06-26-16 Small Bites with Glenn Gross and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com

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06-26-16

Small Bites with Glenn Gross and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com on Wildfire Radio we have Tom Spagnola a Senior Vice President for CheapOair, Nick DiGuglielmo a Senior Nightlife manager at The Pool After Dark at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City and a member of Partynerdz LIVE Podcast, Jenna Kisby of Kizbee’s Kitchen for you to pick up all your Gluten free food needs, Brion Shreffler of Food Junkets and currently at Garage Philly serving delicious tacos, and Glenn Gross of BBQ Pitmasters and owner of Fat Jack’s BBQ is going to be in studio as a special guest co-host. Also in studio is John Howard-Fusco the Courier-Post nightlife correspondent and The New York Times recognized blogger for John and Lisa Are Eating in South Jersey and from Hell’s Kitchen Finalist Chef Barbie Marshall to talk about her adventures in Atlantic City, New Jersey and our joke of the week from Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling of The Howard Stern Show fame. Be sure to TuneIn or catch previous episodes on iTunes.

To stream or download

http://wildfireradio.com/food/small-bites-episode-17/

Deschutes Brewery Pop-up Beer Garden

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(The following is a special series on Bluejeanfood.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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Saturday, June 11th, marked the date of another great event for Philly Beer Week 2016. Deschutes Brewery, based out of Bend, Oregon, has been touring cities across the nation with a street pub / block party, and the HeadHouse Plaza district on South Street hosted the Philadelphia version.

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The entire area was arranged with numerous wood crafted bars, with over 40 taps of Deschutes beer. The Black Butte Porter, Fresh Squeezed IPA, River Ale, and the Big Rig were favorites that we sampled. Also presented for consumption were some of the brewers “Reserve” series, like The Abyss and The Dissident. Pub fare was also offered for culinary samplings…

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A true city block party offers endless options for entertainment, and this was no exception. Local bands Boy Wonder, Nik Greeley and the Operators, Swift Technique and CRUISR all took their turns on the main stage. Games and swag were offered to attendees, who all seemed to enjoy the free flow spirit of the party.

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It is unique for one brewer to undertake such a massive event, not only for one city but to tour the entire country. Deschutes has their gig down to a tee, and the program was smoothly and efficiently run. Entry to the event was free, with patrons able to purchase token chips for the products they wanted to try. There were no long lines, cold beer flowing and hot food fresh from the grill and ovens. It is my belief that more breweries should attempt this type of strategy, which can only spread goodwill amongst the craft beer community, as well as provide great brand awareness and marketing for a good product.

More events to come, all summer long and beyond, “around town”…

06-19-16 Small Bites with Bluejeanfood

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06-19-2016

Small Bites with Bluejeanfood.com on Wildfire Radio we have John Bucci the owner of John’s Roast Pork, Richard Dolson of Tavern on the Edge and Dolson Family Catering, Richard DuBois Author or joinmonsterpatrol.com, and special co-host Donato Marino of D and L Coffee Service Inc. as well as segments from Chef Barbie Marshall, Courier-Post nightlife correspondent and The New York Times recogized blogger of John and Lisa Are Eating in South Jersey John Howard-Fusco, and joke of the week from Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling of The Howard Stern Show fame. Be sure to TuneIn or listen to us the following day on all your apple devices on iTunes.

To stream or download

http://wildfireradio.com/food/small-bites/small-bites-episode-16/

06-05-16 “Small Bites Radio Show”

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06-05-16

In studio the crew from Dump-N-Roll to talk about the food truck business and what is going on at the Sea Isle City Food Truck Festival. Then we have a call in from Bite Me More sisters Julie Albert and Lisa Gnat as well as segments from NBC News – NBC Latino recognized Chef Hugo Campos from PCK Philabundance, Hell’s Kitchen season 10 finalist Chef Barbie Marshall, Courier-Post nightlife correspondent and The New York Times recognized blogger of John and Lisa Are Eating in South Jersey John Howard-Fusco, and joke of the week from Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling of The Howard Stern Show fame. Be sure to TuneIn!

To listen CLICK HERE

Uptown Beer Garden

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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”)

Continuing our theme of summer and beer, the Uptown Beer Garden has opened for a second consecutive season.   on Monday evening, June 6th.

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Located at 17th and Market Streets in the heart of the city business district at the BNY Mellon building, this at first hidden gem is now one of the most popular beer gardens in town.  Operated by Teddy Sourias, owner of U-Bahn and BRU Craft and Wurst, the garden will feature three separate bars and an elevated outdoor BBQ grill.  One bar will be anchored by Neshaminy Creek brewery, while other selections include Ballast Point, Pizza Boy and Almanac.  Sangria, frozen margaritas and whiskey sours are also offered alongside the crafts…
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Chef Jonathan Petruce will cook up roast pork sandwiches, BBQ skewers, lobster roll, sausage with peppers and cheesesteak.  Some items not normally associated with such a venue, like cucumber salad and fresh made cornbread, add a unique twist to your dinner.  The pork in particular was a favorite of mine, and is a must try if you are a fan of such a flavor…

Teddy has taken steps to improve and expand on the Uptown experience from last year as well.  In addition to adding the third bar, the previously installed marble slats that served as seating have been replaced by picnic tables and benches, increasing capacity.  Open from Monday through Friday, it serves as a perfect happy hour spot for those who work in the city to get some fresh air, along with great food and drink, before they head home.  Stop by anytime this summer through the end of September.  I’ll see you soon elsewhere “around town”…

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Local Links Market Café – Haddon Heights, NJ

Local Links Market Café – Haddon Heights, NJ

During a visit to the quaint tiny town of Haddon Heights, New Jersey I found Local Links Market Café (LLMC). Immediately upon walking inside LLMC you can tell they are part of the “local and sustainable” mantra of doing business. They have a tiny section of goods to purchase, a few tables and chairs to dine in, and a beautiful display case of their specialty meats and products. I would go with the sausage sandwich special of the day.

