05-01-16 Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Bluejeanfood

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Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com on Wildfire Radio – TuneIn we had have in studio The Original Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philly and they will talk about Cheesesteaks and their “Guest Chef” series that supports charity and has had guest chefs like Chef Jose Garces, also in studio was Blueplate a FARM to FORK establishment in historic Mullica Hill, New Jersey. Then Food Bank of South Jersey called in to talk about the “Food Bank Hunger Wars” that FOX 29 Bill Anderson hosted and our very own Scott Macom and Chef Barbie Marshall along with Tammy Paolino of Courier-Post and Marques Colston of New Orleans Saints judged. Chef Barbie Marshall called in to tell us what has her angry this week was getting served what she did not order, John Howard-Fusco of John and Lisa Are Eating in South Jersey and nightlife correspondent for Courier-Post will give us a food news update, and a food joke of the week from Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling.

To listen CLICK HERE

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The Garlic Poet and Culhane’s Steak House – New Cumberland, PA

Posted on May 2, 2016 by Bluejeanfood

During my stay in the Harrisburg/Hershey area I was lucky enough to find two great places to eat in New Cumberland, PA. The first “The Garlic Poet” was amazing with a really cool vibe throughout the place, a decent craft beer selection, and delicious food. The meal started with Chef’s Charcuterie and PA Creamery Cheese Board, then Calamari lightly fried with figs, duck fat roasted kumquats, shaved fennel, pea shoots, sorrel, lemon-cardamom vinaigrette, and chili glaze, main course was Five Hour Braised Short Ribs that were local harvest Angus beef short rib , balsamic grilled broccoli rabe, maple and hemp seed roasted rutabagas and turnips, seasonal stout demi glace, granny smith and lemon-cardamom kale slaw, and to top it all off ended with a bananas foster creme brulee. Chef Kurt Wewer really shined throughout the meal and has a gem of a dining destination. It is well worth a visit and you will not go away disappointed.

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The next foodie destination and another delicious meal was had at Culhane’s Steak House. I started the meal with king crab legs, then moved on to the main course of a Porterhouse topped with sauteed mushrooms and onions, steak fries, and lump crab cake. It is a little bit off the beaten path to get to Culhane’s Steak House if you are not from the area and may be a little confusing to get there off the highway, but their food was phenomenal and service was top-notch even with a table of 13 guests. I highly recommend any meat lover to give this place a try.

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Both of these restaurants are a tad out the way from the downtown of Harrisburg and Hershey which were the two towns I visited during my stay, but it was well worth the time to drive there and both were easily reached off the exits of Interstate 83 and both were very affordable.

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Waffles and Wedges 1st Birthday Block Party

Posted on April 30, 2016 by Bluejeanfood

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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”)

On Sunday, April 24th, I stopped by Waffles and Wedges at 1511 Pine Street in Center City Philly to attend a block party being thrown to celebrate the eatery’s one year in business.  The owners and operators, Andrea Capecci and Laura Judy, entertained hundreds of guests during the course of the day with their unique food offerings, free beer and wine samples, and live entertainment.

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The setting, along with a beautiful spring day, made for a great turnout.  Patrons packed the street and shop to try the “Party Crasher” waffles, with icing and jimmies; the “PB&J”, a waffle with peanut butter and grape jelly; the “rEVOLution waffle” with banana, Nutella and fluff; and my favorite, the “Cookie Monster”, topped with Nilla wafers and Oreo’s.  On the Wedges side, we had the “Taylor” (with pork roll and cheese) and the “Loaded” (bacon, cheese and sour cream with chives).  For a dessert and potato lover like myself, these items hit the spot in a way I never experienced before.  This is another example of using great creativity and imagination to liven up your everyday foods that we consume…

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Two of the W&W food trucks were on hand, Pbons Fresh Food of Philly and Waffles on Wheels.  Bassett’s Ice Cream provided free samples to everyone, as did Chadds Ford, PA based winery Ten Gallon Hat.  Neshaminy Creek, Broken Goblet and Philadelphia Brewing Co. supplied their craft beer to any willing par takers.  And another local fixture, Philly Fair Trade Roasters, sampled their different styles of coffee.

