) are $25 each. Infact, everything other than a patty (kind of like a hand held pot pie) is really expensive. Dinner will invariably be about $30-$40 dollars a person after tip, tax and corking fee (don't even get Laura started).



So, my suggestion to you, should you choose to accept it: Go to the Jerk Hut, sit on the lawn, bring your own booze, get a patty or bowl of rice and enjoy the music. Anything else will make you insane.



Finally, here's a little drawing for you--a view I see as I walk to the Jerk Hut from work.

Baked Goodness, or why i missed the bus twice this morning

I know I've blogged about Potito's (1614 Ritner Street) and how amazing they are, but it stands to be repeated. Upon missing the first #2 bus this morning I decided a danish would make me feel much better. I walked south on 16th and before I even rounded the corner onto Ritner I could smell the baked lovliness. I got two danishes--cheese and cherry. The cherry was better, but what I really wanted was a danish with both cherry and cheese. I think I need to become more of a regular however before I can begin making suggestions.

I then looked down 16th again and saw that no bus was coming so I decided to purchase something for lunch as well. I went over to Caccia's Bakery for a spinach stromboli. The bread is fresh and the fillings are amazing. Quite honestly, it's the best bread in the city and I don't take that lightly. Another fabulous option I considered is a mixed pizza. For about $10 you can pick from a variety of pizza types and create your own pizza. You get 12 slices in all and they all will be delicous.

I left just in time to see the bus headed up the block. I considered going into the italian specialty store that's right on the corner of 16th and Ritner, but I didn't want to push my luck.

Farmers' Markets in the City of Philadelphia

It's about time for local, amazing food. Start planning your weeks around these offerings.

Reading Terminal Market: Open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.12th & Arch Streets, (215) 922-2317

The Italian Market: Closed Sunday afternoons and Monday. 9th Street between Catharine & Wharton Streets, (215) 922-5557

Second Street Farmers’ Market: Many unusual farmers, including goat cheese farmer and organic growers. Open June-mid-November, Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 2nd & South Streets, (215) 568-0830

South & Passyunk Farmers’ Market: Small market with produce, flowers and plants. Open mid-May-Thanksgiving, Tuesday from 2-7 p.m. South Street & Passyunk Avenue, (215) 733-9599

South Street West Farmers’ Market: Apples, peaches, organic growers, baked foods, preserves and more. Open June-mid-November, Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. 16th & South Streets, (215) 568-0830

Clark Park Farmers’ Market: Organic produce, flowers, bedding plants, herbs and baked goods. Open June-mid-November, Thursday from 3-7 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 43rd Street & Baltimore Avenue, (215) 243-0555

Cliveden Park Farmers’ Market: Baker and a produce vendor with cider, jam, canned goods and vegetables. Wednesday from 2-6 p.m. Chew Avenue & Johnson Street, (215) 568-0830

12th Street Farmers' Market: Small market with produce and flowers. Open June-mid-October, Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. 12th Street between Walnut & Locust Streets, (215) 568-0830

Fitler Square Farmers’ Market: Small market with organic produce and flowers. Open May-mid-November, Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 23rd & Pine Streets, (215) 568-0830

Firehouse Farmers’ Market: Located in a former Victorian Firehouse; offers produce, meats, dairy products, flowers and breakfast. Open year-round, Tuesday-Saturday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. 701 S. 50th Street at Baltimore Avenue, (215) 724-7660.

Dutch Country Farmers’ Market: Six vendors selling produce, deli goods, hot sandwiches, pretzels, Jewish breads and rotisserie meats. Open year-round, Wednesday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 2031 Cottman Avenue, (215) 745-6008

Lancaster County Farmers’ Market: More than a dozen booths, including fresh and smoked meats, pretzels, produce and baked goods. Open year-round, Tuesday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Friday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. 5942 Germantown Avenue, (215) 843-9564

Chestnut Hill Farmers’ Market: More than a dozen vendors selling cut-to-order meats, produce, dairy and ethnic cuisine. Open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 8229 Germantown & Southampton Avenues, (215) 248-3336

Palmer Park Farmers’ Market: Small market with large variety of produce. Open June-November, Thursday from 2-6 p.m. Frankford Avenue & E. Palmer Street, (215) 568-0830
Lincoln High School Farmers’ Market: Approximately six farmers offering organic produce, goat cheese, fresh fruit and Amish baked goods. Open June-October, Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Roland Avenue near Ryan Avenue, (215) 733-9599

Ridge & Girard Farmers’ Market: Small market with produce grown by area teens, as well as fresh cut flowers, Lancaster County fruits and vegetables, herb and flower seedlings. Open June-October, Friday from 2-6 p.m. Ridge & Girard Avenues, (215) 733-9599

Park & Grange Farmers’ Market: Small market with Lancaster County fruits and vegetables. Open June-October, Thursday from 2-6 p.m. Park & Grange Avenues, near Broad & Olney Streets, (215) 733-9599

Freedom Square Farmers’ Market: Small market with locally grown fruits and vegetables, Amish baked goods and barbecue chicken and ribs. Open June-October, Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Germantown Avenue & Wister Street, (215) 733-9599

Lancaster Avenue Farmers’ Market: Small market with organic produce and breads, flowers and pastured meats. Open June-October, Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Lancaster & Powelton Avenues, (215) 733-9599

Spruce & 33rd Farmers’ Market: Small market featuring organic produce. Open June-October, Thursday from 12 noon-6 p.m. 33rd & Spruce Streets, (215) 733-9599

food

Tonight The Print Center is hosting an event with Shelley Spector. It runs from 6-8pm and will surely be interesting. However, if you can't get your ass in gear for art, you best at least come for the food. All food is from great little spots in my neighborhood. First stop was Matteo's on the corner of 12th and Ritner. All the ravioli's and gnocci and spagetti and who knows what else looked amazing. I stuck with stuffed olives, maranated mushrooms and maranated mozzarella--all this for under $10!

Next stop, Caccia's bakery on Ritner and 16th. Small and non-discript with amazing bread, tomato pie, and stromboli. Better than Sarcones (yeah, I said it). As an added bonus, I get repremanded every time I go in there for ordering wrong. It keeps me in my place.