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Thursday, December 22, 2011

Learning About Holiday Shopping at Weavers Way

Tips on preparing hors d'oeuvres for parties with ingredients from the co-op.

It's clear to me that, after visiting the store, Weavers Way can rescue you from your very worst holiday nightmares. I'm impressed with the array of prepared foods, local products and freshly baked goods. After e-mailing with Jonathan McGoran, the co-op's communications director, I learned the store carried fresh bread, crackers and a great selection of cheeses. I hadn't known much about the co-op before we got in touch. And when I think of holiday parties, I immediately think of snack foods and noshes. Want to perform a fancy trick, stolen from one of New York’s finest restaurants? Pop up a big bowl of popcorn, drizzle some melted duck fat over it (D’Artagnan duck fat is available at Weavers Way) and sprinkle in some kosher salt for the …

Friday, November 25, 2011

Review: Acme in Mt. Airy

Acme offers shortcuts as well as all the staple ingredients for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner.

Restaurant: Acme Market Address: 7010 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia (Mt. Airy), PA 19119 Rating: (out of 5 stars): ★★★ Style: Grocery store with deli and prepared foods section Food: American Atmosphere: Bright fluorescent lit grocery store Parking: Huge lot Service: Efficient Price Range: Varied Unique Feature: Coffee bar, antipasti bar and olive bar In this age of smart phones, medical innovation and the internet, what happens to a traditional holiday like Thanksgiving? I’ve read numerous articles on the perfect Thanksgiving and how to troubleshoot everything from overcooked breast meat to gluten-free pumpkin pies. Technology has allowed for real time updates about the temperature of your turkey to be sent directly to your iphone or …

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Bites Nearby

Restaurant Review: Avenue Bistro!

This restaurant takes you back to the good old days—in a good way.

Restaurant: Avenue Bistro! Address: 7220 Germantown Ave., Mt. Airy, PA 19119 Rating: (out of 5 stars): ★★★ Style: Casual American eatery Food: Burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and breakfast items Atmosphere: Warm and welcoming Parking: Street parking Service: Very friendly Price Range: Most items are under $10 Unique Feature: This place has various meal deals including a side and drink for $6. In a city where finding breakfast can be difficult at times, Avenue Bistro! offers breakfast, lunch and early dinner at wallet-friendly prices. The recently opened storefront has already had its first TV appearance (its actual air time is in the distant future) and warm reception from the neighborhood. The approachable menu has American classics made …

Friday, September 30, 2011

Bites Nearby

Restaurant Roundup: The Grog to Paramour

Patch reviews The Grog, MilkBoy Coffee, Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop, Mandarin Kitchen, Evviva, Sorrento’s Italian Restaurant, Sweet Elizabeth’s and Paramour at the Wayne Hotel.

Looking for a good restaurant to go to this weekend? Check out other area restaurants that Patch reviewed this week: The Grog, 863 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr Stop in for some excellent fish and chips and great beer selection. If you’re like me, you’ll want to head in earlier rather than later to avoid the boisterous crowds. Click here for the review.   MilkBoy Coffee, 2 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore A perfectly balanced pumpkin latte and vegan scrapple await you at this leisurely coffee shop which now offers table service. Bring your computer, there is free wi-fi to boot. Click here for the review.   Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop, 8509 Germantown Ave., Chestnut Hill A gourmet bonanza right in Chestnut Hill that offers more than just a killer …

Restaurant Roundup: Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop to Paramour

Patch reviews Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop, MilkBoy Coffee, The Grog, Mandarin Kitchen, Evviva, Sorrento’s Italian Restaurant, Sweet Elizabeth’s and Paramour at the Wayne Hotel.

Looking for a good restaurant to go to this weekend? Chestnut Hill Patch brought you the details of Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop Thursday. A gourmet bonanza right in Chestnut Hill that offers more than just a killer selection of cheese, this shop has it all. Enjoy the Maytag Blue, picholine olives, pate, chocolates and other European delights. Click here for the review. If you are looking for a sit-down restaurant, check out other area restaurants that Patch reviewed this week: MilkBoy Coffee, 2 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore A perfectly balanced pumpkin latte and vegan scrapple await you at this leisurely coffee shop which now offers table service. Bring your computer, there is free wi-fi to boot. Click here for the review. The Grog, 863 W. …

Friday, September 23, 2011

Restaurant Roundup: Avenue Bistro! to Baxter's

Patch reviews Avenue Bistro!, Hykel’s Submarine Sandwich Bar, Flip and Bailey’s Bar and Grill, The French Bakery, Taj Indian Cuisine, Bala Pizza, Brittingham’s, Margaret Kuo’s, The Ugly Moose and Baxter’s.

