StrEATS of Philly Holiday Experiences Notes: We have a tour for you Private / Custom team building tours Mini baking demo with Ellen Yin 13th Street Private shopping for presents for themselves for holiday gifts Corporate walk into a place and does anybody want anything, my treat. Grace Keller example Paesano’s wanted to buy t-shirts […]
Chef Jacquie’s Pistachio Tiramisu with Amarena Cherries Recipe Oh, I can hear you now, asking “Chef Jacquie, cherries aren’t even in season. What are we supposed to do?” And my answer is this – Amarena cherries! For this recipe, we will use richly delicious and syrupy amarena cherries to add a layer of sweet […]
New Year, New Resolutions—and New Experiences with StrEATS of Philly Food Tours It’s that time again—New Year’s resolutions are in full swing! If you’ve indulged in your favorite holiday treats and are now focused on shedding those extra pounds, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: resolutions shouldn’t just be about cutting back—they can also […]
Seasonal Comfort: Roasted Butternut Squash Sage Soup Recipe by Chef Jacquie As the seasons change, there’s nothing better than wrapping yourself in the warmth of a big bowl of soup. And let me tell you, my Butternut Squash Sage Soup is like a hug in a bowl—simple, flavorful, and packed with the best of what […]
Whole Baked Apples with Cinnamon Sticks Ingredients: 4 large tart cooking apples – I used Honey Crisp and Granny Smith Apples 4 Tablespoons of light brown sugar 4 teaspoons of butter 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 4 cinnamon sticks Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. 1. The hardest part of making this dish is coring […]
Bringing the Italian Market Inspirations to Your Kitchen from Chef Jacquie. Create a restaurant-worthy fall date night with Chef Jacquie’s creamy mushroom pasta recipe Ciao, amici! You know, there’s something about walking through the Italian Market here in Philly that just lights me up. It reminds me of being back in Italy, where food is […]
Chef Jacquie’s Tips for a Perfect Summer Caprese Pasta Salad As summer winds down, it’s the perfect time to savor the season’s market-fresh ingredients with a twist on a beloved classic: the Caprese Salad. By turning it into a pasta salad, you’ll enjoy the bright flavors of Italy in every bite. Here’s my 7 Pasta […]
Is Your EVOO Authentic? Here’s How to Find Out! I previously wrote about fake EVOO back in 2012 and now I have updated my blog to show you what has happened since then — a lawsuit was settled, labeling has gotten a little better, and the consumer is a little wiser. WHAT’S IN […]
Discover Chef Jacquie’s easy lemon tiramisu recipe! This simple, no-bake Italian dessert is perfect for summer. Refreshing and quick to make, it’s a delightful twist on the classic tiramisu. Perfect for any occasion, your guests will love this zesty, creamy treat. A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Italian Dessert If you’re looking for a light […]
How to Create the Perfect Cheese Dip Trio: A Step-by-Step Guide! Whipped up three irresistible cheese dips with ease! Just one cheese, simple ingredients, and you’re set to impress while sharing with friends and family. Whether drizzled with olive oil or not, they’re sure to please. Grab what you need at your local market […]
Embark on a culinary adventure with Chef Jacquie as she unveils her cherished recipe for Greek Cheese Pie Bars, a delightful fusion of tradition and innovation. Inspired by her travels in Greece and the warmth of family recipes passed down through generations, these savory delights promise to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to […]
Coconut Squash Perfection: How to Create Brie’s Signature Dish at Home! A uniquely tasty squash encounter between the vegetal sweetness of the vegetable and the complex creaminess of Brie cheese. A drive out to a local farm to pick up the butternut (and other fresh produce) will make this recipe an adventure. Baked brie […]
My Pasta Aglio e Olio with Broccoli Rabe is a delicious way to enjoy pasta and my favorite bitter green broccoli rabe Broccoli Rabe Aglio e Olio PREP TIME: 5 MIN | COOKING TIME: 8 MIN | SERVES: 2 Celebrate Heart Healthy Red Month with this nutritious and flavorful dish! Our garlicky classic Italian side […]
Exploring the Heart of the Italian Market The Italian Market is the popular name for the outdoor market that has various food shops and curbside vendors that run along approximately ten city blocks of Ninth Street in South Philadelphia. The majority of food establishments you will find specialize in the sale of fruits and vegetables, […]
Learning to shop like a chef at the Italian Market unlocks a world of culinary treasures. As one of the nation’s largest and historically rich markets, it’s a haven brimming with everything imaginable. From an abundant array of produce, aromatic spices, and fresh poultry to delightful seafood selections and unique gift emporiums, the Italian Market […]
East Passyunk is a renowned foodie hotspot that attracts locals and visitors year-round. It’s home to many traditional red gravy (tomato sauce) Italian restaurants, world-famous cheesesteak spots, bars, cafes, and other highly acclaimed eateries. One of the best things about East Passyunk is that it’s highly walkable. There are restaurants everywhere. You can visit as […]
Oct 5th 2023 Philadelphia’s most famous sandwich is the cheesesteak. Why is it so great?! Who’s got the best in Philly?! See what the debate is all about. It’s great because it’s the perfect combo of chopped or sliced steak, melted cheese, salt, sweet fried onions, and a soft Italian hoagie roll. If you come […]
