Visiting Vincent Bartolino at the Tangier

Vincent Bartolino & Tangier's Madam Debbie






















1801 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19041
215.732.5006
www.tangier.thekalon.com

Well here is how the story begins.........

Every time I venture to Philadelphia I always hook up with Vincent Bartolino a.k.a Chris Martino, my longtime best friend. Since Vincent has moved to the outskirts of South Philly he has become a regular at this bar call the Tangier. It is a quaint almost-hole-in-the-wall that has more character than any mainstream bar in any major city. It is built by the personality of the people who run it and patron it. Brett, LJ and Anders were the bartenders I met whenever I have ventured to this watering hole, and do they know how to pour a cocktail. The one lady you can't forget-- that if she wasn't there the place would crumble -- is Debbie. She rocks the Casbah with her quick wit and Philadelphia charm.

I ventured in this particular night with my brother Chris and the Hellcat in tow. We were in for a wild night. We ate some cuisine off their menu. I had the wings which were outstanding to say the least. The meat was nice and juicy with hot sauce all over my fingers. Yum Yum. My brother Chris had the burger (which won honorable mention for the best burger in Philly) which he explained to me as cash money when I asked him to describe it for me. Hellcat had a tasty looking fried fish plate that she explained was good but after seeing what my brother and I had just scarfed down that she would have rather have that because it is more beer and cocktail type food. I in this choice would have to agree.

After we had our meal we ventured outside to enjoy our cocktails on Lombard Street where we were joined by Debbie. We had great conversation and barrels of laughs. It is always good to go home and enjoy the family.

Venturing down the to Jersey Shore & hitting the Crab Trap

2 Broadway
Somers Point, NJ 08244
(609) 927-7377
www.thecrabtrap.com

It's always nice to venture home to Philadelphia, and every time I DO go home, I always try to travel to my second home in Atlantic City. When I was younger my parents had a house in Longport, New Jersey which is right in between Ocean City and Margate.

I lost my father on April 10th, 2007. I am back now in Philly/Atlantic City to spread my father's ashes at the 28 mile wreck. The 28 mile wreck is a shipwreck that is 28 SSE of Atlantic City. We took out my father's best friend's boat and handled our family business. On the way back we all decided to go to the Crab Trap, because it was a restaurant that my father would take us to when we were kids.

The Crab Trap is set on the point between Linwood and Ocean City adjacent from the 9th Street Bridge. It is a little mom & pop joint that has been there for 40 plus years and is still owned by the same family today. It has your local type of Jersey Shore Seafood menu. Scallops, shrimp, clams, mussels, crab cakes, shellfish platters and crab legs. The food is, for the most part, good. They do serve the dressing from the bottle and used par baked bread but it reminds me of home.

I dined on some very tasty Delaware Bay Oysters. I had order 2 dozen and the server only brought me one. She was a little young and overwhelmed. She was a shore girl that was living here for the summer while school in Philly was out. That is the norm here at the Jersey Shore. I had their raw clams as well as some Clams Casino. I will say that it was one of the better Clams Casino I have dined on in recent years. Surprisingly my younger sister Cyndie was getting down like no tommorrow on some raw shellfish. She was sometimes prissy growing up at the Cappello ranch but it was great to see her get down with the raw product.

The rest of the family dined on the normal fare, which is all good. It was especially good to go back to the restaurant where my father took us as kids. I miss him very much and it was a way to be close to him again, even if it was only for a few hours.

Tap at 1180 -- The Gastropub has landed in Atlanta

Tap: A Gastropub
1180 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
404.347.2220
www.tapat1180.com

A gastropub is a British term for a public house ("pub") which specializes in high-quality food a step above the more basic "pub grub. " The name is a portmanteau of pub and gastronomy and was coined in 1991 when David Eyre and Mike Belben opened a pub called The Eagle in Clerkenwell, London. They placed an emphasis on the quality of food served, though The Eagle was not the first pub to offer good food.

Gastropubs usually have an atmosphere which is relaxed and a focus on offering a particular cuisine prepared as well as it is in the best restaurants. Staying true to the format requires a menu that complements the assortment of beers and wines the gastropub offers.

Some describe gastropubs as the Anglo-equivalent of the French brasserie or the Japanese izakaya.

