• Maria Valetta


    Host of The Philly Dish on www.philly.com/thephillydish. A true foodie, wine, and cocktail lover with a passion for travel and culture!

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Savor! 2010, followed by an APO cocktail cure for the cold

Posted on February 5, 2010 by Maria Valetta

Last night, I attended Savor! A Celebration of Food, at The Crystal Tea Room in The Wanamaker Building in Center City Philadelphia; a food focused charity event sponsored by Mainline and Bucks Life magazines.  Tickets were very reasonable at $10 a person with attendees asked to contribute a canned good for the NPO Philabundance.  I was a guest of Pinot Boutique, my favorite wine accessory shop, where I’m currently teaching Wine Classes.

Food samples, drinks and live music were all included in the ticket price. Table stations of various restaurants, many from the Mainline, provided samples of their best dishes to show off their concept and flavors. Among the many restaurant participants there were a few standouts; Verdad (spicy pulled pork carñita), The Valley Green Inn (smoked pork paté with pickled red onion and cornichon on sliced baguette), Koo Zee Doo (braised chicken gizzards), Jimmy’s bbq (unbelievably tender pulled pork and flavorful baked beans) and Avril Byob (delicate cream puffs stuffed with pistachio lavender pastry cream and drizzled with lush chocolate sauce).

Among the beverage purveyors, Vieux Carre Absinthe Superieur with its fancy, classic drip-fountain presentation was a real crowd pleaser. The event was from 6-9pm but by 7pm Susanna Foo Gourmet Kitchen, as well as a few others, was already out of samples, leaving nothing but advertising pamphlets behind- that was the only disappointment. Overall, it was a well put together event and the live music provided by Back2Life played a few good covers, one by The Police in particular.

After the event we passed by APO bar and just had to stop in for a round (okay, two) if intricately made cocktails. I loved the freshness of the APO classic cocktail: Sage Wisdom, with it’s multitude of refreshing ingredients, but I really fell for the Stalking Ichobod. It had an addictive flavor combination consisting of a Rye spirit base mixed with Maraschino liqueur, pumpkin butter and spices. There’s the option of it served cold or hot and although we had it served cold in a pretty old fashioned style champagne glass with a floating star of anise, I can only imaging how richly warming it would be as a hot winter warmer. Next time I’m ordering a hot one. Cheers!

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A Sweet Gift for the Heart Holiday

Posted on February 2, 2010 by Maria Valetta

Chocolate for Valentine's Day

It’s already February 2nd, so hopefully you’re thinking about Valentine’s Day; where you’re going take your  sweetheart for dinner and what gift you’re going to surprise him/her with! Don’t want to spend a lot of money you say?  No problem, Valentine’s Day is not about money, it’s about love.  So I suggest you create a fun and romantic night with your lover at home!

Pick up a bouquet of beautiful flowers (Trader Joe’s has a great selection from $5-$20), and a bottle of Asian food friendly white wine (a Gewurtztraminer, Kabinett Riesling or bottle of bubbly will work well). When you get home, get the fire going (if you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace in your home/apt), or set a bunch of candles aglow for a makeshift fire and put the flowers in a pretty vase on the coffee table.  Then, order-in for Chinese take-out (I’m a fan of Square On Square and they deliver too), pull out the fancy chopsticks, and maybe even a few fancy plates for serving (I have this great set of funky Japanese-style sushi plates that work well) . Open your beverage of choice and pour into a pair of fancy glasses- yes this is the right time to break out the good stuff! Set the food on the coffee table and place two comfy pillows on the floor to serve as “chairs”.  Take turns feeding each other, testing out your chopstick skills to see who is better at picking up the slippery Chow Mein noodles.

Finish dinner with a decadent, but appropriately themed dessert from Red Envelope.com: Chocolate Dipped Romantic Fortune Cookies ($29.99 for 7oz).  I came across these little wonton-shaped goodies in the holiday colored, Valentine’s red take-out container and right away my mind began creating this whole romantic scenario, so I thought I’d share it.  Each individually wrapped cookie comes dipped in either dark or milk chocolate and behold a different, romantically scripted saying such as: “Indulge your sweetheart with something unexpected”.  Now that’s sweet! An evening like this would be exactly that: Romantic and Unexpected! Oh, and feel free to come up with your own ending….together ;) Cheers!