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes Packed with Bright, Fresh Flavor Uses High-Quality Spanish Tuna in Olive Oil Crunchy Panko Breadcrumb Topping for Texture Elevated, Yet Easy Weeknight Meal Ingredients for Lemon Pasta with Spanish Tuna Pasta Base 1 lb durum wheat semolina pasta (bonus points if it’s lemon-flavored!) Zest of […]
Michelin Launches First-Ever Philadelphia Guide Guess Who Made It Inside? The esteemed Michelin partnered with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) published its very first Philadelphia destination guide, highlighting the city’s top leisure travel experiences. The Michelin Green Guide Short Stays Philadelphia includes unmissable attractions, restaurants, hotels, and experiences in Philadelphia and its […]
Recipe by Chef Edna Lewis, Grande Dame of Southern Cooking Ingredients: 2/3 cup olive oil 3 pound tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and cut in pieces 6 or 7 basil leaves 5 small cymling squash, cut into 1-inch-thick wedges Salt and freshly ground black pepper Heat a heavy skillet until hot and then put in the olive […]
The Art, Science, and Passion of Cheese An Interview with Cheesemongers Tommy Amorim, Stefania Patrizio, and Max Lazary of South Philly’s Famous Di Bruno Bros. StrEATS: Let’s start with the basics. What exactly does a cheesemonger do? What’s a Day in the Life look like? Tommy: A day in the life of a cheesemonger […]
Recipe by Chef Jacquie
Left to Right — Michael, AJ and Gus Sarno, Owners of Isgro’s Interview with A.J. Sarno, 4th Generation Owner/Pastry Chef of Isgro Pastries About Isgro’s: Philadelphia’s legendary Italian Market bakery fueled by over a century of baking obsession, repetition, and precision that yields award-winning cannoli, cookies, cakes, and classic Italian sweets. Handmade in small […]
I come from a family who celebrates St. Joseph’s Day, mainly because almost everyone is named some form of Joseph….Uncle Joe, Cousin Joey, Cousin Joe Joe and cousin Joseph. I have great memories of dancing with my cousins as our Grandfather played the accordion at the Feast of St. Giuseppe and, of course, we ate […]
INGREDIENTS: 3 Tablespoon of your favorite Curry spice (I love the Spice House Brand of French Masala Curry) 14 ounce can of coconut milk 15 ounce can of chick peas, drained and rinsed 1 bunch of kale, stems removed, roughly chopped and cleaned (prepackaged has a lot of stems) ½ medium onion, chopped 2 cloves […]
Recipe by Chef Jacquie
Chef Jacquie Recipe Ingredients: Bunch of kale 1 can of cannellini beans 3 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 3 cloves of garlic, sliced pinch of red pepper chili flakes 1/8 teaspoon of kosher salt a pinch of fresh ground black pepper Remove kale from stalk and trim away all hard stems. Clean kale […]
Smooth, rich ricotta and lemon zest make these cookies our family’s favorite. —Cookie Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 1 stick unsalted butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese, strained through cheesecloth Zest and juice of 1 lemon —Make Cookies: […]
Chef Jacquie Recipe Potatoes are one of the primary starches on the table in most homes. Everything from mashed potatoes to roasted potatoes and fancy gratins. Knowing the starch level in potatoes determines the best way to prepare them. High starch potatoes like russets are great for baking, mashing, or making French fries – they […]
Chef Jacquie Recipe Ingredients 1 pound green beans, trim tips and cut into 1 inch bite sized pieces Water, for boiling 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 stick salted butter 1/2 cup slivered or sliced almonds 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 Tablespoon lemon juice Blanche green beans: Place ice cubes and water into a large bowl and […]
Recipe by Chef Jacquie Ingredients: 1 ½ cups of flour 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup butter (1 stick) ½ cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup granulated sugar ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 egg 36 Hershey Kisses, remove foil Preheat oven 375 degrees. In a bowl […]
Recipe by Chef Jacquie. Ingredients: 2 cups (4 sticks) butter, softened 1-1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract 5 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream butter and sugar in large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In […]
Recipe by Chef Jacquie 1 pound carrots, peeled and sliced into thick rounds 3 Tablespoons honey 1-1/2 cups fresh squeezed orange juice 2 Tablespoons butter Salt and pepper, to taste Chopped fresh mint, for garnish In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil, add carrots and cook until just tender, about 3-5 minutes. […]
Ingredients: 1 butternut squash 1 Tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil ½ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper 2 Tablespoons of butter 1-2 Tablespoons of dark brown sugar Salt Flakes, fresh ground black pepper and brown sugar for garnish Preheat oven to 350 degrees Prep squash for roasting: Trim off top of squash […]
Recipe by Chef Jacquie
Recipe by Chef Jacquie
Chef Jacquie Recipe Ingredients: 1-1/2 pound pork loin filet, remove excess fat and sinew 1/2 cup of flour, for dredging 3 eggs, beaten 2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs (I use 1/2 Cento and 1/2 Vigo) Oil for frying (safflower or peanut) Salt and Pepper Cut pork loin into 1/2 to 1 inch thick slices. Place […]
COOKIES! Cookies remind me of the holiday season. As a child, I remember family and friends starting to bake cookies from Thanksgiving weekend and they stored them in large tins lined with wax paper. When family and friends visited during the holiday season, they enjoyed a cup of coffee and a plate of assorted cookies […]
Family just called and you only have a few minutes to pull together coffee and cookies – this is your kind of recipe!
