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.
(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.
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.
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…
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”…
04-17-2016
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
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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…
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”…
(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”)
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.
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…
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 – 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
Adelphia Restaurant – Deptford, NJ
Sitting on top of a tiny hill across from the Deptford Mall is Adelphia Restaurant (AR). AR is more than just a restaurant though, it is an empire. They have huge banquet facilities, dance floors, bars, a theme and special for every night of the week, and indoor and outdoor dining areas. No matter your age, gender, or background AR seems to bring to the table a little bit of everything for everyone. I would join AR for dinner and would be impressed, for the most part. The meal started with a New England clam chowder.
The chowder was better than average and was accompanied by bread and butter. It did its job, but was nothing to really write or mention about. My entree prime rib would be next.
The prime rib is where AR really shined. The price point was very affordable, yet tasty. They brought it out with a beautiful pink hue and it was tender and juicy with each bite. The green beans were fresh, sautéed nicely and crisp and the baked potato was large and not overcooked in the least like a lot of places do. A slip for AR was the service. The server would visit two times within a five minute period and then not be seen again for thirty minutes and it took a little longer than needed when the check was asked for. Visits to the tables should be timed in an evenly flow of the meal and is easily fixed with a little retraining or refresher to the staff. Even with tiny misstep in service, I must say I did enjoy AR especially since my son was dining with us the night we choose to visit AR and they had a balloon artist going around to all the tables for the kids which was a nice touch. I will definitely visit AR again.
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:
Parkway Corner Deli – Philadelphia, PA
The Parkway and arts district in Philadelphia is booming with new buildings, restaurants, stores, etc. The Parkway Corner Deli (PCD) is near the intersection of Spring Garden and the Parkway. PCD took over little while ago and gutted the space of a deli that was in the same location for many years. The makeover PCD did is remarkable as the old deli was quite old and beat down, and the selection of beers and things to buy at PCD is a large improvement compared to the last tenant as well. PCD is bright, stylish, and their ordering system for hot foods it completely digital. I would go with a chicken cheese steak with fries.
The meal was quite average in all aspects, but the prices at PCD are extremely reasonable compared to others places to eat near PCD. You are not going to get any surprises on the menu or find a new trend, but PCD had friendly service at a great price and some neat little foodie and beer finds in their aisles. If I am in the area and looking to dine on a budget and grab a few items to go, I will not hesitate to stop in PCD again.
