Weekend Recap: Terrain

This weekend I took some of my work friends to Terrain at Styer's.  It is a GLORIOUS place where outdoor meets indoor in one fabulous package.  I pretty much want to snag one of their colorful throw pillows and just set up camp there.  Not to mention, the cafe has some of the best food that has graced my foodie lips and the fact that it's all locally sourced makes my inner green goddess smile. 

If you live anywhere near PA, you need to make a roadtrip.  Seriously. 

Here are a few pics--none of the food since my companions and I snarfed it all down before I could even focus the camera.

Sean and I also headed to the Taste of Philly where we had some YUMTASTIC noms, and enjoyed a gorgeous day down by the river. 

How was your weekend?

Food from Sean's Motherland

Recently, Sean and I were invited by some friends to try out Philly's Brauhaus Schmitz.  Since Sean's grandfather is from Germany, he grew up eating all kinds of yummy German foods and so we were totally game.  (An extensive beer list was also pretty inticing).

The outside and inner decor is charming, even if a little cheesy.  You really can't mistake it for anything besides a German beer hall but clearly that's working for them. 

We ordered a soft pretzel with THE most amazing horseradish mustard I've ever had--it will clear out your sinuses but you will be happy.

I had the Weiner Schnitzel with spaetzle and Sean had the Rouladen.  Both were YUMTASTIC!  Totally authentic (according to the hubs) and definitely passed my test of deliciosity.  So while it's a tad on the pricey side, I still say go for the food, stay for the beer!

The beer list was longer than the food menu, which made the hubs pretty happy.  I had a yummy brown ale, and Sean drank the boot.  This was only the baby boot...they had a bigger one.  Coming from someone who really isn't a beer drinker, I'd say you can bet on having a great pint at this place.



Das Boot

 We'll definitely be back. 

I've found that I'm partial to brown ales...since I'm new at this whole beer drinking thing I'd love to hear suggestions for your faves!

Best Cheesesteak in Philly

Like Chicago is known for its Deep Dish, New York for its Reubens, Philadelphia is home to the Cheesteak.  Whether you order it "wit whiz" or "witout" (and yes, folks...that means Cheez Whiz straight from the can) having a Cheesesteak is a must while in the city of Brotherly Love. And so after searching high and low...

I have found it.  The one.  Do not be fooled by tourist traps such as Pat's or Geno's.  Yes, I know that the flashy lights beckoning from South Philly might be appealing, but seriously, don't even bother with those sad excuses for a sandwich.

John's Roast Pork is a hole in the wall that is open until 3pm...or until they run out of rolls...and only during the week.  The wait is long, and the folks at the grill will yell if you don't order correctly, but it's TOTALLY worth it!

On Friday, we made the trek and got a cheesesteak and a roast pork sandwich and then split.  All I can say is YUMTASTIC!  The cheesesteak did not even need ketchup, people!  Cheesesteaks ALWAYS need ketchup.  The Roast Pork was super flavorful and with spinach on top I was basically in heaven.

This was, by far, the best sandwich experience in Philadelphia thus far.  So for all you Philly locals, and anyone who might be traveling to Philly in the near future, trust me on this, and head to John's.

What is your local food favorite?

Weekend Recap

Although Sean was working all weekend, it was one of the best I've had in a long time.  (Don't tell him that!)

Went on a long walk downtown to see the Macy's flower show...who knew Macy's even HAD a flower show?!


Wannamaker Organ



Got a mani/pedi.  I will never get a regular manicure again--gel all the way baby!  Dries immediately, and lasts for two weeks?  Yes please!



Don't judge my feet--just focus on the pretty pink polish!

Ate at DiBruno Bros.  YUMTASTIC to the max.

Pulled pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe mmmmmmm

Decorated!  Check back later this week for my wall decal adventures.

Did some shopping!  Haven't checked off all my spring must haves, but got some great new tops to wear to work.  WINNING!