Recipe from Cousin Hilma from Queensland, Australia.
Recipe by Chef Jacquie Ingredients: 2 cups sugar 3/4 cup safflower/vegetable oil 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 4 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2-1/4 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Confectioner’s Sugar In a large mixing bowl add sugar and oil and mix well with an electric hand held mixer. Add cocoa […]
Ingredients: 600 grams (about 2-1/2 cups) almond meal 4 egg whites – do not use yolks (save for another use) Rind of 2 lemons 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 capfuls of Limoncello liquor 250 grams (1 cup) of caster sugar (very fine granulated sugar) Icing sugar (Confectioner’s Sugar), to dust Slivered almonds, to sprinkle on […]
It snowed today – which means, polenta for dinner! It is an Italian tradition, that you serve polenta with the arrival of the first snowfall. I remember the first time I saw our table set for polenta in Bologna. My grandmother would make a big fuss! She put lots of work and effort in […]
We will all be celebrating Thanksgiving in a different way this year. Personally, I will miss my family and the fabulous Thanksgiving dinner at my brother’s house, but everyone’s health is more important. We will probably have a virtual toast together this year and look forward to when we can all reunite for hugs, kisses […]
Chef Jacquie’s Recipe This cranberry relish/sauce is a great side dish or you can use it as a topping for cheese or crostini. Ingredient 12 ounce bag of fresh or frozen cranberries 1 cup sugar 1 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed) fresh ginger (1 inch piece, sliced) Pinch of kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon orange zest […]
What You’ll Need: 1 pound linguini 1 bag of fresh little neck clams 3 medium cloves of garlic, finely chopped 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1/3 cup dry white wine (Chef Jacquie uses Francis Ford Coppola Chardonnay) 1/2 cup seafood stock or clam juice 1 (6.5 oz) can of chopped clams (plus 1/3 cup of […]
Ingredients: 8 ounce package of white button or cremini mushrooms 1/3 cup fresh Italian Flat Leaf Parsley, roughly chopped 1/3 cup walnuts 2 large cloves of garlic, roughly cut ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt 3 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I use Cardena’s Organic Tunisian EVOO) ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs ¼ cup grated Parmigiano […]
Ingredients 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts (other options: almonds and walnuts)* 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano 1 clove of garlic, roughly chopped 1/2 teaspoon of salt (I use kosher) 1/3-1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil – I used Cardena’s Tunisian Extra Virgin Olive Oil 3 cups fresh basil leaves, packed Add all ingredients, except oil […]
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration held on May 5th, in the US and parts of Mexico. It is not Mexico’s Independence Day rather a commemorative victory for Mexican militia over the French Army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is celebrated with fiestas in parts of Mexico, you can see the famous […]
My “Hebrew-zzesse” friend Sam and his wife Marlene, invited me over during Passover, a few years back, to taste a traditional dish called Matzoh Brei. I was so excited–I am always up to trying a new food I have never tasted. Sam Cohen, is a lawyer and was professor of culture and gastronomy at Drexel […]
Dressing 1 large garlic clove 2 egg yolks 1 lemon, juiced 4-6 drops of Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 2 heads romaine lettuce, whole leaves, washed and dried […]
Three decadent layers of cannoli goodness.
Recipe by Chef Jacquie.
Recipe by Chef Jacquie
Recipe by Chef Jacquie
Madeleines are from the northeast region of France called Lorraine. They are made from a genoise cake batter. Madeleines are incredibly versatile, as they can be flavored with everything from lemon zest to ground nuts. Their size also makes them the perfect treat to pair with a nice cup of espresso or tea after dinner. But, if you ask me, there’s never a bad time for a madeleine!
Rosemary Garlic and Olive Oil Infused White Bean Puree 1/4 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil 6 large cloves of garlic peeled 2 springs of fresh rosemary 2 15.5 ounce cans of Cannellini beans In a large frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil, garlic and rosemary and sauté just until the aroma releases. […]
Amazingly simple recipe from Le Virtu for delicious homemade Ricotta Cheese! Recipe brought to you by Chef Jacquie.
Wonderful recipe from Italy during my Taste of Italy Tour from private cooking lessons with Chef Angelo Siciliano, Nettuno Ristorante da Siciliano, Giardini Naxos, Sicily, Italy. Recipe brought to you by Chef Jacquie.