Looking for a good restaurant to go to this weekend? Mt. Airy Patch brought you the details of Avenue Bistro! Thursday. A local resident wants to bring real food back to the neighborhood he loves and does so. He is friendly, outgoing and has a super connected network of industry folks. Click here for the Meet the Owner. If that restaurant isn’t to your liking, check out other area restaurants that Patch reviewed this week: Hykel’s Submarine Sandwich Bar, 2704 E. County Line Rd., Ardmore A truly wonderful crock of French onion soup and upside down hoagies await you at this local haunt. The chef always adds a little love to his food and it shows. Click here for the review. Flip and Bailey’s Bar and Grill, 900 Conestoga Rd., Rosemont A true …

Restaurant Roundup: The French Bakery to Baxter's

Patch reviews The French Bakery, Hykel’s Submarine Sandwich Bar, Flip and Bailey’s Bar and Grill, Taj Indian Cuisine, Avenue Bistro!, Bala Pizza, Brittingham’s, Margaret Kuo’s, The Ugly Moose and Baxter’s.

Looking for a good restaurant to go to this weekend? Chestnut Hill Patch brought you the details of The French Bakery Thursday. Freshly baked pastries, delightful sandwiches and bottomless cups of coffee are the draws here. The tables aren’t the most private but that’s a small price to pay for such quality goods. Click here for the review. If that restaurant isn’t to your liking, check out other area restaurants that Patch reviewed this week: Hykel’s Submarine Sandwich Bar, 2704 E. County Line Rd., Ardmore A truly wonderful crock of French onion soup and upside down hoagies await you at this local haunt. The chef always adds a little love to his food and it shows. Click here for the review. Flip and Bailey’s Bar and Grill, 900 Conestoga Rd…

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Meet the Chef/Owner: Avenue Bistro!

Skip Tyree is from Mt. Airy and now owns two Avenue businesses.

Those who excel in the restaurant industry are always busy. When I sat down with local resident and industry vet Skip Tyree, owner of Avenue Bistro! (he also owns Mainly Shoes & More across the street), his phone was ringing off the hook, but he was polite enough to ignore most of his phone calls and allow me to interview him. A proud product of Henry H. Houston School, Tyree knows everyone in the neighborhood, and they all know him. Age: 41 Hometown: Mt. Airy Home now: Mt. Airy Favorite Thing about the Community: "The people, the warmth, the diversity, the neighborhood flavor." Do you do any community work? "Yes. We sponsor a youth basketball clinic at the seminary (and) donate food and gift certificates to events, organizations and food …

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Kids Eat Local: Avenue Bistro!

Find out how kid-friendly the new restaurant is.

We know how tough it can be to eat out with little ones. Patch wants to help you know before you walk in the door if Avenue Bistro! is a good place to eat with your children. Is there a kids’ menu? Not officially, but the restaurant will eventually have one. At the moment, kids can order hot dogs, burgers, chicken salad sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches and pancakes. Are there healthy options on the kids’ meal? All the food is made from scratch with good quality ingredients so it's far healthier than what you would be served at a fast food restaurant. How does the restaurant deal with food allergies? Alert the staff and they will try to accommodate you as best they can. Is there a diaper changing station? No. How …

Friday, September 16, 2011

Restaurant Roundup: The Little Treehouse Play Cafe to Chinnar Indian Cuisine

Patch reviews The Little Treehouse Play Café, Positano Ristorante, Beijing Inn, Westgate Pub, Philly Pretzel Factory, Chops Restaurant and Bar, Spamps Restaurant, PB and U, Laxmi Indian Grille and Chinnar Indian Cuisine.

Looking for a good restaurant to go to this weekend? Chestnut Hill Patch brought you the details of The Little Treehouse Play Café Thursday. A play land for kids that offers both kid and adult friendly fare, the surprising crowd favorite was the kid’s macaroni and cheese. Nicely cooked noodles and delicious cheese sauce made this dish just right. The chicken Caesar wrap is the winner of the adult menu. Click herefor the review. If that restaurant isn’t to your liking, check out other area restaurants that Patch reviewed this week: Positano Ristorante, 21 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore Generous portions, excellent service and a decidedly Mediterranean atmosphere are the draws of this tried and true neighborhood Italian restaurant. The pasta is …

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