Mmmmm. Haloumi.

Hi friends,
This weekend, my friend Anita and I were debating where to go for a late dinner on Saturday night. We tossed out just about every restaurant in our neighborhood including: Sassafras, Zahav, Amada, Fork, Bistro 7, Radicchio, and a few dozen others including Industry and American Sardine Bar.

We finally landed on Jones, a diner-style restaurant boasting mid-century decor a few blocks away. When you walk in, you may feel like you are in an episode of the Brady Bunch. Jones has been on the Philadelphia restaurant scene for years but its menu recently received a makeover.

We landed on Jones for one reason: we were craving haloumi cheese. And Jones has the "cheese 'hold the beef' burger," on their menu. I learned about this "burger" one night at Race Street Cafe from my friend, Anthony. I am pretty sure the entire bar (full of very opinionated foodies, in fact) that evening was involved in the discussion: which restaurant has the best haloumi dish in the city. The Jones sandwich was Anthony's nomination.

 

So, Anita and I went in search of said haloumi sandwich and also ordered "buf-faux-lo tofu wings and seared tuna tacos. 

The haloumi sandwich was good and the portion is plenty for one and enough to share along with a few dishes as we did. This is the first haloumi sandwich I've had on an actual bun and it certainly lived up to the word burger in its name.

 

The buf-faux-lo tofu wings are pretty amazing and another recommendation from Anthony. I am going to try to perfect the recipe at home, too. Even if you are a carnivore, you might be surprised to find that they really do "taste like chicken." (Pun intended, I couldn't resist.) In all honesty, I know I'll develop a craving for the "wings" and have to get them again, very soon. 

Back to the cheese... I have compiled my favorite haloumi dishes in Philadelphia:

at Kanella where I may have ordered this side dish twice one day at brunch. Before you judge, trust me, it's a tiny portion of salty-cheesy-goodness. 

at Zahav where it changes seasonally and again, have been known to order it twice.

at American Sardine Bar, on a flatbread sandwich. I ordered this and did end up sharing it with two friends one evening. It was the best item on the table.

So friends, if you have a haloumi craving, and can't get to one of these places, I found a few recipes.  The best part about this salty cheese is that is has a high-melting point so it can be grilled or fried very easily. And I did read that this cheese was enjoyed in Ancient Egypt, so take a cue from the Egyptians, and try it one of these days.

Your friend, in cheese (as long as we don't share our haloumi).

-Caroline

Dream bigger, my dear.

Happy Saturday, friends!

I saw this sign in a window of a cute store on my block, a few weeks ago.

After a few days of looking at this sign that seemed to jump out at me every time I walked past it (which was at least five times a day), I bought it. It's the "my dear" at the end that I love the most because that it is my favorite term of endearment. It is the verbal acknowledgement that someone knows you better than the rest. A sweet sense of intimacy. And maybe, on occasion, offers the tiniest hint of sarcasm.

And here is its home, now. Leaning against a support beam from the 1700s on an entry-way table where I keep everything I need to walk out the door. It's in the perfect place for me to see every time I enter or leave my apartment.

It goes along perfectly with an except from a personal favorite book of mine, The Alchemist.

Whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It’s your mission on earth. 

The premise of the book is doing what your heart desires and finding your destiny. Have you read it?

So, friends, as the sign suggests, don't be afraid to dream bigger - on any level or aspect of your life and go after what you want.

Your friend, 
Caroline

Luck of the Irish.

Happy Friday, friends.
I hope you have a fun weekend planned. I included a few favorites of mine, from the Emerald Isle or that bring you luck, in honor of the upcoming holiday.

Irish blessing...
May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.

I love this song and this band favorite Irish band. I am partial to The Edge.

Another blessing...
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Have you ever found a four-leaf clover?

decondance.com

One of the best Irish bars in Philadelphia...and the place to be on New Year's Day.

I always make a wish on a wishbone at Thanksgiving and one used to fall at the hollow of my neck, Jennifer Aniston wore this necklace in He's Just Not Into You. The wishbone is a symbol of good luck and also a wish maker. Two people tug on the wishbone, each making a wish. Once the wishbone breaks, the person with the bigger piece will have their wish granted.  

 styleswoon.com  

Irish quote...
May you have the hindsight to know where you've been. The foresight to know where you are going. And the insight to know when you have gone too far.