Had an impromptu visit from a friend--one of Sean's groomsmen.  He told us a story of being caught with no pants..pants are overrated anyway don't you think? 

Anyway, we went to our favorite Ethiopian restaurant on Saturday night and to our new favorite brunch place Sunday morning.

Eggs florentine with sauteed spinach, toasted focaccia, and truffle hollandaise.  It probably took about 6 months off my life but holy amazing, Batman, was it worth it.



It was just what I needed to gear up for a busy busy week at work.  Tell me what your favorite part of your weekend was, it will help us all get over a case of the Mondays. 

Living Green-ish in the City: CSA Week 9

This week's CSA was probably my favorite yet.  Being Italian, a pasta themed haul is right up my alley!

Check out those flowers--could spring be here to stay?!



Greensgrow Haul Week 9

Produce: Basil - Herban Farms, Cheyney, PA
Spinach - Rineer Family Farm, Lancaster, PA
Kale Rabe - Greensgrow Farms, Philadelphia,PA
Parsnips - Elm Tree Organcs, Lancaster, PA
Baguette - D'Ambrosio Bakery, Philadelphia, PA
Tomato Sauce OR Arugula Pesto - Greensgrow Farms, Philadelphia, PA
Cheese: Romano Cheese - Mancuso's Cheese, Philadelphia, PA
Dairy: Yogurt - Pequea Valley Yogurt, Pequea PA
Dozen Eggs - Sandy Ridge Farm, Elizabethtown, PA         
Meat shares:
1 lb. Fresh Pasta - Porfirio's Italian Foods, Trenton, NJ

While I knew what to do with most of the haul, I still have no idea how to cook a parsnip--they get a pretty bad rap and so I'm not super psyched to try them.  Anyone out there have good recipes?

Aside from the parsnip dilemma, dinner was easy on Saturday!  I boiled up the pasta, threw together some meatballs, sauteed some spinach and toasted up the bread.  Of course, I grated some of the Pecorino on top.  Yumtastic all around!



I LOVE my Sophie Conran bowls and butter dish!  I got the butter dish for Christmas and was ecstatic.  My 21 year old self would have slapped me for that.



nomnomnom

I've been told I make a pretty mean meatball.  I just use 1lb. of ground beef, add 1 egg, a large handful of seasoned breadcrumbs, 3 cloves minced garlic (we love us some garlic over here), a pinch of parmesean or romano cheese if you have it on hand, pinch of salt and pepper, and last night I used some of the fresh basil as well.  Mix it all together-- you have to use your hands, that's where the love comes from.  Then just roll them and plop 'em on a baking sheet in a 375 degree oven for 15-20 minutes depending on how big those bundles of meaty goodness are.  That's it! Easy!



Just like mom used to make



When I sautee spinach this way I always SLICE the garlic and don't mince it.  It doesn't release as much juice and so isn't as strong.  You can eat it as it is without feeling like you're fending off vampires by eating a whole clove. 

Don't forget to leave parsnip recipes below! 

Living Green-ish in the City:CSA Week 8

This was a great week for the farmshare!  I promise to post recipes later this week.  Stuffed mushrooms, yes please!  And my beloved pea shoots are back.  I will be putting these into pretty much everything.  I wilt them into quinoa or rice, throw them into an omelet, or add them to salads.  Yumtastic for sure!

Produce 

Pea Shoots - Gehman Family, Lansdale, PA

White Button Mushrooms - Bo-Ka Specialties, Kennett Square, PA

Organic Multicolored Carrots - Sunny Ridge Farm, Spring Run, PA

Organic Russet Potatoes - Countryside Organics, Lancaster County, PA

Pepper Jelly - Greensgrow Farms, Philadelphia, PA

 

Cheese 

Hunstman - Cherry Grove Farm, Lawrenceville,  NJ

 

Dairy 

Milk - Trickling Springs Creamery,  Chambersburg, PA 

Amish Butter - Hometown Provisions, Lancaster,  PA

 

Meat shares 

Grass-Fed Beef Cubes - Natural Meadows Farm, Mount Pleasant Mills, PA

Anyone have any recipes using Pepper Jelly?  I'm really at a loss of how to use it...thoughts are welcome!

