#pizza shops in South Philly

[strawberryblondebutch]

These may seem like out of left field questions, BUT I'm headed to Philadelphia at the end of February, and you seem to be from Philly? I was wondering, as an out of stater, if I should try a Cheesesteak with whiz as opposed to provolone? Also do you have a shop you could recommend? Thanks in advance and sorry if this is a bit odd.

I am... so honored that you thought of me for this

Personally I like provolone more, but if you're getting a cheesesteak to get the Philly Cheesesteak Experience(TM), then you gotta get it wit wiz!

I would normally recommend Jim's at 4th and South, but it burned down this past summer and won't be open by the time you visit :( Most of my recommendations for anything are going to be southeast Philly because that's where I live and if it isn't walking distance I do not perceive it, but I like Ishkabibble's and Angelo's! Angelo's also makes *fantastic* pizza.

My other food rec is Lorenzo and Son's at 3rd and South. They have pizza slices the size of your head. If you don't want to be perceived as a tourist, you ask for "a slice" -- that's it. There's one size, no toppings, and bring cash!

[southjerseyweb]

Domestic dispute turned I-95 police chase leads to lane closures, frustrated drivers

… South Philly. Officials say body found in burning car appears suspicious … Jersey. video. Pizza shop brings Detroit-style pizza to South Jersey.

[sfarticles]

A trip to Italy, without leaving the East Coast Book features recipes, stories and shopping meccas for the foodie who craves Italian delights

Last week, while driving down Wooster Street in New Haven’s Little Italy, and passing Consiglio’s, the quintessential restaurant where everyone is treated like family, I recalled meeting and interviewing Sheryll Bellman, author of “America’s Little Italys: Recipes & Traditions from Coast to Coast” (2010, Sellers Publishing). Check out the video here bit.ly/3KLWpmi

Clams served on the half-shell one day, made an excellent pizza topping the next day. (Photo courtesy of Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana)

It was more than a decade ago when she was at her book signing dinner at the restaurant. I was determined to find the book in my massive collection and reacquaint myself with the title. I’m glad I did. I was reminded of the days growing up in the Bensonhurst part of Brooklyn, NY, and the Italian specialty food shops and iconic Italian restaurants my parents brought me. Gargiulo’s and Carolina’s were two of my favorites. I remember the original Sbarro’s with real cheese and cured meat hanging from the ceiling, not at all like today’s version of the eateries’ serving mass-produced food with wax or plastic cheese and meat replicas hanging.

Reading through the book, I was brought back in time to my visits to several Little Italy’s; Manhattan, The Bronx (Arthur Avenue) Boston, Providence, New Orleans, and of course, Bensonhurst, plus New Haven’s, a couple of miles from my home. The Italian enclaves Bellman showcases that I have not visited yet are in Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland, Baltimore, Wilmington, St. Louis, San Francisco and San Diego.

Artuso Pastry, Bronx, NY, pictured are Julie M., Anthony Sr., Patty M. (Photo courtesy of Artuso Pastry)

Bellman takes you on a trip to 50 plus Italian restaurants, specialty shops and markets in several cities that still celebrate the immigrants who created these vibrant neighborhoods, albeit many are not as expansive as they once were.  And let’s not forget the flavorful dishes that are now an integral part of the culinary scene in America. The coveted family recipes of the restaurant owners shared in the book are signature dishes still served today.  Recipes from landmark Little Italy restaurants in Philadelphia and New Haven are shared below.

Danny Di Bruno of Di Bruno Bros., Philadelphia (Photo courtesy of Di Bruno Bros.)

The book’s timeline of events in the Italian American cultural history, stems all the way back to the early Greeks and Romans (6,000-5,000 B.C.E.) It presents interesting facts about Italian American cultural history and iconic Italian products. Here are some:

Philadelphia folks…., did you know….

• In 1899, the DiRocco family of Philadelphia opened Dante & Luigi’s Corona DiFerro, a restaurant combined with a boarding house, to attract Italian immigrants arriving in the city.

• In 1900, the Dispigno family opened Ralph’s Italian Restaurant in a rented building at 901 Montrose St. in South Philly and named it after their 10-year-old son Ralph.

• In 1933, upon the repeal of prohibition, John DiStefano opened The Victor Café; the Music Lovers Rendezvous” in what was previously the RCA Victor Gramophone shop.

And for those of you who have visited the iconic pizzerias and Little Italy in New Haven (where I have lived since 1984), you are probably familiar with Frank Pepe’s white clam pie.

• In 1925, Frank opened Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana and lived above the restaurant. Today, the original still has long lines with hungry locals and visitors craving “Abeetz” (ah-beetz), the way Neopolitan immigrants pronounced pizza when they arrived in New Haven. Now, there are many Pepe’s locations throughout the U.S.

I reconnected with Sheryll Bellman recently and asked her these questions:

1. Why did you choose to write about America’s Little Italy’s.?

I enjoy writing about anything nostalgic and adore the photos of yesteryear (the book has many) and I love everything Italian. These family restaurants are being replaced by other types of restaurants and I want to preserve this unique culture that is slowly fading away”

2. Your book was written more than a decade ago. Over the years, what has changed about America’s Little Italys?

Many restaurants have closed, one reason, the children of these restaurants and shops didn’t want to work in the businesses their parents, grandparents and in many cases, great-grandparents started.  In the book, I wrote, “many Little Italy communities have dissipated over the years. The residents have left these warm and comfortable enclaves for a more assimilated lifestyle in diverse neighborhoods. The Italian American communities in Minneapolis and Duluth, Minnesota, populated by immigrants from Naples and Calabria, no longer exist.”

3. Do you consider the Italian Emporium “Eataly” a Little Italy in Itself?

No. Eataly is housed in one building and not necessarily in the neighborhoods of Italian culture. In the Little Italys, people lived above their stores and restaurants. It was a whole neighborhood, not just one building.

4. Do you think most of the restaurants you write about are still in business? What do you think has caused the closing of many of them?

Many have closed because of the economy and the after-effects of COVID. As I mentioned, restaurant and shop owners’ children didn’t want to continue the tradition.  They went to college. It’s also a very hard business.

5. What new projects are in the works?

I have written a book I am thinking of calling “Scattered Embers.” It is about the Jews who came to Mexico…specifically there were three waves of immigration; after the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal, after the Ottoman Empire collapsed and after the Holocaust. Of course, food is weaved into the book. For example, the bland food prepared by Eastern Europeans who came to Mexico melded well with Mexican spices. My grandmother’s matzo ball soup recipes were made with jalapenos!

Sheryll said, “Who could ever have imagined a life without opera, great art or Italian food?” You’ll most likely agree that these contributions greatly influenced the American cultural landscape. While reading the book you’ll discover the journey that has brought this fascinating culture and one of our favorite cuisines to the United States. She said, “the Italian immigrants brought with them rich traditions that included love for romance, literature, science, commerce, style, and of course, most notably—food. Buon Appetito!

The Victor Café Veal, Chicken or Turkey Marsala

8 (4-ounce) veal, chicken or turkey cutlets, pounded to 1 /8-inch thick

All-purpose flour, for dredging

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon butter (optional) 5 chopped cloves garlic

1 cup Marsala wine, plus 2 tablespoons to deglaze pan

1 cup sliced mushrooms

Salt and pepper, to taste

Chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, for garnish (optional)

Lightly dredge the meat cutlets in flour and shake off excess flour. In a 10-inch skillet, heat the olive oil and butter (if using), over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté until lightly browned. Sauté the meat, a few pieces at a time, until lightly browned on both sides. Add the Marsala wine and mushrooms, reduce the heat to medium, and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until mushrooms are softened. Remove the meat and mushrooms to platter and sprinkle on salt and pepper. Keep warm in a very low oven. To the skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of Marsala and simmer over medium heat, while stirring to loosen the pan drippings, until the alcohol cooks off, about 3 minutes. Pour over the meat and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. If the sauce has become too thick, add some chicken broth or stock to thin it. Serve with a medley of sautéed carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes. Serves 4

Dante & Luigi’s Clams & Spaghetti Marinara

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1½ tablespoons sliced garlic

