Great events for the Opulent-minded

With a corporate philosophy that "perfect works just fine," Provence Catering proudly introduces their new multi-media advertising campaign, "Great Events for the Opulent-minded." Whether you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime wedding reception, a fantastic 50th birthday party, a 25th wedding anniversary, a magical Mitzvah reception or a chic corporate cocktail party, now is the perfect time to indulge in life's great personal pleasures catered by Provence. Sounds so deliciously guilty to me.

Hallelujah...The guilt-ridden goodies have arrived.

We have been eagerly waiting for two packages of guilty goodies to find their way to our test kitchen at Provence Catering and as fate would have it, they both arrived yesterday.

Three weeks ago we featured the fantastic four hot fudges from Herrell's Ice Cream Shop of Northampton, MA. Before we could really sample their guiltiness, we needed to procure some decadent ice cream for this important tasting. The brain trust at Herrel's rose to the challenge and shipped us an eight pint selection of their finest ice creams. Is this a great job or what? Tomorrow afternoon we are having a company wide ice cream social. We let you know our favorites and who asked for seconds. Yes, I will be guilty as charged.

Four weeks ago we mentioned the low-sodium Cajun seasonings of Southern Barbecue. We enjoyed their incredible dry rub on bar-be-que chicken while tailgating at the Phillies. Their authentic Southern seasoning was delicious, but gone from our memory all too quickly. Mercifully, our guilty taste buds received a reprieve from the Governor as a case of their new product line of flavored basting oils, Grill-N-Que sauce and dry rubs arrived at Provence. On Friday afternoon we will be having a rib revival complete with a sermon on the joys of guiltiness as we sample three different versions of Danish baby backs.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Guilt is good.

The French side of course

Thin Mint and Guilty are away next week vacationing in St.Martin, the French side of the island of course. Every year we travel to unique destinations around the world in search of new guilty pleasures and exciting menu ideas. Few places offer the epicurean luster of this divided tropical island of Dutch ancestry and French culture. Long known for their remarkable restaurants, barbecue shacks in Grand Case and famous Parisian chefs, this is the fourth trip to explore our French culinary heritage and to bare our souls in the warm aqua blue Caribbean waters.

Our last trip to St. Martin was in 1995 with Junior Mint in tow and our beauty was only nine months old. We had an incredible vacation with our young infant daughter and miraculously left two days before the infamous Hurricane Louis destroyed much of the island and leveled our boutique hotel, the Golden Tulip, forever.

On this year's trip we will staying at the new Radisson St. Martn Resort which just opened this past spring and has received excellent reviews. We heard their buffet breakfasts are fantastic and quite guilt-ridden. Usually we dine away from the hotel for dinner, but this luxury property has a chic five star gourmet venue, the C Le restaurant. World famous Chef Executivf Bruno Brazier is an exceptional talent and he will be preparing his incredible gourmet four course gourmet chef's dinner for us at table for two on the beach. Hopefully we will be posting our dining and vacation experiences online while we are away.

Look for our chefs to introduce some sensational new menu ideas this fall. Of course, Provence as always, will be open for business while we are away, Guilty as charged.

Never too old for...

Nap Time. One of my most favorite guilty pleasures is to take a nap. It could be on a hammock under an Almond tree in Jamaica listening to the ocean lap to and fro. It could be in a perfectly climate controlled hotel room with the covers on. Or it could even be at the ballgame until the home run cheers from the crowd wakes one up. I really, really treasure those "stolen" moments to rejuice, recharge and rejuvenate....as long as I don't drool or snore in public!

Chilling out with great friends leads to Chinatown Guilt

After catering a spectacular tented wedding on Saturday evening in sauna-like conditions, Sunday was the perfect time to engage in a variety of our favorite guilty pleasures. From enjoying Thin Mint's special home-brewed Bloody Mary mix while tailgating before the Phillies' game to a very special dinner in Philadelphia's Chinatown, Guilt was in full bloom.

While the food from Provence Catering and top-shelf spirits were awesome, spending the day with some of our favorite clients was really remarkable. There is no better moment of professional satisfaction than savoring a job well done under sweltering conditions .

