Category Archives: Small Bites Radio

Nick’s Old City Bar and Grill – Philadelphia, PA

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(The following is a special series on Bluejeanfoodcritic.com written by guest contributing writer William Knowles. He highlights his passions of of trying something new whenever the opportunity presents itself, or possibly something old, but new again since it has been a while. I hope you enjoy his very special perspective that I am sure many of you can relate to. Follow him on his exciting journey “Around Town”)

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Nick’s Old City Bar and Grill – Philadelphia, PA
Nick’s Roast Beef, a staple in Old City Philadelphia dating back to 1939, again changed ownership in the past few years. Joe Schultice and Nicole Viechnicki (soon to be married!) have taken steps to redefine the well known spot on 2nd Street right off Market, as it is now known as Nick’s Old City Bar and Grill. They have introduced some delicious new menu options in the process.

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Though the time tested roast beef sandwich is still around, barbecue has taken the spotlight with the new offerings being rolled out. During an open house held on April 6th, I enjoyed pulled pork, specially smoked wings and St. Louis ribs, a burger slider with pork topping, and unique recipes of Mac and cheese and beans. From a drink perspective, there will now be cocktails available, in addition to the craft and domestic beers that have been a staple. The shop has been freshened up, with a minor remodel having also just been completed…

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The grand re-opening under their belts, Joe and Nicole were gracious hosts, eager to show off their new prize. Having eaten at this location numerous times in the past, I can say that the new concepts and menu is a welcome thing. The atmosphere still had the Old City pub feel, which I love, and the food delicious. Visit the new Nick’s now to give it a try. I will be back later this week “around town”…

 

04-10-16 Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com

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04-10-16

Small Bites – Episode 07

Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com, we had Eric LeVine winner of Chopped, Joe Massaglia of Joe’s Table for 2 on Wond Radio Station ‪Ed Hitzel‬’s best friend and filling Ed’s former flagship station and time slot, Kathy Gold owner of In The Kitchen Cooking School in Haddonfield, New Jersey, and Bill Knowles of Bluejeanfood.com “Around Town” talking about Nick’s Roast Beef Bar and Grille, The Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival, and Philly Farm and Food Fest. Also segment from Chef Barbie Marshall talking about making sure you let restaurant know food is bad before writing a bad review online and food joke of the week from Jackie Martling.

To stream or download CLICK HERE

04-03-16 Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com

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04-03-2016

Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com had Adam and Shelly Zensinger of June Allan who are doing “low country” catering in and around Philadelphia and brought some of the tastiest chicken and even tastier butter we have ever had, Donato Marino and Lisa Marino of D and L Coffee Service Inc. and we talked about review of Sapori Trattoria from Danya Henninger who said about D and L Coffee Service Inc. espresso at Sapori “When dessert arrived, accompanied by two of the best espressos I’ve had in New Jersey, I was transformed into a Sapori fan” even though I couldn’t think of where I saw this on radio, then Chef Barbie Marshall talked about should or should you not bring young children to a restaurant with you, Food Bank of South Jersey called in to talk about “Food Bank Hunger Games” with Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm very own Barbie Marshall being a judge for the event as well as Tammy Paolino of Courier-Post judging with corporations Subaru of America, Inc., Panera Bread, GrayHair Software, Inc, Kennedy Health, and Wells Fargo competing against each other, John Howard-Fusco of John and Lisa Are Eating in South Jersey chatted about Teddy Sourias of U-Bahn and BRÜ Craft & Wurst opening Cinder, Jersey Shore Restaurant Week, Atco Brewing Company, and The Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival, food joke of the week from Jackie Martling, and a mention of Manischewitz products for Passover. Below is link to listen to this amazing show:

CLICK HERE

03-20-16 Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com

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03-20-16

Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com on Wildfire Radio we had in studio Michael Sultan of Revolution Taco talking about a very secret “off-menu” item that you have to say the special word to get. Then Michael Mastrocola the CEO of Mastrocola’s Famous Philly Roast Pork which can be found at Williamstown Farmers Market is in studio. Also we have segments from NBC News-NBC Latino recognized Chef Hugo Campos from Philabundance, Hell’s Kitchen ‪‎alum‬ Barbie Marshall, Courier-Post nightlife correspondent John Howard-Fusco, and food joke of the week from Jackie Martling. Do not miss it!

To listen Click Here

03-13-16 “Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com”

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03-13-16

Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm. Scott Macom was not in studio this week as he was at Renault Winery Resort and Golf talking about his book “Devil Leeds” at the Lines on the Pines event. We had guest hosts; Your Unfinished Business Public Relations & Marketing President Sarah Doheny and Barbie Marshall finalist of Hell’s Kitchen chatting about everything from farm animals, fashion, and Wawa. Also, Meals On Wheels Delaware was in studio to talk about their ‪‎Celebrity Brunch‬. News update from John Howard-Fusco, and food joke of the week from Jackie Martling.