1½ tablespoons minced onion

Pinch of red pepper flakes, or to taste

48 littleneck clams, well-rinsed

1 cup white wine

1 cup fish stock

20 leaves of fresh basil

Pinch of salt and black pepper, or to taste

¾ cup marinara sauce 1 pound dried spaghetti or linguini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a 10 to12-inch sauté pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and sauté for 2 minutes, until browned. Add the red pepper flakes and the clams and sauté for another 3 minutes. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and cook over medium heat until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the fish stock and cook for 3 minutes more. Add the basil, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce and cook for 3 to 6 minutes, or until all of the clams have opened. (Discard any clams that did not open.) While the clams are cooking, add the pasta to the boiling, salted water and cook until al dente. Drain well. Pour the clam sauce over the pasta. Serves 4

Ralph’s Roasted Garlic Soup

22 cloves garlic (from about 3 heads)

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra to coat garlic cloves

1 large onion, preferably Spanish, chopped

3 (28-ounce) cans whole, peeled Italian tomatoes, crushed by hand

2 cups heavy cream

12 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Salt and black pepper, to taste

½ cup chopped fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Coat 16 of the garlic cloves with olive oil and place on a sheet pan. Roast the garlic for 40 minutes. While the garlic is roasting, prepare the soup. Using the side of a large knife, crush the remaining 6 cloves of garlic. In a 4-quart stockpot, heat the ½ cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and crushed garlic and cook until the onion is transparent, and garlic is turning a golden color. Add the crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 40 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the cream, basil, salt, and black pepper, and cook another 15 minutes. To serve, divide the soup among four large soup bowls. Add 4 roasted garlic cloves and a generous spoonful of chopped parsley to each bowl. Serve with toasted Italian bread. Serves 4

Frank Pepe’s White Clam Pizza

The headnote says, “Frank Pepe’s doesn’t measure when making this divine pizza, but, these few guidelines may help.”

10 to12 ounces pizza dough of your choice

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 large cloves garlic, chopped

1 dozen freshly shucked clams, coarsely chopped (reserve any juice)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the dough in the center of a pizza stone or a 9 x 12-inch sheet pan. Flatten and stretch the dough by hand to about 10 inches in diameter on the stone or to the edges of the sheet pan. Brush the olive oil on the dough. Sprinkle the chopped garlic all over the dough, and then spread the clams around the pie with a dash of their own juice. Sprinkle with the oregano and cheese. Bake until the pie is charred on the edges, about 15 minutes. Makes 1 round (10-inch) pizza or 1 rectangular 9 x 12-inch pizza.

Stephen Fries, is Professor Emeritus and former 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 15 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.

[philadelphiaepoxyflooringpa]

The Best Places to Eat in Philadelphia

If you're looking for a good meal, Philadelphia, PA is the place to be! The city is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. Whether you're in the mood for Italian, Mexican, or Chinese food, Philly has something to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best places to eat in Philadelphia. So put on your appetite and let's get started!

First on the list is Amada, a Spanish tapas restaurant located in Old City Philadelphia. This popular eatery serves up some of the best traditional and modern Spanish dishes in the city. From cured meats to paella, there's something for everyone at Amada. The atmosphere is also great with its warm decor and outdoor patio seating.

For Italian food lovers, no trip to Philly would be complete without a stop at Gran Caffe L'Aquila. Located in Rittenhouse Square, this cozy trattoria serves authentic Italian fare made from fresh ingredients sourced directly from Italy. With a menu that includes pizza, pastas, and delicious desserts, there's something to tantalize your taste buds here!

If you're in the mood for something a bit more exotic, try Dong Fang Hong. This Chinese restaurant serves up traditional dishes like Peking Duck and Dim Sum as well as modern interpretations of classic recipes. The atmosphere is also quite nice, with its colorful decor and cozy seating.

Last but not least is Mexico Lindo. Located in South Philadelphia, this family-run taqueria has been serving up delicious Mexican fare since 1979. From tacos to tamales, there's something to satisfy every Mexican food craving here! Plus, they offer a great selection of margaritas at very reasonable prices.

These are just some of the best places to eat in Philadelphia! Whether you're looking for something sophisticated or down-home comfort food, the city has something for everyone. So next time you're in town, make sure to check out one of these great establishments and enjoy a meal like no other!

Chester is a charming city in the northwest of England that is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in the country. From its ancient walls and castle to its Tudor-era buildings, Chester is a must-see destination for tourists and history buffs alike. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars in the city center, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Looking for a new place to live? Check out Glassboro! This vibrant community has a lot to offer its residents. From great schools and friendly neighbors, to an active nightlife and thriving economy, Glassboro has something for everyone. Read on to learn more about this wonderful town and all that it has to offer!

If you’re in need of Garage Floors in Philadelphia, PA we got just the right place for you!

Garage floors take a lot of abuse. They are constantly being hit with oil, grease, dirt, and other debris. Not to mention the fact that they are often used as parking spaces for cars and trucks. This can quickly lead to your garage floor looking pretty bad. If you're in need of Philadelphia epoxy flooring , then you've come to the right place! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best places to get epoxy flooring in Philadelphia. We'll also provide you with some tips on how to choose the right company for your needs.

Contact Us: Philadelphia Epoxy Flooring (215) 500–2612 1625 W Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145 https://epoxyflooringphiladelphia.com/

Find Us: https://g.page/philadelphia-epoxy-flooring?share

[phillygrub]

Meet Joe Betzala of Dough Head Pizza in South Philly

Does South Philly need more pizza? Check out Dough Head Pizza, now open at 833 Wharton Street near cheesesteak central. 🍕🍕🍕

A new artisan pizza restaurant has opened in South Philly, ready to make a splash on Philly’s pizza scene.  Dough Head Pizza is now open at 833 Wharton Street in South Philadelphia Local owner/operator Joe Betzala received special training from renowned pizza expert Gregorio Fierro and opened the doors to Dough Head Pizza in the middle of September.  Joe Betzala of Dough Head Pizza in South…

[pbandjesse]

I have my new war piercing! I did just knock my hand into it and it hurt a little but overall no pain! I'm really excited about it. And the piercer thinks I can have the hoop I want by the summer.

And today was a really nice day, even if it was a little cold compared to yesterday. I slept weird. Waking up in the middle of the night panicking about money for an hour or so. But I was able to put on a video and fall asleep and not feel to bad when I woke up in the morning.

When I got up I felt good. Excited to go to see Jess. And spend some time with James.

I had some clothes issues. I liked my outfit but I wasn't sure about shoes and the ones I planned on didn't work out and when we got to the car James ran back up and I asked them to get me my boots. And that was a good call. I should have brought a jacket or sweater. But Jess would have one I could borrow so in the end it was all good.

We stopped to get me a hash brown from McDonald's. But I had the rest of my Starbucks from yesterday so I just enjoyed my drink. We listened to a podcast and listened to music and it was a pretty relaxed drive. Only a few people stressing us out. And we got to Philly around 1130.

We got a good free parking space and went to find Jess. We walked through the farmers market. And sat on a bench and eventually figured out where she was and it was so good to see her.

She was a little stressed over parking so we walked around the block until Stella's opened and we were all calmed down.

And it was a great lunch. Me and Jess shared a salad. Jess and James shared meatballs. We all shared rosemary bread and pizza. It was an excellent meal.

James would leave us after that. They went to go meet up with Dante for a few hours. And so me and Jess had some time alone to wander around South Street.

Jess made the observation that people who hang out in South Street have a specific look. And really it's just Portland meets NYC in 6 blocks. The worst of the best dressed grunge. It is always fun to see the variety.

Our first stop was the piercing place. My appointment would be our last thing at 345. But Jess got a piercing a few weeks ago and it was very swollen and she wanted to get it checked. They would end up changing her jewelry to give her a longer bar. It was not fun seeing her in pain but she got through it and while it was still sore it apparently was like instant relief and it look way less angry. So that is very good.

In the two hours we had to waste we would go get fairly subpar drinks (she got a latte and I got a chocolate milk), and then went to look at some vintage stores that were all very expensive but still were fun.

We went to Philly aids thrift. And if we had been interested in looking through the clothes I am sure it would have been our best best in prices. But we had some laughs at things we found. Jess was funny at one point asking for a hug. She's so sweet.

We wandered in and out of other vintage shops. I wasn't interested in buying but I had fun finding treasures. I even found a pair of shoes I used to be obsessed with. And really great vintage stuff. It was fun.

I would end up buying a window decal of Bart Simpson for James in an excellent, but very very expensive vintage shop. Regardless I had a great time looking.

After we went to the anarchist bookstore we would head back to Infinite Piercing for my appointment.

