Happy Hour c/o Fare and Gingerbread Madness c/o The Green Room

CPM and I made plans to hang at some point a few weeks back. This was pre-holiday times. We decided to check out the happy hour options at Fare. I tried the "Really Clean Martini," which was made with citron vodka and white grape juice. It was a tad too sweet for me and mainly tasted like grape juice.

We shared the truffle fries, which were good.

It was their mushroom flatbread that won as far as food that we enjoyed.

After happy hour we decided to do one more stop before going our own ways. And that stop was the Green Room. There we had some beers - they had Youngs Double Chocolate Stout on tap, which I just couldn't say no to. The bar was having a bit of a holiday fete, with complimentary food and treats on a few tables. We didn't really try the food, but when a gingerbread house competition was announced, we did want a piece of that action. Problem is...we didn't do a very good job. Our pre-formed house parts had serious cracks in them that the icing simply wouldn't keep together. We tried and tried to get our walls to stay up and to put a roof on them, but it just wasn't to be. So, instead, we went with a slightly different approach. At some point CPM declared that we had made a Tiger Woods...in that he was standing on a pile of destruction of his own making. Below you can see our Tiger (with candy cane golf club) and one of our competitors' far more successful constructions in the background. While we tried to plead our case to the judges, we were awarded nothing.

And here we are at the end of the evening. Good times. I'm wearing a scarf that B. gave me for Christmas and earrings my father gave me for my birthday. Gifts!

Cayuga Lake and Surrounding Environs

The next morning I happily awoke to the sound of the lake's waters gently slapping up against the shores.There were many things that the Lake Champlain and Cayuga Lake experiences shared, which included families with long-held ties and traditions to each respective place; gossip about the other families who also owned houses around them for generations (but weren't actually family); a general population of folks who are not afraid of getting wet, diving or otherwise involving themselves in a body of water that certainly is host to myriad fish (and occasionally snakes); herons; ducks; the sound of boats coming to life and swooshing away, etc. But the S.'s lake house was perhaps slightly closer to the water so the sound of it in the morning was more striking than at Champlain. I also think I wouldn't be wrong to say that Cayuga Lake isn't as wide, nor long, as Champlain, which somehow made the view from shore slightly different. In any case, it was a beautiful morning.

There were clouds, but I don't think they wanted to really hurt us.

Birds flew.

Flowers unfurled.

Breakfast was prepared most masterfully by A.S.'s father and most gratefully consumed by all in attendance.

I believe I was the first into the water on this particular day. I woke up so much earlier than everyone else that I had already enjoyed my breakfast and gotten into my suit while others were still digging in. I BC was kind enough to take a break from the book she was reading to provide some proof that I did indeed swim during this week of lake life.

No hands or feet! Or...I mean I was kind of floating without treading water? Is the point? I love floating.

A.S. likes jumping.

As do others. I never was much into jumping, but I do like a shallow dive from time to time.

I missed getting an action shot of A. going into the water, but this reaction shot is pretty good I thought.

I think she called this the hammer? Something different than the traditional cannon ball for sure.

Triumph.

Before some of the ladies went with a round of planking on the raft, we played a few dozen rounds of four square on the raft, which is not without it's challenges, let me just tell you.

Tubing in progress by A.S.'s neighbors. They swung by and asked if she (and I imagine by extension us) would like to tube, but I guess historically the guy is quite the aggressive boat driver and really and truly goes out of his way to try to get folks to fall off. A.S. declined and so did the rest of us.

Then there was an excursion to a winery. It was good and I'll have to remember the name of the place so I can tell you to consider buying their dry riesling.Anyela's!

It was on a different lake about an hour north and west near a town that has a name that is spelled entirely different than how it is pronounced.

A.S. and her parents stayed behind and were going to have dinner while we were gone, so we ended up at Hill Top Diner, which also has a bowling alley attached to it because, of course it does. B.C. and J. went hog wild with their combined and shared order of: a bowl of macaroni and cheese, a bowl of potato salad, a bowl of mashed potatoes and gravy and the fried appetizer combo. It was frankly miraculous how much they ordered and how good a job they generally did on finishing it all.

I was drawn to the roasted turkey sandwich, which I guess usually comes pre-drenched in gravy. I opted for gravy on the side along with mashed potatoes. I then pretty much ignored the bread and ate the turkey after dipping it in the gravy/potatoes.