To help celebrate our peerless event execution we ventured to Chinatown after the game. Our favorite Vietnamese Thai Restaurant was closed for rennovations and we wrestled with making an intelligent decision on the fly where to eat. I am sure you have faced a similiar dining dilemma with so many Asian cuisines to sample and so little inside information. After feveriously scoping out the situtation, the Rising Tide Chinese Restaurant on the corner of 10th and Race Streets was an excellent alternative. They are rated one of the top 100 Chinese Retaurants in the country and we quickly found out why.

While this is not a place for tourists(locals only), the food and the service were superb. The Hot and Sour soup was some of the best ever with a rich flavor. We particularly enjoyed the barbecued eel and the Peking duck. Being Guilty in Chinatown with great friends was mealtime masterpiece.

luckiest man alive

My favorite guilty pleasure is loving Thin Mint just right. While the summer is in full bloom, we remember the power of the Canyons. This recently discovered photo reveals there is no greater pleasure than skiing with your best friend as you both seize the day. Of course skiing in Utah is the perfect setting for many more guilty pleasures. It's always rejuvenating to daydream of skiing in Park City while languishing in the white-hot catering heat of July. Just remember, it's only seven months to the slopes.

Thank you Jeffrey for the photo and the cool thoughts.

The Skinny Chick Conspiracy

Throughout history there have been many famous conspiracy theories that have confounded the experts and intrigued legions. For political conspiracy aficionado’s it’s all about the Kennedy Assassination. Let’s face the facts, Lee Harvey Oswald was a terrible marksman, under funded and the Warren Commission's magic bullet explanation just makes no sense.

For Sci-Fi enthusiasts it’s all about Area 51 in the Nevada desert. You, Mulder and Scully absolutely know the federal government is hiding secrets in the desert far beyond the flickering lights of Las Vegas.

For bigger guys married to slender women there’s a portion control plot that must be exposed, the Skinny Chick Conspiracy. I have to live through this nightmarish scenario everyday. Imagine this, no matter where we go to eat and no matter what we order; Thin Mint’s meal is always larger and for some troubling reason, much tastier than mine. For example, on the rare occasion where we both order the same entrée like linguine and clam sauce, Thin Mint gets more pasta and extra littlenecks! We both order different omelets for breakfast and her eggs are fluffier, there’s an extra piece or two of crisp bacon and she gets more home fries, but of course. We each order Veal Parmesan and she receives the biggest piece of tender veal ever. There is not a dinner plate in the city big enough to hold her bubbling entrée. Whereas I get the alternative meal plan option where the veal, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese are radically rationed like gasoline during wartime.

I have spent years trying to unravel the truth about this mind boggling mystery. Do larger men not deserve the excitement of eyeing an overflowing plate of fried calamari just for them? How is it possible that the seafood restaurant in Ipswich MA, the Italian Restaurant in South Philadelphia, the Soul Food restaurant in Saratoga and the Steak House in Phoenix all give Thin Mint a larger dinner portion? After careful thought and extensive research, I have reached an indisputable conclusion.

There must be a secret society that looks out for slender women. I have no proof, but I suspect these low body mass individuals use secret hand signals to communicate in a language that only the trim can translate. If you go back through television and movie history, I have no doubt you will find a very suspicious pattern of mealtime favoritism. Just consider the facts; did Ralph Kramden ever get more food than Alice? I think not! Did Fred Flintstone ever get a bigger Brontosaurus burger than Wilma? Never! Did the portly Mr. C on Happy Days ever get more pot roast than Mrs.C? Not happening! For Pete’s sake, did John Candy even get a nosh in Uncle Buck? Don’t even get me started on Bluto and Olive Oyl. This is a cruel, cruel conspiracy.

I will continue to explore this great epicurean injustice while at dinner, lunch, breakfast or an ice cream parlor. The truth must be told. You can rely on Guilty to count fries not calories.

Blame it on the Beatles

I will never divulge the secret trim code of the Skinny Chick Society. You can watch us closely, interpret, imagine and try to figure it out, but like Skull and Bones, Cosa Nostra or The C Street house I will protect the code of low body mass individuals. Rumor has it Twiggy invented the Skinny Chick Society in 1968 after attending a party in London with the Beatles

Guilty's Fried Pleasures

If I were designing dream kitchens around the country, deep fryers would be as commonplace in the home as silent dishwashers or Garland stoves. Not a counter top "Fry Daddy," but a twin basket gateway to fried favorites would be mandated in homes like fire alarms.