They were really nice. They helped me match to the size of my inner ear piercing diamond. And soon enough I went back alone. It all was very quick. The guy was very nice and we had some laughs when I described the cartilage piercing as sounding like someone stepping on a can of soda. But this piercing was just my lobe and was quick and only felt like being pinched.

And I love it. I think it's so cute. And I cannot wait til I can wear a hoop. But at least I have this beautiful shiny diamond in the mean time. This was Jess's birthday gift to me and I appreciate it so much.

We would head back to my car after we finished there. Got the cow squishmallow for her. And she gave me the bunny she got for me. An excellent trade.

As we walked towards where she was parked we found James. I had texted them to head back towards us. And we would say goodbye to Jess before we all parted ways.

Me and James stopped at the Wawa before getting on the highway. I got a little sandwich but it was dry. Ah well. I just needed to eat something.

We had a pretty easy ride home. A little traffic. But it was okay. I was tired. We finished the podcast and listened to music. And around 630 were finally home.

It was very windy and I was cold. I was a little snippy about wanting to get inside. We did get in fast though. And I was really happy to be back.

I checked in with the animals. Took pictures of my peeps. Had a snack. Went through the makeup and lotions Jess had sent back with me. She got a bunch of samples and mini size products and she picked me some excellent stuff. I am very excited to try them all out.

Once I put all that away I got a sweater on and went to chill with James. I played pokemon for a little. And eventually went and laid down to watch videos.

James would join me. Sweetp too. And it was just really nice to chill. I am not looking forward to work tomorrow. Nursery all day. I am sure I will have fun but my feet hurt and I am tired. I hope I sleep well tonight. James has promised me an omelet before work so I have something to look forward too.

Now though I am clean and cozy and ready to rest. I hope you have a great night tonight. Wish me luck not banging my ear. I have a donut pillow that I hope will help. Goodnight everyone!!

[lilhawkeye3]

This Ohio discourse has got me dying to create discourse about every other state now hehe so I officially present:

Hawk’s review of 36/50 US states!

In alphabetical order because that fuckin song “50 nifty United States” has been stuck in my head since fourth grade.

Arizona: Phoenix is hot. Can’t believe y’all choose to live in a place that gets haboobs. Saw Sen. John McCain in the airport. I feel that sums up the state well. 4/10

California: as a resident of the state of Oregon, I’m legally required to say fuck California😌 unless anyone else talking shit about Cali and then we got your back😤 SoCal vs San Fran vs Northern Cal are totally different worlds though. 7/10

Colorado: damn idk how y’all breathe there, them air is thin. But really pretty out there! 7/10

Connecticut: oh my god fuck New Haven. And Stamford, and Hartford, and— Yknow what? Let’s just toss the whole state into the Sound. For real, traffic is the WORST here and I’m so sorry that y’all gotta live like that. 3/10

Delaware: I cannot believe this is considered a state. There’s no difference between Delaware and Maryland/Pennsylvania. 1/10 should not be a state

Florida: “the only hills in Florida are the highway ramps and the Matterhorn!” —the shuttle driver at Disney World. He was right. Shit is flat as fuck here. And hot. And humid. The Gulf Coast is nice? But tbh it’s just all very touristy which is kind of a bummer. 5/10

Georgia: ...I can’t with the humidity or thinly veiled racism. But y’all got nice peaches! Also Black Panther filmed there so thank you for blessing us with that. 6/10 for fruits

Hawaii: okay pineapple farms are cool. Tbh I just feel really bad for how much mainlander/tourist bs all the islanders put up with. Ik price of living is v high and keeps going up. That said I did love Hawaii... although I was stung by a jellyfish. Hate those little bastards. 8/10 for wonderful people and nature

Idaho: as an Oregonian I’m required to also say fuck Idaho 😝 you da hoes. Okay for real tho southern Idaho has become v white white and kinda scary tbh. The northern part of the state is pretty chill tho. Also Oreida kettle chips are partly made in Idaho so I gotta give you half credit for that. 4/10

Illinois: at least you’re not Indiana. 4/10.

Indiana: I never want to step foot in Gary, Indiana again in my life. (Passed a Mack truck hauling a race car to Indy 500 though so that was cool.) 2/10

Iowa: I almost moved here. I’m so glad I didn’t. Why are the Quad Cities actually a group of five towns? I hate that. Also the roads were all cement, felt like driving on a sidewalk. Was also interesting because the second we got out of the city proper, it was just... corn fields everywhere. 2/10 y’all raising children of the corn.

Kentucky: I really don’t have anything to say about Kentucky. I thought the trees were pretty? 5/10 yeah idk

Maine: my relative has totaled two cars by hitting moose in Maine. Maine scares me. Or rather, the moose do. Also the lobster roll hype is real. And the coast truly is beautiful. 8/10 but an extra point for the moose bc I hate that relative so 9/10

Maryland: oh god Baltimore. Also I’m blaming you for the DC traffic because it’s on the land you gifted them. 3/10

Massachusetts: Patriots fans are the worst NFL fans (the racism is real, especially after fans burned the jerseys of Black players who knelt for the anthem). Liking Dunkin’ Donuts is not a personality trait. The North End in Boston is truly the best place to get pizza in the entire country. Western Mass is not the same state. And the Cape Cod bridges give me nightmares. 5/10 but cause I had to pay taxes two years and it really is Taxachusetts, knocking it down to 4/10

Michigan: it’s a lot bigger than I initially thought. 5/10

Minnesota: it’s Canada but in the US. Pretty driving through the southern part. Cops suck tho. 5/10

Montana: okay Montana is downright gorgeous. (Except Billings. Sorry, Billings.) I must include a photo. I wanna get a cabin here and just exist. 8/10

New Hampshire: can’t decide if it hates Massachusetts or wants to be Massachusetts. All it knows is that it’s better than Vermont. Which... y’know, valid. (If you wanna see NH culture watch North Woods Law tbh). 4/10

New Jersey: why are there so many goddamn highways in this state? Also there are more places to weekend trip than the Shore or the Poconos. Although you do have people pump gas for you just like Oregon, so... that’s valid. Things my friends have added: Newark airport is cursed (valid), the jughandles are nightmares (true), pork roll/Taylor Ham is good and so are bagels and New Jersey pizza (allergic so idk), and everyone is split on whether the shore is actually decent or not 😂 I give it a 3.5/10 out of spite

New York: NYC is fun, Upstate is MASSIVE but really beautiful. Long Island is... yeah I don’t have anything nice to say about Long Island. 8/10 For NYC, 6/10 for Upstate, -2/10 for Long Island, gives us an average of 6/10

North Carolina: very good peaches. Isn’t South Carolina. Keep it up👍🏽 6/10

Ohio: I already told y’all how I feel about this flat ass boring state. I feel no need to slander it any more lmao. 3/10

Oregon: she flies with her own wings, mi amor🥰 to list all the reasons I like Oregon (and the issues too bc it ain’t perfect), I would need a whole other post. I’ll just leave you with this picture I took of Mt. Hood, the queen of our Cascades. 11/10

Pennsylvania: so apparently PN is three states hiding in a trench coat like NY. There’s upstate, philly and Pittsburg. Personally I think they’re just trying too hard and wanna get the same recognition as NY. Meh. 5/10

Rhode Island: THIS FUCKIN SHAM OF A STATE Just merge it with Connecticut and be done with it!! It’s tiny. Providence sucks. There’s nothing unique about this state that you can’t find in Southern Mass (except MA has cheaper taxes so y’all come to work and shop in MA anyways smh). Also the fingers are really annoying to drive down to get to some beach areas haha. 2/10 you’re barely better than Delaware.

South Carolina: my Black father was invited to a party celebrating General Robert E Lee’s birthday. So... 0/10

South Dakota: very gorgeous, didn’t realize the Missouri River went this far west, but VERY LARGE. I mean it looks big on a map but then you get there and... yeah. No speed limit on highways is a great time though. And the Badlands have mountain goats! 6/10 bc while pretty, living there seems really hard. (Picture is me in the Badlands).

Texas: gave us Juneteenth and Beyoncé and JJ Watts. Thank you Texas. But is very big, got independence from Mexico to keep slavery (yikes), is like 97% private land (yikes) and is like the second or third largest state. Very big. That said, everyone I’ve ever met from Texas is lovely. 6/10.