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The sandwich consisted of Guiseppi Link Sausage, broccoli rabe, fresh roasted peppers, onions, and was topped with sharp provolone. LLMC impressed with a delicious sandwich with the perfect combination of flavors and cooked it beautifully. I really enjoyed my time at LLMC with extremely friendly service, nice and interesting goods to buy at the truest meaning of a “mini-mart”, a community minded business model, and the ability to take quality fresh meats home. LLMC may abide by the “local” mantra, but I will not. Since I am not local to LLMC, I will be going for a drive to see them more often.

 

8th Annual Philly Great Beer Expo

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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”)

One of the premier events of Philly Beer Week this and every year is the Great Beer Expo, held on the grounds of the Philadelphia Naval Yard. I visited the 8th annual staging, on Saturday June 4th.

As you might have guessed by this point, I am somewhat of an expert, and lover, of beer. And with it being Philly Beer Week, there are many events to try and attend. While there will be others that we talk about here on Around Town in the coming days and weeks, this event seemed to be a highlight of the weeklong affairs for all of those that I spoke with. Like the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival several months back, people traveled from all over to attend and sample brews from over 60 establishments, and enjoy some favorite Philly food offerings.

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Breweries such as Neshaminy Creek, Conshohocken Brewing Company, Stable 12, Sterling Pig, Double Nickel, Naked Brewing, Ballast Point, Saint Benjamin, McKenzie’s and Crabbie’s were there. Food trucks were everywhere, with Baby Blues BBQ and PBon’s Fresh Phood again on hand. Wahlburgers, the Grill Cheese, the Jerky Hut, Kono Pizza and Hai Street Kitchen and Co. also provided sustenance for a hungry and thirsty crowd. There were games for people to play, arts and crafts vendors selling their wares, and a silent auction with some significant sports and cultural memorabilia available.

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This event has become a hallmark for Philly Beer Week each year, and serves as this city’s high point for summer brew fun. The atmosphere in the historic Navy Yard was lively, the scenery interesting. On top of all this, I got to attend the invent with Bluejean Food himself! We loved the festival, and hope to see you there next year. As mentioned, I’ve been “around town” a lot lately, and will talk to you again in a few days…

06-05-16 Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com

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06-05-16

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In studio we had recent Food Network Chopped winner Chef Timothy Witcher, Internationally acclaimed Chef Lucmann Pierre, also we had Durand to talk Gourmet at the Brewery at Double Nickel Brewing Co. then the founder of Muscle Maker Grill Rod Silva, one of Philly’s best and most poplar blogs Philly Grub’s Marilyn Johnson, and The Chef’s Publicist Krystal Pleasant. Not enough? Then we also had Tricia Yeo of Food Bank of South Jersey call in to chat about Just Peachy Salsa and segments from Hell’s Kitchen Season 10 Finalist Chef Barbie Marshall, Courier-Post nightlife correspondent and The New York Times recognized blogger of John and Lisa Are Eating in South Jersey’s John Howard-Fusco who just visited Philly Beer Week’s Opening Tap at The Fillmore Philadelphia, and food joke of the week from Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling of Jackie’s Joke Hunt and The Howard Stern Show fame.

To stream or download – CLICK HERE

Larry’s Steaks – 10th & Girard – Philadelphia, PA

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Larry’s Steaks – 10th & Girard – Philadelphia, PA

Cheesesteaks, cheesesteaks, cheesesteaks! That is what anyone who is not from the Philadelphia area thinks about. Well there are many well-known cheesesteak proprietors around Philadelphia and Larry’s Steaks (LS) is one of them with a few locations to help satisfy your need. My visit to LS would be their 10th and Girard location.  Upon entering LS they had a very diverse mix of clientele inside, some more together then others. LS was packed with every seat and counter seat taken and the staff buzzing around wildly filling the orders. The service was blunt, loud, and a little hectic. I would go with a cheesesteak with American cheese, fried onions, and ketchup.

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I will give LS credit, where credit is due. The sandwich was filled nicely with meat, roll stood up well, and price was reasonable. I can see why they are successful and if I around a LS location again I would not hesitate to patronize them again. Was this the best cheesesteak around? No, but sometimes convenience and price is a good consolation prize and to be the best at that moment.

Ocean Asian Cuisine – Sewell, NJ

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Ocean Asian Cuisine – Sewell, NJ

New Jersey is known for their abundance of strip malls, whether good or bad. Well Ocean Asian Cuisine (OAC) falls into the good category. The saying, do not judge a book by its cover fits OAC perfectly. Completely unassuming on the outside, the second you step foot into OAC you are transformed to an entirely different world especially for the location they are at. You would expect such décor, music, food styling, and service in the city, but not in the heart of Jersey’s suburbs. I was happy before I even ordered, but when I did finally decide what I wanted; my order would be Red Snapper with Thai Chili Sauce.

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The dish was lightly fried red snapper beautifully plated and displayed. My fish was slightly overcooked and sauce was more than the dish needed, but I must say I did enjoy it nonetheless. OAC has a very large menu and goes from Chinese to Japanese and by the looks of the sushi coming out OAC has some nice options that I hope to try sometime soon. OAC was not perfect, but they were a pleasant surprise and one of the better options around the area they serve.