Waffles and Wedges did a great service, both for themselves and for patrons, by throwing this anniversary party.  More local businesses should take similar steps to build their brand with such events.  There is no doubt that many people stopped and tried their offerings who otherwise might not have, and like me, enjoyed what they had to give.  See you next time, “around town”…

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04-24-16 Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Bluejeanfood

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What a show last night! Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com on Wildfire Radio and TuneIn had some amazing food brought in by Joseph Schultice of Nick’s Bar and Grille in Old City District. Then Nancy Wall Hopkins of Better Homes and Gardens Meredith Corporation called in to talk about their May 2015 issues on sale now with their Food Factor Study that had contributions from Katie R. Workman, Joanne Weir, and Heather Jewett Christothoulou. John Howard-Fusco the nightlife correspondent for Courier-Post joined us in studio and was entertaining and informational talking about Top of the Tower and Brauhaus Schmitz Jeremy Nolen teaming up to create Skygarten and much more, Chef Barbie Marshall called in to talk about the importance of following directions in a recipe and the need to account for prep work time, and food joke of the week from Jackie Martling.

Stream and download – CLICK HERE

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Mandarin Cuisine – Blackwood, NJ

Posted on April 26, 2016 by Bluejeanfood

Mandarin Cuisine – Blackwood, NJ

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The dining scene in New Jersey is very different than many different areas. I find a lot of hidden gems tucked far back in old underutilized strip malls that you would never think a decent restaurant would be. Looking to try my luck with such a scenario I came upon Mandarin Cuisine (MC). Upon entering MC it is easy to notice that take-out is MC’s bread and butter, but nonetheless, MC’s has a nicely decorated and large dining area to eat. An older woman was the server the night I dined at MC and she was fabulous, even though some bumps were in the service received. Her personality made you feel that you were personally invited to MC by her and that MC was her own home. MC started things off well, as one of my weaknesses is those delicious and greasy crispy egg noodle chips with duck sauce.

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For my entrée I would choose Subgum Wonton, which consisted of fried wontons served on top the usual melody of Chinese vegetables, roast pork, chicken, and beef topped with a Cantonese style brown sauce. The meal was above average for your usual “take-out” style Chinese food, but where MC really shined was the ability to provide service that was so far and above anything you would expect on a normal night from a place you had never been to. I would not go out of my way to visit MC or call them a “must” visit, but what I can tell you is that if I had had an itch for Chinese food and was around the area again, MC would be a welcoming place to dine.

 

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21 Main at North Beach – Myrtle Beach, SC

Posted on April 20, 2016 by Bluejeanfood

Had a great meal at 21 Main at North Beach while I Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. They are just a stones throw away from Barefoot Landing, but a hidden oasis that if you are not from the area may take a little searching to find. Be sure to ask for Tarver has he was fantastic and tell them Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com sent you.

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Philly Farm and Food Fest 2016

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Bluejeanfood

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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”)

The 5th Annual Philly Farm and Food Fest was held on Sunday, April 10th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Interesting and informative, the goal of the gathering is to generate interest and awareness of local farm to table vendors and restaurants. This day also presented creative ways of using healthier options in a modern world where processed foods are the norm for consumption.

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Hosted by Food Fair and Kitchen Table Consultants, and presented by Chipotle Mexican Grill, the once small event has grown over time to feature an abundance of vendors plying their craft. Via the “Wholesale Concierge Team”, networking for the vendors and media was made possible. The Curd Convention, one of the most popular features each year, is a separate wing of the day’s events that caters to those who love cheese (count me in). Among the Philly fixtures taking part in this portion included DiBruno Bros., and Caputo Brothers Creamery. The Local Libations Lounge, another busy spot, featured local breweries, distillers and wine makers presenting their offerings.

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Among the many local vendors setting up shop included Cecil Creek Farm, Golden Valley Farms, Lancaster Food Co., and The Common Market. Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative, a non-profit organization for farmers to unite and share ideas, was there to explain their existence and purpose. Each unique exhibition attempted to demonstrate how they create the specific items that they sell, in a more natural and healthy way then processed foods. An example of this is Applegate Hot Dogs, whose organic and all natural wieners are growing more popular in stores these days. La Davisa Meats gave tutorials on how they make sausage with more humanely treated animals. Featured speakers throughout the day supplied insight on what the modern farmer typically deals with presently, both agriculturally and economically…

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Chipotle, mentioned as one of the event presenters, exhibited a “wall of jars” that intended to show you the difference between processed foods, and those that are natural and fresh. I found this portion fascinating as I observed to myself that many foods I eat would fall into the processed category, while my intake of what is considered fresh is minimal. This point was driven home by the many foods I sampled there, all of which tasted good while yet being all natural. Educational is the best way for me to describe my day at the fest, and it has opened my eyes as to what I can change myself to eat healthier (and also support local business in the process).