The question at hand: Does TAP follow the confines of a gastropub??

Bob Amick & Todd Rushing started off recruiting a very good chef in Todd Ginsberg. Chef Ginsberg's experience has taken him all over the world and I would say the highlight would have been working for Super Chef Alain Ducasse. The menu is very earthly and delightful with tones of New American flair with deep roots of the gastropub cuisine embedded in it.

The Hellcat & I ventured to another business meeting in the lovely Midtown section and ended up at TAP. Well, the patio was packed to the gills and it was only 5.30pm. There was a 1/2 hour wait for a table of three. This does follow the formula for Bob Amick restaurants -- the place to be seen!!! We decided to take a walk around the space and see what it had to offer. There are three floors with a staircase and an elevator connecting all levels. One item that was very perplexing because I am a chef and this wouldn't make sense to me: The kitchen was all the way on the top floor and the prep kitchen was in the basement? The patio is the busiest part of the restaurant and the food is being cooked on the third floor?? Why??

We finally were seated at our table. the menus are really cool. Kind of like an old school clipboard with a catalog cut into sections. They range from info, brunch, lunch, supper, wine and beer. The beer selection is what I like. They had some great beers and some ones I haven't tasted yet. I started with an Ommegang Rare Vos. Very nice, tasty, refreshing and a nice kick of hops at the end.

The Supper menu as it is called was very gastropub. I started off with the Brutus Salad -- baby yukon gold potatoes, applewood smoked bacon, rocket (arugula) and the optional fried egg -- must have the egg on the salad. Hellcat had the Tomini cheese, tomato jam and crusty bread. It is hard to mess this dish up but Hellcat likes her crostinis and they were not up to snuff. Small detail but still matters. Our business associate Brad Lev -- owner of Lit Kitchen -- had the Tempura Pork Dumpling with whole grain mustard sauce. The dumplings were fantastic but the sauce was off -- maybe too much mustard in the sauce and not enough salt. I must say it was a good meal for the restaurant only being open for less than 2 weeks.

In closing -- if you are looking for a cool place to hang with your friends and enjoy good beer and a nibble this may be your place -- for dinner though I might think differently since most of the people are here to drink and party it up. It would be quite loud for you and a loved one to enjoy a quiet meal.

Tamarind Seed in Colony Square -- The reincarnation of Tamarind

Tamarind Seed
1175 Peachtree St
Suite 110
Atlanta, GA 30361
(404) 873-4888
www.tamarindatl.com

Nan Niyomkul is one of the best chefs in our fair city -- I was very happy when Tamarind Seed finally opened it doors. I have known the Niyomkul family for many years going all the back to my Ritz Carlton days. Charlie and his wife Nan along with their two children Eddie and Dee Dee, have always worked hard to bring Atlanta Thai food that was bar none when it comes to both the quality of their ingredients to the passion they put into making it -- Tamarind Seed is a direct reflection of this process.

The Hellcat and I stopped by after having a meeting earlier in the evening. We walked in the door and there was Eddie running the show as if the original Tamarind never closed -- he looked happy to be running the floor and giving the guests a great experience. We sat in the bar area at this table that looked to be a craved tree with a glass top. I had the Singha brew as always and Hellcat had some house chardonnay. We were handed menus and the drooling & fighting began on who would order what and if we were going to share with each other.

We opted for a few simple choices: We ordered the traditional Tamarind pork dumplings with banging sauce and the duck breast salad. The dumplings were moist and juicy and exploding with pork goodness. When those dumplings were dipped in the soyesque sauce it was like being in heaven. The duck salad was also another knockout. The duck was cooked a perfect medium with all the juices flowing. The salad itself was quite refreshing for such a hot and humid Atlanta day.

If you are looking for the best Thai in town you must venture to Tamarind Seed and ask for Eddie -- he will set you on the right path to salvation. There are very trusted hands in the kitchen and some of the best looking people in Atlanta on the floor. No need to say more!!

Mirch Masala - Bad Ass Indian Cuisine

Mirch Masala
1713 Church St
Decatur, GA 30033
(404) 296-9999

No website Available

So the Hellcat and I were traveling through Decatur some weeks ago when I blurted out, "Man, I haven't had any Indian food in a long time." It just so happens that we were passing by Mirch Masala and the Hellcat said we should stop by and check it out.