Giveaway Winner and Link Love

Happy Friday everyone!

Well, my first giveaway has come to an end.  Thank you much to everyone who entered and commented, I hope you'll stick around and join the blog family!

But Sara B.at yesteachercrafts.com (comment number 11) is our winner!
I will be in touch shortly with your gift code!  Congrats!
This weekend, Sean and I are heading up to Long Island for the wedding of my lovely friend, Marisol...remember the AWESOME bachelorette party?!  I will definitely be posting some pics next week!

I think I MUST make this YUMTASTIC looking lasagna posted over at A Cup of Jo.  With lemons, chard, and sausage all available at the farmstand this week, it's pretty much a no brainer!

Loving vintage lately...this springy DRESS makes me smile.
And speaking of vintage Freckled Laundry's NEWEST SPONSOR seriously has the cutest vintage things in her shop.  love love love.


Hope you all have a terrific weekend!  Is it warm where you are?

St. Patty's Day Recap

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!!
I will be using random.org to choose the winner and posting it tonight!


So although I mostly identify as being Italian, I do have some Irish in me as evidenced by my freckles upon freckles that show up in the summer time.  Plus, any holiday where the whole deal is to wear kitschy green outfits and drink a bunch can't be all bad right?  So this year my St. Patrick's Day included my first EVER Shamrock Shake...apparently I just haven't lived until now.

And they do taste like Mylanta if you don't drink them right away...yum?

St. Patty's Day was also Resident Assistant Selection Day (which is one of the LOOOONNGEST and most tedious days of the year) and so in order to dull the pain a little and motivate my colleagues to keep plugging I made a Guinness Chocolate Cake using the recipe from THIS POST. 

I made some icing using Bailey's instead of milk (Start with about half a cup of powdered sugar and add the Bailey's/Milk/Cream SLOOOOWLY stirring constantly until the icing is runny enough to pour onto your cake, but sticky enough to stay on the cake).

Rave reviews from my co-workers so I vote a yumtastic success.  The gold sprinkles on top were a nice touch too if I do say so myself.  *Pats self on back*

We also went out for some Irish Car Bombs (the drink, don't worry).  And so it was a good night had by all.  Sean has been corning his own beef....no, seriously you can actually do that....yeah, I didn't know either.  And that turned out delicious!

But do you know what the best part of St. Patrick's Day is?  The fact that St. JOSEPH'S DAY is right around the corner, so wear some red and pass me a zeppole!  Yum!

Yummy Monday

Happy Monday everyone!

How was your weekend?  I had a great one filled with surprises, good friends, and...legwarmers?!  But more on that later this week.  First, I thought I'd start this week by reliving some of the yumtastic food Sean and I have eaten recently.

Sean and I are pretty adventurous eaters, and love to try new things.  Ethiopian food is just about at the top of our absolutelyfavoritemealsever list, and so while it's not new to us, it might be new to some of you!

Ethiopian food features lots of meats and lentils that can get pretty spicy, all served on a large platter of thin, spongy injera bread.  There's no silverware to be found, and instead you tear pieces of the bread off  and scoop the food into your mouth that way.  Although I can be a germ-a-phobe at times, I push that aside for the sake of this meal.  It's messy, it's filling, and you better like whoever you're eating with because you are definitely getting their cooties. 

Our favorite Ethiopian restaurant is Abyssinia.  The food there is out of this world, and it is totally worth it to put up with the S-------L--------O--------W service.  And that's saying a lot considering my serious lack of patience when it comes to things like food.  It's also a hole in the wall for sure--but don't let the facade keep you out.  If you go on Friday night it is PACKED with people from the neighborhood, and college kids.  Here is a pic of what we ate the other night:


Abyssinia

Now, admittedly it doesn't v look very appetizing but trust me--if you've never had Ethiopian you need to try it, like, yesterday.


