#EAST PASSYUNK

[phillygrub]

Mecha Chocolate Opens on East Passyunk Avenue

Attention, chocolate lovers! MECHA (mee-cha) Chocolate has opened a new artisan chocolate boutique at 1618 E Passyunk Avenue. The chocolatier, which opened its flagship location in Haddonfield, NJ, has brought its sweetness across the bridge to Philadelphia. The South Philly chocolate shop specializes in small-batch dark chocolates, barks, marshmallows, and other chocolate-centric treats. MECHA…

[beardedmrbean]

PHILADELPHIA - A Pennsylvania man who was involved in a fight-turned-deadly shooting outside a popular Philadelphia cheesesteak shop over a year ago pleaded guilty to charges. 

Paul Burkert, 37, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and weapons charges related to the shooting death of 22-year-old David Padro Jr. outside Pat's King of Steaks in July 2021. 

According to police, Burkert fatally shot Padro in the back outside the popular Philadelphia cheesesteak location on East Passyunk Avenue just before 1 a.m. The District Attorney’s office told reporters that witnesses said the fight was over a parking space, despite initial reports that it stemmed from a football rivalry.

Defense attorney A. Charles Peruto Jr. claimed Burkert was being "getting pummeled" before the shooting occurred. Peruto said his client was left with cuts on his face and his own blood in his hair, face, chest, and clothing. He called the shot "a necessary action to prevent serious bodily injury to himself." 

Peruto said his client then left the area because of what he called a "mob that was gathering" and called police from Independence Mall.

Padro’s father said his son and his girlfriend were in Philadelphia to go to a nightclub and had stopped for a bite to eat.

Jamie Frick, 38, of Lebanon County, also pleaded guilty Monday to charges of simple assault and reckless endangerment related to the deadly shooting of Padro Jr. 

Both Burkert and Frick will be sentenced on July 7, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office. 

[packedwithpackards]

The mystery and intriguing story of Elizabeth Packard

My sixth cousin three times removed, Elizabeth, has an intriguing story. She was born in April 1912 in Philadelphia to a physician named Francis Randolph and Margaret Harshman, living with four maids, and her four sisters by 1920. However, by 1930 this changed, when she was living with her sister Frances, two parents, and three maids. At the time, she was single, but this is not unique to that year. [1]

In 1940 Elizabeth is again shown as single. There are a number of similarities: Norah Hayes and Margaret/Mary Lyons are living at South 19th Street in 1930 and 1940. Hayes also was living there in 1920, along with three other maids There are still differences. For instance, Sarah Kenny who is a lodger in 1930 does not return in 1940, while 45-year-old Mary Prendergast appeared in 1940. By 1950, a woman named Margaret Horstmann appeared, who noted as mother, specifically the mother of Elizabeth's mother (i.e. her grandmother) along with a woman named Matal Martin. The latter is likely a misprint of Hannah Martin, who once worked at the Packard household as indicated in the 1910 and 1920 censuses. [2]

The bigger version of the image is available here if this is unreadable.

Reportedly given the nickname of Bobby, [3] the fact that she is single in all of these censuses raises a lot of questions. It could indicate that she was gay. With that, it is worth considering what Stewart Blandón Traiman, a gay genealogist, pointed out: "our LGBTQ ancestors did not keep their lives private because of shame, but for survival." In other articles he noted that before the 20th century, in Western Europe and North American, men and women engaged in same sex relationships "without defining themselves as gay or homosexual" with often clandestine sexual acts. He also also noted that understanding the sexuality of our ancestors is important in genealogy, and it can put into context some family stories. [4]

In all of these censuses, Elizabeth's occupation is noted as "other". Traiman has noted that LGBTQ people tend to prefer professions which are mobile, allowing them to restart in a new city, or gravitate toward the arts, as they can "find independence and mobility if necessary." [5] It is not known if this is the case for Elizabeth or not, especially since her life between 1950 and her death in August 1985 remains a bit of a hole, with none of the available family trees on Ancestry providing any information about this over thirty year gap of time. Presumably, she continued to live in Philadelphia. We know that in 1950 she was still listed as living in the city and described as "Miss Elizabeth Packard", indicative of no marital relations.