To listen CLICK HERE

03-06-16 Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com

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03-06-16 This week on “Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com” live Sundays 635PM on Wildfire Radio, we had Hells Kitchen Alum Barbie Marshall being talk to us this week about undocumented workers in the restaurant industry, McGillin’s Olde Ale House call in to chat about being the oldest pub in Philadelphia and Saint Patrick’s Day, the debut of Food Bank of South Jersey’s monthly segment,  John Howard-Fusco nightlife correspondent for Courier-Post update, the Garces Group called in to talk about winning Forbes Travel Guide 5 star award for Volvér, and we finished it off with a food joke of the week from Jackie Martling.

Listen to show CLICK HERE

02-28-16 “Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com”

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In this week’s episode, “Hello are you there” is the most popular phrase throughout the show as technicial difficulites hit “Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com” hard with callers not being able to get through, and us not hearing from Barbie Marshall at all. One of the lucky ones to get through was Joanne Weir, talking about cooking around the world and her new book “KITCHEN GYPSY”. After that, with the phones not working, thankfully we had some guests in studio. Terrick Dorsey, a young man who was homeless and living in shelter while going through high school, but even with those odds he had an amazing teacher Penny Greenberg who saw talent in him and mentored him to win the C-Cap competition and receive a full scholarship to the New England Culinary Institute, but now he can not find a job. After hearing his story CRDA Larry Sieg, our Director of Marketing actually got through on the phones to talk about Atlantic City Restaurant Week, and then we had Sarah Doheny of Your Unfinished Business Public Relations & Marketing and Glenn Gloss the owner of “Fat Jack’s BBQ” call in and offer Terrick a job after hearing his story. We finished with a few updates from John Howard-Fusco and the food joke of the week from Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling.

To listen or download episode CLICK HERE

Grace Tavern – Philadelphia, PA

Grace Tavern – Philadelphia, PA

So many areas of Philadelphia have been gentrified that what was old is hip again, and what was hip is now just too expensive to even hang around there anymore. The area around Grace Tavern (GT) is such a place, but thankfully the minute you step inside GT you are warmly welcomed and able to enjoy yourself without emptying your wallet. On my visit I would go with a tavern favorite of mine, burger and fries.

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My order was for the Kennett Square burger with sharp cheddar and sautéed Kennett Square mushrooms and it did not disappoint. I am not saying that they have one of the best burgers in Philly, but what GT does have is a decent incarnation of one and one heck of a tasty order of fries that went along with my meal at a very affordable price and service with a smile. GT is not as new or fancy as some places, but they got the job done and my belly was much happier when I was done.

Overall

Three and half stars out of Five

 

Lazaro’s Pizzeria and Grill – Philadelphia, PA

Lazaro’s Pizzeria and Grill – Philadelphia, PA

They may be known around Philadelphia for their jumbo twenty-six inch pizzas, but on the day I stopped by Lazaro’s Pizzeria and Grill (LPG) I would go with a chicken parmigiana sandwich. LPG has your standard pizza joint menu and dated pizzeria décor that could use a little bit of a freshening up. The staff was very busy as the place was packed on a weekday lunch rush and this created a very impersonal feeling to service.

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The sandwich was of your standard variety. Frozen chicken cutlet deep fried, with prepackaged sauce and cheese with a roll that was over toasted and burnt. LPG is an affordable destination for something to eat around an area that there are not many budget options available. They will not surprise you with their menu or what you served, but sometimes the saying of “you get you pay for” rings true here.

Overall

Two out of Five Stars

 

Ginza Japanese & Asian Restaurant – Runnemede, NJ

Ginza Japanese & Asian Restaurant – Runnemede, NJ

While driving on the Black Horse Pike many times, I passed Ginza Japanese and Asian Restaurant (GJA) many times not thinking much of an unassuming looking restaurant in an old and well-worn strip mall. One day stuck in bumper to bumper rush hour traffic, I decided to give GJA a try. I pulled their website up on my phone and ordered in advance for a take-out lunch order. Well GJA certainly fits the bill of do not judge a book by its cover. Stepping inside, GJA is a nicely decorated, clean, and a stylish little gem in this part of Jersey. The staff was beyond friendly and talkative, service superb, and lunch prices were very affordable. I would order Unagi, Philly Roll, Red Snapper, and Yellowtail.

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Everything was fresh and delicious, and even though this order was the basics of sushi, I usually make sure a place can do the basics well before I put my trust in them to try other things. Next time I am near GJA I will keep in mind how nice my take-out meal was and make sure that I dine there instead to try a little something more than the basics.

Overall

Three and a half out of Five Stars