There is no better guilty pleasure in the world than fried foods. Just consider this legendary starting lineup:

Southern Fried Chicken: It's just a four hour drive north to nirvana, Hatties Restaurant in Saratoga Springs NY. Not sure which is more impressive, the amazing fried chicken or the highly-acclaimed Chef/Owner, Jasper Alexander. Chef Jasper beat bully boy blowhard. Bobby Flay in a fried chicken "Throw Down" and that scores big points with me on any level.

Fried clams: They alone worth the trip to the Clam Box in Ipswich, Ma. Most of the seafood is caught locally. Make sure you try the Fried Scallops. Their three way combo is up for Guilty Sainthood.

Fried oysters: Simply"Po Boy Heaven" on the Bayou and Casamento's Restaurant in Nawlins makes an Oyster sandwich that is second to none.

We did even touch on two of my crispy favorites, fried onion ring loaves and boardwalk fries. These incredible side dishes will be featured on upcoming posts.

Meanwhile, please pass the Truffle Salt and some more napkins. It's time for some serious Guilt.

Guilt Tea

Summertime beverages abound. Fresh squeezed lemonade is always a hit. Limeade is tropically refreshing and a Provence favorite. However, nowhere is the of sipping of cool refreshment more enjoyable than with the wide variety of iced-tea creations from The Republic of Tea. Their collections of specialty teas and social activision are lengendary. Guilt-ridden: no. Guilty Pleasure: absolutely.

And the nominee for best Guilty side dish is....

Smoked babyback pork ribs get all the publicity. The Bone Suckin Yaki Turkey Burgers on the grill get all the attention. And grilled Cajun shrimp featuring a secret rub from Slap your Mama disappear all too quickly.

It's easy for stars of your summer picnic to bask in the spotlight, but it's the supporting cast that really makes an outdoor dining experience unforgettable. Creative side dishes by Provence Catering are the key to any successful summertime barbecue bash and this past weekend we enjoyed some of the best. Chef Greg, a guilty club connoisseur, was exceptional as usual. His Texas style cole slaw, Pommeray Potato Salad and top secret macaroni salad were perfectly seasoned and just amazing. It's always a moment of guilty goodness when the cole slaw and the barbecue sauce come together for a delicious duet in your mouth. That guilty pleasure performance is a real showstopper.

The Twilight Chill

The best moments of summertime often take place in the twilight hours. Your day's work and never ending chores are done. The oppressive heat of the day has subsided. The dog is walked, the kids are at camp and the charcoal grill is fired up. With a chilled beverage in hand, it’s the perfect time to serve up some sausages and brats from Illg’s Meats, the premier local source for freshly made, all natural German meats. Add-in the Thin Mint of your dreams, good friends like Carri or Chef Rolf, some great Phillies chatter, a smattering of Eagles vs Giants conversation and sweet hot mustard from the Bone Sucking Sauce experts in North Carolina and you are ready for the Twilight Chill. We like our grilled links with sautéed hot peppers, sweet bell peppers and Vidalia onions. Sauerkraut, jalapeno peppers and spicy deli mustard are always a welcome alternative for the franks. The soft steak rolls from Collegeville Bakery or LeBus are fantastic buns, especially when lightly toasted on the grill. Of course, Rocco's remarkable grilled corn salsa and Greg's famous pommeray potato salad are a must. Dessert is key to the achieving a true Twilight Chill and tonight, only the toasted coconut sesame brittle ice cream from Haagen-Dazs will do. Now you are Guilty in twilight as charged. Lucky you!!

International Food Warehouse....Global dining in your kitchen

International dining always has been a true guilty pleasure. "Lets go out to the Pho Tai Nam restaurant in Blue Bell. Their Fatty Brisket Pho is off the charts." "Have you been to Sabor in North Bergen? Their Nuevo Latino cuisine is like visiting Central America for lunch." "Norristown has some fantastic Mexican restaurants. The Taqueria La Michoacana has a great bar and the food is terrific."