More significantly, we know that Elizabeth lived on South 19th Street in Philadelphia Ward 7, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1920 to 1950. Her mother was at the Philadelphia Hospital in Haverford at the time of her death in 1959. [6] Now, Traiman writes that there are specific neighborhoods where queer people live, known as the shorthand of "gayborhoods". There are three in Philly: East Passyunk Crossing, Washington Square West (a.k.a. The Gayborhood), and West Mount Airy. In 1950, Elizabeth was living with her mother, her grandmother, and three servants in the census enumeration district 51-158 which comprises "Philadelphia city - That part of Ward 7 (Tract 7-C-part) Bounded by Spruce; 18th; Waverly, 19th, Waverly; 20th." As it turns out, South 19th Street is in the neighborhood of Point Breeze, a location only about a mile away from East Passyunk Crossing, almost two miles from Washington Square West, and over nine miles from West Mount Airy.

It also is not much of a coincidence that South 19th Street is about a mile away from Rittenhouse Square Park. That park was a safety zone for camaraderie between gays and lesbians, who were often living around Rittenhouse Square. As one article noted, until the 1980s, the nucleus of Philadelphia's queer community was "west of Broad Street around the area of 15th and Spruce" where bars and other establishments were "major focal points of the city's night life." The latter location was only about a mile and half away from where Elizabeth was living.

We can't say for sure whether Elizabeth went to nightclubs there. Considering the distance from where she was living, perhaps she did. It is a distinct possibility, since other records of her are likely not available. [7] With that, this post comes to a close. In the future, I may do a deeper dive into this subject.

Notes

[1] "Pennsylvania, U.S., Birth Certificates, 1906-1913" for Eliz Packard, 1912, ALL, 080701-083850, Pennsylvania (State). Birth certificates, 1906–1913. Series 11.89 (50 cartons). Records of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Record Group 11. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; 1920 United States Federal Census for Elizabeth Packard, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Ward 7, District 0160, Year: 1920; Census Place: Philadelphia Ward 7, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: T625_1618; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 160, Enumeration District: 0160; Description: Philadelphia City, Ward 7, Tract G 3 (part) bounded by Spruce, 17th, Pine, 20th, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. (NARA microfilm publication T625, 2076 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C.; 1930 United States Federal Census for Elizabeth Packard, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia (Districts 251-500), District 0280, Year: 1930; Census Place: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Page: 31A; Enumeration District: 0280; FHL microfilm: 2341829, District: 0280; Description: PHILADELPHIA CITY, WARD 7 (PART), BOUNDED BY (N) SPRUCE; (E) S. 16TH; (S) WAVERLY; (W) S. 20TH, United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626, 2,667 rolls. In 1920, the four maids from Ireland were: 42-year-old Hannah Martin, 25-year-old Elizabeth Robinson, 38-year-old Nora Hayes, and 26-year-old Mary Kelly. The three lodgers from Northern Ireland in 1930 were 45-year-old Norah Hayes, 30-year-old Mary Lyons, and 26-year-old Sarah Kenny.

[2] 1940 United States Federal Census for Elizabeth Packard, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, 51-136, Year: 1940; Census Place: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: m-t0627-03691; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 51-136, Enumeration District: 51-136; Description: PHILADELPHIA CITY WARD 7 (TRACT 7-C - PART), UROLOGIC CLINIC, SISTERS OF ST. MARGARET CONVENT, United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Sixteenth Census of the United States, 1940. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1940. T627, 4,643 rolls; 1950 United States Federal Census for Elizabette Packard, United States of America, Bureau of the Census; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790-2007; Record Group Number: 29; Residence Date: 1950; Home in 1950: Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1486; Sheet Number: 8; Enumeration District: 51-158, Enumeration District: 51-158; Description: Philadelphia city - That part of Ward 7 (Tract 7-C-part) Bounded by Spruce; 18th; Waverly, 19th, Waverly; 20th, Department of Commerce. Bureau of the Census. 1913-1/1/1972. Population Schedules for the 1950 Census, 1950 - 1950. Washington, DC: National Archives at Washington, DC. Population Schedules for the 1950 Census, 1950 - 1950. NAID: 43290879. Records of the Bureau of the Census, 1790 - 2007, Record Group 29. National Archives at Washington, DC., Washington, DC., page 6 of 62. Also the three maids from Ireland, 42-year-old Hannah Martin, 25-year-old Elizabeth Robinson, and 26-year-old Mary Kelly, do not reappear in 1930 or 1940. Martin, however, does reappear in 1910 as a servant in the household, with the source for this shown at 1910 United States Federal Census for Margaret Packard, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Philadelphia Ward 7, District 0104,Year: 1910; Census Place: Philadelphia Ward 7, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1389; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 0104; FHL microfilm: 1375402, Enumeration District: 0104, Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910 (NARA microfilm publication T624, 1,178 rolls). Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives, Washington, D.C. Also 28-year-old Margaret McCausland and 28-year-old Sarah J. Rush were servants in the same household with Margaret and Ann, daughters of Margaret and Francis R., were living.

