Still Around

My life has been non-stop lately, which is mostly good but partly frustrating.  I have plenty of blog-worthy eats and activities.  Coming soon!

Auntie Em

I was just in Madison, Wisconsin again for work and heading there again next week.  (Basically, I am home for the weekend.)  Because of storms in the East last night, my flight got in extremely late.  I walked in my door at 3:07am.  After being up almost 21 hours and hanging out in airports for endless hours, I am still exhausted and planning to nap very soon.  I can't, however, get the vision of the sky I saw Wednesday night out of my head.

The storms in the East last night were in the Midwest yesterday.  There were tornado warnings and the hotel was considering moving all its guests to a conference room.  Several of my colleagues and I were at an Indian restaurant a 5-minute walk away from the hotel when all of this was happening.  The hotel shuttle service would not come get us because of the tornado threat.  We paid a guy - a complete stranger with a big Chevy Suburban (filled with lot of "stuff") stopping for takeout - $20 to run 5 of us back to the hotel.  (Because of all the "stuff" he had to make two trips.)  The rain was intense and the main road looked like a river. I am very grateful to this man who told us his name was "Jake the Snake."

When I got back to the hotel I learned a tornado touched now near where I was staying.  Back in my room, I opened my curtains and put on the Weather Channel, which was beeping every 5 minutes because of the tornado threat.  (That is a very disconcerting noise.)  I kept an eye outside to watch for the funnel cloud and had a plan in mind in case I saw one.  During my "watch," I saw the strangest sky I have ever seen. 

It was dark out.  Well, actually, it was supposed to be dark out.  Instead, the sky was the most incredible color of orange I have ever seen.  I don't mean "Ah, isn't that beautiful?" sunset orange.  I mean angry forest fire orange.  I really did wonder if there was a forest fire but knew there were nothing but farms and strips malls around us.  The orange was so bright it made it look like daytime.  I was so stunned I didn't even think of taking a picture of it with my cell phone.  I wish I had.  Instead, this picture is from the Web.  It really doesn't do it justice but provides some idea.  (Note:  This is just a random picture of an orange, tornado sky.  It is not what I saw that night.)

The next day my colleagues were talking about the eerie night sky.  Apparently I wasn't the only one watching  to see if I was going to be in harm's way.  One colleague said he saw green in the sky.  I didn't see that.

Now that I'm home and not threatened by a tornado, I googled "orange sky during tornado."  I didn't persist enough to learn why this happens but I saw dozens of accounts of people seeing this type of sky in areas threatened by severe thunderstorms or tornadic activity.  Like my colleague, many people reported a green-ish hue in the sky.

As I head upstairs to nap, I know I will see that sky in my head as I drift off.  I am also thankful for this life experience that ended well.  I now know what an unusual sky can mean.  I can use this information to protect myself if needed as I travel to the Midwest 3 more times in the next several weeks.

Eden

What visions does "Eden" conjure up for you?  The Eden to which I'm referring can be found in Rehoboth, Delaware.  If you think of "Eden" as a beautiful place serving as a respite from the hustle and bustle, that would relate to this Eden.

Eden is a restaurant that touts "bold American food." It offers great variety in the menu, which includes scallops, tuna, salmon, filet mignon, chicken breast, and wood fired flatbreads, to name a few.  The entree that won my attention was the grilled antelope.  I would say that is certainly bold; wouldn't you?

I have never seen antelope on the menu before. The waiter responded to my question about whether the meat was "gamey" with a resounding "no."  He explained that fear just before death creates that "gamey" taste in animals but that these animals were quickly killed.  He went on to say how but, frankly, it was TMI (too much information).  I think that was the waiter's only miscue.

The antelope come from the Broken Arrow Ranch  in Texas Hill Country.  The ranch sells "truly wild" (roaming, pen-free) animals including - in addition to the antelope - wild boar, venison, and quail.  (An online store is available.)  A quick Google search for the ranch had me thinking it was owned by music legend Neil Young.  Turns out Young owns a ranch with the same name in California.  (Besides, if you know his music, you know he didn't have a lot of respect for "southern men" anyway so I guess I should have been immediately doubtful that he owned a ranch in Texas.)