Cooking authentic and delicious international meals at home is not just for self-acclaimed "Foodies" anymore. Dining globally is almost as Main Street as cooking burgers. To be a successful international chef in residence, your residence of course, you need the right ingredients. Shopping at your local supermarket is a recipe for disappointment. You need to visit the golden palace of global gastronomic glory, the International Food Warehouse in Lodi, NJ.

Why not take road trip to Lodi, NJ for the opening of Vitamia's for the sausage bread and then it's only a five minute ride to the warehouse. This 30,000 sq market is a food universe. There are incredible foods and wines from around the world. Foods that you have never, ever heard of. These products will enable you to authentically prepare any international cuisine imagineable.

Visiting this food warehouse is not a twenty minute experience. You need hours to explore each aisle very carefully. You will want hours to slowly meander from continent to continent. No passport is necessary, but you may want to bring a camera and calculator. Be sure to pay attention in the checkout line for pricing errors.

A Famous Brunch

On a recent outing to fill my need for Great Smoked Fish I stopped by a local landmark for brunch. At Famous, 4th Street Deli you can have Breakfast or Brunch anyday but Sunday seems to bring out the best in people watching. http://famous4thstreetdelicatessen.com/

Get there early. They open at 8:00 but there will be a line. The smoked fish is incredible.

From the basic Nova & Lox, or more unique Kippered or Pastrami Salmon to the incredible Sable & Sturgeon you are bound to leave happy & filled. Their portions are certainly Zaftig which is Yiddish for Hefty. Their bagels are fresh, the service fast & efficient. Do not forget to take smoked fish for later & never leave without a few cookies. My personal favorite is the Pastrami Salmon. Try it! You will be back for more.

Sunday's brunch was a real Jem

It was with great excitement that we ventured out this past Sunday in search of a sensational mid-morning meal. After our exhilarating morning workout, the hunger pains were in full force. Luckily we did not have to drive far or wait long for a bountiful breakfast. We visited the Jem Restaurant located in the Swede Square Restaurant in Norristown, PA. Jem is modeled after a 50’s drive-in with countless Hollywood photos, old movie posters and lots of smiles. The restaurant was packed as usual. This is the type of dining establishment where the waitresses know everybody and friendly hugs are as commonplace as the coffee. We love that inviting atmosphere. You always feel so welcome and that never gets old.

One thing we really love about Jem is the culinary skill of their short order cooks. They are very talented and quite accommodating. So if you want a special order for any meal, they have you covered. Maybe you would like some extra crispy bacon with your stuffed French toast special, you can count on your strips being crispilicious. Or if you want Eggs Benedict just like the pricey breakfast you had at the Plaza last month, Jem’s staff is more than up to the challenge, just without the premium.

Most importantly, Jem’s Restaurant is very well-staffed and waiting long for a table or your food is never a problem. I know you love great service. So do we. Being spoiled by people you respect and value is always a great Guilty Pleasure.

Longing for Lodi and visiting Vitamia's

When we are in need lunch in Napoli or dining al fresco in Tuscany, we have many local groceries to explore and trattorias that will satisfy our Mediterranean quest. As you know, South Philadelphia's Italian cuisine is among the country’s finest and their close-knit community is the definition of Buongiorno.

But sometimes Guilty is longing for his Jersey roots and a two hour road trip up the NJ Turnpike to Lodi and the mecca of specialty savory Italian breads, Vitamia & Sons is an absolute must.

This epicurean excursion must be a well-timed and exceptionally executed mission. That's because Guilty’s goal and yours too, is to arrive at Vitamia's exactly at 8:15 am when their world famous sausage breads come out of the brick ovens piping hot and smelling like pork heaven. Seasoned with fresh Italian spices and oozing with a blend of old world cheeses, their incredible savory baked goods are well worth the drive. Do not be late because the lines form early.

Most importantly, you should plan on buying a few extra loaves because some of the stuffed savory breads will not make it home. I am guilty of sampling and savoring while driving. You will be be too!

WINE DINNERS

What an incredible guilty pleasure & one that you can share with friends. On Saturday night we prepared an incredible wine dinner which featured an equally marvelous selection of matching italian wines. The client was thrilled and the guests overwhelmed with gastronomic pleasure.

