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.