An Empty Fridge Hiatus

As I wrote in the ‘About’ section when I started this blog ten months ago, I had become inspired to write as a direct result of my participation in yelp.com. Ironically, Yelp is now the same reason why I will be putting my blog on hold in the foreseeable future.  In November, I was delighted and honored to accept the position of Community Manager for Philly Yelp. This position is a chance to do what I love for a living, and I am so happy and grateful for the opportunity.

Thanks to everyone who took a moment to stop by An Empty Fridge in the past year. If you would like to read my reviews on Yelp, my profile can be found at michellecass.yelp.com. Also, sign up for the Weekly Yelp (comprised by yours truly starting on 1/5/11!) here. Make sure to select the Philadelphia issue!

Cheers and SYOY (see you on Yelp)!

Michelle C.

Barbuzzo

The hype on this place is at a fever pitch, but frankly, I’m not quite convinced that I need a seat on the bandwagon.

The rustic, candlelit dining room is warm and welcoming, but the seating arrangements are entirely too cozy.  Tables are packed so tightly together that even Gumby would have to MacGyver his way into the banquette side.  I witnessed a gentleman on what was undoubtedly a first or second date, one that was meant to impress, who was squeezed so tightly into a corner that it appeared his entire right side was immobile.  But I’m sure his date was happy to be dining at the hottest restaurant in town.

JG Domestic

When Jose Garces opens a new restaurant in Philly, you book a reservation with the quickness if you don’t want to be clueless at the water cooler.  On opening Friday in mid-October, I happily slid myself onto the inviting black leather cushion of a large booth near the open kitchen at JG Domestic, along with three others.

Travel: Newport, RI: Chowdah!

The only thing you need to know about this bowl of clam chowder is that underneath the smooth and creamy surface you see here, a bounty of tender clams and the smallest hint of fresh dill await in the broth.  Oh yeah, and the head chef at Black Pearl trained under Philly’s own Georges Perrier.  Black Pearl | Bannister’s Wharf | Newport, RI 02840 | blackpearlnewport.com

For an equally delish yet slightly unorthodox version, head next door to The Mooring and order the scallop chowder.  The Mooring | 1 Sayers Wharf | Newport, RI 02840 | mooringrestaurant.com

Royal Tavern, brunch style

Few things in this world are more satisfying than a bloody Mary-filled brunchfest after a night on the town.  Several weekends ago, I awoke feeling like death and in dire need of reinforcements.  A 14-block pilgrimage to the Royal was made in the name of brunching somewhere new-to-me.  By the time we arrived, I was parched and starving.  Fortunately, a table was available and we were plied with water straightaway.

Dmitri’s, Northern Liberties

With a housewarming shindig to attend in NoLibs later in the evening, it was decided that the newest Dmitri’s incarnation would be the perfect spot to grab a bite beforehand.  We arrived to a loud dining room with two frenzied servers and a hostess bustling about.  When asked if we had reservations, we were a bit surprised because we weren’t aware that they took them.  Nonetheless, a high top table located just in front of the open kitchen opened up, and we were seated there. 

A Guide to Pumpkin Beer

I have been an absolute slacker lately with writing content for this blog.  It’s not that I haven’t been out and about lately, I’ve just been lacking the extra time and motivation to write.  That said, I attended The Institute’s 2nd annual Pumpkin Beer Event on Saturday, and when friends noticed me taking notes on the day’s brews, it was suggested that I throw my findings up as a blog post.  Genius!  Rest assured, I did not drink full servings of all the beers listed below, but I did sample each and every one.  As the day grew longer, I think my taste buds became a bit wary.  The last few descriptions in particular are questionable at best and should be taken with a grain of salt.  However, if you’re a pumpkin beer novice just looking for some pointers, this will hopefully prove helpful as you wander down the seasonals aisle of your local distributor.  Cheers!

Best Weekday Lunch Bets, Haddon Township

For me, a solid work day lunch consists of fresh, healthy ingredients that won’t make me feel like a sloth for the rest of the afternoon, with a modest price tag to boot.  The Haddon Township area offers more than enough restaurant options, but inexpensive, healthy take-out lunches are harder to come by.  Here are my favorite spots to grab and go, for ten dollars or less:

Amis Industry Night featuring Guapos Tacos

Working my (extremely) part-time job at a popular BYO in the ’burbs has advantages that extend beyond bringing home some extra bacon and tasting great food.  It also allows me to take advantage of industry specials, including Amis Industry Night, which takes place on the first Monday of every month.  Residual weekend guilt, combined with my 9 to 5, always kept me from attending in the past, but when I heard Marc Vetri was teaming up with Jose Garces for September’s event, the decision to go was a no-brainer. 

Amis was buzzing by the 10 p.m. start time, a small line forming at the door.  Once inside, I grabbed a glass of house white (Amis’ regular happy hour drink specials apply on Industry Night, in addition to other offerings) and proceeded straight to the side door, where Garces’ brand spankin’ new food truck, Guapos Tacos, was parked in all its shiny bottle cap-coated glory. 

Tweed

On the most unexpected of nights, I found myself in Tweed, seated at a banquette on the far side of the zinc bar, near the foot of the staircase, which serves as a sweeping centerpiece of the restaurant.  Within seconds of my arrival, the intoxicating scent of a neighboring diner’s meal took hold of me.  I asked our server what the man was eating, knowing that whatever it was, I had to have it.  Spaghetti and meatballs was the surprising answer.  With our entrée determined, my dining partner and I picked out a couple of the starters and decided to share everything.  But first; a complimentary pail of delectable breads kicked off the meal.