But back to the antelope...it was delicious.  Not a hint of an unpleasant wild taste, tender, and very much like filet mignon.  It was served with toasted barley/mushroom confit salad, braised local greens, and a cherry chutney.  I strongly recommend it.

There were six of us for dinner and each person was pleased with the food.  We were also pleased with the charming atmosphere.  We had the big round table in the corner at the front window.  The booths have curtain sheers that can be drawn.  Of course, we pulled ours together - well - just because we could.  It helped create a "fog" between ourselves and the rest of the restaurant on this Memorial Day weekend Saturday.  With the muted colors and candlelight, we lingered in this comfort for quite some time.  Although, when the check came, there was some discomfort.

The dining partner who recommended the restaurant told us her two favorite wines were specials that evening and not normally available.  They were not on the menu - mind you - but the waiter confirmed she had read correctly (online, I believe).  We got a bottle of Silver Oaks red (Cabernet, I think) and Cakebread Cellars white (Chardonnay, as I recall).  (Memorial Day weekend feels like a lifetime ago, unfortunately.)  Each wine was very good and I would certainly enjoy drinking them again.  We learned that the white was $70 and the red was $100.  Oops!  Forgot to ask about the price! 

I suppose we should have known that the wine could be pricey as the entrees at Eden average in the high $20's/low $30's.  (My antelope was $29.)  But we were apparently seduced by the atmosphere, interesting menu, and excellent server.  Also, we wanted some wine with our artisinal cheese board appetizer and meals.  The bottom line - with no desserts and tip (not automatically included, surprisingly) - turned out to be $150 per couple.

Eden cost Adam and Eve so don't be surprised if it costs you, too.  If you are willing to pay a little extra for excellent food and service with a special ambiance, you won't go wrong with Eden on Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, DE.

Walk Against Hate

On May 15, 2011 the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) held the first annual Walk Against Hate in Philadelphia on Martin Luther King Drive (formerly West River Drive).  This walk was an "initiative in which people from various backgrounds (were) united to stand together to embrace diversity."  It was my opportunity to lend support to an important cause and enjoy the day with a few friends.

The ADL web site adds this event was an "opportunity for both youth and adults to make strides against bigotry and hatred in their communities."  The walk benefited ADL’s programs including No Place For Hate®, which is a program available to schools and communities to educate people to counteract hatred and bigotry.

The day was warm and a storm was threatening.  That didn't keep people away from participating in this inaugural event.  While the crowd was certainly not as thick as for other established walks, such as the AIDS Walk, it was what I would guess was a pleasing number for the first walk of its kind.  (I couldn't find the number of people who attended. I must confess I made a lame attempt to find this information.) 

I imagine that most walks start with small numbers and increase each year.  If you would like to see a bigger crowd for this event next year, come out to walk against hate next May.  Check out the ADL web site in the future for more information.  In the meantime, let these pictures take you to the recent 2011 event.  If you choose to walk next year, you will see some of Philly's famous sights.

Boathouse Row

Art Museum and Waterworks

I love this picture. Do you see the faces? (Half-open eyes and frowns)

On the way back to the car...

How Sweet it Was

It is possible to plan the “perfect” day. Every now and then, however, we luck out and the perfect day happens by chance. This kind of day seems even sweeter than a planned “perfect” day – probably because it is so unexpected and effortless. I had this kind of day on Mother’s Day, May 8th.

Before you get ahead of the story, it is important to note I’m not a mother. So wipe out that vision of a pleased mom surrounded by her brood of well-behaved children.  I certainly have a mother and spent time with her the day before Mother’s Day but this year's Mother’s Day was more about sun and being on the water.  It was a beautiful day to try out several kayaks as I contemplated this big purchase.

EMS (Eastern Mountain Sports) held an event at Lum’s Pond State Park in Bear, Delaware for people to evaluate different kayaks. There was a good turn-out as folks test paddled about 25 different boats. But even before I got in a boat, my interest about the state park was piqued. This park, only about an hour (or less, depending on traffic) from Philadelphia, offers boat rentals, camping, and swimming. I’m thinking I’ll camp there in the Fall when I can paddle during the day and sit by a campfire at night. (I should add…I will paddle in my own kayak as a purchase – including a rack for transporting – was made.)