[3] This is stated on the Julie Family Tree and Stikeman Family Trees on Ancestry.

[4] See his article "LGBTQ Genealogy – Part 3" and "LGBTQ Genealogy – Part 20", He also notes in "LGBTQ Genealogy – Part 13a" that Psychiatric records and other medical records can be "clues to establish sexuality when putting together an LGBTQ ancestors’ life story." He rightly notes that current genealogical software is hetero-cis-centric, obvious when it recently gave me an error when I wanted to merge people of two different genders together, or not giving any hints for Elizabeth's partner, Lucy. He writes about this topic also here, here, here, here, and here. He also notes the dozens of LGTBQ Archives domestically and internationally in an article about the subject.

[5] See his article "LGBTQ Genealogy – Part 16".

[6] Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968 for Margaret Horstmann Packard, 1959, 006901-009600, Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission; Harrisburg, PA; Pennsylvania (State). Death Certificates, 1906-1968; Certificate Number Range: 006901-009600, Pennsylvania (State). Death certificates, 1906–1968. Series 11.90 (1,905 cartons). Records of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Record Group 11. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

[7] Traiman writes about military records, police and prison records, cemeteries, obituaries, periodicals, newspapers (here and here), census records (also see here and here). Also what he says about dead names is important to keep in mind.

Note: This was originally posted on Jan. 9, 2023 on the main Packed with Packards WordPress blog (it can also be found on the Wayback Machine here). My research is still ongoing, so some conclusions in this piece may change in the future.

© 2023 Burkely Hermann. All rights reserved.

[umbrellaroof321]

ROOF REPAIR AND ROOF CONTRACTOR

We’re proud to be your Delco PA area roofing company! At Umbrella Roof, we service the entire Delaware County PA, with expert roof repair, roof installation, and roof contracting services. As a licensed and insured roofing expert in the region, we maintain competitive prices and offer free, no-obligation quotes for all Delco roofing projects.

YOUR ROOF COMPANY IN NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA

Umbrella Roof is proud to be your go-to for new flat and mansard roof installations and roof repair in Northeast Philadelphia PA. With over 15 years of roof repair and installation experience, and over 4,000 installations, we’ve seen it all. No matter what type of roof or roofing material you need, we’ve got you covered. 

Northeast Philadelphia is bordered by the Delaware River to the east, the Bucks County line to the north, and the Schuylkill River to the west. Umbrella Roof’s 3000 SF warehouse is located near Southampton Road and Roosevelt Boulevard at 13420 Damar Drive, making it easy and convenient to service the surrounding neighborhoods. 

Northeast Philadelphia is known for its diverse neighborhoods, suburban atmosphere, and a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The region offers a range of amenities, including shopping centers, parks, and recreational facilities. Umbrella Roof services many of these commercial facilities and of course hundreds of residential customers each year!

As part of our commitment to exceptional customer service, we recommend only what’s needed and never add unnecessary line items to your quote. Soon, you’ll experience the Umbrella Roof difference for yourself.

NEW ROOFS: BUCKS COUNTY ROOFING SERVICES

Umbrella Roof is proud to service the Bucks County PA area. We have completed thousands of new shingle roof installations and roofing repairs in Bucks County PA.  Wether you’ve need new shingle roofing, flat roofing, gutters or siding work – we are happy to serve you! Please call us at 215-774-2950 to schedule your free estimate!

ROOF REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT ROOFERS IN MONTCO

Think your roof is in need of replacement? Umbrella Roof is your go-to for roof repair services in Montco. Every home or business owner should regularly be inspected their roof to look for signs of damage. Signs of roof damage may include shingles or tiles that are falling off or cracked.

ROOF REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT ROOFERS IN MONTCO

Think your roof is in need of replacement? Umbrella Roof is your go-to for roof repair services in Montco. Every home or business owner should regularly be inspected their roof to look for signs of damage. Signs of roof damage may include shingles or tiles that are falling off or cracked.