So I quickly turned the car into the parking lot and it was off to Indian heaven. Their menu is very diverse as well as very tasty. There are many different ways to start meal, but my choice would be to go for the variety of Naan they have to offer. From Garlic Naan, Keema (lamb) Naan, Bullet (garlic chili paste) Naan and the regular, any choice would be be a good one. Hellcat and I have tried them all and I like the Kema Naan because the lamb is baked right it the fresh dough and Hellcat enjoys that Garlic -- it is what it is -- different strokes for different folks as they say.

Besides trying the Naan's we also tried the Keema Samosa to which we both agreed that they are off the chain -- moist lamb, crispy crust and perfectly cooked -- there is an Indian type applesauce they put on the table -- make sure you get some of that sauce with your samosas. There other appetizers that will tickle the fancy that feature chicken, veggies and yes, more lamb. The Lamb Sheekh is another standout. Lamb is formed around a metal skewer and then grilled to perfection, pulled off the skewer and placed on a bed of sizzling onions. Cash Money all the way!!!

The entrees are very large portions -- you will be taking home a doggie bag from here. We samples a few of the entrees from the Chicken Tikka (chicken marinated in various herbs and spices, grilled and sent out on a sizzle platter, Bombay-Aloo (Hearty Chucks of Potato with tomatoes & peas served with a curry gravy and Lamb Curry (Chunks of Lamb stewed in this bas ass dark curry). Mostly all the entrees are served with a nutty basmati rice that pairs well with most of the dishes.

The service staff is very friendly and takes the time to explain the menu for us non-Indian folk -- although I will state that the few times myself & Hellcat went to Mirch Masala there were more Americans that Indian. If you are in the Decatur area and are craving for the favorite curry it is definitely worth the trip.

Dante & Luigi's - A South Philadelphia Institution

Dante & Luigi’s
Corona di ferro
762 South 10th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Est. 1899

Ph: 215-922-9501
Fx: 215-922-3437

www.danteandluigis.com

Pat's VS Geno's VS Jim's -- Who has the best Philly cheesesteak?

Pat's King of Steak's
1237 East Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, Pa 19147
215.468.1546
www.patskingofsteaks.com


Geno's Steak's
1219 S. 9th Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19147
215.389.0659
www.genosteaks.com


Jim's Steaks
400 South Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19147
215.928.1911
www.jimssteaks.com

Claudio's Speciality Market - The Nucleus of the Italian Market in South Philly

Claudio's Specialty Italian Market
922 S 9th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 238-0435
www.claudiofood.com

Vietnam - A small paradise in Chinatown

Vietnam Restaurant
221 North 11th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215.592.1163
www.eatatvietnam.com

The Italian Market - The Heart of South Philly

Look at this lovely fish stand -- there are so many items and all of the fresh quality -- shark steaks anyone???

A large & beautiful piece of Baked Bufula Ricotta introduced us to this soldier of Claudio's. His name was Freddie Landis and he was the magnanimous personality of Claudio's on this beautiful Sunday at the Italian Market in South Philly.

Here is Freddie again posing with Claudio's world famous balsamic vinegar -- the Hellcat & I tasted some and we have agreed that we need to get it in the ATL - maybe the 5th Earl Market???

Now this is what I am talking about right here!! This is fresh made Italian spicy pork sausage. All I am looking for at this point in time is a hot grill to put this sausage on, a little tomato gravy and an Amoroso Roll.

This is one of the many produce stands in the Italian Market. They are full of beautiful, vibrant vegetables & herbs for all areas of cuisine.

This the cheese counter at Claudio's. This is Freddie Landis's territory. As you can see in the case there are many fresh cheeses from all regions of France, Italy and Greece. If you look where the tongs are in the picture you will see the fresh mozzarella -- Claudio's famous cheese. They make the mozzarella fresh everyday in a sop right next door to Claudio's. It is a real sight to watch them make the fresh cheese.

In the photograph below you can see the assortment of fresh cured meats that Claudio's also makes on premise each and every day - from Coppa to Soppreseta they have you covered.