As my partner in culinary crime, Lisa, and I got our bearings around town, we checked into the historic Galt House Hotel. What a beautiful hotel, truly. But there are so many great options for dining within walking distance, do yourself a favor and eat out. The key to having a really great culinary experience while […]
Kentucky takes its bourbon very seriously. And for good reason! The Mint Julep has been the signature drink of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby for over a century. Over 120,000 mint juleps are served every year—that’s 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint, 60,000 pounds of ice, and over 10,000 bottles of Old Forester Mint Julep […]
I hope everyone had a beautiful Easter weekend! We celebrated with family dinner on Palm Sunday, because that’s when the kids were home. I’m just so grateful for the few nights that we are together that we do sit down as a family to eat at the table. It was really nice to have the […]
Can you believe that Palm Sunday is tomorrow and Easter is next week? I can’t! If this holiday snuck up on you…don’t worry. The Italian Market’s got everything you need. Read on for my ideas to help you with your last minute preparations to celebrate with family and friends this Easter week. First, make sure […]
This was the last dinner I had with my daughter before I took her back to college, and I have to say…it was just great. The White Dog is a local place, right in Wayne, and I love the atmosphere. We arrived a little early, with reservations at around 5:15, and happy hour was just […]
A few weeks ago, I celebrated my birthday, the same way I’ve celebrated going on 30 years– with time away from the rest of the world with my very best girlfriends. This is an annual event for me…every year I take a week away to just relax and reconnect with the women in my life. […]
Gumbolaya is a mix of Jambalaya and Gumbo and it is dee-licious! But the trick of making it? The roux! The darker the roux, the richer the flavor. Our “Creole napalm” began a bubbly blonde mess and transitioned to medium caramel, then to brown and then (finally!) to a beautiful brick mahogany. The saying is, […]
Holy Moly! Did you overdo it this holiday season like I did? One thing’s for sure, I ate a LOT of carbs! I drank a little more than I should have and I ate my weight in cheese….mmm. With that said, it’s January, which is the month of cleaning up our act (at least for […]
I met Chef Pierre Calmels of Bibou two years ago at Feastival and after tasting his incredible food, I knew I had to get over to his restaurant. After two years, I’ve finally made it over there and I can easily say that his food was worth the wait! Bibou is a quaint little restaurant […]
Airports, boy have they come a long way! One of my favorites has to be US Airways Terminal B, Gate B-9 Departures at Philadelphia International Airport! That’s the one that has Vino Volo right there at the gate. Say goodbye to sitting in those uncomfortable chairs! You can pull up a bar stool, sit down […]
Last time I was in Chicago was 30+ years ago. It was a great town back then, and that made it even more awesome to go back this summer and see it the way it is today. I couldn’t believe how it’s even more improved from where it was thirty years ago! I have to […]
Autumn is almost here – is it your favorite time of year too? I love to cook with wine, especially during the cooler months. Nothing says lovin’ like a pot of braised short ribs and mashed potatoes. If red meat is not your thing, chicken thighs are a great option. Braising is a combination of cooking […]
In today’s world, it astonishes me how many kids are picky eaters. And guess what moms and dads? We’re creating them! A few years ago, I teamed up with a few doctors from affluent neighborhoods on the Main Line and in South Jersey. I was shocked to find out that there was malnutrition and obesity […]
The world has a ton of hidden gems that you can only discover if you’re patient enough to stop and listen. Yesterday, I met the oldest woman from the oldest family in the Italian Market and boy was she a hoot! At 89 years old, Antoinette Cappuccio Crimi is just as bright as ever and […]
There are some things in life that even a sprained foot can’t keep me away from. Pie is one of those things. On Saturday, I was getting ready for the annual Church of the Holy Spirit’s Fair and Pie Contest in Harleysville. As I winced in pain, I knew I had two choices: stay home, […]
After last summer, I can safely say I’ve seen it all! One night our office was hit by lightning, leaving me with a fried computer, alarm system, thermostat and air conditioning. I was not only hot, but I had to write down all my work by hand, which took so much more time than it […]
Did you know that Tasting Tours of the Italian Market aren’t just for adults? They’re fun for the whole family! Today, I’d like to share some of my favorite stories about kids who have come on the tour. Even at a young age, Patrick is a foodie. He loves food so much that his dad […]
My visit to Arizona was a mixed bag of feelings. I can’t talk about a trip to Arizona without talking about The Grand Canyon. As you can probably imagine, The Grand Canyon is breathtaking and something everyone should experience at least once in their life. Although it was beautiful, there are a few things I […]
What do Panini, French croque monsieur and quesadillas all have in common? They’re ALL different types of grilled cheese! If you thought that grilled cheese sandwiches were only two slices of bread, think again! In today’s blog, I’m going to teach you to make these and other delicious international super melts with my favorite tips […]
My mother and I have a longstanding tradition of going on Mommy & Me and Wine Makes Three dinners. To continue this tradition, last summer we chose to head to East Passyunk for a wine night at Paradiso. The menu consisted of wines from the Lazio and Umbria region of Italy as well as three […]