BEST SOUTH PHILADELPHIA ROOF CONTRACTOR IN THE AREA

South Philadelphia is one of the main sections that make up the city and is south of Center City, Philadelphia’s downtown area. South Philadelphia is known for its diverse neighborhoods, rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and passionate sports fans.

One of the most famous neighborhoods in South Philadelphia is the Italian Market, located along 9th Street. Another prominent neighborhood in South Philadelphia is Passyunk Square, known for its charming streets lined with unique boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

As your South Philadelphia roof contractor we lead the way in customer service. Your roofing experience should be a breeze, from start to finish. With the help of our roofing experts, your South Philadelphia roof repair or installation will be simple and easy. You’ll experience the Umbrella Roof customer service difference when you call us.

[brandedcities]

Milk Jawn crafts custom chef-driven ice cream flavors in East Passyunk

The shop, which got its start 4 years ago, is known for its unusual flavors such as Lemon Curd with Blueberry Basil Swirl and Earl Grey with Honeycomb. And they even have pup cups for your dog.

[moon-cycling]

i had one of the best weekends of my life!

friday: drove to philly, got greek food with my sister near her place and tiramisu for dessert. we watched miss americana and i had a modelo and hit my weed pen and we played with half naked cats.

saturday: picked up one of my favorite people to have fun with in the world from the airport. i made us all a healthy breakfast and he and my sister caught each other up on their breakups and medical school programs. we went to east passyunk and walked up and down the street over and over looking at shops, i got a grapefruit espresso and tonic, so good. thought i saw my ex bf, prompting me to text him. we had lunch with our other friend at a PA dutch themed brunch spot. it was delicious and then we parted ways. maci and i went to a cute wine bar called barcelona and i had a biodynamic wine flight. she had a mocktail and cried to me about more heartbreak. we then went to our friends hotel where they were getting ready for the big show. christian and i got dirty martinis and free pretzels (they slang those things for free in philly) and took cute pics of our friends. then my sister and i went home and got cozy and watched a new tv show with the kittens. i encouraged her to text a crush because im so high from my crush energy. then i met up with my ex at midnight and drank nice pink drinks. it was really cute and we shared some nice meaningful hugs at the end of the night. it feels like a weight is lifted off of my life.

sunday: woke up at NOON, crazy for me. got vegan punk breakfast, sat in the sunshine at the park and caught my sister up on the meetup. we called my mom for mothers day. i got a surprise call from my bff bri and i went and met her and her partner and his mom at this used art store. we had blackberry margs and oysters and then i bought so much art paper and canvas. truly so exciting!! they said i will get discounts if i show that i have made art with the materials. what a place to exist. then i went back to my sisters and we got ready for the big show. we got cute, got cute pics, had a modelo and then raged for 4 hours. i had anxiety at the end of it all because it was so much energy exerted. but i knew i would feel better today. and i do.

what will this delicious week have in store?

[skitnicaphilly]

East Passyunk

[sfarticles]

Gifts for foodies: Pick up a book and get cooking

Check out my latest column

https://www.timesherald.com/2022/12/08/gifts-for-foodies-pick-up-a-book-and-get-cooking/

I know that I’m not alone when it comes to reading cookbooks, like the way one would read a novel. The cookbooks that interest me tell a story about the recipes and the author or have a unique theme. Who else is a fan of single-subject cookbooks? Those that feature one “starring ingredient in each of its recipes.

There are those who follow comedian Rita Rudner’s quote, “I read recipes the same way I read science fiction. I get to the end and say to myself, ‘well, that’s not going to happen.” However, they still enjoy a cookbook as a “prop”, or appreciate a beautiful coffee table book, where not one recipe is used, but the glossy cover has mouth-watering visuals.

This is the time of year when many cookbooks are released; just in time for gift-giving season. Going through my ever-increasing collection, I picked some for you to consider as a gift for the cooks on your list. I am sure you will find one to buy for the cook-in-you too.