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Weekly Bites: O Ya Sushi

Posted on January 30, 2010 by Maria Valetta

Bali Style Nantucket Bay Scallop

This week’s Bite comes to you from the chilly city of Boston.  At the sushi restaurant O Ya, the most interesting and intricate combinations of sea creatures, sauces and garnishes are carefully constructed to create an explosion of unexpected flavors in your mouth- san soy dipping sauce.

The Bali Style Nantucket Bay Scallop falls under the Sashimi category on the menu, but don’t be fooled, this is no ordinary slab of raw crustacean.  Served in a small handcrafted wooden bowl with matching scooping style spoons, the baby bays are raw and coated in a zesty, refreshing, coconut dressing that is at the same time, both cooling and heated, from the added ingredients of ginger, green Thai chili peppers, and curry seasoning.  Further brightening the sweet silkiness of the scallops is the addition of a fresh squeeze of lime juice, and shreds of dark green mint.  For a textural contrast and a whisper of saltiness is a smattering of crushed peanuts crowns the top of the dish.  Scoop by scoop, I devoured the little pearl-like morsels, their sweet fresh flesh melting in my mouth with the creamy bite of their sauce lingering long after they were all gone.  If you find yourself in Boston, this is THE sushi spot to hit- and the name is easy enough to remember…..it’s the your answer if someone asks you: “Hey do you like sushi?”, your  reply: “Oh Ya, I love sushi!”.

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Bellagio and Brown Sugar

Posted on January 25, 2010 by Maria Valetta

Hot Chocolate- Bittersweet!

I’ve been on a hot chocolate kick lately.  I can’t seem to go a day without making myself a cup.  I’ve been using a mixture of nonfat milk and coconut milk (it adds a silky layer of sweet flavor) along with a heaping tablespoon of Bellagio Sipping Chocolate- an Italian recipe made with bittersweet cocoa powder (Kitchen Kapers $9.99)

On my recent shopping trip to Whole Foods, I noticed a new product: Natural By Nature Brown Sugar Whipped Cream ($3.99).  While I usually get their regular light whipped cream made with pure cane sugar, I thought it would be interesting to give the brown a try and see if I notice a difference. This particular can contains the cane sugar, but adds in natural brown sugar flavoring.

The first thing I noticed is how much lighter it is, almost a bubble-like soap consistency.  It’s not as smooth or as thick looking as their regular product. On taste, it does have a richer more caramelized taste, and although it seems to melt off your tongue extremely quickly, the caramel and toffee flavors linger long after it’s gone.

With a circular motion of my wrist I created a twirl of fluffy whipped topping for my hot cocoa, sprinkled a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg on top, and indulged. The whipped brown sugar melted extremely quickly, so this cup of warm chocolate goodness went down rather fast.  Almost too fast, making me think that next time I’ll stick with Natural By Nature’s simpler recipe.  The chocolate flavor is so strong, that you can’t even taste the brown sugar essence.  On pie, it might be better, but I don’t need it on this drink.

All Topped off

I like the cream garnish for it’s texture and the fun of sipping it slowly as it begins to sink and shrink in my cup, mixing in with the chocolate. The original flavor works better for leisurely drinking my winter warmer and enjoying it sip by sip. Although, one of these days I’ll have to make my own, when I have the time. Nothing is better than fresh whipped cream-  you can’t top that!

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Weekly Bites: Morimoto’s Soba Carbonara

Posted on January 23, 2010 by Maria Valetta

Soba Carbonara with scallops, edamame, bacon and Parmesan truffle sauce

With the many fine Italian restaurants that Philly is blessed with, I still can’t figure out why I haven’t found a well-made Pasta alla Carbonara.  I find most renditions either lackluster in flavor,  piled high with mushy pasta, or the sauce so overcooked that the egg then becomes a curdled unpleasant texture of lumps instead of a richly smooth sauce.