Sean and also discovered what we believe is the best pizza in Philly, and it was totally on a whim!  We recently got droids (love!) and the apps are fantastic.  We decided to use the Urban Spoon app to figure out a place to eat.  Well, the stars aligned and we ended up at The Dock Street Brewery.   Since we moved to Philly we haven't been able to find great pizza and this has officially ended our search.  The fire oven pizza was about as close to perfect as a pizza can get.  I got the "La Cocca" which I guess means "Deliciously runny egg on top of a a perfect trifecta of sauce, cheese, and crust." 

Not only was the pizza great, but for an appetizer we had panko crusted fresh mozzarella (clearly we're a couple who loves our dairy...).  The cheese was crisp and perfectly fried and had that amazing salty/sweet taste only good quality fresh mozz can have.  I'm drooling over here.
So now that I've got you all salivating, get back to work will you??!! It's Monday for Pete's Sake!
But come back tomorrow when I'll talk about my trip to NYC for  my lovely friend's bachelorette party!

PorkFest 2011!

 


So when I was looking for something fun to do a while back I saw that The Institute (recently voted best bar in the middle of nowhere) was having an all you can eat/drink event featuring whole roasted pig and endless kegs of Yards.  They had an actual name for the event, but personally I like PorkFest  way better.  

I love a good hole in the wall!

Naturally Sean and I had to be there.  I invited some co-workers and so Saturday was spent drinking beer and eating our fill of pork, sweet potatoes, and mac and cheese.  I'm normally not much of a beer drinker but I have to say the Yards' Brawler was pretty satisfying.  I loved the mashed sweets too...they had a sweet/smokey flavor that was different and delish.  (YUMTASTIC!) The only disappointment was the lack of bread pudding as promised on the event flyer.  Oh well...maybe next year.

Heaps of pork & sides!

 


 

On the way home I was super excited that we happened to catch the Love Train...these are way better than chalky conversation hearts!





 

All in all, a fabulous weekend.  Hope you all had a relaxing one as well!  I'm jealous of everyone (including the hubs) that has Monday off.  Back to the grind for this kid!

Living Green-ish in the City: CSA Week 6

One of the best things about growing up in Chicago is the diversity of cultures and of course with that comes a range of yummy foods!  Chicago has a HUGE Polish population and so I grew up loving pierogies.  If you've never had one go and get one immediately!  The frozen kind are an ok substitute, but nothing can beat homemade.  So I was super psyched to have pierogies from Polish Goodness in our Greensgrow farm share this week--definitely a taste of home!  Pierogies and Saurkraut are definitely on the menu for lunch this weekend and it will be yumtastic for sure.  Check out all the other goodies we got in the share:

No snow today!

Produce

CSA Week 6 Haul

Butterhead Lettuce — ARC Greenhouses, Shiloh, NJ

Mutsu or Ida Red Apples — Beechwood Orchards, Biglerville, PA

Chioggia or Red Beets — Jacob Hostetler and Breezy Hill Farm, Doylesburg, PA

Sauerkraut — Cobblestone Krautery, Philadelphia, PA

Cheese

Muenster — Hometown Provisions, Lancaster, PA

Dairy

Milk — Trickling Springs Creamery, Chambersburg, PA

Amish Butter — Hometown Provisions, Lancaster, PA

Meat AND Vegetarian shares

Potato Pierogies — Polish Goodness Pierogies, Philadelphia, PA

We didn't pick up any extras this week, but just look at how pretty all the produce looks! 



Giant Carrots



Crimini Mushrooms



Greens



Oyster Mushrooms



Rainbow Carrots

Nothing beats veggies straight from the ground. 

So, with the beets in our share, I will attempt to cook one for the first time. This will definitely be a disaster awesome.  Any advice or recipes would be appreciated!

Stay tuned for my next post--Sean and I are going to The Institute's Pork &Yards event: Whole pigs on a spit and lots of beer...we are so there.