Menu:

Butler Appetizer

Roasted Tomato Soup & Miniature Gouda Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Displayed

Grilled Tender Baby Squid

Roasted Sweet Peppers & Fresh Mozzarella & Bagna Cauda

Villa Sparina Gavi di Gavi 2007

Tua Rita Rosso di Notri 2007

First Course

Gamberi Al Citro "Broiled Herb Marinated Shrimp with a Citrus & Campari Essence over Argula

Second Course

Cernia In Brodetto "Pan Roasted Haibut in basil scented saffron seafood broth with cockles & Fregola"

Peter Dipoli Sauvignon Boglar 2007
Third Course

Pappardelle Al Funghi "Wide Noodles with wild mushrooms, rosemary, garlic & olive oil"

Quintearelli Ca del Merlo 2000

Entree

Spalla Di Vitello "Slow braised veal shoulder in savory white wine veal glace over broccoli rabe risotto"

Santa Restituta Gaja Brunello Rennina 1997

Dessert

Creme Burlee Au Trois "Creme brulee served three ways: lemon grass, black sesame & vanilla"

Italian Biscotti & Cookies

A Truly Incredible dinner & Guilty Pleasure. Add to this some beautiful weather for outdoor dining, great friends, the late night cigar & some single malts you have a perfect evening. Let us create one for you.

Cheese Whiz & South Philly

I confess I love it! What is better than a Philly Steak slathered in Whiz! This past Friday night we took the drive in & paid homage to all that is great with Philadelphia Foods by having a Whiz Wit & mushroom, Cheese Fries & Cherry Coke at Geno's. Sitting at the car, watching the people as your overload on colesterol is one of life's more decadent food pleasures!

I feel relieved to confess this Guilty pleasure! I took a moment as I finished that cheesey, rich, perfect creation to admire the pictures of those famous celeberties that have enjoyed these creations too. So many of them are now gone but live on in Geno's Wall of Fame.

My confession is truly a simple one. With all my Culinary Experience & as a self proclaimed "foodie" I choose whiz over a more stylish Provolone or other selection any day.

"Hot Fudge, Hot Fudge.......Get your molten hot Hot Fudge here!"

Is there a more exciting sight than seeing a river of hot molten fudge cascading down a mountain of vanilla ice cream on a hot summer's day? I think that's guilty gone wild. We received a sweet present today from one of the finest hot fudge manufacturers anywhere, Herrells of Northampton, MA.

We met these hot fudge honchos at the Fancy Food Show and their products, including a line of gourmet ice creams, are outstanding.

On Monday our team of tasters will be trying Pepperment Hot Fudge, Orange Hot Fudge and Almond Hot Fudge. Pass the chantilly whipped cream and may I have a bigger spoon please? Guilty on!!

Breakfast at Tiffany's.....Guilty Style

We love Audrey Hepburn and we love dining out before noon. Nothing is more enjoyable in the summertime than a leisurely weekend brunch with good friends, well-worn flip flops and a stack of newspapers. Guilty style of of course and that means no laptops please. Cell phones are verboten and dieting is discouraged. We may be guilty, but we have rules.

Over the next several weeks the GPC staff will be visiting restaurants throughout the Delaware Valley to enjoy one of our greatest guilty pleasures, brunch, especially dining al fresco. We encourage everyone to suggest local eateries that we should visit for breakfast or brunch.

Back to Audrey, our favorite line from Breakfast at Tiffany's is “Let me tell you something, Mister. If I had her money, I'd be richer than she is." It's nice to have goals, guilty or not.

Saying Dilly, Schmilly is oh so silly...

Well the gloves have come off and the Carvel Crusaders fighting back with a vengeance. Yesterday's shoutout to the DQ side of life has caused a great debate over which soft serve frozen treat is the best guilty pleasure of this genre. I like Carvel especially if there's a last minute birthday celebration where a cake is needed PDQ. Their chocolate crunchies are Hall of Fame worthy. As far as frozen supermarket treats, Carvel's Flying Saucers and Chipsters certainly can give Chipwiches a run for their money. But when visiting a custard stand it's just silly to say that ice cream sandwiches are better than the Dilly Bar. The Dilly is known for it's decadant chocolate coating and DQ custard. Carvel has no alternative selection. To quote the Reverend Jesse Jackson from the classic SNL game show skit first broadcast in 1984, "The question is moot."