Seriously, diner gravy and potatoes, which I know are totally not fancy and basically just sodium, are still one of my all time comfort foods. A million years ago in Wheaton Plaza, my mother and I would go to Hot Shoppes (anyone? anyone?) (also the Hot Shoppes in Wheaton Plaza was not a drive in as the link I've included might make you imagine) and they also had some pretty magic potatoes and gravy to consider in their buffet line.And their roast beef sliced right in front of you? Memories. Nothing like going to a 1960s-style buffet in a mall with your mother and about nine million senior citizens. Good times, they were.

With more of their meal displayed.

And that was the night. The drive back was uneventful except for getting stuck in ungodly traffic outside a drive-thru for a bit of time, and the copious fireworks that were still being lit along the river. Actually that second thing, all the fireworks leaping out of the night sky as we zoomed south was truly a lovely sight to behold.

Drinks, Mistakes and Snacks c/o Morgan's Pier

On Memorial Day I met up with CPM and R. on a bus. Our destination was Morgan's Pier. The outdoor bar/restaurant/club has a little of everything. Two bars, picnic tables and additional seating options, a view of the river, a view of the Benjamin Franklin bridge, games and playground equipment for the young and old, dance parties. You know it's like one of those clubs Stefon on SNL would talk about, except without midgets or terrible things you wouldn't actually want to have anything to do with. When we arrived at some point in the afternoon, it was already full of people. Most tables were already called for and spots at either bar were a bit limited. We mosied over to the smaller of the two bars to get our first round of drinks. On our approach I noticed B., a Bardian whom I don't really know, but with whom I am Facebook friends. He's a food/wine guy and was behind the bar doing something related to such expertise. We've only run into each other once in my time in Philly, but it was a pretty good run in. In any case CPM wanted to try their watermelon beer cocktail while R. and I were immediately drawn to the michelada option on the menu. We placed our orders and when it was time to lay down the cash, the bartender told us that B. had bought our drinks. Thanks B.! Of course we were accidental assholes so excited about getting free drinks that we totally forgot to still tip our bartender. And that is why you don't get nice things CC, because you just don't know how to reciprocate. Dear Bartender, we didn't mean to be assholes.

With drinks in hand we made a more concerted effort to find a spot to sit in the sun. Our timing was impeccable, as one large party was leaving just as we were sidling up to their particular table. We had a nice view of the bridge but less of a view of the river as much as the marina that skirts the entire Morgan's Pier area. I guess it's the pier itself? In any case, after taking a look at the menu I knew I wanted to try the shishito peppers and CPM knew that she wanted to try the really good fries. And that's just what we did. The peppers were nice and crispy tender and the dill dipping sauce was pretty great too...though I kind of wish it had been just an iota thicker or creamier, it would drip off the peppers making the entire process a little messier than it could have been. Fries were also decent and came with a special aioli.

After snacking and having another round of drinks (I tried the shandy), R. and CPM were itching to play some ping pong. It's not a game I'm particularly good at, so I basically just sat on a stool and watched for a while. We didn't get loaded and made our way back to our neighborhood while the sun was still very much in the sky. It was entirely a nice little day trip. The vibe during the day is pretty family friendly, while I know that come night fall things get far more bumpin'. I have every intention of going back again, overtipping whatever bartender I might have as penance, trying a burger and doing a little dancing.

Burger and Fries c/o Shake Shack

On Valentine's Day - also in my world known as 'a regular Thursday' - I went into Center City to get a hair cut. Afterwards I figured I'd give Shake Shack another try. My first experience was generally positive; the wait wasn't long, the burger and fries were decent, and because it was warm I got to sit outside. The thing of it is that Shake Shack seems to create quite a rabid and loyal follower, and I wasn't so impressed that I felt like it was the end-all of burgers or fries. I had tried the burger with bacon, so this time around I decided to try the more original version, an order of fries and a Brooklyn Lager. Again, a decent burger, excellently crispy fries, but nothing so obscenely special. I guess their niche is that their ingredients and ambiance are far better than the Mickey Ds and Burger Kings of the fast food world...but I concluded that I'd actually rather spend more money for a truly special burger from Village Whiskey across the street than slightly less money at Shake Shack.

That said, they did give me a coupon for a free 'concrete' under the heading of 'Shake Shack wants to be your Valentine,' which is probably the most depressing Valentine a person can have if you're into that sort of thing. I will definitely return to redeem a fancy milkshake, and maybe, just maybe, I'll try their mushroom burger option just to be entirely sure that this relative indifference is warranted.