After spending a few hours learning about paddles and trying different boats, my partner, friend and I were ravenous. We didn’t want fast food but weren’t sure where to go. We relied on the GPS. It told us there was a restaurant just minutes away with “Waterside” (or something like that) in the name. Excited about the prospect of eating on the water, we decided to try it.

The GPS led us to a marina in Bear, Delaware. The restaurant name provided by the GPS was no longer accurate by we were taken to Aqua Sol.  Now remember, this was Mother’s Day, and we were dressed in kayaking clothing. I wondered if this was going to be a factor as I walked up to the attractive building with outdoor seating, including big umbrellas, overlooking the water.

I asked the hostess – very loudly since the jazz band was right near the hostess stand – if the way we were dressed was a problem. She said it wasn’t and, even though I felt a bit awkward as I looked at the nicely dressed diners dressed for the holiday, I decided this restful, sunny location was too good to give up. We were seated and decided to have a drink as we waited about 1 hour for the Mother’s Day brunch to end. (We didn’t want a repeat of the breakfast we had that morning at our local diner.)

Waiting to dine at Aqua Sol wasn't a problem.  The restaurant is a smile-maker.  It is such a pleasure to look down on the boats – some of which were huge yachts – in the marina. We could also see what we later learned was the old Summit Bridge spanning the C and D canal.

As for the food, we were able to choose between "Miami inspired" (Latino influenced) light fare as well as more serious dishes.  Since it was 4pm-ish, we had the lighter fare. Two of us had the slow-roast pork tacos and the other had the ancho rubbed short ribs. And no need to worry about prices here. I anticipated having to pay a premium for the view, and the jazz band, but that proved to be an unwarranted concern.

I left my credit card at the restaurant and had to return a few days later to get it. While this sounds like a drag, and they would have sent it to me, I actually enjoyed returning to the restaurant. As I drove into the marina , there were many more workers than there were on Sunday. The workers were readying the big boats – washing and waxing and inspecting. I paused near the dining area of the restaurant (no one was there at 3pm on a week day) and absorbed the view again.

The day was similar to the day I dined there. The sun was warm and I snuck out of work early to head south on I-95 to get my card. I felt like I was on vacation, just as I had on Mother’s Day. I was transported back to that “perfect day,” even as I headed back on the road to pick up the kayak at EMS. 

Weeks later, I'm am still happy to think about that day.  And I'm also thinking the kayak will provide me with many more perfect days.

 **********************************

Lums Pond Boat Rental Rates - 2010 (2011 rates not yet on the web site)
1/2 Hour Rentals
Pedal Boat  $6

1 Hour Rentals

• Rowboat $7
• Canoe $8
• Pedal Boat $10
• Kayak - Single $9, Tandem $11
• Sailboat $14

 Day Rentals

• Rowboat $35
• Canoe $40 
• Pedal Boat $50
• Kayak -Single $45, Tandem $55
• Sailboat $70

Philadelphia Race Street Pier Opening May 12th

Back in my Manhattan days I swooned over the Highline - the elevated-train-track-turned-park.  My pulse has recently started to quicken because Philadelphia is getting something reminiscent of my beloved Highline.  May 12th - less than one week - will begin a new era for the Philadelphia waterfront.

Artist Rendition of  the Race Street Pier

The Race Street Pier will turn an old, dilapidated pier into a city park complete with 30+ swamp oak trees, flowers, grass and benches.  This peninsula park will allow people to stroll along the Delaware River while enjoying a new view of the city skyline. 

Of course, we Philadelphians know that accessing the Delaware means having to get over or under Interstate 95.  (Don't even get me started on how city planners blocked easy access to the river "back in the day" when they put several lanes of an interstate between it and Center City.)  Fortunately, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) seems to have a solid plan for making the I-95 crossing more fitting for the new pier park. 

According to the DRWC web site

It is only a 4 minute walk from the corner of Race and Second Streets to the river, but most Philadelphians rarely make the turn and don’t realize how close their waterfront actually is. A combination of design elements are proposed to enhance connectivity to the river and improve the pedestrian and bike experience including a dedicated bike lane, signage, benches, bollards, curb realignments, increased sidewalk widths, crosswalks, plantings and a dramatic light screen along the right-side wall of the underpasses.