Utah: Other than Idaho, this is the whitest state I’ve been to. Or it feels that way. Like a, the people crossed to the other side of the street and held their bags because I’m brown, state. And I don’t ski so I can’t even say that’s a good thing (I fell off the ski lift the one time I went, long story). Yeah 0/10.

Vermont: wants to be New Hampshire or Canada and can’t decide which. So it’s just kinda there. Pretty hills though. 3/10

Virginia: let’s be real we all forget that Virginia exists west of Richmond. Nova is a beauracratic and traffic nightmare and half our neighbors had to pass security clearance checks. Hampton Roads and beach area is a tourist and mosquito nightmare. But there were dolphins and I made snowmen on the beach. Good times. 6.7/10

Washington: again, legally required as an Oregon resident to say fuck Washington because it’s all your fault we now are getting a toll on the I-5 border. But you’re better than California. And the Sound is really cool for fishing, love Wicked Tuna. And the fish market. Best salmon I’ve had. Eastern Washington... y’all got Spokane but the rest is kinda sparse. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 8/10

Wisconsin: cheese is actually good. Again, pretty state, much larger than I initially thought. 7/10

Wyoming: this was the ONLY STATE I lost cell service in when diriving cross country. Kinda surprised it wasn’t Montana, but no, it was Wyoming. Views are gorgeous though so I was distracted either way. 4/10

Thank you for joining me on this cross-country edition of Tea Time with Hawk. Please respond with any reactions, corrections, addendums about any and all of the states mentioned. And thank you for taking part in this wholesome Clone Wars fandom discourse with me 🥰💕

DISCLAIMER: THESE RATINGS ARE ALL A JOKE PLEASE DO NOT ACTUALLY GET MAD ABOUT IT

[silly-old-guard-aus]

Not really silly but how do you think the old guard, Nile especially, is reacting to the 2020 elections? Asking as a terrified U.S. citizen.

FRIEND, I am so sorry I am late to replying to this. I was in the Exact Same Boat and avoiding social media because of it.

Two days ago, I was fantasizing about whether or not the Old Guard would be helpful in counting the votes in Nevada because what on Earth was the hold up over there? Just call the dang race already.

Anyway, I think Nile was tense as f***. And, unfortunately, as much as I love them, I think the rest of the Old Guard (except for maybe Booker) would have had a hard time empathizing with her. Yes, Joe & Nicky went through the upheaval that was the crusades and probably stuck around the Mediterranean to see the fall of Constantiople. But that was almost a thousand years ago. They have each other and might not remember what it’s like to be existentially scared for your very mortal family. And Andy these days is not entirely in the world- she’s there but she’s not there, you know? To borrow a Natasha Romanoff quote, “Regimes fall every day. I tend not to weep over that...” I feel like that’s a very Andy quote.

Booker is the most likely candidate to empathize with Nile, but that depends on him A) being in contact with her (or just not in exile) and B) being able to fight off the depressive demons that say, “yes! Welcome to the club, here’s our wallowing pit,” and look for actionable steps instead. I don’t think Nile would want to wallow. She’s a woman of action and would want to do something.

Even with all that, I have a feeling the Old Guard would have relocated to the United States sometime one to two months before the election. It’s a big, powerful nation with the ability to do big, powerful violence. They would want it in the right hands. They probably would have set up shop in like St. Louis because the militia threat was (is) real and most militias are in the east and the greatest target would probably have been in the south. While they were keeping an ear to the ground, I like to imagine them having volunteered with Pizza to the Polls or as poll monitors.

However, once the results were called on Saturday, I think Nile would have found herself a silly costume- like those dancing mailboxes in Philly- snuck a peek at her brother’s social media, and went to whatever event her family is currently celebrating at in Chicago to check up on them that way.

Here’s a hug from one scared (though less so now) US citizen to another. The struggle is real but it is important and the world will look better because of it. Hope you are taking care of yourself! <3

[st-louis]

favorite place to eat in philly 👀

omg i’m actually really sad about this because a lot of my favorite places are closed now because of the pandemic or i can’t go to :(

suraya: lebanese food the tasting menu is probably the best thing i’ve ever eaten in my entire fucking life. if you ever have the chance to eat the baharat lamb. please take it. like. a harry met sally i’ll have what she’s having moment.

i also really love the tasting menu at zahav, it’s israeli food and it’s expensive but it’s a ton of food and so fucking worth it. the hummus.... i have made his recipe at home and it’s GOOD but it’s not AS good.

pizzeria beddia was a great place to go to eat in pre-pandemic. i think the owner really liked my kid because he would always come out to say hi to us when we went. the pizza is good, not as good as it was when it was just him in the corner shop, but i always had like. a really nice, pleasant time out there if that makes sense? like it was just a very chill casual pizza experience but elevated. the waiters were always so nice and we would chat with people sitting near us and get drunk on natural wines and i just loved it.

if u ever get a cheesesteak in philly go to john’s roast pork first or di’nic’s if you absolutely cannot get to oregon ave accept no substitutes

best corner slice is pizza shackamaxon where beddia used 2 b. super nice dudes. care a ton about social justice issues. REALLY good pizza. like really good. i like their pizza better than beddia but it’s just a different experience.

my favorite brunch used to be at cafe l’maude but i cannot recommend anymore due to how close their outdoor tables are during this pandemic. it’s associated with suraya and their middle eastern like. sampler platter brunch. fucking amaze

gran caffe l’aquila--is it a gelato take out shop? is it a fine as hell italian restaurant? is it both????? u can go up to the gelato counter for the best fuckin pistachio gelato you’ve ever eaten or order a shitload of italian small plates for very reasonable prices and just do whatever you want. it’s fuckin good dude. i really liked it. get the gelato pls.

south philly barbacoa for mexican..... pls. also tortilleria san roman for fresh tortillas + hot salsa

pho 75 on washington ave for pho. again it’s utilitarian but the best broth in the city. and also really nice dudes who remember your order.

the halal cart guys that used to be on like 15th and walnut who i would go to at least once a week and who used to ask me all the time about my wedding plans (bc they saw my engagement henna and i had 2 explain my situation) and then they had to move because of construction and i have NEVER been able to find them again and i STILL mourn this loss because they were so fucking nice and i have never found a cart that does the rice as well. i got married in 2015 and i’m still looking for this fucking cart

in case u did not notice i love food and love to eat

[wwasnorkel]

Things to do in Lahaina, Maui

Looking for things to do in Lahaina, Maui? “The west side is the best side”, that’s what we say here in historic Lahaina Town! Shopping, food, activities, the list goes on!

We created a go-to guide so can make your most out of your vacation to Lahaina!

Originally the capital of Hawaii from 1820-1845, historic Lahaina town was once a pit stop for whalers and now sees an estimated 80% of all tourism that comes to Maui! Lahaina’s iconic Front Street runs through the heart of Lahaina Town, connecting Lahaina Harbor, shops, restaurants and historical landmarks. Traveling to Maui is not your bargain vacation due to its desired tropical climate as a U.S. territory, but with AirBnB’s available at all time lows right now and lots of free outdoor activities you’ll find yourself easily content on this little island in the Pacific!

Lahaina is a small town with half the crime rate of Los Angeles and New York. You can walk or bike almost anywhere to shops, beaches, activities and dining, making it a go-to for Maui’s visitors!

Free Things to do in Lahaina

If you’re looking for free things to do in Lahaina, check out the Lahaina Walking Tour for a fun historical walk through along Front Street, which has been rated one of the Top 10 Greatest Streets by the American Planning Commission.

Across from the Wharf Center is the historic Banyan Tree. Planted over 100 years ago this tree is a gathering place for visitors, locals and arts and crafts fairs! If you walk toward the ocean you will find Lahaina Harbor, the busiest tourism harbor in the state!. You can check out the historic museum right under the banyan to learn more about this harbor that was once a pit-stop for whalers and sailors! The historic Pioneer Inn now houses dining and shops, as well as a photo ops with parrots and breakfast at the Inn itself. Art galleries, clothing stores and Hawaii inspired jewelry shops line this quaint little ocean front town!

Surfing is always free, you just need a board and some waves! Lahaina town fronts two popular surf spots, Breakwall and Harbor! Breakwall has a slower softer wave great for longboarding and Harbor’s quick steep drop in waves make it a great pick for shortboarders!