North Coast Beer Dinner Reviews and Photos

from left to right: Carmen Cappello: Executive Chef JCL Global Culinary, David Bressler: Executive Chef/Co-owner 5th Earl Market, Brian Falcon: Co-Owner 5th Earl Market, Nick and Greg Kirbabas: Owners Gorilla Brokerage, Ellen R. Howle: Vice President JCL Global Culinary

Sweetgrass Dairy Cheese Plate: Green Hill with 5th Earl Market Fig Jam
Thomasville Tomme with homemade Green Tomato Preserves
Sweetgrass Dairy Fresh Chevre with 35 year old Balsamic Vinegar

Georgia White Shrimp Ceviche
Avocado, Mango, Serrano Pepper, Pickled Garlic Dressing, Parsley Oil

Steak Tartare
Sexy Pickles, Shicaha Peppers, C-1 Cocktail Sauce, Lychee Aioli, Korean Watercress

Beet Borscht

Applewood Bacon, Roasted Banana, Organic Dill, Parsley Oil

Kevin Rathbun Steak -- Intro to the Trifecta

Kevin Rathbun Steak

154 Krog Street, Ste 200

Atlanta, Georgia 30307

Phone: 404.524.5600

Fax: 404.524.5666

info@kevinrathbunsteak.com

Kevin Rathbun Steak finally opened on May 30th, 2007. Droves of people waiting, hoping to secure a seat to see the big man himself -- Executive Chef & owner Kevin Rathbun, who is a very magnanimous figure in the ATL culinary scene. He is a giant among giants inside the restaurant. There are a lot of people standing around but still you always know where Kevin is since he towers over almost everyone in the crowd. Chef Kevin has a great personality and has the heart of a Pope. He is alway asking how everyone is doing and HE is everyone's friend. People in the community say the reason he is so successful is because of the embracing personality he shows to his diners and the community of Inman Park.

I started off my night by having drinks on the "Beltline" Patio. I must say it was quite a sight to see the tracks behind the restaurant and envision the Beltline going past. On this particular night there was some guy on a dirtbike who busted his ass while scooting down the tracks. It was a good laugh while I was sipping my Ketel One Dirty Martini with olives. I always gauge whether a restaurant can make a drink by requesting they make my martini dirty. After the first refreshing sip and watching dirtbike boy bust his ass, I must say that my drink was on point. The patio is a great gathering area before you dine but also for having a little soiree for 15-20 people.

Upon entering the restaurant to be seated for dinner, we ran into Cliff Bramble, GM and Owner. He, too, is another inviting face that makes dining at any Rathbun establishment welcoming. When we walked in the dining room I was uttlerly amazed by the design of Johnson Studio. From the large metallic tree branch to the layered steps of beautifully varnished wood it is a real dance for the eye.

As we were getting comfortable at our table I ran into Greg, an old server that I used to work with while at Haven/M!X. He was very attentive and took great care of us. I must say it was like an A-listers paradise that night. I ran into so many people in the business that I knew: Brady Lowe of the Taste Network, Jazmin Blais, Terry Koval & Nick Olstrash of Lobby at 12 and Room, Mary Moore, owner of Cook's Warehouse and the list went on and on. It was an enjoyable evening with my friends and other culinary counterparts. I am looking forward to heading back for a few more visits.

Farmer's Market Tour & Lunch

Join Julie Shaffer of Slow Food Atlanta and Executive Chef Carmen Cappello of JCL Global Culinary for a Saturday market tour of the Morningside Organic Farmer's Market on July 21st, 2007, 9am-2pm. Start out with coffee and pastries at Alon's Bakery, then tour the market and meet the farmers/producers of these fabuolous products while shopping with Chef Carmen. We will then head to LiT Kitchen (www.litkitchen.com) in West Midtown for a seasonal, Slow, organic lunch and a hands-on cooking class using the produce and meats purchased at the farmer's market earlier in the day.

Come and learn about the local, sustainable food movement at this delicious event.

The cost is $75.00 per person and includes Bloody Mary's, Mimosas and wine with the meal.

Reserve your spot at the table by sending a check payable to:

Julie Shaffer
4148 Kings Troop Road
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Slow Food Atlanta's Terra Madre Fund.

Kiss My Grits!!!!!!!