The  web site has "before and after" pictures of the Race Street Connector. 

On May 11th, the day before the big opening, you can get a sneak preview of the Race Street Pier - for $150.  This "casual chic" party, called A Festive Evening on the Water's Edge, will be from 6p - 9p on the new pier - rain or shine.  Tickets can be purchased on the DRWC web site and include complimentary valet parking, entertainment, food, drinks, and fireworks.

This is an exciting time for the Philadelphia waterfront.  Mayor Michael Nutter is quoted on the DRWC web site as saying, "The development of the Central Delaware is a project that will reinvent Philadelphia’s relationship with its waterfront in 10, 20, 30 years from now."  Fortunately, we won't have to wait years for the Race Street Pier.  We have just a few days to wait.  I know I'm counting down.  If the pier is anything like the New York City Highline, it will be my new favorite place in Philadelphia.

Before

  

Before

Before

 Keep up with the Race Street Pier via Facebook: Friends of Race Street Pier

Philly Updates

Perch Pub
Way back on January 21st of this year I blogged about looking forward to trying Perch Pub for lunch.  This week I flew into this pub, which is perched above Broad and Locust Streets, to meet a friend for lunch. 

The space is warm with exposed brick walls and a nice bar.  The food was good, too - or at least our salads were.  The place was empty on a Tuesday at high noon.  I hope they make it as the pub seems like a great alternative to Sotto Varalli Restaurant, which is immediately downstairs, for the theater and after-work crowds.  And the "perched" perspective provides a great view of the streets below.  In fact, we saw Danny Bonaduce head down Locust Street on his scooter.  It was a bird's eye view of a Partridge!

 



PIFA

On April 1st I blogged about the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts, with a focus on the final event - the Parisian Street Fair - the last day of the festival.  As it turns out, an estimated 150,000 people attended this event.  I believe it, too.  Broad Street between Chestnut and Lombard Streets was like being in a Tokyo subway at rush hour. I read that many of the poor folks going to the orchestra at the Kimmel Center that night were late because they had to work their way through the crowd.

The crowd in the Kimmel Center was deep at 7pm for the lighting of the "Eiffel Tower."  The lighting was coordinated with music.  It was a pleasant experience that left me dreaming of being in Paris. 

After the lighting of the tower was over, the crowd moved like a wave back onto Broad and Locust Streets for the main event - the high-flying La Comagnie Transe Express.  The show was supposed to begin at 7:30pm.  The crowd was getting restless - and some briefly booed - when the show still hadn't started at 8:10pm.  Someone near me had the crowd around us chuckle by screaming out, "Do something French!" 

My "bad" foot and the leg to which it's attached were dreaming of sitting at a Parisian cafe but they - and I -persevered.  And I'm glad I did.  What a show.  It was only 1/2 hour but the musicians - beating drums - and trapeze artists suspended hundreds of feet above Broad Street were a sight to behold.  They were hanging on a giant contraption that flapped up and down and spun them around.  It was a good night in Paris...uh...I mean Philly.

In the Heartland

Flying to Minneapolis from Philadelphia, it's easy to see why the Heartland is called "the flyover middle" of the country. That term is used pejoratively, and I don't understand it.  Looking down at the farms, rivers, lakes, wandering dirt roads and quilt-like pattern from 30,000 feet is calming to me.  It also makes me wonder about the people.  Do they struggle to maintain the family farm?  Do their little children dream of walking down that long dirt road to the "big" (paved) road?  Do families spend free time in the summer playing in all those streams and creeks?  With no cities close by, what do they do for entertainment?  I like to think some of them play the works of art I saw today at the Minneapolis airport.

Minneapolis wasn't my final stop.  I was en route to Madison, Wisconsin for work.  As I was walking to my gate thinking, "This is the first of a series of six trips over the next few months," I saw an amazingly beautiful guitar in a glass case.  I cut through the crowd to admire it.  You would think the first thing to grab my attention was the unusual location of the opening in the guitar.  It wasn't.  It was the wood and its tones; the guitar looked warm and alive.  I don't play the guitar but I really wanted to hold that one.