If you’re in Maui during Halloween, be ready for a festive night to remember! Front street hosts a Halloween bash that brings the whole island to it’s little town. Hundreds of amazing costumes, contests, live music and dining! Many restaurants along Front Street offer ocean view and oceanfront dining, here are some of our favorite places to eat in Lahaina!

Dining & Shopping

Starting at the south end of Front Street, you can walk past local shops and good eats. Paia fish market opened their Lahaina location a few years ago and specializes in fish burgers and more! Stop and check out Down the Hatch, one of our favorite places to eat fish, this bar and grill was even on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives! Down the Hatch also has live music at night and game nights! Best burgers in town can be found at Cool Cats Cafe across from the Pioneer Inn and a stop in Captain Jacks Restaurant for salads, fish and philly cheese steaks is a great option! Sunrise cafe is a quaint local breakfast cafe, nestled behind the corner ice cream shop!

At the north end of Front Street, Waikiki Brewing Co. and Tommy Bahamas Bar and Grill are new additions to our Lahaina Town Dining! Further down (maybe a drive more than a walk), behind Safeway shopping center, there is a trio of ocean front dining that are must trys!. Star Noodle, known for it’s asian fusion dishes offers outdoor dining and a contemporary setting! Honu has indoor and oceanfront outdoor dining, seafood dishes, gourmet pizza are their specialities. Mala Ocean Tavern, rated best oceanfront dining in 2019, offers a more elevated dining experience and just recently bought a delicious brunch to the table!

Do you have dietary restrictions and want a dining experience that caters to your needs? Lucky for us, Lahaina is home to a few delicious vegan restaurants! Moku Roots is our top choice, serving amazing vegan dishes made with local ingredients like coconut, kiawe flour, macadamia nuts and tons of fresh fruits and veggies. You won’t even know it’s vegan when you taste it, it’s just good, and grab a dessert on your way out! Choice Health Bar is another great veggie option, their veggie bowls, acai bowls, smoothes, soups and desserts are all made locally and with your health in mind!

Looking for dessert? Banyan Tree gelato and Lamperts Ice Cream (home of the Dole Fruit Whip) are your next stops on front street! Breakwall Shave Ice (located inside Down the Hatch Restaurant) even serves Hawaiian Shaved ice Adult Style (must be 21) and an assortment of other shaved ice desserts, acai bowls, ice coffees and smoothies!

Activities

Whale Watching in Lahaina

Whale watching is the top activity in Lahaina, Maui! Because the Maui Nui Basin is the choice spot for our humpback whale visitors, it became a protected sanctuary for whales in the 1990’s. You can whale watch from shore, your hotel or better yet, on a boat! You can find all styles of vessels to choose from! Large sailing vessels like Trilogy Excursions depart from the loading dock, while smaller rafting style boat like ours leave from Slip 17!

Snorkeling in Lahaina

You can snorkel from shore most anywhere in Lahaina! Mala Boat Ramp is our top spot to snorkel from shore in Lahaina, followed closely by Oluwalu Reef! Mala has an artificial reef made from the old boat harbor that sank into the ocean, creating an underwater home for everything from tropical fish, lots of green sea turtles, octopus and even reef sharks! Olowalu reef is one of Hawaii’s oldest and largest reefs, hosting unique pinnacle style reef structure, lots of marine life and the home to many manta rays! Snorkeling by boat is also a great adventure! Most snorkeling tours that depart from Lahaina Harbor will take you to the island of Lanai where the reef is in pristine condition, and we often see the resident spinner or bottlenose dolphins!

Fishing in Lahaina

If you’re wanting a fishing experience, best to pay for a charter where they can get you on the ones that are biting! Finest Kind and Die Hard are our top fishing company choice for Lahaina!

Luas in Lahaina

Luaus are back in action, with tasty local Hawaiian cuisine and traditional dance! Most luaus are located on a beach front location where you get to enjoy ocean views with a sit-down dinner and Hawaiian style entertainment. If you’re looking for Luaus located in Lahaina Town, Old Lahaina Luau is the go to spot! This luau is located right on front street and has an authentic styled venue with ocean front dining!

Whether you’re staying in Lahaina, or will make the short drive from Kaanapali or the day trip from Kihei or Wailea, it’s definitely worth the stop for some fun shopping, ocean activities and ono food!

[andimthedad]

Road Trip: Oh, the Places You’ll Go

On our 10,000-mile road trip, we saw dozens of sights and stopped in more than 30 states. Along the way, we marked our route and several stops on a fold-out paper map, above. Here’s a list of almost everything...

Lolo Pass, Idaho: historical site in the Bitterroot Mountains where Lewis and Clark passed during their explorations.

Berkeley Pit Mine, Berkeley, Montana: one of the largest and most expensive Superfund pollution sites in America.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, wild bison, and more at America’s first national park.

Medicine Wheel, Big Horn National Forest, Wyoming: a Native American religious site, thousands of years old and still used today.

Crazy Horse Memorial, Crazy Horse, South Dakota: still carving a mountain into the likeness of the famous warrior.

Ken’s Minerals & Trading Post, Custer, South Dakota: a nice rock shop where we probably bought too much.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Keystone, South Dakota: four stony-faced presidents carved into a mountain.

Wall Drug Store, Wall, South Dakota: famous for its free ice water and legions of billboards.

Badlands National Park, Rapid City, South Dakota: beautiful and alien landscapes, all at the same time.

Prairie Homestead, Philip, South Dakota: a preserved frontier house made out of sod.

Dignity Statue, Chamberlain, South Dakota: a 50-foot-tall Native American woman.

World’s Only Corn Palace, Mitchell, South Dakota: where people nail corn cobs to the wall as art.

Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota: the largest shopping mall in America, and one of the largest in the world.

Cady Cheese, Wilson, Wisconsin: yummy cheese made here (and, in our case, consumed here).

Chicago, Illinois: the Sears/Willis Tower, Lake Michigan, Cloud Gate, Buckingham Fountains, Chicago-style pizza, elevated trains, and more.

Grand Rapids, Michigan: to visit relatives.

Flint, Michigan: site of a serious water crisis that symbolizes all kinds of issues around government, racism, and economics.

Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, Michigan: highlights all kinds of positive Ford achievements, and included a tour of the nearby Rouge plant that produces F-150 trucks.

Cudell Recreation Center, Cleveland, Ohio: site where Tamir Rice, a black child, was murdered by a white cop a few years ago; a memorable example in the debates around police brutality.

Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pennsylvania: beautiful beaches overlooking Lake Erie.

Niagara Falls, New York: amazing waterfall experiences at America’s first state park.

Schenectady, New York: to visit relatives.

Hogback Mountain, Vermont: saw the so-called “100 mile view”.

Maine: from Portland’s Commercial and Exchange Streets, to whale watching in Boothbay Harbor, to beaches, to all kinds of seafood… and side trips to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and more. Saw a lot of relatives too.

Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield, Massachusetts: honoring the masters of the game at its birthplace.

Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut: we drove through the campus, so the kids can now say they went to Yale.

Jersey City, New Jersey: to visit relatives.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: climbing the “Rocky Steps” and enjoying genuine Philly Cheesesteak.

Washington, DC: the White House; monuments to Lincoln and Washington; memorials for World War II and Vietnam; the Holocaust Museum; the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum; the Museum of the Bible; the U.S. Capitol; and more.

Rotunda, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia: Thomas Jefferson’s historic building at the university he founded.

Claudia Sanders Dinner House, Shelbyville, Kentucky: the original KFC.

Farmington Historic Plantation, Louisville, Kentucky: owned by the Speed family, who had ties to Lincoln, Jefferson, and Washington.

Kentucky Derby Museum, Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky: learning about the legends of the sport, as well as the money.

Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri: as seen from the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, East St. Louis, Illinois.

Pappy’s Smokehouse, St. Louis, Missouri: considered by some to be the best BBQ ribs in the country.

Percival, Iowa: a farm community representative of flooding that has plagued the Midwest this year.

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Omaha, Nebraska: the world’s biggest zoo did not disappoint.

World’s Largest Ball of Twine, Cawker City, Kansas: yep.

Pike’s Peak, Cascade, Colorado: one of the most famous mountains in America, and at 14,000+ feet, the highest we’ve ever been outside of an airplane.

Mesa Verde National Park, Mesa Verde, Colorado: amazing cliffside homes built almost a thousand years ago by Native Americans.

Four Corners Monument, Teec Nos Pos, Arizona: where you can stand (or sit, or bounce a ball) in four states at once.

