Eat This
Roasted Acorn Squash at Square 1682Since executive chef Guillermo Tellez now oversees two Kimpton hotel kitchens in Philadelphia (Red Owl Tavern being the other), Caitlin Mateo was recently promoted to chef de cuisine at this bi-level dining room at the Palomar in Rittenhouse. New on her winter menu is this veg-friendly entree, which is meat-free yet rich enough to satisfy any die hard carnivore. Nestled in the center of the the roasted squash is a stew of Du Puy lentils and white beech mushrooms, highlighted by a spicy piri piri sauce. The cold weather is returning, and this is just the thing ($15; 215-563-5008).
French Toast Donut at Federal Donuts
Okay, perhaps we’re a bit obsessed with this chicken and donuts shop, but if Michael Solomonov and crew keep introducing new flavors, we’ll keep trying them. Since you might usually eat French toast for weekend breakfast, there’s plenty of precedent for starting your day off with a French Toast donut - doubly so, in fact, since it has crumbles on top made from Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Might want to get more than one when you stop by the Sansom Street shop, now that we think about it ($2; no phone).
Do This
Holiday Second Saturday on East Passyunk AvenueThis month’s event along the the diagonal avenue in South Philly is more festive than usual, with a series of Santa-themed happenings taking place in various shops and cafes throughout the day. For example, from 3-4 PM, Black N Brew will be hosting Santa for free photos, and if you wear a Santa or elf hat or reindeer ears to Ms. Goody Cupcake you’ll get a free holiday treat. Find more deals on the event page here.
Holiday Greens Sale at Bartram’s Garden
Make sure you’re equipped to deck the halls with the annual greens sale at this Fairmount Park establishment. Wreaths both decorated and unadorned will be on offer, along with handcrafted centerpieces and other holiday must-haves. From 10 AM-4 PM, you can stop by the courtyard and barn and enjoy cider, s’mores and caroling while you shop (215-729-5281).
Read This
The Irish Bus Bomb Champ From Anthony Bourdain's Philly 'Layover' Episode SpeaksIf you were part of the huge number of Philadelphians who tuned in to watch Bourdain in Philly on The Layover this Monday, you witnessed a local dude throw back a huge glass full of Guinness, Jameson and Bailey’s, and then scream for more beer. Molly Eichel of the Philadelphia Daily News tracked him down and got some info on what led to that 15 seconds of national TV fame (hint: he was already 15 drinks in).
The History of Eggnog
Where did this eggy winter drink come from, anyway? Brian at The Boys Club doesn’t find all that much background - save for the interesting fact that George Washington was a big fan - but he does offer up a few tidbits on the origin, as well as a great recipe for making your own.
