It's not always sunny in Philadelphia. These days however, the city remains generous with her warm weather so grab a friend, a lover or this week's Street and get your picnic on.
Jamaican Jerk Hut
1436 South Street
(215) 545-8644
Take one step into the back garden of South Street's Jamaican Jerk Hut, and you will be transported to a Caribbean oasis (or at least, the closest thing to it that autumn in Philadelphia can offer), where patrons dine on Island Time.
This spicy version of lentil soup builds on a classic comfort food and makes for a great fall meal. To make it vegetarian, leave out the turkey sausage and use vegetable broth.
Ingredients:
2 « cups lentils (1 package)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (1 box)
2 cups water
1 red onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 apples
1 package turkey sausage
4 cloves garlic
_ cup raisins
2 tablespoons garam masala (Indian spice mixture, sold at Fresh Grocer in the ethnic food section)
1 can coconut milk (also sold in the ethnic food section)
Salt and pepper
Directions:
Pour lentils, broth and water into a large pot, and cover tightly with a lid.
Hummus
Location: 3941 Walnut
Dish to try: chicken kebab sandwich
Upside: convenient location, good lunch spot
Downside: you'll reek of garlic for days, you can find better and cheaper hummus at Magic Carpet
Cream & Sugar
Location: 4004 Spruce
Treats to try: coffee, cannolis
Upside: nostalgic candy shop atmosphere
Downside: no seating
Reel Scoops
Location: Houston Hall
Flavor to try: cookie dough
Upside: ice cream and movies together at last
Downside: limited DVDs on display, no Scoop DeVille mix-ins
If you find yourself going through Food & Drink withdrawal this summer, curl up with a delectable cinematic delight or a scrumptious serving of literature to get you through the hazy, lazy days.
Ingredients:
1 lb carrots, peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1 tsp salt
2 tsp cumin
« tsp red pepper flakes (use more or less, depending on your spiciness tolerance)
4 tablespoons lemon juice
« cup orange juice
Directions:
Use a cheese grater to shred the carrots (or just chop them up really small) and put them aside in a bowl.
Snackbar
235 S. 20th Street
(215) 545-5665
As a senior, I've been working my way through Philadelphia's epicurean delights for four years now, and I think I've gone to practically every Italian BYO, Steven Starr and "best cheesesteak" contender in the city.
SANGRIA
. because tapas just aren't the same without it.
Ingredients:
1 bottle Spanish red wine or merlot
1 large can frozen limeade
1 cup amber rum
1/2 cup Peach Schnapps
or Grand Marnier
2 cups mango,
passion fruit or guava juice
1 blood orange
1 lime
1 lemon
2 nectarines or peaches
1/2 cup sugar
Directions:
Remove limeade from the freezer to defrost.
Sonam
223 South Street
(215) 922-3092
An underground tapas joint, Sonam's Zen-infused music and funky modern ambiance provide for an unconventional BYO experience.
The flatbreads hold prime real estate in Houston Hall. Displayed prominently behind the glass or cooking to crispy precision in the wood-burning oven, they are by far the most visually appealing option in Houston; monochromatic Indian fare from the Caf
Marigold Kitchen sits in a charming converted Queen Anne-style row home at 45th and Larchwood. Inside its welcoming exterior lies claret- colored walls adorned with a minimum of artwork, exposed ductwork, and rustic wood trim.
The key to making good banana bread is large, firm bananas. Wrap them first in a dish cloth and then in a plastic bag; then store the bananas in a dark, cool place for up to two weeks.