Arches National Park, Moab, Utah: beautiful, alien rock formations.

Moab Isolation Center Ruins, Moab, Utah: site of a Japanese internment concentration camp during World War II.

Dinosaur Quarry Visitor Center, Jensen, Utah: seeing and touching the fossils of giant dinosaurs, still embedded in the ground.

Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah: Mormon HQ.

Great Salt Lake State Park, Magna, Utah: the city’s namesake, and some of the saltiest water on earth.

ATK Rocket Garden, Northrop Grumman, Corinne, Utah: examples of various rockets and missiles, including Space Shuttle booster engine parts.

As I emphasized to the kids over and over, we are only seeing a glimpse of everything. We could spend a week or more visiting many of these places.

We also stopped in all of the following states, including our beginning and end:

Washington

Idaho

Montana

Wyoming

South Dakota

Minnesota

Iowa

Wisconsin

Illinois

Indiana

Michigan

Ohio

Pennsylvania

New York

Vermont

New Hampshire

Maine

Massachusetts

Connecticut

New Jersey

Maryland

Delaware

Washington, DC

Virginia

West Virginia

Kentucky

Missouri

Nebraska

Kansas

Colorado

Utah

Oregon

Does DC count as a separate state? Maybe.  The kids did their trip activities there. And if you want to count New Mexico and Arizona from our visit to Four Corners, then we’re up to 34 states... though the kids did not do their activities there.

We didn’t go to North Dakota, choosing South Dakota instead for our eastbound trip.  And we didn’t realize it until it was too late, but we completely forgot about visiting Rhode Island. Sorry, Rhode Islanders!  Ironically, it is the only state that actually has the sound of “road” in its name.

Of course, as I asked in one of the FAQs... Does It Really Count As “Visiting” A State If You Only Drive Through A Little Piece Of It? 

--

Read notes from every day of the road trip:

Eastward: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Westward: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.

And various posts from the FAQ.

[taliatravels]

Right before I was scheduled to fly out of the US back to Europe, some of my dearest friends from CEU were able to come to visit me in Philadelphia/NJ. Charlotte, Johanna, and Alicja are doing an exchange in New York City this semester, and so I thought that I would invite them to come visit me and see all that SJ and Philly have to offer.

They came down on Friday morning, and unfortunately due to the rain, we had to cancel our beach plans. Instead we went for a walk in downtown Haddonfield, and I was able to show these girls where I had grown up and what I’d done for fun as a kid without a car. We visited Haddy, got pizza at Vila Rosa and saw all the sights that Haddonfield has.

That night, after struggling to find a spot to parallel park in for over half an hour, we finally were able to go out to get a cheesesteak. To satisfy all of the vegetarians in the crowd, we found ourselves in Triangle Tavern, which is coincidentally one of my friends’ go-to spots in Philly. We had yuenglings and veggie cheesesteaks and the  went home to watch a movie (Hidden Figures) and cuddle on the sofa before bed time.

With the morning light, we decided to head to a local diner so that I could introduce them to the most classic food experience of all: all day breakfast at a diner. We ordered a feast, but the thing that my European friends found to be the most interesting was the fact that the waitresses bring coffee around to the table like “in the movies.”

After lunch, we hopped on the Patco to Old City, where we toured the Liberty Bell and Independence. I showed the girl the first Post Office in the US, and the remnants of Ben Franklins house. We ended the day by walking down South Street and going thrift shopping, while eating mango water ice and then stopping for a inner of pizza fries and cheese fries for dinner. 

I hope that everyone who came to visit me in SJ had a wonderful time! It was great to be able show off my home town to anyone who visits. 

[angesaurus]

Today was a nice day

I went to yoga.

My best friend (since ‘92!) came over and we hung out with Gavin and Dan and then went to district taco (🤤 holy shit it was SO GOOD) and target.

Dan’s parents invited us to dinner at the BEST PIZZA PLACE EVER IN SOUTH PHILLY and I was sad that I couldn’t go (since my friend was visiting and we wanted to go out together) but I told Dan to take Gavin anyway, as long as he brought me home pizza. So Dan is bringing me pizza home AND my father in law bought me cheesecake from termini’s 😭😭😭😭

My friend left at like 6 so I took a shower and I’m in my pajamas and I’ve been just hanging out alone and it’s so nice to get a break and time by myself.

Tomorrow we have soccer and then I’m going to brunch with my 3 best girlfriends from college! I also need to food shop (😭) and maybe I’ll go to a late yoga class if I’m feeling okay.

Most Saturdays I feel stressed and annoyed. It always feels like a weird day - if I have plans I’m annoyed I didn’t relax but if I relax all day I feel like I wasted it. but today I felt pretty good - it was a good mix of fun and relaxing.

[sfarticles]

Italian comfort: Celebrating iconic Philly dishes

Tommy DiNic's has been a Reading Terminal Marketplace standby since 1980. (Photo courtesy of America's Test Kitchen)

Check out my latest food column in The Times Herald and other suburban Philadelphia newspapers.

https://www.timesherald.com/2022/01/07/italian-comfort-celebrating-iconic-philly-dishes/

It is the time of year with the onset of colder weather, more time spent indoors and fewer hours of daylight that many of us in the Northeast crave comfort food. These foods promote the feelings of happiness and enjoyment when you are down or under stress. Quite often, the food you get comfort from are dishes you associate with childhood. It could be grandma’s chicken soup or mom’s mac and cheese or chicken and waffles.

Which comfort food is most popular? Checking many sources; pizza and Italian cuisine reigns supreme. The National Restaurant Association’s “Global Palates: Ethnic Cuisines and Flavors in America” report supports this as well. Can you imagine life in the United States without pizza, pasta, or spaghetti and meatballs.

Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, in a predominantly Italian neighborhood, my parents would take me to some well-respected Italian restaurants, namely Gargiulo’s (founded in 1907) and Carolina’s. I can remember the aroma of garlic, and the classic Neapolitan cuisine, based on the family recipes of the owners. Being a food and culinary travel columnist, I am often asked what my favorite food is . . . and I don’t hesitate to say, “Italian.”

Perhaps this is because of my exposure to Italian cuisine and culture growing up in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn. And, oh, those Italian ice shops and bakeries. I frequented the original Sbarro Salumeria, way before it became the large chain it is today. The scent of cheese and meat, hanging on ropes from the ceiling, permeated the small store.

When dining at Italian restaurants, I pass on the more modernized Italian dishes, instead choosing traditional ones, those I remember from Gargiulo’s and Carolina’s.

If you have traveled to different regions of Italy, you quickly learn that the recipes are different, depending upon the nuances of the province’s agriculture, climate, local culture, and traditions.

I reminisced while reading “Big Flavors from Italian America,” by the editors of America’s Test Kitchen (2020, $29.99). It is a celebration of those beloved dishes, paying homage to red-sauced, family-style cooking popular in Italian-American kitchens. Anyone with a fondness for baked ziti, pasta e fagioli, braciole, or deep-dish pizza (for me the New York thin-crust pizza) will enjoy exploring the richness of Italian American’s culinary heritage. From the classics many of us ate growing up to less familiar gems hailing from cities across the U.S., along with their backstories, you’ll make nonna proud preparing these recipes.

The introduction, highlighting the impact Italian immigrants had on American cuisine is interesting, as are the mini-stories peppered throughout the book. One explores why the meatball sub has 15 different names (depending on what city one is in). Another gives the history of fettuccine Alfredo, a dish originally from Rome, and how it was altered by Americans to compensate for the lack of Parmigiano-Reggiano at the time.

And, the book pays homage to Philadelphia region’s tomato pie. The story of Samuel Cascia, who purchased a bakery in South Philadelphia in 1953 is shared, along with the recipe which offers an interesting headnote.

Philadelphia, famous for the cheesesteak sandwich has a lesser-known cousin, popularized by Italian-Americans in the city, Philadelphia pork sandwiches. The  iconic Philadelphia eateries, Tommy DiNic’s, (inside the Reading Terminal Market) and John’s Roast Pork, both serving up the house specialty, are also featured.   Jack Bishop, Chief Creative Officer of America’s Test Kitchen said, “Cheesesteaks get all the attention but for my money this is the best sandwich in Philly. I’m a sucker for anything with garlicky broccoli rabe, and the herby roast pork butt is a thing of beauty.”