Recently published, “Philadelphia Food Crawls: Touring the Neighborhoods One Bite & Libation at a Time” by Jacklin Altman (2022, Globe Pequot, $21.95) is the perfect gift for those food enthusiasts on your list, especially those who live in the Philadelphia area. They’ll learn how to experience their local food scene. Altman, a Philly-based blogger writes,” Philadelphia is so much more than just cheesesteaks and the football team that finally won a Super Bowl in 2018. And, the food scene has been booming, with new restaurants, shops, and bakeries popping up year over year, bringing their own delicious flair to the city.” The chapters are broken down by neighborhood: Chestnut Hill, Chinatown, Fairmont/Museum District, Fishtown, Manayunk, Northern Liberties, Old City, Rittenhouse, Graduate Hospital, South Philly/East Passyunk, University City and Washington Square West. Bonus crawls include Vegan Eats, Café Crawl, South Philly Cheesesteak, Reading Terminal Market and one that when I visit is a must, Just Desserts. This book has put a visit to Philadelphia high on my list of cities to get to, for my food explorations.

I am convinced that Philadelphia is a mecca for food enthusiasts after reading the above title and the 2nd edition of “The Philadelphia Chef’s Table: Extraordinary Recipes From the City of Brotherly Love,” by Adam Erace and April White (2020, Globe Pequot, $27.95) The recipient of this book can recreate their favorite dishes from more than fifty of the city’s favorite restaurants and chefs. K’Far owner, Michael Solomonov and pastry chef Camille Cogswell share the recipe for Kale and feta borekas. Chef-owner Rich Landau of Vedge, shares his recipe for chilled cucumber-avocado soup with smoked pumpkin seeds. Marc Vetri of Vetri provides the recipe for spaghetti with green tomatoes and razor clams. Dessert afficionados will be able indulge in Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat’s carrot-pecan cake with maple cream cheese icing and Lolita’s cheesecake with cajeta caramel.

The title and whimsical cover of “Food IQ:100 Questions, Answers and Recipes to Raise Your Cooking Smarts,” by Daniel Holzman & Matt Rodbard (2022, Harper Wave, $35) caught my attention. The book will assist the reader in cooking better and smarter, and to increase their food knowledge along the way. They said, “It’s for those who love cooking, eating, and talking about food, but who aren’t necessarily as confident behind the burners as they would like to be.”   The book can be read from the first to the last page, or since each question and its answer stands alone, just explore those that questions and in-depth answers that interest you most. Questions such as:

●  Should I feel guilty for loving my microwave?

● What’s the difference between a $30 knife and a $150 knife?

● What’s the difference between nonstick, cast iron, stainless steel, and carbon steel pans?

● How do I cook pasta, and why does it always taste better in a restaurant?

● Italians, Germans, Israelis, Popeyes: who makes the best chicken cutlet?

● My roasted vegetables never get properly crispy. How do I make that happen?

● I bought an Instant Pot on Black Friday two years ago. Now what the hell am I supposed to cook with it?

● Why is the farmers’ market so damn expensive?

After the answers, there is a recipe that relates to the question. Think of the book as “Cooking 101” with an entertaining approach. The recipient will wonder how they ever got along without it.

Those on your Hanukkah gift list will appreciate “Jew-ish: Reinvented Recipes From a Modern Mensch,” by Jake Cohen” (2021, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $30). By the way, Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights begins at sundown on December 18 and ends on December 26, overlapping with Christmas. Matzo ball soup, Gefilte fish, brisket and bagels are some of the quintessential items when you think of Jewish food. Cohen’s book exemplifies that the cuisine is much more encompassing. He says, he reinvented the food of his Ashkenazi heritage and draws inspiration from his husband’s Persian-Iraqi traditions to offer recipes that are modern, fresh, and enticing for a whole new generation of readers.” For example, the recipe for Everything Bagel Galette incorporates many of the components of the everything bagel. How about macaroon brownies, spinach -artichoke kugel, pumpkin spice babka or matzo tiramisu? The vivid photography shows off the classics as well as his clever creations.

Kids who enjoy baking, especially decorating will appreciate “Cakes for Kids: 40 Easy Recipes that will Wow!” by Juliette Lalbaltry (2019, Gibbs Smith, $16.99) Start with one of the four foolproof cake recipes (chocolate, yogurt, lemon or rolled sponge) and then decorate away. The cover is “The Goldfish in a Bowl.” For Christmas there is “Rosy-Cheeked Santa Claus” or “Lollipop Christmas Trees.” “Tarzan’s Jungle is a masterpiece as is “The Pirate Ship.” The simplest of the recipes are noted by “Ready, Set, Bake” and the more ambitious ones requiring a bit more time (perhaps 15 minutes or so) “Warning: Masterpiece.”