With all due respect to Guilty as Charged, nothing says summertime ice cream like soft serve Carvel with their special crunchies. Dilly bar, schmilly bar...A chocolate and vanilla twist in a cup with hot fudge, whipped cream and crunchies is tops in my book.

DQ diaries

Some people swear by Carvel. Other people live for Kohr Brothers at the shore. Both of those summertime treats are excellent, but when it comes to pleading guilty, nothing beats Dairy Queen for moments of custard cooling consequences. Whether you want a Blizzard, a Dilly Bar or a banana split, DQ is a warm weather hotspot for icey cold refreshment. My favorite is a cherry dipped vanilla cone. It's a nice diversion from their chocolate dipped cones and a lot of fun to eat. Make sure you ask for extra napkins.

Summertime tailgating

The Philadelphia Phillies winning of the World Series last year has bestowed many benefits upon the Delaware Valley. Decades of disappointment were wiped away in Game 5 by Chase Utley’s sensational throw home to nail the potential tying run. The psyche of the Phillies fan has been eternally transformed from languishing loser to confident champion. This stunning change has been incredible.

Nowhere is that attitude adjustment more apparent than in the parking lots around Citizen’s Bank Park where the summertime tailgating is now all the rage. While the Eagles fans still rule the parking lot, the Phillies fans have created a jubilant atmosphere that is filled with many, many guilty pleasures.

The Guilty Pleasure Club was out in full force this weekend. Our ballpark menu was:

Maple and Praline syrup-soaked barbecued shrimp

Baby back ribs marinated in a secret dry rub and basted with Bone Sucking Sauce The key is the sauce. More on this North Carolina secret sauce in the coming weeks.

Cajun Barbeque Chicken featuring Cajun grilling sauce from Southern Barbecue

More on their incredible Cajun sauces and spices in the coming weeks.

Rocco's Macaroni Salad with fresh mozzarella

Tri-color potato salad with double smoked bacon

Field Greens Salad with Jersey tomatoes, fresh mango and Chevre cheese.

Assorted Minigiardis including petite cappuccino creme brulee, pear and hazelnut tartlettes, blueberry and white chocolate crumb bars and tiramisu.

Summertime tailgating is here to stay and we are ready savor every moment. Please let us know your tailgating guilty pleasures.

Summer Barbecue Heaven......German Style

Celebrating the 4th of July is always amazing and the gateway to many guilty pleasures and summer delights. From eating lobster rolls in Fryeburg ME while soaking up the Americana of a small town parade down Main Street to watching the Grateful Dead perform their magic at JFK Stadium where the smell of Philadelphia cheese steaks was not the only aroma in the air to showing off your new girlfriend at a Gatsbyesque clambake on Long Beach Island, the 4th of July is our holiday and we know how to party.

And we certainly know how to eat extremely well, especially when it comes to summertime barbecues. The first step in planning an exceptional barbecue bash is finding great meats. Without exception, the meat must be all natural. They also have to be properly seasoned and slowly smoked. And of course, they have to be German. Fortunately in the state of Pennsylvania we have a German Butcher or two available. Our favorite butcher is Illg Meats in Chalfont, PA and owner, Ernie Illg is a local legend. Since 1958 the finest chefs from around the world have come to Illg’s to learn their secrets and worship at the alter of double smoked bacon. From Tim to Ed to their entire staff, everyone is knowledge, friendly and patient with first timers and long timers as they sort, sample and select from an assortment of homemade German delicacies. They are all fantastic and making a decision is never easy.

To help ease the selection process, Illg Meats has many different sampler packages available. My summer barbecue heaven begins with their $59.99 Sausage Sampler. It’s symphony of twelve, yes twelve, different remarkable sausages. They are Bockwurst(veal bratwurst), Knockwurst, German Wieners, Landjaegers(also known as German hunter’s sausage),Krakuer(smoked beef sausage, Nurnberger(pork bratwurst), Kabanosy(mild German Kielbasa) and finally, the best and I mean the best anywhere, Polish Kielbasa. Add in a little double smoked bacon for your German potato salad and you are now officially a glutton for guilty pleasures.