As the saying goes, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” For those of you who can’t wait for the “lamb” part to kick in, read on. We’ve got plenty of recipes to help you make it through the last few weeks of cold, winter weather. With the ice and […]
Fruit Cake is made with chopped candied fruit and/or dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Sometimes it is soaked in liquor. Fruitcake is a Christmas-time tradition, served at the holiday table or sent as a gift. The earliest recipe dates back to ancient Rome, and it contained pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, raisins, which were then mixed […]
Billowy white tents housed 76 of Philly’s best chefs; which I dubbed The Garden of Eatin’. But it wasn’t limited to just food; the City’s finest mixologists were present as well as Audi and their magnificent machines…vroom vroom! The entertainment is always fun and one thing is for sure about Feastival, it is going to […]
Do you like to adventure outside of your culinary cooking comfort zone? Me too. As the end of summer approaches, it is time to make jam with the abundance of the harvest, which will soon diminish. Then, the moment arrived; my Fairy Fig Godmother, Karla J. Stockli, Chief Executive Officer, California Fig Advisory Board sent […]
I attended a fantastic event for bloggers this past June called “Eat, Write Retreat” held in Philadelphia. As a chef I attend lots of chef events to hone my culinary skills, techniques and keep up with culinary trends. I never attended any writing conferences; this was my first! I only knew a few people and […]
As you all know, I have been on the road with my daughter visiting colleges. During our travels we have been very lucky and have stumbled upon some culinary gems. I don’t know about you, but I love to eat small or share big plates with someone. After visiting Skidmore College, we decided to go […]
Are you being bombarded by grocery delivery service flyers? I receive them frequently as well. With this in mind, I decided to perform a comparison between two grocery delivery service companies. Freshdirect – based out of New York They claim to have perfect produce, premium meats and seafood, and farm fresh dairy products. FreshDirect has […]
Are you traveling to Boston? Wanna try a place that serves healthy food, uses no MSG, is affordable, and serves the best Asian noodle dishes? Then you need to get yourself over to Kenmore Square’s Noodle Street Restaurant – for lunch, a quick pick-me-up, or dinner. While visiting nearby colleges with my daughter, who is […]
A scape is another word for flower stalk; it is the stem which emerges from the bulb above ground. They do not produce flowers; except for Amaryllis. All varieties of garlic produce a stem but only the Hardneck Rocombole garlic produces the curling scape that is edible; its nickname is “serpent garlic.” When the stalk […]
What are your plans for celebrating Mother’s Day this year? Do all the mamas in your family gather at Grandma’s house? Do you make dinner? Do you go out for dinner? For most Mothers, the most important present any child can give their Mom is a present of gratitude – a note of thanks, spending […]
The Cured and Crafted event came to Philly on February 20th. It’s an opportunity to go hog wild by eating as much prosciutto and drinking as much craft beer as possible, while celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the Consorzio del Prosciutto di Parma. (Have I told you lately, that I love beer?) I was […]
National Almond Day was Sunday, February 16th. Besides the beloved Almond Joy chocolate bar,there are lots of other products almonds offer us – not only are almonds wonderful and nutritious, they are also made into great products like almond milk, almond butter, and almond flour. Almonds are native to the Middle East and are considered […]
Even though most of the western culture uses the Gregorian calendar there are other cultures like the ancient Egyptians, who used the Venus calendar. The Koreans and Chinese use the lunar calendar, accordingly their New Year will be celebrated on January 31st; it is the year of the Horse! If you were born in the […]
What is a culinary tour? It is a tasting adventure through a neighborhood moving from one food establishment to another. Last week I had the pleasure of bringing a group of 12 on a culinary tour of the East Passyunk Dining District. The organizer is new to the area and wanted to sample what is […]
Have you ever tasted Korean kimchee? Kimchee is a traditional fermented Korean side dish made primarily of cabbage with a variety of seasonings and is often described as “spicy” or “sour.” I was invited to a special dinner hosted by a friend of a friend, who lived in Korea for 2 years. I was looking […]
FEASTIVAL is an annual fundraiser benefiting Philly Fringe and the Arts Programs; the proceeds support local independent live arts performers. It is home to us chefs too, on the cutting edge, if you will…Pictured at left are me with Chef Audrey Claire, Feastival Co-Host. Chefs just want to have fun! This event gets better and […]
Our annual family vacation to the Jersey shore is always a great trip. I embark on the back roads and stop at farm stands. Do you love to stop and shop at farm stands too? A chef at a farm stand is like watching a kid in a candy shop! I stopped at a few […]
Did you know August is National Sandwich Month — perfect, who feels like cooking in August anyway? On average, Americans consume about 200 sandwiches a year…WOW! Every country has their version of a sandwich. In Italy, it’s the Panini; in Greece, it is the Gyro; of course, in America, the sandwich consists of everything from […]
“I bet mine are better than yours”…a challenge? I recognized him — 6 foot+, native South Philly bad boy, all grown up now, clean shaven, packing vanilla soy milk and low fat yogurt! At first, I laughed at this pseudo milkshake…as good as the real thing? Like all chefs, we love a challenge, so I […]