Jalapeno Soda, Fries and Dogs c/o Hot Diggity

Two weekends back I met up with BC for a little quality adventure times. She was in search of record player speakers and wanted to check out a flea market not far from her south Philly hood. So I drove on down there and picked her up. She was kind enough to call me right before I arrived to ask if I wanted a coffee,  which was super perfect because I had planned on requesting a coffee stop on the way to the flea market. Great minds think alike. So we went to the flea market, which was more of a sidewalk sale really. We saw a tent that I suggested BC buy so she could go on camping adventures with me, and a lot of turquoise jewelry, children's playthings and even a karaoke machine, but no speakers. We then went on to a guitar store, record store and pawn shop...all to no avail. At that point we then stopped in at Hot Diggity. This was kismet, as Hot Diggity is on my resolution list. Once there we both took our sweet time deciding just what dogs we wanted and what dipping sauces would accompany the fries we planned on sharing. I also decided to try their lime, cilantro, jalapeno soda.

The fries were thick cut and tasty. Not overly salted. We chose garlic rosemary aioli, wasabi, and chipotle dipping sauces. I preferred the wasabi.

I chose the Texas Hold 'Em dog, which was a hot dog wrapped in bacon accompanied by barbeque and hot sauces, melted cheese and scallions. I'm pretty sure BC went with the Cincinnati Skyline...but I am not 100% sure on that one. I liked my dog well enough, but the bbq sauce was a bit sweeter than my palate really preferred and the hot sauce component didn't really balance it out. The soda, on the other hand, was quite something. A real mix of tart and strangely savory, and yet refreshing at the same time.

I would definitely go back and try their Vietnamese inspired dog and a few more of those dipping sauces and soda flavors. After our lunch pit-stop we went on to another thrift store where BC found the speakers she had been seeking! It was like magic. The shop was pretty neat in its thrift store glory. So many knick knacks, though not nearly enough paddy whacks.

First Ever Shake Shack

I think it's been a couple of years since I first heard about Shake Shack, which I believe transpired during the days when The Girl Who Ate Everything  posted more frequently (yup, seems very likely). But on none of my NYC visits did I quite make it into Manhattan to give the burgers a try. I was curious, but I was also happy to hang out in Brooklyn and eat other things. So when Shake Shack opened a location in Philadelphia, I was happy about it and knew that I wanted to give the establishment a try. Unfortunately I've been a little strapped for cash lately. My finances and the purportedly long lines for a burger kept me away. I figured I'd let the hullabaloo die down and then try it out, which is pretty much what I did, finances be damned! So last Sunday I walked into Center City fully expecting an hour wait. Instead I had about a 5 minute wait in line and then perhaps another 10 for the food to come out. The place bustled, but it wasn't bat-shit crazy. I was even able to sit outside on quite a beautiful and sunny day in order to get my first taste of the well hyped burger. I ordered the SmokeShack, attracted especially to its chopped cherry peppers. And, hey, who doesn't love bacon? Lots of people, actually, but that's not the point I was trying to make. I also ordered a side of fries and a Arnold Palmer (which they simply referred to as a half n half).

So what did I think? Pretty good. My burger was a little sloppy in its construction, and the bun a little soggy. Now the sogginess was of a better standard than, say, McDonalds or Burger King, but I like my bun to at least have a moment or two of being relatively intact before going to the squish side. Good, but not quite the life changing experience of, say, a Village Whiskey burger. But they're not really trying to be the same thing. Shake Shack, as I understand it, is focused on being a high quality fast food burger, made with better produced ingredients than the average chain. And that they certainly have down. But as far as extra love and care? Or doing some sort of voo doo magic to the meat that makes you want to close your eyes, grab a table and just become one with the burger? Well that's still VW's territory, and it comes with a heftier price tag. It's good, too, that they serve slightly different purposes and markets, considering the fact that Shake Shack is located directly across the street from Village Whiskey. I didn't try a 'concrete' (ie: shake), but I also found it curious that they decided to open up a burger and shake joint across from the aforementioned VW and Capogiro, which specializes in gelato. It seems calculated. Like they could siphon off the people who get tired of waiting for either establishment. Makes sense, but is still a little weird.

The fries were nice and crispy with a lovely creamy center. I forgot to get ketchup, but enjoyed them regardless.

I had planned on going to Shake Shack and then meeting up with a few of my new dart team members (I am now the captain of my own team, of course I am). But due to the lack of line, I had far more time to kill than I expected, so I walked to Rittenhouse Park, sat on a bench, and read Tolstoy. Because I'm classy.