What child doesn’t enjoy spending time in the kitchen, and then enjoying the results of their efforts? Cooking, or at least helping is the perfect activity for a cold winter day. Written for children ages 8 to 13, “The Complete DIY Cookbook for Young Chefs,” by the editors of America’s Test Kitchen (2020, $19.99) teaches them to prepare common store-bought items from scratch.  From peanut butter, chocolate hazelnut spread, and apple sauce to bagel chips, cheddar cheese fish crackers, and strawberry Pop Tarts, to vanilla no-churn ice cream, hot fudge, pancake mix, hot cocoa mix, they probably won’t go back to store bought.The symbols for each recipe denote if the recipe is for a beginner, intermediate or advance recipe, and if the recipe requires the use of a knife, microwave, stove, oven or no knife or heat required. I found the pages dedicated to secrets for “Success in the Kitchen,” “Decoding Kitchenspeak,” “What’s Up With Ingredients,” “How to Measure and Weigh,” and” Essential Prep Steps,”  provide the perfect introduction to cooking. The “DIY Mixes” chapter details ways for kids to make homemade holiday gifts.

A companion book to the above title, is “Kitchen Explorers: 60+ Recipes, Experiments, and Games for Young Chefs,“ also by the editors of America’s Test Kitchen (2020, $12.99. The workbook format structures at-home learning, making it easy for parents to use the kitchen as a classroom. Experiments using food, interactive games and kid-centered recipes allow youngsters to practice skills in a fun way. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on science experiments and activities, as I learned a few things along the way.  Experiments include “What Makes Fizzy Drinks Fizzy,?” “The Gooey Science of Melting Cheese,” Amazing Emulsions.” After the experiments are completed, the “Understanding Your Results” helps the learning process. The “For Grown-Ups” chapter, created by educational experts, helps guide learning, and connect lessons in the workbook to school curriculum.  With “STEAM,” kids will learn how cooking involves Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

You must know someone who loves pasta. Making pasta at home is the craze and you don’t have to have a machine to prepare it. “Fresh Pasta at Home: 10 Doughs, 20 Shapes, 100+ Recipes, with or without a Machine,” by the editors of America’s Test Kitchen (2022, America’s Test Kitchen, $29.99) will be a welcome addition to the cookbook shelf for those on your gift list who are into the craze. The book shares four master pasta doughs, including gluten-free, along with flavor variations. The editors said, “whether using a hand-cranked or machine, extruder, or rolling pin and elbow grease, incredible pasta can be made from scratch using America’s Test Kitchen techniques.” The “Fresh Pasta Do’s and Don’ts are helpful as is how to pair flavored fresh pasta with sauces. The recipes for sauces include the classics and new ones to savor such as Gorgonzola-Walnut Cream Sauce, Braised Kale and Chickpea Sauce and Sausage Ragu with Red Peppers. Giving this book as a gift might result in you being invited to a delicious pasta dinner!

For the vegetarian or vegan on your shopping list “The Complete Plant Based Cookbook: 500 Inspired, Flexible Recipes for Eating Well Without Meat,” by the editors of America’s Test Kitchen (2020, $34.99), is the book to help its recipients prepare meals that are not only healthy, where vegetables take the center of the plate, but in a tasty and creative way. And, one doesn’t have to be vegetarian or vegan to enjoy plant-based cooking. This style of cooking is popular because of the growing interest in healthier eating and sustainability. I found the makeovers of comfort foods quite interesting. For example, PB & J transforms into Sautéed Grape and almond Butter Toast, featuring fresh grapes sautéed with lemon and thyme, topping crusty bread slathered with almond butter. The book gives the reader inspiration to create plant-forward meals that don’t use processed ingredients. And, those beautiful photos are inspiring, as are their renown signature headnotes; “Why this Recipe Works.”

What cookbook roundup would be complete without one for desserts? I am sure you or someone on your list has a sweet tooth like I do. With more than 600 recipes, “Desserts Illustrated,” by the editors of America’s Test Kitchen (2022, America’s Test Kitchen, $45) includes cakes, pies, tarts, frozen desserts, candies, custards…every kind of dessert to put a sweet ending to a meal. The step-by-step photography makes it easy to follow the instructions. America’s Test Kitchen’s signature “Why this Recipe Works” headnotes for each recipe explains in detail the nuances of the creation. The editors said, “The only prior skill required for opening this book is loving dessert, and you’ll close it with a masterclass under your belt.”

