"Always leave them wanting more."
The breakfast queen, ancient grains, gluten-free pizza, Reading Terminal Market, and safe beer garden fun in Delaware County. Step inside this week's Philly Grub newsletter. Welcome!
The Breakfast Queen
Last week, I discovered a documentary on Amazon Prime called “Breakfast at Ina’s.” Originally released in 2015, the documentary centers around the legendary Chicago restauranteur Ina Pinkney's life and work, also charmingly known as The Breakfast Queen. Flummoxed that I had not at least heard of her before, I dove into the documentary, eager to learn all about this celebrated chef and businesswoman. Sure, I’m a Philly food writer, but I am often fascinated by the food scenes in other major US cities. This woman was a shining star in Chicago’s famous food scene for over 33 years. Her extraordinary life and storied career as a beloved restaurant owner in Chicago will warm your heart. You’ll delight in watching this film about the final days of her fabled Chicagoan eatery.
The Grain Chain
Also, last week, I watched The Grain Chain episode of Movers & Makers, now in its third season on WHYY. This episode delved into local grain production and artisan products produced from ancient grains grown and milled in the Pennsylvanian countryside. It’s a fascinating look at how local food producers Lost Bread Co, Small Valley Milling, and Deer Creek Malthouse embrace sustainability and support each other. I highly recommend watching this. It’s so important to know where our ingredients come from. In related news, I’m the proud owner of a bottle of New Liberty Distilling Millstone Rye Whiskey, which uses raw and malted rye from Deer Creek Malthouse.
DIY Gluten-Free Pizza
Speaking of local food artisans who are not on the grain chain, Main Line-based Flakely has created a custom DIY gluten-free pizza kit just in time for GF folks to enjoy this coming Valentine’s Day. The kit includes Flakely’s own gluten-free pizza dough, fresh local Fior di Pizza Mozzarella Cheese from Caputo Brothers Creamery in Spring Grove, PA, and a custom made pizza sauce from Jezebel’s Cafe in West Philly. Customers also receive two GF Triple Chocolate Brownies with the build-your-own pizza kit. Kits can be ordered online and picked up at Pinwheel Provisions in Narberth, PA, on Saturday 2/13 between 10AM-4PM or delivered locally in the greater Philadelphia area.
Reading Terminal Market is #1
Patch reported that Farmers Market Online, an online wellness magazine, named Reading Terminal Market the Nation's Best Public Market in 2021. It beat out Pike Place Market in Seattle and West Side Market in Cleveland, OH. This comes on the heels of a crowdsourced fundraiser to help the market keep the lights on, bolstered by an awareness campaign lead by Dave Portnoy, the recently transplanted Barstool Sports founder, and Penn National Gaming. It’s always nice to see Philly food scene gems get recognition. Congrats, RTM!
Safe Social: Ship Bottom Brewery Beer Garden
We’re all experiencing an overload of cabin fever by this point. Now deep into winter and nearly a year into the pandemic, the desire to safely get out of the house for some fresh air is palpable. Every week in this newsletter, I’d like to feature relatively safe places to go that might help you get through the cold, dark winter and quarantine doldrums.
Did you know that Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA has an outdoor beer garden? Last year they partnered with New Jersey’s Ship Bottom Brewery to serve up great local brews on-premises adding to the many reasons to visit this gem of a destination in nearby Delaware County, PA. The beer garden at the barn features picnic tables, fire pits, patio heaters, games, and food trucks on occasion. Seating is first-come, first-serve, and they are following strict social distancing guidelines for a safe, outdoor social environment. They offer winter hours on the weekends, weather permitting, between 12-5PM.
Know of a safe social spot to feature? Contact me.
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Until next week — much love!
Marilyn
Oooo I want to watch that documentary!
Totally loving this Marilyn