It felt great being back at the Bryn Mawr Farmers’ Market – like going to a family picnic. I made my way through the market, visiting vendors, stall by stall, sharing lots of hugs, smiles and food goodies…what a great feeling! The first stop was Davidson’s Exotic Mushrooms, where they had beautiful Portobello mushrooms so […]
I received an invitation from Karla Stockli of the California Fig Advisory Board inviting me to a special dinner, featuring figs, at one of Philadelphia’s best restaurants, Osteria Ristorante. You might not be familiar with Karla’s name, but you might be familiar with Karla – she worked on the Dancing Raisin campaign, positioning raisins as […]
Last week was National Vanilla Milkshake Day and July is National Ice Cream month. The first thoughts that ran through my mind were this song and all the milkshakes I have had the pleasure of consuming through the years! Everyone has a favorite, what’s yours? Here’s the delectable and short history of the milkshake. The […]
Oh, what fun it was to ride through Lancaster County! The weather was perfect: the sun was bright with just the right amount of breeze making for a pleasant journey through Amish country. I took my assistant and daughter extraordinaire, Brie, out on the road to see if we could find some foodie hot spots […]
Ok, kids. Does the voice in your head say “dooooooooughnut” like mine does? A good doughnut is worth its weight in gold, or at the very least, the weight of your behind — and worth every bite and every penny needed to rent the crane to leave your house. Doughnuts (or donuts) are everywhere but […]
Chef Jacquie welcomes DEBBIE Feeser, a licensed Aesthetician servicing AME Salon and Spa, to the community. Enjoy! Hi! When I speak of Chef Jacquie, one outstanding thing comes to mind — delectable Italian food! Ok maybe two things…delectable Italian food and how great it is on the palette but also how great it is for […]
Does the mere mention of crispy calamari send you into an eating frenzy? What are the first images that come to mind? Tender calamari with thick batter, deep fried and served with marinara sauce? Well, I have a twist on this classic for you! The Calamari at 333 Belrose, located in Radnor, serves the best! […]
Chef Jacquie welcomes Stephanie Reitano, owner of Capogiro, to the community. Capogiro is one of the stops on our East Passyunk Avenue tour. Enjoy! Last week when our farmers dropped off our weekly order to our big kitchen, I asked if they were able to plant seed in the ground. I glanced over at our […]
Chef Jacquie welcomes fellow foodie, Chef Hope Cohen, author of Fast, Fresh + Simple, to our foodie community. Enjoy! Fast, Fresh + Simple Clams With Swiss Chard, Potatoes and Chorizo During the dark winter months, we crave hearty meals. The long, dark, gray days require warming foods on the table and in our stomachs. Although […]
My latest confection obsession are Canelés; these teeny confections are small French pastries created by the nuns of the Annonciades convent during the 18th century in Bordeaux; known today as the convent of the Mercy. Canelés have a very distinct appearance: dark caramelized crusts, soft custardy centers, and the hallmark shape of tiny Bundt cakes! […]
Ma oui…of course I am talking about the newest and hottest culinary trend…beef, veal, lamb and pig cheeks! It seems the rest of the world has caught on to what some have known for a long time. One of the best parts of butchery is the precious, sweet, and if cooked correctly, juiciest pieces of […]
Got a phone call a few weeks ago from a chef friend; it seems that at a recent chefs gathering a debate ensued over who makes the best Mac and Cheese. They declared a throw down and invited me as one of the guest judges. What a great idea! It is a fun activity for […]
Lacroix’s 10th Anniversary dinner was an incredible experience for 80 lucky guests who were able to reserve a seat. In collaboration with 10 past chefs who put together a fantastic culinary journey through 10 magnificent courses and paired with marvelous 10 wines. When you gather this many gastronomes in one place the conversations are going […]
Herbs and spices provide flavor rather than substance to food. They are also used in medicine, added to perfume, and have spiritual properties, as well. The use of spices dates back TO 50,000 BCE. Egyptians used herbs for embalming while Greeks and Romans used spices and herbs in rituals, especially during this time of year […]
For fans of limoncello, a refreshing Italian liquor made from fermented lemons, you will be happy to hear that a South Philadelphia craftsperson, Joan Verratti, has perfected several cellos, including chocolate! I was introduced to Joan Verratti by a mutual childhood friend. Joan began experimenting with limoncellos with friends on Daly Street in Philadelphia. Her […]
Wow, can’t believe it’s already the first day back to school. I am sure a lot of you have first-day-back-to-school traditions. I was on Facebook this morning and saw all sorts of back to school pictures from Pre-K to college. The funniest one I received was a cartoon containing two pictures; the first was of […]
You can almost smell the coconut suntan lotion and salty water…everything that makes the perfect day at the beach! A friend came to visit us down the shore, and we decided to pack a small portable insulated cooler filled with goodies to take to the beach. She made sandwiches: tuna salad wraps, hummus and grilled […]
How many of you are enjoying fantastic musical concerts this summer? I know I am, thanks to my birthday and holiday presents from my hubby: 6 tickets to 2012 concerts, including Roger Waters, Stevie Nicks, Boston, The Eagles and Bruce Springsteen; still waiting on Rolling Stones 50th Anniversary tour dates. You are probably wondering what […]
I knew it was going to be a scorcher on Saturday at the Bryn Mawr Farmers’ Market, reaching 92 degrees! Thank goodness for the occasional breeze through our tents. I can tell you, it did not diminish foot traffic at the market; it was hectic, but who could blame them? We are in the height […]