The showcase was an advertisement for McPherson Guitars.  I had never heard of these guitars but assumed they were made in Minnesota.  Turns out they are made in Sparta, Wisconsin.  This is where, over 30 years ago, the company made a guitar with "a unique Offset Soundhole Technology" that apparently makes a difference in the sound of the music.  In addition, the various "tonal woods" from which to choose for a custom guitar also makes a slight difference in the sound.  These beautiful guitars look like they average between $5,000 - $6,000.

I encourage you to visit the website - with your volume turned on.  The sound of the guitars is so crisp it is almost as though someone is playing right next to you.  These guitars are played by many people, per the web site, including names I recognize like Brad Paisley and Amy Grant.

I know it's a stereotype from a "city person" like me - or maybe it's a romanticized view of the hardworking people whose lives I think I can understand from the plane - but these guitars seem to fit a sensitivity I imagine the "heartlanders" having that we may have lost on the coasts.  The guitars, like the people, are seemingly simple from my vantage point, but I really know they are not.

Saffron Indian Restaurant in Bala Cynwyd, PA

Saffron is a Zagat 2011 "Noteworthy Newcomer" and Philadelphia Magazine "Best of Philly 2010" winner.  This restaurant has two locations - one in Bala Cynwyd and another in Ambler.  During a visit to the Bala Cynwyd location, I discovered the food was good but the service and noise level made it not worth the trip.

I visited Saffron yesterday (a Thursday night) during Main Line Restaurant Week.  For $20, I got an appetizer, entree, bread, and dessert.  My dining partner and I shared the Onion Bhajia (marinated, deep-fried vegetables in a chickpea batter; normally $4) and Chatpata Murg Tikka (Chicken tenders, marinated in yogurt spiced with coriander, ginger and cumin powder and baked in a charcoal clay oven;  normally $9) appetizers.  The Onion Bhajia was very crisp and tasty.  The chicken was extremely tender and came on a bed of peppers and onions.  I recommend both appetizers.

For our entrees, we had Murg Korma (Boneless pieces of chicken cooked in a rich almond and cream sauce; normally $14) and Chana Punjabi (more commonly known as Chana Masala - Chickpeas gently cooked with onions, herbs and tomatoes; normally $12).  I didn't sample the korma but my friend liked it.  I enjoyed my chickpeas.  I had the garlic and coriander naan as my bread choice and my friend had the tandoori roti (whole wheat bread with no oil).  These were normally $3 and $2, respectively.  The naan, and its buttery goodness, was more tasty - as you would expect - than the roti.

We ended our meals with rice pudding.  I was tempted to get a mango lassi as a "extra" but I was full.  While the entree portions were standard, I was filled by the appetizers, which I typically don't get when I eat Indian.

Go to Saffron for take-out.  The noise - largely due to a large table of about a dozen college-aged women - was so loud I could barely hold a conversation.  In fact, one couple got up and moved to another side of the small dining room in a desperate (and  probably futile attempt) to get away from the noise.  I suspect, however, that the restaurant is probably loud many nights when it is full.

I was most disappointed with the service.  After our meals were served, no one checked back with us to make sure everything was satisfactory.  Considering the restaurant was not full at that time, that is inexcusable.  Also, my water glass was empty for a 1/2 hour before I finally was able to find someone who could fill it.  I was told "OK" but that didn't happen.  I had to ask again when our check was brought to the table.  Even without these faux pas, I would say the service was chilly at best. 

It's a good thing the food is good - although not fabulous - or Saffron would not be worth a visit at all.  I encourage Zagat and Philly Magazine to visit again.

Paris Comes to Philadelphia

PIFA?  Never heard of it.  Turns out it's the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts.  Or, for awhile, I'll pretend it stands for Philly's Interesting, Fun Activity. 

If you are anywhere in the Northeast, you know that Spring hasn't really arrived here. Cold weather does not want to leave us and snow made one (hopefully) last appearance today.  So what are most of us doing?  Waiting anxiously for warmer weather and fun, outdoor activities.  We seem to have a forecast for that soon in Philadelphia.