Tonight we are tailgating at the Phillies game and our menu will feature grilled maple and praline syrup-soaked shrimp kabobs with doubled smoked bacon and golden pineapple. We will share more of the menu and other guilty pleasures on Monday.

Happy Birthday America.

Childhood Summer Memories

Those wonderful summer memories created by food! Food is central to our great memories. Just the tastes & smells at a ballpark or carnival bring peace & happiness to us all.

Jim Cohn, Publisher of Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine www.eventsmagazine.com recently comment on his early Philadelphia memories "Every childhood has coming of age memories that last a lifetime. Some of my favorite recollections were of eating foil-wrapped cheese steaks outside of Connie Mack Stadium with my dad and discussing the ..."

Tell us your favorite childhood food memories! I so fondly remember the summer parties in our yard playing horseshoes, learning to drink Rolling Rock Ponies & eating fresh sausages & grilled meats accompanied by my fathers homemade bean soup cooked over an open fire with lots of added beer. People came from all over my those BBQ's.

Have A Happy & Safe Fourth of July.

4th of July memories and root beer recollections

Every childhood has coming of age memories that last a lifetime. Some of my favorite recollections were of eating foil-wrapped cheese steaks outside of Connie Mack Stadium with my dad and discussing the hitting prowess of Richie Allen or sneaking into the Tower Theater with my older brother leading the way in 1974 to listen to The Boss and The E Street Band play “Rosalita” with no regard for an 11 pm curfew or a non-existent ride home. We were “doin” E Street Shuffle and we were way kewl. Still are…

But perhaps my favorite childhood memory was learning how to drink beer like a man on the 4th of July. Not Schlitz or Ortleibs beer, but root beer. And not just any ordinary root beer, but Stewart’s Root Beer. This creamy concoction was delivered in frosty mugs in an orange oasis of drive-in waitresses, Firebirds and car side service. After an afternoon of mowing the lawn and doing countless chores, nothing was more enjoyable than gulping an icy cold one at the counter. That’s because, as you know, they do not offer window service to sting ray bicycles.

You can still get a frosty mug of the world’s best carbonated refreshment throughout New Jersey. I now take my brew with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and two kids in tow. “Three straws please.” Sharing a root beer is like sharing memories. They last a lifetime.

DAVID RIO CHAI!

The Fancy Food Show in New York is a mess of glorious foods, spices, and beverages. Out of the thousands of edibles that I consumed, David Rio chai was on the top of my list. Their chai is by far the best I have ever had. It is creamy, smooth, and has just the right amount of spiciness to it. Starbucks will never come close to the incredible flavor of David Rio.

Fudge Kitchen/Cape May!

A vote from a reader!

Fudge Kitchen in Cape May has my vote. For many years it was Steels, but my palate has matured ha ha!!

No really, I just like the Bogle Brother’s product more.

Regards,

Almarita Galeone

Guilty, Guilty, Guilty....The pleasures were plentiful and the experience mostly sublime

Sadly the Fancy Food Show ended yesterday in New York City and the experience was remarkable. We spent three days touring the world for Guilty Pleasures and promising products. It was a blast. It should be a federally mandated law that every adult in the United States must spend one day at year at a Fancy Food Show. No exceptions. None!! The country’s karma and productivity would be at a peak performance level for weeks to come.

We met countless people and tasted hundred’s of products. Some of the food was incredible and some of them really missed the mark. You do not know cheeses until you are lost in the Italian aisle and have to eat yourself out of the mayhem one fresh mozzarella ball and yellow sun-dried tomato at a time. They were truly outstanding.

Conversely, you do not know rudeness until you try and take of photo of Candy Buttons without clearing it with the White House first. Apparently Candy Buttons, while being a bonafied guilty pleasure, are top secret and we were a threat. Who knew their outdated and tasteless product was crucial to national security?

Over the coming months we will be introducing you to different products that we enjoyed or appreciated for various reasons. Our chefs will use many of these specialty products in our test kitchen. From time to time GPC members will be invited in for tastings and we will also post recipes on GPC for everyone to enjoy.

We are working on stories for the 4th of July and will report more on our Fancy Food Favorites next week. We love to reflect on guilty pleasure road trips.