Enjoy these iconic Philadelphia recipes from the book.  For the recipe for tiramisu, visit https://bit.ly/2W583jD

                                 Philadelphia Pork Sandwiches

Italian Americans in Philly have their own claim to fame (Photo courtesy of America's Test Kitchen)

The headnote says, “Why This Recipe Works….A Philadelphia roast pork sandwich is a glorious beast: thinly sliced seasoned pork; bitter, garlicky greens; a rich, herby jus; and sharp provolone cheese melted onto a fluffy roll (not to mention the optional hot peppers). It’s not a shy sandwich, boasting a bold personality full of different flavors. It is a local triumph and a point of pride. To re-create these famous Philly sandwiches at home, we opted for a boneless pork butt roast and braised it in chicken broth. This made tender and flavorful pork, and the juices from the pork mingled with the chicken broth during cooking to create an ultra savory jus. Letting the roast cool and cutting it in half made it easier to slice paper-thin. We then rewarmed the pork before shingling the thin slices on warm Italian rolls with garlicky broccoli rabe and sharp provolone cheese. You need to let the pork cool for 1 hour and then refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to make slicing easier. Sharp provolone is often labeled “Provolone Picante,” but you can use standard deli provolone, too. If you’re using table salt, cut the amounts in half. Serve with jarred hot cherry peppers, if desired.”

Serves 8

Pork and Jus

1 tablespoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary

2 teaspoons dried thyme

2 teaspoons dried oregano

2 teaspoons fennel seeds

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 (4-pound) boneless pork butt roast, trimmed

2 cups chicken broth, plus extra as needed

8 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

Broccoli Rabe

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, sliced thin

1 pound broccoli rabe, trimmed and cut into ½-inch pieces

2 teaspoons kosher salt

Pinch red pepper flakes

Sandwiches

8 (8-inch) Italian sub rolls, split lengthwise

12 ounces sliced sharp provolone cheese

For the pork and jus Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 300 degrees. Combine salt, rosemary, thyme, oregano, fennel seeds, and pepper flakes in bowl. Tie pork with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals. Sprinkle pork with salt mixture and transfer to large Dutch oven. Pour broth around pork and add garlic to pot. Cover, transfer to oven, and cook until meat registers 190 degrees, 2½ to 3 hours.

Transfer pork to large plate. Transfer braising liquid to 4-cup liquid measuring cup; add extra broth, if necessary, to equal 3 cups. Let pork and liquid cool completely, about 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate both for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.

For the broccoli rabe Heat oil and garlic in Dutch oven over medium heat until garlic is golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add broccoli rabe, salt, and pepper flakes and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to bowl.

About 20 minutes before serving, adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Remove twine and cut cooled pork in half lengthwise to make 2 even-size roasts. Position roasts cut side down and slice each crosswise as thin as possible.

Spoon solidified fat off cooled jus and discard. Transfer jus to Dutch oven and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, add pork, cover, and cook until pork is heated through, about 3 minutes, tossing occasionally. Cover and keep warm.

For the sandwiches Arrange rolls on 2 rimmed baking sheets (4 rolls per sheet). Divide provolone evenly among rolls. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, until cheese is melted and rolls are warmed, about 3 minutes. Using tongs, divide pork and broccoli rabe evenly among rolls (about 1 cup pork and ⅓ cup broccoli rabe per roll). Serve, passing any remaining jus separately.

                                  Philadelphia Tomato Pie

The headnote says, “Why This Recipe Works…Created as a frugal way for local Italian American bakeries to use up leftover bread dough, this South Philadelphia specialty boasts a tender, yet chewy crust topped with a bright, assertive tomato sauce—but no cheese. We achieved the signature chewy-soft crust by using less water by weight in proportion to the weight of the flour. This yielded fine holes and a pleasantly spongy chew. Delaying the addition of salt (a technique called autolyze) allows the flour to soak up liquid and become more thoroughly hydrated, which also promotes a chewier finished crust. Letting the dough rise twice—pressing it into the pan in between—gave it maximum yeasty flavor. For the invigorating, sweet-tart, herby sauce, we started with a savory base of onion and garlic and then added a hefty amount of dried oregano along with red pepper flakes for kick. One can of tomato sauce provided just the right tomato flavor and texture, and a tablespoon of sugar contributed the sauce’s signature sweetness. When kneading the dough on medium speed, the mixer can wobble and move on the counter. Place a damp dish towel under the mixer to keep it in place and watch it closely. Note that we use a nonstick metal baking pan for this recipe.

Makes one 13 by 9-inch pizza, serving 4

Dough

2½ cups (12½ ounces) all-purpose flour

¾ teaspoon instant or rapid-rise yeast

1 cup water, room temperature

1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1½ teaspoons table salt

Sauce

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

¼ cup finely chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons dried oregano

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

1 tablespoon sugar

For the dough Spray 13 by 9-inch nonstick baking pan with vegetable oil spray. Using stand mixer fitted with dough hook, mix flour and yeast on medium speed until combined, about 10 seconds. With mixer running, slowly add room-temperature water and oil and mix until dough forms and no dry flour remains, about 30 seconds, scraping down bowl as needed. Turn off mixer, cover with plastic wrap, and let stand for 10 minutes.

Add salt to dough and knead on medium speed until dough is satiny, sticky, and clears sides of bowl but still sticks to bottom, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer dough to prepared pan, cover tightly with plastic, and let rise at room temperature until doubled in volume, about 1½ hours.

For the sauce Meanwhile, heat oil in small saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomato sauce and sugar and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce is slightly thickened and measures about 1¼ cups, about 10 minutes. Set aside and let cool completely.

Using your well-oiled hands, press dough into corners of pan. (If dough resists stretching, let it rest for another 10 minutes before trying to stretch again.) Cover tightly with plastic and let dough rise again at room temperature until doubled in volume, about 1½ hours. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees.

Spread sauce evenly over dough leaving ½- to ¼-inch border along sides. Bake until edges are light golden brown and sauce reduces in spots, about 20 minutes. Let tomato pie cool in pan on wire rack for 5 minutes. Run knife around edge of pan to loosen pie. Using spatula, slide pie onto cutting board. Cut into 8 pieces and serve.

Recipes and photos courtesy of

Stephen Fries, is a 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 13 years and is co-founder of and host of “Worth Tasting,” a culinary walking tour of downtown New Haven, CT. email me at Stephen@stephenfries.com For more, go to stephenfries.com.

[champagnepadre]

Fatamales im going to vcu this year n I haven’t explored much but how safe is the campus and what’s the best spots to eat/shop for clothes that are within walking distance?

o wow!!!!!!!!!! congratulations bith! i love this campus a lot, but tht doesn’t mean people in the city won’t interact witchu, if ur downtown make sure to not be alone at dark, thats rly with any city but downtown can be filled with a lot of druggies who try and talk to u, that goes heavily on broad street too. i get catcalled there left n rite. some streets near main and belvidere also. there’s a 7/11 on belividere that me and my man call crackhead central. ded ass its a meeting place 4 crack heds it a mess. anyway sjfjsdjf monroe campus itself is safe, theres cameras and vcu police all over but no matter what always be on top of ur guard! VCU sends u notifications when theres an assault or a robbery that happens at any area.. most at nite. 

ANYWAY now 2 the good shet! best places to eat are all over... w. broad street u got the basic shet like five guys, qdoba, tropical smoothie, xtreme pizza, cold stone, etc. on the next street w. grace south u got thai top ten.. good as FUC! theres a panda express rite in front too lol and further down towards campus is a panera and chipotle, canes, ihop express n croutons. now 4 original shet! 

u got 821 cafe.. always packedt but it delicious my kid... my man got me on to the union burger, this is on cary street, right next to the vcu gym. then further down is a mojos restaurant, ive heard good tings. and theres a chilis down there 2 lol. theres a boba tea place on the same street, it called T.T. lounge. good as shet. the slushies r so goodt. theres a kungfu tea place on w. grace too (where the panda express is nearby, and a walmart)

then for vcu students we got the iconique christians pizza.. me and my man share a lot of memories wit this place. after 11 pm a big ass slice is mf $2!!!!!!!!!! BICH! it delcious

on mainstreet theres the koko grill also my man says its delicious, havent gone yet. and then ASADO on broad is p good, its a taco place. and aladdins rite next to it.. lil pricey but me and my man ate there n their philly is iconique jfkjsf .. i heard the bonchon good 2. Carytown is also a famous area full of restaurants 2. explore these areas! 