On Saturday,  April 30th, a sliver of Center City will look a little Parisian compliments of the PIFA Street Fair.  This free event from 11am - 8:30pm will turn Broad Street between Chestnut and Lombard into a Francophile's dream.  The fair will feature French street performers and food vendors, a public garden with a children's area, two stages for musical performances, and a giant Ferris wheel.  The fair will culminate with a "breathtaking routine" by La Comagnie Transe Express suspended 100 feet in the air. Just a brief glimpse of the company's web site (check it out!) looks like they can thrill the mere mortals left on the ground to watch.

This street fair is just one of many events planned between April 7 - May 1 as part of the festival.  The PIFA web site shows there are many entertainment options - from music, theater, speakers, dance, film, tours, etc.  I'm all for those things.  More than ever, however, I am ready for the outdoor events.  I plan on being at Philly's Interesting, Fun Activity on April 30th.  I hope warm weather is planning on being there, too.

Going, Going, Gone

For six weeks I've been in a cast.  Six weeks prior to that I wore a boot.  My wandering has been severely limited.  Today the cast came off.  Oh happy day!

Keeping Track - Four Weeks Down

Five Weeks Down



Six Weeks Down; Heading to Get it Cut Off



It's Happening!  It's Coming Off!

Approaching the Incision Area; I'm Scared

Ah!  I Feel the Air!

The Mummy Leg is Unravelling

The Moment Before My First View of It

Oh No!  Ouch!

Swollen, Sore But Free 

Superior Donuts - See it in Philly Through April 3, 2011

Tracy Letts

Playwright Tracy Letts won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play August: Osage County.  He also won a Tony Award for the play.  The next year, he wrote Superior Donuts.  I missed it on Broadway when I was living in New York City so I was happy to learn I could see it in Philly.  It's currently at the Arden Theater in Old City for a few more days.

Superior Donuts reviews in Chicago, New York, and even Philadelphia were not glowing.  And most reviews did a comparison to August: Osage County.  The New York Times (6.30.2008) said,

(Letts') new play, “Superior Donuts,” which opened Saturday at the Steppenwolf Theater here, is a much less ambitious repast. It has a lot in common with the deep-fried breakfast food of the title. It’s insubstantial and sweet, with virtually no nutritional value.

The Chicago Tribune (10.1.2009) wrote,

So. Is “Superior Donuts” the next “August”? No. Another Great American Play? Nope. The one to beat for all the awards? It would have to be a lean year. Straight to Broadway? Don’t book your flight.

The Tribune was wrong on the last point as Superior Donuts did come to Broadway.  I also disagree with both papers in their overall assessments.

James William Ijames (left) and Craig Spindle

The Philadelphia production of Superior Donuts was excellent.  The actors were mostly very good; I especially liked the performances of Nancy Boykin (Lady Boyle), James William Ijames (Franco Wicks), and Craig Spidle (Arthur Przybyszewski).  The play was funny, provocative, and more real than its highly acclaimed sister. In fact, I saw August: Osage County on Broadway and I can easily say I liked Superior Donuts much better. 

Go see this play.  It gave me two hours and twenty minutes of entertainment and I wanted more.  Non-Philadelphians shouldn't be too surprised to find it near you, too, as it seems to be making the circuit.  Don't miss it when it comes to your area like I did in New York City.  You may not be as lucky as I was; you may not have a second chance.

Both a Blessing and a Curse

Outstanding in the Field

Slow food ("Links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment). Buy Local ("Buying local goods and services instead of those produced more distantly").  Green Movement("Support of environmentally friendly products").  Sustainable Agriculture ("Farming using principles of ecology and the study of relationships between organisms and their environment").  These movements and concepts are what I assoicate with Outstanding in the Field.

Outstanding in the Field is an organization I have been following for a few years.  I've been tempted by it and so far have resisted the temptation.  I came very close recently to giving in but I stood firm.  What is the lure?  Just read this information from the About Us section of their website, which reads like a love letter to me:

Our mission is to re-connect diners to the land and the origins of their food, and to honor the local farmers and food artisans who cultivate it.