And finally, from your friend, Caroline.
May you always have the luck you need this weekend and each day of the year. And I hope that you always have your loved ones near.

Now, please go and enjoy your Guinness or your green beer.

xo,
Caroline

Weekend brunch.

Happy weekend, friends.

It's going to be a lovely, spring-like weekend in Philadelphia. Perfect for walking around the city, dog or sans dog. If you'll be out and about and looking for somewhere to grab brunch or lunch, check out The Morning Glory Diner. I went last weekend with my friend Tina - per her recommendation. It was incredible.

Here are a few highlights and tips for your dining experience. If you go on a weekend, you'll see this when you walk through the gate.

Here is what you do: sign the sheet of paper where you can opt for a seat at the counter, at a table or the first available. Try to not walk through the door. As you get close to the door, you'll notice a giant stop sign posted on it. If you do go this weekend, waiting outside won't be so terrible. We arrived at noon and were seated at 12:50.

I'm not an incredibly patient person when it comes to waiting at a restaurant, especially if I'm standing, outside in the cold, as we were, but I will tell you that what you will eat, is worth every.single.second of that wait.

Once you are [finally] seated, you will notice a few steel jars on the table. Inside, you will find homemade jam made freshly at TMGD.

After perusing the menu, I opted for one of the specials. Crab and spinach hash. I mostly ordered it for the two poached eggs. However, the best part was the giant biscuit. It's even good without the aforementioned homemade jam. But it is 10,000 times better with the jam slathered all over it. It was so good, I debated ordering an extra biscuit to take home.

A few tips if go to TMGD:

• They do not take reservations, so be prepared to wait.
• Try not to enter the restaurant if you see other diners waiting outside. Of course you can walk in but you'll be met with glares from said diners.
• Hit an ATM before you go as they are cash only.
• They do not serve alcohol, so if you are looking for a little hair of the dog after a rough night, keep reading. 

After leaving the TMGD, Tina and I went to an old standby: The Royal Tavern. Try one of their special mimosas of the day. This was a blackberry mimosa. Their bloody mary's are quite amazing as well.

They do serve brunch, so if you're looking for a boozy brunch, this is a good option for you. Just be warned, your tater tots may be cold when they get to you. 

After TRT, we went to see our buddy, Tom, at Beau Monde, which happens to be my all-time favorite brunch spot in the city. If you go, try the bloody mary or have Tom make you a gorgeous pink mimosa. This one has champagne, Chambord, orange juice and cranberry juice.

If you're eating at Beau Monde, they serve La Colombe coffee and I recommend the mushroom and swiss crepe - it's the only item I order when I go. Hey, when you find something amazing, stick with it.

If you can't get out for brunch - pick up this neat candle that I bought one recently in January at The Clover Market. It's a lovely scent and it does remind me of a jazz brunch.

Enjoy your weekend, no matter what you do.

xo.
Your friend,
Caroline

Do what you love. And do it often.

Hi friends,
I saw this a few weeks ago and love it. Here is the full text.

Holstee Manifesto  

This is your life. Do what you want and do it often.

If you don't like something, change it.
 
If you don't like your job, quit.
 
If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV.
 
If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.
 
Stop over-analyzing, life is simple.
 
All emotions are beautiful.
 
When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
 
Life is simple.
 
Open your heart, mind and arms to new things and people, we are united in our differences.
 
Ask the next person you see what their passion is and share your inspiring dream with them.
 
Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.
 
Some opportunities only come once, seize them.
 
Life is about the people you meet and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating.
 
Life is short, live your dream and wear your passion. 

-The Holstee Manifesto, The Wedding Day.


Watch this YouTube video on the manifesto.

Image: Feel Desain

And remember...

Image: All you can love.com

xo,

Your friend, 

Caroline 

Friends. Wine. Cheese

Hi Friends,

Do you like trying new wine, sampling new cheeses and meeting new people? Me, too. Check out the Wedge and Fig Social Club.

On Wednesday, Anita and I went to our quaint neighborhood cheese shop, armed with a bottle of red, guaranteed to pair nicely with the cheese we were about to sample.

As we walked into the tickets-only event, we were greeted with this collection of reds, handed a name tag and a glass for our wine and off we went.

Throughout the two-hour event, we sampled five cheeses from around the world and learned their unique stories just before they were presented.