Join Executive Chef Carmen Cappello of JCL Global Culinary and Julie Shaffer of Slow Food Atlanta for an evening of culinary magic, as they plan and prepare a special night just for the ladies!!

Come and get spoiled (you know you deserve it) with hand and foot massages by Essential Steps, while watching rock star Chef Carmen cook up a fabulous, four course, seasonal, Slow, Southern dinner.

Cost for the evening is $75.00 per gal and includes cocktails, wine and loads of laughs. You might even learn a thing or two about cooking, if you care to!!

The event will take place on Friday, July 27th, 2007, 7.30pm-10.30pm at LiT Kitchen, 433 Bishop Street, Atlanta, Ga 30308

Reserve now by sending your check to:

Julie Shaffer
4148 Kings Troop Road
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083

Don't miss this opportunity to network, relax and have fun. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Slow Food Atlanta.

The 5th Earl Market brings Old World style to the hip side of Decatur

The 5th Earl Market
309 E. College Ave
Decatur, Georgia 30030
404.377.5477
www.5thearlmarket.com

When you walk into the 5th Earl Market(or the Earl as I call it) you get smacked in the face by the unbelievable personality and design. "This used to be OZ Pizza", I tell the Hellcat. David Bressler and Brian Falcon teamed up two years ago to develop the concept for the 5th Earl Market. If you walk around the restaurant you can see where the inspiration came from for this project. There are photos of meat and cheese shop taken in London, Scotland and the British Isles. Walking around the back to the bar there is a very quaint and comfortable bar that blends perfectly with the dark colored wood. You get the sense of family and friends when you take a seat and start sipping on that Highland Gaelic Ale.

The menu is comprised of sandwiches: hot, cold and paninis which all have great flavor and consistency. The drive behind the menu seems to be healthy and good for the heart which is a welcomed vernacular for today with no trans-fatty acids and foie gras. There are the crowd favorites: The Moat, Viggiano, Sir Bacon and their version of the Reuben. Every time I venture to the Earl, I always look toward the Reuben, the sauce is the key with capers and pickles tossed in their house made Russian Dressing. The moat is also a tasty treat. Beautiful crock pot brisket in their special tomato sauce which once cooked for hours is then pulled apart and tossed with BBQ sauce. Then, the sandwich is topped with David Bressler's "Not famous yet but soon will be", white BBQ sauce. It has my vote!!

There is also an array of desserts from a local pastry chef I know only as Lane. She makes these melt in your mouth chocolate and vanilla cupcakes.......tasty tasty. An over sized caramel cake, amaretto cake and some homemade chocolate chip cookies loom large in the dessert case.

One thing not to forget when you venture to the 5th Earl is that they are a market serving the finest cheese, meats, sauces and other neat little snacks. So make sure when you are ordering that Reuben or Moat, that you check out the case for some other lunch treasures, they won't dissapoint!! If you see David or Brian make sure to say hi and you will see the true personality of the 5th Earl Market.

Reds, Whites & Blues

Please join the Reds, Whites & Blues July 4th celebration presented by the Atlanta Wine Club & JCL Global Culinary and hosted by The Sweet Lowdown.

This is a celebration of July 4th with fantastic American Red & White Wines and awesome Blues music. Hosted by the Sweet Lowdown (www.thesweetlowdown.com), one of Atlanta's premier event facilities.

For more information please go to www.atlwineclub.com.
To see more of the menu and musical selections please click on the menu.

The Flying Dog Brewery Beer Dinner

To see more of the menu, click on it for all information regarding this beer dinner.
Looking forward to seeing all of you there!!!!