The first thing that struck me when I was asked to be on Live from The Heron’s Nest was the location, a new restaurant in Morton, Pennsylvania called “Mammoni Cucina Rustica Restaurant.” (17 S. Morton Avenue, Morton, PA, 610-690-2400, website is coming soon) That’s Italian for “mama’s boy. “ Chef Michael Wheaton boasts about how […]
I was honored to be one of several judges for a pie contest held on May 19th. I want to thank the Church of the Holy Spirit (COHS) community in Harleysville, Pennsylvania for their hospitality; they made me feel right at home. Pie is such an enjoyable dessert; cherry pie is my favorite. On Saturday, […]
On the way to Chichen Itza our tour guide, Francisco, took us to Valladolid, a colonial city where you can do some quality shopping and enjoy a local delicacy called cochinita. I was really excited to try the authentic Mexican dish; cochinita, a traditional, slow-roasted pork dish that is moist, flavorful, and full of delicious […]
We celebrate St. Joseph’s Day on March 19th. He is Sicily’s Patron Saint, due to the fact that when they experienced a famine during the Middle Ages they prayed to him and it rained. They honored him with meatless dishes and desserts, lots of desserts. After all, St. Joseph is also the patron Saint of […]
In honor of George Washington, I thought it would be apropos to discuss cherries. Did you know the state of Washington is the largest supplier of cherries? Coincidence…I do not think so. I know it is a summer fruit and we are still in the midst of winter, but anytime is a great time to […]
How lucky am I…my mom came to visit bearing gifts, my favorite, homemade Lasagna Verde, for my birthday. Thanks for a wonderful birthday dinner, Mom! If you haven’t tried Lasagna Verde, a specialty from Bologna, try it, you’ll never look at lasagna quite the same way again. I know my mom made everything from scratch, […]
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the focus immediately turns to love and desire. Food is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! When you go out for a romantic dinner or cook a special meal for the love of your life be sure to add natural aphrodisiacs like oysters and chocolates. According to […]
I had the experience of living in the mountainous region of Abruzzo for a year (we moved there when I was 10). This region of Italy is very cold due to the proximity of the Apennine Mountains; it is uncommon to see many villagers that time of year as everyone tends to stay inside. The […]
Brrr…winter has finally arrived. According to Wikipedia, Americans eat over 2.5 billion bowls of soup each year. No wonder, soup is an elixir, a one pot meal and can include anything you want from veggies to meat. You can even make your own baby food, just puree the soup, it’s so much better than […]
What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? Do you go out for dinner; do you stay home and entertain? Some suggestions for the ultimate New Year’s Eve cocktail party at home! Sit down and make a list of what needs to get done beforehand. What things can you do ahead of time? 3 days […]
Say it isn’t so…how did December sneak up so fast. Everyone is running around getting ready for the holidays. While it is a joyous time, it can also be stressful, so it’s important for you to follow these simple guidelines that will help you keep up your stamina and get through the preparations, so you […]
Growing up in an Italian South Philly home, one of our favorite things to do was celebrate feast days. And we didn’t care if they were Catholic, Episcopalian, Marionite, Greek Orthodox, or Armenian as long as they had great food and were lots of fun. One I hold dear to my heart is St. Lucy’s […]
The Incas, held this precious crop as sacred 3,000-4,000 years ago. What is Quinoa? According to Wikipedia it’s a grain that originated in the Andean region of Peru. It is rich in calcium, phosphorous, iron, essential amino acids, and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It is a complete protein, which is unusual […]
Exactly what is considered an ultimate cheese plate? With the holidays coming up, I started to think “what’s a good dish to bring to holiday parties?” How about cheeses! I love bringing a cheese plate, almost everyone loves cheese and if you put an assortment of 5 different types of cheese, you should cover most […]
Antipasto is Italian for “before the meal”. During the holiday season, do you enjoy entertaining at home? It’s the same at our house. I always like to serve something special, not out of a jar, but made from scratch that my guests will thoroughly enjoy; it shows a little extra love. My solution is an […]
I’m hearing more and more from parents about picky eaters. This led me to go on a crusade to assist parents with picky eaters. I had lunch at the end of the summer with Dr. Bryan Levey, a pediatrician, what he told me was a shock. He has never seen so many cases of malnutrition. […]
I ate dinner at my friend Josephine’s house the other evening and for dessert she served apples. Her brother brought her a large bag of apples; she was concerned they would go to waste, since she only cooks for herself. I assured her there are plenty of things to cook and bake using apples like […]
Wow, what a way to celebrate an anniversary. Saturday night my husband and I dined at Fond Restaurant in Philadelphia. We were escorted through the restaurant, whisked through the kitchen where the whole staff stopped to welcome us, and into their rear courtyard. It was so romantic, a single table for two with candles, Tiki […]
Have you ever had one of those days where you have been so busy working and know there is absolutely nothing in your fridge to make for dinner? On these nights two possibilities are the answer, make soup or have breakfast for dinner. This is also when my creative side comes out because I never […]