In between cheese courses we had the opportunity to mingle with the other guests in attendance. I met two neighbors - one who works at The Arden Theatre and I also chatted with Kirk and Lisa, the owners of the Wedge and Fig. I can easily say I walked away with three new friends and a few new tips on where to go. 

Here is the cheese list from last night's event. I highly recommend the Epoisses Berthaut for its equally unique earthy taste and history.

Here is an idea of how the cheeses were presented by the staff during the event. Shown below is the Valdeon - a lovely bleu cheese - and bleu cheeses aren't something I seek out. But, I will be picking up some of it this weekend.

If earthy French cheeses like the Epoisses Berthaut aren't your thing, the Wedge and Wig also has a few dozen other cheeses for you to try. They also have a full menu of paninis, soups, baked goods, coffee and all of the standard cheese accoutrements you need.

And about the wine. We were encouraged to open our bottle, set it on the table with the other 30 bottles and try a communal bottle. We only briefly hesitated but after seeing everyone else reading an unfamiliar label and trying the wine - we joined in. And I'm happy we did because I found a new wine I love. This was my favorite of the evening and I hope to find it at a wine store one day, soon.

The W&F Social Club happens once a month, is held midweek and is BYO. Tickets are $10 ahead of time and $15 at the door. They change their cheese selection each month and recommend an adult beverage to bring. January's suggestion was champagne, I wonder what March will be? I may have lobbied for a dark-beer pairing. We'll see what Lisa and Kirk decide upon in a few weeks!

Even if it's red again, I'll be there and I hope to see you there.

Your friend,
Caroline

dîner français

Happy Monday, friends.

I found this recipe the other day and tried it this evening because I was in the mood for French food which is my absolute favorite food to make or eat - at any meal. Plus, since it ends up as an open-faced sandwich, you eat it with a knife and fork and can pretend you're sitting at an outdoor cafe in Paris at 2 p.m., with a view of the Eiffel Tower, with a bottle of champagne, and a few macaroons.
 
...and back to reality.

You lightly (or not so lightly) butter a few slices of brioche and broil them until browned.

Place a few slices of Gruyere cheese on the bread. I only wished I'd used more because can one ever have too much Gruyere?

For the frisee salad vinaigrette, I used the juice from two meyer lemons that I had on hand with olive oil, scallions and a bit of salt and pepper.

 I popped the brioche topped with Gruyere in the oven for a minute, until I saw this...

...I made a few eggs quickly and this is how it turned out.

I served it on my plates that are French inspired and similar to the plates served at Bouchon - Thomas Keller's French bistro that he designed so he would have somewhere to eat after cooking fine French cuisine at French Laundry. Even the butter is outstanding there. I should open the Bouchon cookbook this weekend...that would give me a reason to start researching for my trip to Paris...

Enjoy!

Good night, friends.
Bonne nuit, mes amis. 

Your friend,
-Caroline

Below is the recipe from Food & Wine - March 2013.
I used meyer lemons and instead of fried eggs, I made lightly scrambled eggs and skipped the prosciutto. I would add more Gruyere cheese the next time.

1. Six 1-inch-thick slices of brioche
2. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus softened butter, for brushing
3. 6 ounces frisée, torn into bite-size pieces (3 cups)
4. 1/4 cup lightly packed parsley leaves
5. 2 scallions, thinly sliced
6. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
7. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
8. Kosher salt
9. Freshly ground pepper
10. 6 large eggs
11. 1/2 pound Gruyère cheese, thinly sliced
12. 12 thin slices of prosciutto (6 ounces)

1. Preheat the broiler. Brush both sides of the brioche slices with softened butter and arrange in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Broil the brioche 8 inches from the heat, turning once, until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes total. Leave the broiler on.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the frisée with the parsley, scallions, lemon juice and olive oil. Season the salad with salt and pepper.
3. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in each of 2 large nonstick skillets. Crack 3 eggs into each skillet and cook sunny side up over moderate heat, until the whites are firm and the yolks runny, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and season with salt and pepper.
4. Top the brioche with the Gruyère, covering as much of the toasts as possible with the cheese. Broil 8 inches from the heat for about 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Transfer the cheesy brioche toasts to plates. Top with the frisée salad, prosciutto and fried eggs and serve at once.