Summer Darts

You may think that I haven't been playing darts very much over the last few months. But that wouldn't be entirely accurate. Each Tuesday you will find me doing just that, but with a summer league team and a completely new cast of teammates and competitors. The set up for summer league is different than the previous seasons, in that all teams play at the same bar week after week. And the  number of the games played is (in my opinion) agonizingly longer somehow. But there is still free bar food to eat, cheap beer to drink and a fair amount of tomfoolery to be found. I'm hoping that maybe it will lead to my finding a little low ranked team to play on in the fall. On this particular night there were french fries and pasta salad. I haven't taken many photos because it seems like this group won't be as tolerant of me as the McCrossen's team was, which we know is just a shame considering photos like this or this (hmmm, the links are not going where I meant for them to go, sorry...they were funny photos) are golden keepsake memories and any dart team member of mine should really want to cherish such moments for all times. In any case, food:

The scene on one particular day in the last month or so.

Happy Hour and Dinner c/o Square Peg

At some point in the last few months I became aware of a new restaurant in Philly: Square Peg. I took a look at the menu and saw a few different things I found compelling. I was even more interested when I realized the executive chef was the same as the defunct Adsum, as I had enjoyed the fried chicken brunch very much last year. So I suggested to some folks that we check it out. BC and AS were down, so a reservation was made. Now on the actual day in question I got antsy. The reservation was at 6:30, but I had gotten out of work early and was ready for a drink and conversation. So I texted the ladies and suggested a slightly earlier meet-up at the bar to try out their happy hour deals. AS and I met up first. I ordered one of the drink specials, the John Daly: Rasperry Iced Tea, Lemon, Bourbon and Torn Mint. I can't say that I loved it. It was just a little too sweet for me. AS was similarly ambivalent about the Midtown Collins that she tried. We were far less ambivalent and far more enthusiastic about the deviled egg sampler that was also a happy hour special. I was particularly taken with the caviar version and would, if I were to return, inquire into having a plate of just that variety. After our first round of cocktails we switched to the happy hour white wine, which was far more to our taste. Then BC arrived and we chatted a bit more before settling our tabs and moving upstairs for dinner. The restaurant's space is interesting, lots of wood and light. A little cacophonous as far as acoustics, but not overwhelmingly so.

So then we had to get down to the decisions of the main meal. I expressed interest in the fried chicken tacos, the fried chicken entree and the meatball sub. In the end BC also had some interest in the tacos, so we ordered them as an appetizer. And they were the biggest hit of the night. The chicken morsels were tender and moist, but also crispy and had a nice sauce going on.

AS chose the poutine after checking that it did, in fact, have cheese curds. It was, as poutine often is, not the most attractive of dishes but not unsavory or untasty.

BC ordered the Mini Mayflower sandwich, which was actually three slider-sized sandwiches with roast turkey, sweet potato/marshmellow, stuffing, cranberry sauce served with a side of gravy.

For my main meal I went with the meatball sub. I was initially drawn to the idea of goat cheese, which was listed as an ingredient on the menu, but the server said that had been replaced with ricotta. I went ahead nonetheless. The meatballs were good, the sauce nice if not particularly memorable. I liked the inclusion of arugula to give it a little bite, but I would have thought that goat cheese would have been a better final note instead of the rather bland ricotta that stuck to the bun more than the balls.

It was a lovely meal with great ladies. While we didn't have any major gripes, we all felt like the prices were just a little too high for the actual food. My recommendation would be to come for happy hour and tacos but perhaps skip a whole meal. That said, I'd still be interested in trying the fried chicken and the idea of a cheese steak pot pie is also quite intriguing.

Dinner c/o Johnny Brenda's

After we consumed just a little more beer at Frankford Hall (half liters compared to my earlier liter), we departed with the goal of eating dinner at Johnny Brenda's, conveniently located just around the corner. It was still early, so the place wasn't crowded and we got to sit at a big booth by the window. C. ordered the gazpacho while I ordered the halloumi. The presentation for the gazpacho was quite nice, but C. wasn't overwhelmed with its greatness. I also took a try of the gazpacho and would agree that it was pretty lacking. It didn't have that really fresh tomato taste that makes gazpacho so lovely, and its consistency was watery - not creamy or textured with bits of actual tomato.
The halloumi fared better, as far as my opinion of it. Though I need to just accept that I don't really care for figs.
I went with a cheeseburger for the main event of my meal. It was just that kind of day. And it was satisfying. Wouldn't really hold a candle to Village Whiskey, but not shabby either.
We were also very attracted to the fried okra option, so we ordered a side of fried okra. Perhaps in the end this was more food than we could rightfully consume, but still good.
C. ordered shrimp and grits? Or was it polenta? It looked pretty though I can't remember what C. ended up thinking about it.
Burger innards.