Happy cookbook shopping!

Stephen Fries, is a newly retired professor and coordinator of the Hospitality Management Programs at Gateway Community College, in New Haven, CT. He has been a food and culinary travel columnist for the past 14 years and is co-founder of and host of “Worth Tasting,” a culinary walking tour of downtown New Haven, CT. He is a board member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Stephen@stephenfries.com For more, go to stephenfries.com.

[dreampoetforhire]

“Write a poem about Pumpkins” written on October 29, 2022 while performing at @phillytypewriter for #eastpassyunk Fall Fest in South Philadelphia, PA. #poetsofinstagram #typewriterpoetry #lovepoem #dreampoetforhire #marshalljameskavanaugh #eagles #goeagles (at East Passyunk Avenue) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cke1XmtDnLH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[sheltiechicago]

A mural of 19-year-old Najee Spencer–Young by famed artist Amy Sherald

PHOTOGRAPH BY MATT ROURKE, AP

IT'S ALWAYS MURALS IN PHILADELPHIA

Thanks to communities and creatives, the “City of Brotherly Love (and Sisterly Affection)” has become known as the “City of Murals.” More than 4,000 multihued mosaics and vibrant displays of public art now decorate the city.

An untitled mural on South Ninth Street in Philadelphia’s East Passyunk neighborhood highlights homegrown celebrities, such as Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell.

PHOTOGRAPH BY DINA LITOVSKY, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

[phillygrub]

StrEATs of Philly Food Tours in the Michelin Spotlight

Philadelphia, often referred to as the City of Brotherly Love, has carved out its niche as a burgeoning culinary hub, and its gastronomic offerings have not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, Philadelphia proudly joined the ranks of just eight destinations in the United States to have its very own Michelin Green Guide. While the city may not be eligible for Michelin stars, the presence of the…

[malanddisexcellentadventure]

We ate Philadelphia - Artisan Boulanger Patissier

Elmhurst, Queens has Cannelle Patisserie, East Passyunk has Artisan Boulanger Patissier. Both neighborhoods are perhaps the last place you would expect to find a little bit of Paris with exquisite baguettes, croissants and other French pastries. But in both locations, the no frills interiors and cheaper rents enable them to devote more of their budget to equipment and ingredients.

Artisan Boulanger Patissier is owned by Andre Chin and Amanda Eap, the former having trained and worked as a baker in Paris. The two of them, plus one other baker, run the whole operation. To add to the homey atmosphere, when we went there on the morning of Mother’s Day, we observed them roping in one of their regulars to relay messages to the kitchen and move the odd tray, which he did quite happily in addition to  pouring his own coffee. The lines stretched right out the door and into the rain as regulars queued for their carb fix and takeout treats for their moms.

Their baguettes are made with a slow rise - at least 8 hours - instead of using a lot of yeast to speed the process. They also have a $50,000 oven which has moved with them to three different locations and which has a steamer to make perfect crusts.

Their almond croissants are the equal of those we have had at Cannelle Patisserie, which until now we had considered the best we have tried in America. Cannelle’s almond filling has a slight edge, but Artisan’s crust is perfection. Other croissants come in almond, almond-chocolate, pistachio, blueberry and other seasonal flavors as well as a breakfast croissant with bacon and egg. Andre also makes a version of the famous cronut, although since Dominque Ansel has a copyright on that name, they are called something else. 

They also make two types of banh mi sandwiches, one of which is filled with tofu for the vegans among us ( and a natural fit for their baguettes) which made me assume they were Vietnamese - incorrectly as it happens, since they are both from Cambodia.

This little mom and pop operation has been nominated multiple times for James Beard awards for baking and provides yet another compelling reason to visit South Philly.

Artisan Boulanger Patissier - 1218 Mifflin, East Passyunk Crossing, Philadelphia

[discogoth-cowgirl]

The singing fountain

[philamuseum]

Some of the talented ballerinas from the Academy of International Ballet in Media used our Inside Out works as inspiration. The spring installation will be up for a few more weeks, be sure to check them out in East Passyunk, Manayunk, Media, and Haddonfield. 

Photo courtesy of Denis Gronostayskiy.

[drewlazor]

👉🏽👉🏽👉🏽Saté Kampar

[secondsofpleasure]

throw your hands in the air, if you'se a true player March 5, 2017