The last traditional style plate that I really enjoyed in Philadelphia was at the now shuttered Sovalo (replaced by Kong).  Damn, how I miss that place.  Chef Joe Scarpone made the simple but hard to make dish so perfectly with al dente penne, pancetta, and scallions, lovingly smothered in a creamy, egg-yolk, Pecorino Romano sauce the color of flan. A sprinkled of fresh ground black pepper competed the dish.  I call it the perfect Italian Breakfast- hey it’s got eggs, and the pancetta can easily stand in for bacon!

Last night I had an interesting variation of the Italian pasta favorite at Morimoto in Philadelphia (7th and Chestnut St.); the Soba Carbonara.  Japanese soba noodles made from buckwheat flour similar in shape to spaghetti repaces the traditional semolina pasta.  When the deep white bowl arrives at your table, you immediately smell a heavenly earthiness from the addition of truffle oil. Then the grated Parmesan cheese rises up creating a sweet, yet salty aroma.  The smoky bacon whispers in the background and then there’s this slight hint of herbaceousness that comes from the adornment of freshly chopped chives.  The interesting addition of bay scallops and edamame although subtle in scent, provide a contrast of texture to each bite.  One forkful provides an abundance of flavors and consistencies, but the trick here, is to get all the ingredients into one mouthful.

When you do, you’ll be rewarded by the delicate chew of the grainy noodles, the tender, but meaty sea-sweetness of the dry baby bays, a snappy pop from the lightly steamed edamame, a wood smoked intensity of the part chewy, part crispy dices of bacon, and a fresh onion-like bite from the bright green chives all congealed by the velvety softness of the rich Parmesan, truffle and egg yolk. There is also a secret umami ingredient in the sauce that makes it even more savory; a dash of bonito-infused dashi broth. The only missing ingredient for me, was a pinch of black pepper, which our serve was happy to add upon request.  Not a traditional Carbonara and certainly not Italian either.  I’d call this a well-executed, creative interpretation on a Roman, Italian classic dish that’s pure comfort in a bowl.  The Soba Carbonara at Morimoto can be order in full or half-size (pictured above, $14) portions- if you’re sharing, I’d highly recommend the full size portion.

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Stella Amore

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Maria Valetta

Now That's Love at First Bite

“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie….that’s amore”.  I couldn’t help but hear Dean Martin singing the catchy lyrics of this fun, Italian love song in my head, while watching pizza after pizza, each one perfectly round and decorated, slide into the open mouth of the wood-fired oven labeled Stella.  I tried two of Pizzeria Stella’s pies on a take-out order one evening, but was less than impressed.  I had a feeling that it wasn’t the recipe that was the cause of food failure; it was Read more »

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R2L Dining High in the Sky

Posted on January 17, 2010 by Maria Valetta

Thursday night, Jan. 14, was the Grand Opening Gala for Chef Daniel Stern’s highly anticipated restaurant R2L. 

Grand Entrance of R2L courtesy of Philly Chit Chat

Perched high above center City Philadelphia on the 37th floor of The Residences of Two Liberty, this is the epitome of the statement “a room with a view”.  All of the who’s who of the City of Brotherly Love were in attendance for the grandiose event.

This is Chef Stern’s take-two of Rae which was in the Cira Center, and is by far a much more exciting space.  Homeowners of the exclusive Two Liberty Residences can access the restaurant via the same floor as the owner’s lounge and gym, but all others enter through a door off 16th street where you’ll find an elevator.  Just hit the button “restaurant” and you’re quickly transported to R2L.