AITE for clothes now!

honestly the only place i can think of where it somewhat cheap and ameezing... rumorsboutique.. they famous n shet! they deliver worldwide from their ig page i jus linked 4 non rva followers 2..... theres a salval down broad kinda, biking its 10 min away. also u can rent a bike for FREE as a student for 3 days.. i scam them i keep em for like a week or 2 djfsjf but i got my own bike now so ye. anyway theres also a rainbow department store down broad also. and like i said carytown is filled with stores, like a big crowded ass outdoor city mall. ye.

[willowlark369]

Down

I apparently didn’t post this here like I thought I had. So here’s a belated fic from March. You can read it on AO3 [here] and FFN [here]. If you like it, remember to reblog it. If you really like it, feel free to visit my Ko-fi [here]. This piece also references events occurring in another work of mine [Iron Jizz].

Important points from that fic (for this one):

James Rhodes met Tony Stark the previous September in the bathroom of a frat house during a party.

Edwin Jarvis died of kidney disease the previous March (during Spring Break).

Rhodey took Tony home with him in the break between Spring & Summer terms.

Tony is less than two weeks out from his fifteenth birthday.

Warnings: The standard host of issues for Tony-centric pieces in the MIT era, so references to child abuse, underage drinking, underage sex, exploitation of a child.

Jenny managed to not look up from her book as their houseguest barreled into her room. She wished she could say that three days had been plenty of time to allow her to acclimate to unexpected intrusions of her personal space, that this was something as utterly unique as Tony himself, but brothers were bothers. Jamie may have outgrown the habit of just walking in after his first stint through basic, but Joey was still a little brat with no respect. Therein lay the difference between her normal annoyances and the newest one collapsing dramatically across her bed, barely missing her legs.

Joey was nearly a full year younger than Tony, but there were things Joey understood and elected to ignore while it was clear that Tony just didn’t quite understand. For all that the kid was a genius, in a lot of ways, he was also an absolute idiot. Not that she would ever say that to him like that as she would Jamie in the same situation.

Jamie didn’t crumple under criticism before pushing forward to prove the critic wrong or overreact to being shown common decency.

Jenny could see why Jamie had latched onto the kid. It was the same reason that the idiot would always be her hero, even if she disagreed with his choices in role models. Jamie was always the boy scout helping out where he could and working constantly to expand that category. James just wasn’t happy without someone to help. He wasn’t the stray-collector type, usually, because well, they simply couldn’t afford to feed and care for a menagerie, but there were plenty of opportunities to help out in their South Philly neighborhood. Tony may not need someone to fix his roof or carry his shopping, but there was no doubt in Jenny’s mind that he needed Jamie.

Case in point: her room being invaded because Tony was clearly going stir-crazy despite the fact he had only been without company for a half hour.

At least he wasn’t dismantling the toaster again.

Or the vacuum.

“Jen-ny, Jen-Jen, Jen-ny,” he chanted. Mature seventeen-year-old that she was, she poked his side with her toes while still refusing to look up from her book. She hadn’t read a single word since he came in, but he was less likely to try and retreat if she didn’t turn her full attention to him at once. “Ow, Jenny. That’s rude. I was just trying to get your attention. When is Rhodey and Mama coming back? They’ve been gone for-ev-er.”

“They have not, squirt,” she corrected as she closed her book around the playing card she was using as a marker. Tony was rubbing his side absently while watching her warily. She sighed before wiggling her toes under his hand to lend a gentler pressure to the comfort. With care that he typically only showed Jamie, Tony wrapped his fingers around her ankle, just under the cuff of her pajama pants.

“They have, too. Rhodey doesn’t do this—” He made an encompassing circle with his other hand. She bit the inside of her cheek to stifle a smile at him. Instead, she flexed her toes to momentarily clench his shirt. “He likes to sleep in on Sundays. Then we have waffles. But he didn’t sleep in, Jenny, and there’s no waffles or coffee.”

“He’ll be back, Tony,” Jenny said. “They just went to church. They’ll be home in another hour or so. We could make waffles.”

“It’s not the same. Rhodey is supposed to make the waffles on Sunday. Those are the rules for Sundays: sleep in; waffles; coffee. Rhodey made the rules, Jenny. If he made the rules, he’s supposed to follow them. Right?”

He was very obviously trying to keep his voice nonchalant and his body was loose for the most part. Only the clench and unclench of his fingers on her ankle betrayed how anxious he was. Carefully so as to not dislodge that hold, she leaned forward and rubbed his stomach like she would a cat. His eyes took on a glitter she suspected was tears. The sight broke her heart a bit. The realization that he would likely deflect any actual comfort broke it even further.

Jamie, you goddamn idiot. Why didn’t you explain this before leaving?

“Well, he is supposed to follow them, but it’s also a rule that he goes to church when he’s home on a Sunday, and Mama made that rule.” She thought quickly about mentioning the threats of punishment Mama occasionally used to get the boys to conform to that rule. Immediately, she decided against saying anything along those lines. Jamie wouldn’t have jumped down Joey’s throat for trying to roughhouse with Tony without a damn good reason. Combined with Tony’s other habits, it was probably not far off to think Tony might have a rather severe reaction to the idea of Jamie being hurt by a parent or some other authority figure. She had already seen Tony jump into a couple situations to deflect negative attention away from Jamie and onto himself.

“You didn’t go,” Tony countered. She drummed her fingers lightly against his stomach, not bothering to hide her smile this time. Tony relaxed under the rhythmic tapping.

“That ‘cause the boys’ only excuse for not going is laziness while mine is a difference in belief, kind of like why she didn’t insist on you going.” Jenny dug her fingers in a little like she was going to tickle him. Tony squirmed like he was trying to sink deeper into her mattress rather than trying to escape. Pleased with the nonverbal confirmation of his trust, she continued. “But just a head’s up, I know Mama made inquiries with Mr. Katz across the street about letting you tag along to synagogue next Saturday. So you might want to come up with a better excuse than wanting to sleep in if you don’t want to go.”

“But I’m not Jewish,” he replied, genuinely confused. She cocked her head to the side, careful to keep her gaze focused on his ear rather than trying to force eye contact. She had noticed that made him extra wiggly. He seemed to be thinking really fast about something. “It’s the way I eat, isn’t it? I like the rules that Ana and Jarvis used for making things. It’s nice to be close to them, especially…well, especially now. Ana was Jewish. I didn’t think about there being a word for the rules she had about food. I just thought that it was like Rhodey’s rules about waffles on Sundays and pizza on Tuesday.”

“Oh, Tony,” she said, “yeah, Mama was thinking you were Jewish because she recognized your weird rules as the kosher diet. There’s nothing wrong with eating kosher if that’s what makes you feel closer to someone you obviously cared about very much. If you aren’t Jewish, though, what are you?”

“I’m a genius,” Tony answered without hesitation. It was like the answer was so habitual that he didn’t have to think before giving it. That spoke of someone setting up the ritual of it and long enough ago that the cue was deep set enough that the context didn’t override the habitual response. Anger flashed through her veins as everything she knew from her introductory classes on psychology rushed forward to provide possible scenarios that might require that particular set of affirmations. Who the hell would have tried to convince Tony that he was anything less than one of the smartest people alive? Who would have dared?

More importantly, did Jamie know about this?

God, brothers were such a bother. They were always making messes for her to clean up. Good thing the kid was adorkable.

“Well, that’s the truth, even if it doesn’t answer my question.” Jenny gave the kid three pats in quick succession before moving to get off her bed. “How about this? We can put together a full brunch and have it waiting when they get back. Jamie mentioned that you have intense feelings about eggs?”

“Yup,” Tony confirmed with extra emphasis on the ‘p’ at the end. He was already jumping up to follow her from the room. “I absolutely hate ‘em. They’re grosser than Rhodey’s running socks.”

“Of course,” Jenny agreed, because nothing was ever going to be easy when Tony was involved. She ruffled his hair, enjoying the silky fur-like texture of it. He leaned into the touch, once again reminiscent of a cat. Suddenly, Tony clapped his hands and hopped forward to take the lead. She corrected her assessment from cat to bird. She huffed a laugh as she heard Tony singing Iron Man as he invaded the kitchen.

It wasn’t exactly a tune without words, but she did hope that it never stopped at all.