Outstanding in the Field is a roving culinary adventure – literally a restaurant without walls. Since 1999 we have set the long table at farms or gardens, on mountain tops or in sea caves, on islands or at ranches. Occasionally the table is set indoors: a beautiful refurbished barn, a cool greenhouse or a stately museum. Wherever the location, the consistent theme of each dinner is to honor the people whose good work brings nourishment to the table.

Ingredients for the meal are almost all local (sometimes sourced within inches of your seat at the table!) and generally prepared by a celebrated chef of the region. After a tour of the site, we all settle in: farmers, producers, culinary artisans, and diners sharing the long table.

On August 27, Outstanding in the Field will come to the Happy Farm in Kintnersville, PA.  The chef is from Bolete Restaurant in Bethlehem, PA.  For $180 a person, you can join this dining experience.  I wasn't tempted by this one.  I thought of August heat and humidity.  I visualized sticking to my seat while trying to dine.  Not appealing.

Less than an hour from Philadelphia, the Blooming Glen Farm in Perkasie will host Outstanding in the Field on September 24th.  The chef is from Supper on South Street in Philadelphia.  This one will set you back $200 per person.  Believe it or not, I almost did this.  I was "oh so close."  In the end, I just couldn't justify the expense.  It's not too late, though, if you are interested.

The release date for Outstanding in the Field tickets is announced in advanced.  This builds a frenzy, I believe.  When the big day came this past Sunday, several locations sold out quickly.  (Many of these were in California, where pleasant outside dining season is certainly longer than on the East Coast.  New York City sold out quickly, too.)  To see if locations in your area have sold out, check out the schedule.

The concept of Outstanding in the Field interests me, as do the movements and concepts that I relate to it.  But it occurs to me there is another concept I should have listed above.  Expensive.  This is what will prevent me from being seduced by Outstanding in the Field for yet another year.

March Madness in the City of Sisterly Love (?)

As of this moment, Temple is still in and Penn State, Princeton and Villanova are out.  If you live in Philly, you may already know this.  If you're a bracket junkie, you're getting your fix right now and definitely know this.  That's right folks, it's March Madness.  But guess what?  Women play this game too!

Yes, for most, March Madness means great men's basketball.  And that's absolutely correct.  But it also means great women's basketball.  If you live in the Philadelphia area, you may get to see local favorites play, like Penn State or Princeton or powerhouses UConn (coached by Geno Auriemma, local guy) or Tennessee (coached by the legend, Pat Summit).  One of the four women's regional tournaments (Sweet 16) will be held here in Philadelphia.

The Temple University Liacouras Center will be jumpin' on Sunday, March 27nd and Tuesday, March 29th.  Tickets are still available but this tournament will surely sell out.  Not sure?  Check out the NCAA Women's Bracket to help you decide.  The tickets are only $32 for Sunday and, remember, that's for two games! Pay $57 and that includes Tuesday's game.  (Student tickets are cheaper.)

If you're worried that you'll miss a men's game, they're not playing on the 29th.  OK, so they are playing on the 27th, but you won't catch them live in Philly.  For live March Madness, see you at Temple University!

Addendum:  The games featured UConn vs. Georgetown and Duke vs. DePaul. The first game was really exciting.  I was hoping for a UConn loss but they squeaked out a win.  The latter game was very poorly played.  Didn't look like Division 1 Basketball.  The game turned out to be closer than I thought it would have.  Duke prevailed.

Chef Jose Garces Guapos Tacos - Find Them if You Can

Chef Garces took his show on the road.  Starting just this month, his fare is now available via truck...if you can find it.  Well, it's really not that hard.  You can follow the truck's whereabouts on Twitter. 

Apparently, seems like as soon as the Tweet goes out the masses arrive.  Hungry Huddlers can spend their time looking at the bottle caps that make up the mural on the side of the truck.  Or, they can focus on the paper menus that are distributed to make the line go faster.  On the menu, you will find:

• Guacamole Con Cotija
• Tacos De Carnitas
• Tacos De Lengua Y Costillas (Remember, lengua = tongue. A dish from Garces' Distrito Restuarant)
• Veggie Tacos

You can book the truck for your own event or party by calling the Garces Restaurant Group at 215-625-2920.  Right now, the website does not have any specifics related to booking the truck.