Vinegar has been around for thousands of years, they found traces of it in Egyptian urns dating from 3000BC. Vinegar is made from sugar, lasts indefinitely due to its acidity level and doesn’t require refrigeration. It has many uses from cleaning to medical. According to our polls, raspberry vinegar is your favorite vinegar, hands down. […]
Welcome to Feastival – 2nd Annual Fundraiser benefiting Philly Fringe and the Arts Programs, proceeds support local independent live arts performers. The red carpet was laid out for celebrities from theatre, music and….food! It brought together Philly’s Great Chefs, entertainers and foodies alike for an outstanding evening. I arrived and walked the red carpet, […]
Have you ever wondered why food sometimes tastes flat or like something is missing? The answer is salt. As a major component of cooking, just a pinch brings a tasteless meal to a perfectly seasoned and delectable dining experience. Its’ not about adding lots of salt to your food when cooking, that’s not what chefs […]
Last Saturday Bryn Mawr celebrated institutions, organizations and businesses that have been doing business for 100 years. Bryn Mawr is part of the Main Line, which lies west of Philadelphia and was named in 1869 by William H. Wilson, railroad agent, after he purchased the tract of land on behalf of the Pennsylvania Railroad. It […]
Can’t believe it’s already the end of the summer and time for “back to school”. It seems there is never enough time to get everything done during this time of year, let alone being able to prepare a good, healthy, quick meal in our children’s lunchboxes. Leftovers are my favorites for lunch add in a […]
Ocean City, New Jersey, our family has been vacationing here for 20 years and we love it! Lots of activities abound like surfing, swimming, fishing and boating. But when it comes to food, it seems our choices are limited to pizza, burgers, ice cream and popcorn. Don’t get me wrong, I love these shore staples, […]
It seems like food is a hot topic of conversation, no matter where you are nowadays; especially with the popularity of shows like Top Chef and Rocco’s Dinner Party. People are really starting to take an in-depth look at what they eat, this is a good thing! I am also in the process of trying […]
My husband surprised me with tickets for the Earth, Wind & Fire concert for the 4th of July weekend. I immediately had a flashback; it was 1977, I was in 7th grade. I remembered my first EW&F album, “SPIRIT.” On the day of the concert I was so caught up in the excitement breakfast was […]
Last Tuesday it was my pleasure to attend The Great Chefs Event sponsored by The Vetri Foundation for Children to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, in their continuing support for childhood cancer research. Alex’s Lemonade Stand has contributed over $40 million dollars and is currently funding over 150 research projects. As an Italian, food equates […]
I had lunch with my good friend, Marguerite, today. She is a firm believer, like me, in buying local eating fresh; in other words supporting sustainable farming. By definition sustainable farming is the practice of using principles of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. It is “an integrated system of plant […]
When my friends and I arrived at our high school reunion, we were greeted by the school secretary, Lori, who looks exactly the same as she did back in 1977 –she didn’t age….she must have a hidden Dorian Gray–like portrait. Next, I heard, DJ Bob Pantano, from WOGL, spinning records; it made me feel like […]
It was raining hard on Saturday when I was greeted by Pat (Market Manager) at the Bryn Mawr Farmers’ Market. I have to thank my hubby, who traveled over 1-1/2 hours to get me a tent, set it up and took some pictures of me working. Without him I would have been soaked and unable […]
I saw my first pansy of the year the other day and it made me think of spring. Many moons ago, I was the Garde Manger (fancy words for salad maker) at a very posh French restaurant in Wayne called La Fourchette. This was my first exposure to edible flowers….what did I just type….edible flowers?! […]
As far back as I can remember I can still hear my mother saying in a very heavy Italian accent “Only use the best quality ingredients when cooking.” She insisted that we shop at the butcher. My Mom would rather pay a few extra dollars and have a better cut of meat. You know what […]
LAISSEZ LES BONS TEMP ROULER! (Let the good times roll!) We recently took a poll on our website and the #1 spot that people want to see is New Orleans! With this in mind and with Mardi Gras right around the corner, I decided to do some research to see where it’s celebrated and what […]
Put the “Souper” into Super Bowl Sunday! Your house is the place to be, to watch the big game, and you want to make sure this year’s event stands out. You want to serve something fun besides the same old snacks, but don’t have a lot of time to cook. Well, here is your answer…Taco […]
It’s the end of the farmer’s market season, but don’t let that keep you away! Stay healthy and keep farmers in business by buying local and fresh. Bring the kids, especially your picky-eaters, and have them choose what they would like for dinner; make it a family day. There are some great options at the […]
Our lovely journey started out in the southeastern part of the isle in the gastronomic city of Modica, Italy. The hotel, Palazzo Failla, was very traditional, with old world grandeur and a beautiful view where I stood on the balcony high above the city and counted the over 150 steps to get to the first […]
Recently I attended Feastival in Northern Liberties, sponsored by Philadelphia Magazine, Philadelphia Arts Program, and Philly Fringe. I couldn’t believe there were that many great chefs under one roof, and they were approachable! It was a great honor for me to have the opportunity to speak with Chef Jose Garces, the new Iron Chef. He […]