The North Coast Beer Dinner

JCL Global Culinary & 5th Earl Market

presents

North Coast Brewery Beer Dinner

Reception

North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner

Fried Oyster Rolls

Wasabi, Arbol Chili Mayonnaise

Course I

North Coast Blue Star Wheat Beer

Gulf Shrimp & Mango Ceviche

Pickled Garlic Dressing

Course II (duo)

North Coast PranQster

Steak Tartare with Sexy Pickles

North Coast Red Seal Ale

Soft Herb & Celery Salad, Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Course III (duo)

North Coast Old Rasputin Russian Stout & North Coast Old Stock Ale

Classic Beet Borscht, Applewood Bacon Foam, Candied Rhubarb

Course IV

North Coast Brother Thelonious

Sweetgrass Dairy Cheese Plate

For Reservations please email Brian Falcon at the 5th Earl Market
brian@5thearlmarket.com

Slice Atlanta Downtown

Slice
85 Poplar Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404.917.1820
www.sliceatlanta.com

The Day for A SLICE --

So I find myself venturing more towards the downtown and capital area lately. It seems that the Atlanta resurgence boom has finally moved downtown and take off similar to the Old Fourth Ward District just a few miles away. I have been to SLICE before but it was months ago. So I figured it was time for another go around.

It was somewhat of a pain to find the front door when I was walking up from Luckie Street. The door is actually on the other side of the building which is Poplar. The design of the space really clicks. The high ceilings are the indication of old Atlanta architecture. The bar seats about 15 people and there are a good array of tables and most of them have a view to the outside which is nice on a sunny day.

The Hellcat, Steve from the Atlanta Wine Club and I noshed on a few items of the menu . I had a few plain slices and was impressed with the dough, very New Yorkish. The sauce was flavorful especially with basil and garlic which lent a great hand with the cheese on the pizza. The cheese was very stringy which I definitely like on my pie. Steve had the same thing as I did except for a few toppings which he said were tasty,, especially the sausage.

Here is where the meal took a little turn. The Hellcat ordered the Caprese Salad and the "Better Than This" sandwich, which was their version of a BLT. The bacon was cooked to perfection and the bread was on point but the lettuce was shredded and old, the tomatoes were mealy and the pasta salad was less than desired.

The Caprese Salad was on the same level. The salad was floating in some sort of balsamic type dressing. It was so heavy that the cheese was heavy to pick off the plate, saturated in fact. The lettuce wasn't the freshest and the pasteurized pre-grated parmesan was even present. Even the basil was brown.

The place is going to be a success but it needs to step up the the use of fresh products. Slice is the place downtown for the slice but I may be weary of the sandwiches and other categories.

Mezcalito's Mexican turns it up in Oakhurst

Mezcalito's Cantina
653 East Lake Drive
Decatur, Georgia 30030
404.687.0007
www.mezcalitoscantina.com

After recently moving to Decatur I have discovered Oakhurst. There is a plethora of independently owned restaurants and bars in the area: Universal Joint, MoJo Pizza and The Baddabing! Deli just to name a few.

There is one for that stands tall in the department of creating and execution of authentic Mexican fare. Here is the interesting part of this equation: the owner is Ukrainian. Who would have guessed!! I have dined at Mezcalito's three times now and haven't had one unsatisfactory item, in fact they have all been outstanding from the drinks to the main courses. They have a small menu but it works well with the quaint atmosphere of the decor and the people who visit the restaurant.

I started off with a drink they call Devil's Water. It is a tequila that is steeped with 10 different types of peppers. All I can say that it is spicy and soothing in the same sip. A few Negro Modelo Especial's and we were all having a happy time.

The individual that served us was actually the owner Vladimir Onysko. He was working hard as the place was 3/4 full with patrons, not a bad turn out for a Tuesday night. He was pleasant and energetic with his service, even though he was running like a madman.

We ordered as an appetizer, the chips and cheese with their homemade salsa verde and charred tomato salsa. The cheese was silky and vibrant with flavor like they added some spices and jalapenos to the cheese and the tortillas were made in house. The two sauces were off the hook, especially the salsa verde. The fresh flavors of cilantro and tomatillo just put that perfect smack on the lips.

My girlfriend and I shared the Chicken enchiladas and the Chilaquiles (tortilla lasagna). The Chilaquiles were mouth watering with nicely cooked slices of skirt steak and a beautiful tomato sauce layered in between the tortillas with fresh avocado black beans and sour cream.

The chicken enchiladas were awesome as well. The Oaxaca cheese, fresh chopped cilantro and habanero sauce was on point with the perfectly flavored chicken. With my lady being from Mexico she even gave it a high five.

Mezcalito's Cantina does it exactly the way it should be done in the independent neighborhood envionment. Great drinks, good food and the friendly owners that delight the inhabitants of Oakhurst.