"Patience is the secret to good food." - Gail Simmons
Simply Good Jars, The Borscht Belt, Mediterranean Superfoods Brunch, Farmhouse Flavors Preserves, Boozy Iced Irish Coffee, Restaurant Weeks & more! Check out this week's Philly Grub newsletter...
Engulfed in cabin fever after a long winter, local foodies are chomping at the bit for a return to warmer weather. With Spring just a couple of weeks away and COVID-19 vaccines increasing, there is optimism that "normal" life will be making a comeback. At least with fewer restrictions.
This week, I reported on some positive news stories, which left me feeling a bit more encouraged. Glimmers of hope after a tumultuous year we'd like to leave behind. Check out these great stories below…
Simply Good Jars on Shark Tank
Earlier in the week, I was pleased to learn that Philadelphia-based salad-in-a-jar company Simply Good Jars would be on ABC's Shark Tank. The chef-made, ready-to-eat concept pitched the sharks in an attempt to raise capital and gain smart business minds as partners. Founder Jared Cannon, 35, impressed the sharks with at least three making offers for him to ponder and negotiate. In the end, two sharks partnered up for a deal Cannon could not refuse. The company plans to host a pop-up event in Moorestown, NJ, where Cannon and his family reside, as a "thank you" for the community support. If you haven't tried these delicious salad meals yet, you definitely should!
A Love Letter to the Jewish Deli
Announced this week, a new New York-style deli called The Borscht Belt Delicatessen will be opening outside of Bucks County, PA, in Stockton, NJ, directly over the Delaware River north of New Hope. Celebrity Chef Nick Liberato partnered with business entrepreneur Mike Dalewitz and restauranteur Steve Lau to form 618 Hospitality. The Borscht Belt is the first concept that will open sometime in April at Stockton Market, a year-round community market in downtown Stockton. Will you be venturing to this new Jewish-style deli in Hunterdon County?
A Mediterranean Superfoods Brunch is Coming
Earlier this week, Philly's Middle Eastern cuisine pioneer Bitar's announced they will be launching a Mediterranean Superfoods Brunch on the weekends starting the weekend of March 20-21. There will be limited indoor dining as well as take-out and delivery available. The new menu is truly unique in that it highlights the famous flavors and dishes of the Eastern Mediterranean region with a brunch twist. They will be offering FREE Turkish coffee, too. The nearly 50-year-old food business continues to innovate and be competitive in challenging times. Will you try this new brunch?
Local Chef Launches Farm-Inspired Shrubs and Preserves
This past week, I wrote about the local chef who launched his line of handcrafted, all-natural shrubs and preserves. Farmhouse Flavors Preserves was started after Doug Brown, 35, found himself at a crossroads in his career due to the pandemic and wanted to go into business for himself. He explained the inspiration and philosophy behind the product and how people can order them in the story. He hopes to be selling at area farmer’s markets very soon. Do you like shrubs?
A New Twist on the Classic Irish Coffee
This week, I received a sample of a new canned cocktail that was made available just in time for St. Patrick's Day. Iced Irish Coffee in a can is the creation of local ready-to-drink cocktail company Trinity Flavors. This Phoenixville-based, woman-owned company started as a golf clubhouse-inspired brand and has expanded into new flavors and offerings. The new icy take on the classic Irish Coffee features La Colombe Coffee and spirits from Bucks County-based Faber Liquors. The company is offering free home delivery to PA residents. What do you think?
Restaurant Weeks are Coming Back
This past week, East Passyunk Avenue hosted their annual restaurant week, COVID-friendly style. Haddonfield Restaurant Week announced it'll take place from March 9-14. Northern Liberties will debut a restaurant week April 9-18. Many participating restaurants are offering safe take-out options for lunch or dinner pickup, in addition to limited indoor seating for those who are comfortable. Are you a fan of dining during restaurant weeks? Do you feel it is a good experience for the money?
Seen on the 'Gram
Hoagie Hunter is an Instagram account I really enjoy following because it brings awareness to the many diverse hoagie shops located in the city of Philadelphia. The focus isn’t even on the food, rather the façades of the buildings where the hoagies can be purchased. The account is the brainchild of Ryan Anderson, 43, who is a lawyer by profession, and aficionado of all things Philadelphia. His account is a different look at the structures and architecture of the city and businesses where Philly’s beloved sandwiches are made. And a visual count of the many hoagie shops that exist.
Anderson tells Philly Grub, “I moved to Florida in 1989 and learned quickly that the word “hoagie” is not used anywhere but here. I also love that the socioeconomics of a neighborhood determines how many hoagie signs are in it. Plus, I love hoagies and cultural identifiers.”
What is your favorite hoagie shop? What are your favorite food-based Instagram accounts that put a fun spin on Philly’s food scene?
That’s it for this week. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. And don’t hesitate to send me tips about Philly food scene news!
Until next week — much love!
Marilyn
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