The giant space encompasses more than half of the entire 37th floor and has a NYC loungey feel that’s sexy enough to stand out among the glowing city lights below.  The right touches are in place; the contemporary zebra print group-friendly banquettes,  and the splash of red in the plush bar area adding a distinctive seductive flair, to the modern floating sterling silverware sculpture towards the

Me and the girls (Adriane- center, Corinne-left)

southwest view of the restaurant.  It is an unbelievable space with breathtaking views and it deserves to be filled with gorgeous people.  R2L somehow reminds me of the Starlight Room in San Francisco minus the dance floor, although a dance floor in this space would be a really good idea.

Stern is going to have to do a lot of covers to keep this restaurant at full capacity.  If the butlered hors d’oeuvres and the spread of fare offered during Thursday’s event are any indication of what type of cuisine will be on the menu then it looks like Chef Stern will be turning out comfort food and simple takes on fresh ingredients like seafood.  Seasoned shrimp cocktail, pickled veggies, cheesesteak spring rolls, oysters on the half shell, risotto balls with a truffle cream sauce, and a riff on a reuben sandwich wrapped in an appetizer sized package.

With the designer decked-out décor, you would expect fancier provisions, but I heard Daniel is trying to keep the prices reasonable, so the move towards traditional classics makes sense I suppose. However if you throw your own event in one of the many private

Me and my man, Eric Grilly

rooms (although I can’t guarantee it will top off the one Cashman & Associates put on Thursday) I would bet that your dining possibilities are endless. I can’t wait to get my hands on the finished menu.

You can see beautifully taken pictures from that night oat R2L on Philly Chit Chat, and for a sampling of what may appear on the final menu, check out R2L’s Restaurant Week course selection.  R2L opens to the public this Thursday, January 21st.  Opentable is also taking reservations.  I’m planning to get back soon with my man again to catch the nightly romantic show- the stunning sunset.

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Weekly Bites: Fish

Posted on January 14, 2010 by Maria Valetta

The Skate Wing, truffled spaetzle, parmesan broth, and melted leeks ($21 when I had it, although I believe it is now treads around $23) at Fish (1708 Lombard St Philadelphia, Pa).

Skate Wing at Fish

The slightly salty smell of the table-side poured parmesan broth, fragrant truffle shavings, and feather light spaetzle with crisped edges, warms the senses and the soul. The perfectly cooked skate with it’s butter browned edges, flakes apart ever so easily with a slight pull of your fork. Who said fish and cheese don’t pair well together? This dish proves that old-school rule wrong!  This is one of the original dishes from Mike Stollenwerk’s tiny super swimmer, Little Fish, in Queen Village.  I am glad to see it replicated uptown at his latest venture as it is truly one of my favorites dishes in the city of Philadelphia.

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It’s Hard to Say “Mercy” at Percy

Posted on January 8, 2010 by Maria Valetta

Percy Street Sign (courtesy of Opentable)

Seriously, there I was at full smoked-food intake capacity, crumbled messy paper towel “napkin” in hand, and I still couldn’t stop eating.  It started to make me wonder if Percy Street BBQ infuses its meat with more than just wood smoke.  Everything from the thinly sliced fat-layered pork belly to the moist and lean choices of brisket was completely addictive.

It was my first time at Percy.  It had opened a back in November of 2009, but with the Holidays, moving, and my warm weather getaways (more on those in the next few posts) I just didn’t get a chance to qualm my Q craving.  It actually proved a smart move as Percy has tweaked the menu since opening, adding a killer deal called Read more »

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NEW YEARS EVE 2010! Plans? And for that Hangover…

Posted on December 9, 2009 by Maria Valetta

  So have you made your New Years Eve plans yet?  NO?  Well what the hell are you waiting for?  I made my plans over 4 months ago.  You’re way 

Cheers to 2010!

behind so get on the (Christmas tree) ball and start planning!  It will be a night to remember as the world welcomes the start of a new decade. 2010 is just around the corner bringing along resolutions a plenty, and high hopes for economic recovery!  So are you just at loss like your investments as to what to do for the big night?  Here are a few options and suggestions from yours truly: 

If you traded in your car for a bike, and are stuck in the festive City of Brotherly love, there is plenty to do.  Restaurants and parties are happening everywhere….. Read more »

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