The Philly Farm and Food Fest will be back next year; plan to visit and enjoy the variety. See you again soon “around town”…

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04-17-16 Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Bluejeanfood

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Small Bites with Scott Macom and Derek Timm of Bluejeanfood.com on Wildfire Radio we had in studio NBC News/NBC Latino recognized Chef Hugo Campos of Philabundance PCK, well known and respected Philadelphia based actor John DiRenzo who was a restaurant owner , caterer, and consultant with 30 years experience and you may have seen him in House of Cards, The Following, After Earth, Paranoia Movie, the lastest Sylvester Stallone Rocky movie Creed as one of the judges, and in Philadelphia — visitphilly.com’s national ad campaign and many other films like Deadly Gamble which you can see Bluejeanfood.com acting in a scene with John DiRenzo. Deadly Gamble is from director Mario Cerrito III who will also be in studio and just wrapped filming The Listing and is currently filming The Philly Offensive for Netflix. As usual we will also have segments from Chef Barbie Marshall a Hell’s Kitchen finalist, Courier-Post correspondent John Howard-Fusco, and food joke of the week from Jackie Martling.

To listen CLICK HERE

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Bill’s Breakfast & Lunch – Philadelphia, PA

Posted on April 19, 2016 by Bluejeanfood

Bill’s Breakfast & Lunch – Philadelphia, PA

While walking the streets of Center City Philadelphia, you are usually going to be able to find somewhere to eat. Well that somewhere just happened to be Bill’s Breakfast & Lunch (BBL) for me. BBL had a large lunch crowd the day I visited with the majority of the crowd known on a first name basis to the staff. I enjoy places like this as in larger establishments personalized service is usually the first thing to go. The staff was welcoming and I would go with grilled chicken with bbq sauce and American cheese on a long roll.

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Everything about the meal itself was average, but the price to eat at BBL was very reasonable for the area that BBL serves. BBL is a hidden gem for quick, friendly, affordable, and basic menu items to get you through your day and not have to break your bank account.

 

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2016 Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival

Posted on April 14, 2016 by Bluejeanfood

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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”)

2016 Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival

Three years in a row! I again was able to attend the Atlantic City Beer and Music Festival. Like the prior versions, the 2016 event had three sessions spread out over two days, Friday, April 8th and Saturday the 9th. Again held at the Atlantic City Convention Center, this was the 11th annual event, and is a runner up for the top beer festival in the country. All three of the sessions were sold out, and Jon Henderson and his team outdid themselves once again.

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Over 140 total breweries were in attendance, with many returning from years past – Anchor Brewery, the Cape May Brewing Company, Coney Island Brewing Co., Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales, Harpoon Brewery, Magic Hat, Troegs Craft Brewery, Yards Brewing Co., Victory Brewing Company, Flying Fish Brewing Co., Redd’s, 21st Amendment Brewery, Big Muddy Brewing, Horny Goat Brewing Co., Shiner Bock, Firestone Walker, and Captain Lawrence. Two new favorites of mine were there with fantastic ginger beer – Hollows & Fentimans, and Barritt’s.

There were again numerous options for food: Phillips’ Seafood House provided crab cake sandwiches, Philadelphia favorite Chickie’s and Pete’s with crab fries, and Tony Baloney’s Pizza and Subs was on hand again with their famous “mustache mobile”. The Continental, Stephen Starr’s submission to the festival, provided great cheesesteak egg rolls.

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Once again, live music proved a big part of the festivities – Dashboard Confessional, Manchester Orchestra and Reel Big Fish were this year’s main attractions. The event organizers again did a great job in their attempts to place firm emphasis on fun no matter where you were throughout the day. A regulation size football goalpost was mounted in one wing of the hall, allowing amateur participants as well as NFL hopefuls to take a shot at a field goal. A mini go-kart race track was again a hit, and new this year – the “silent disco” (where dancers hit the floor with headphones on, not allowing an outsider to hear what they were dancing to). The “Batmobile” also made an appearance, promoting another upcoming comic book event at the convention center…

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I hope to be there again in 2017 for the 12th annual event. As I have said before, I urge any beer lover who has not made their way to AC in the past to join me! See you yet again later this week “around town”…

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