Soft, home-made, pita, big falafel balls, fresh veggies, juicy shawarma, great prices, and an extremely friendly staff - what else can you ask for in a restaurant? The first time I visited the restaurant, it was on Sunday afternoon, just before the start of a minor holiday, Tu B'Av. A couple of my friends and I had a craving for some falafel so we headed to Glatt Delight (formerly Maccabeam) on 12th between Sansom and Walnut (note: this restaurant is not Vegetarian, but there are Vegetarian options such as falafel).
When we walked in, a young Israeli man greeted us. We approached the counter to order. We decided to test our Hebrew skills (my Hebrew speaking skills are limited), ordering in Hebrew. The young man, impressed and humored, called his father, I am assuming the owner, out from the back to assist with preparing our order. One of my friends, fluent in Hebrew, conversed with the owner as we waited for our food. A few minutes later, he handed us large pitas filled with falafel, "chips," veggies, and hummus. My other friend received the same, but rather than falafel, he had turkey shawarma. He said his shawarma was juicy and delicious. The pita was very fluffy, the falafel was crispy, the hummus creamy, and the vegetables crunchy. Every bite was delightful! Of course, we all picked out our favorite flavors of prigat to drink with our Israeli lunch.
As we walked out of the restaurant, the owner handed my friends and I a large pack of freshly baked pita for the holiday. Generous, helpful, and friendly staff always receive two thumbs up from me. Not to mention the fact that the food was great! I cannot wait to go back to try Glatt Delight's burger, shnitzel, lamb chops, or Moroccan cigars... then again I do not think I will be able to resist the amazing falafel/shawarma and pita!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Homemade Goodies by Roz - Kosher Pareve Bakery
My friend was visiting from D.C. one week, so we ventured into Old City. We found ourselves in need of a coffee and cookie break, but there was nothing around. After checking out a couple of synagogues near Society Hill, we stumbled upon a Kosher bakery with a cheerful pink exterior near 5th and Lombard. (The bakery is supervised by the Community Kashrut of Greater Philadelphia). My friend and I decided we had to go in. The window was filled with little toys and cute chachkas. The inside decor was warm and inviting, presenting a retro look that indicated the bakery's long-standing presence in Philadelphia. Immediately after entering, the owner (Roz Bratt), standing behind the glass counter filled with cupcakes and cookies galore, greeted us with a warm smile and a hearty hello. We introduced ourselves and started chatting.
After about fifteen minutes of finding common ground, my friend and I ordered a cup of coffee each, which is brewed fresh by Roz and her assistant. The coffee was tasty. Our mission was then to find the right dessert to match the great cup of joe. We ordered a couple of chocolate-chip cookies to try. They were better than your average pareve (non-dairy) cookies, but did not quite satisfy our need for sweets. The cupcakes were the pot of gold under the rainbow - just what we were looking for. There must have been a handful of different flavors on display. My friend got a banana cupcake and I chose the chocolate. Both were amazing. I am a choco-holic so the chocolate was perfect for me - and I could not even tell it was pareve. The frosting was sweet, but not overly sugary and the cake portion was moist. Roz said she changes out the cupcake flavors often, but always has the classics available. If not just to visit the friendly owner, I must go back to try out another one of Roz's amazing cupcakes and her highly recommended apple cake and carrot cake!
Note: Homemade Goodies also takes orders for birthdays and other simchas.
After about fifteen minutes of finding common ground, my friend and I ordered a cup of coffee each, which is brewed fresh by Roz and her assistant. The coffee was tasty. Our mission was then to find the right dessert to match the great cup of joe. We ordered a couple of chocolate-chip cookies to try. They were better than your average pareve (non-dairy) cookies, but did not quite satisfy our need for sweets. The cupcakes were the pot of gold under the rainbow - just what we were looking for. There must have been a handful of different flavors on display. My friend got a banana cupcake and I chose the chocolate. Both were amazing. I am a choco-holic so the chocolate was perfect for me - and I could not even tell it was pareve. The frosting was sweet, but not overly sugary and the cake portion was moist. Roz said she changes out the cupcake flavors often, but always has the classics available. If not just to visit the friendly owner, I must go back to try out another one of Roz's amazing cupcakes and her highly recommended apple cake and carrot cake!
Note: Homemade Goodies also takes orders for birthdays and other simchas.
Su Xing - Vegan/Kosher Asian Cuisine
A visit to Su Xing will change your mind about tofu in an instant. The restaurant is conveniently located at 15th and Sansom - right in the middle of the city. The atmosphere is quiet, but family-friendly. The staff is cordial and the service is moderate. The food is delicious! The portions are large and all for a great price. Though it is open seven days a week, the restaurant is International Kosher Council approved.
I have been to Su Xing a handful of times and I am always amazed by the variety of dishes.
Appetizers: The spring roles are normal, crispy and well done. The steamed dumplings are scrumptious! They are soft, not too sticky, and are filled with well-cooked veggies.
Soup: The hot and sour soup is wonderful! On a rainy or cold winter day, this is one of my favorites. It has the right level of spice and a great flavor.
Noodles and Rice: The Pan Fried Noodles with Mixed Vegetable was good; the noodles were a little overcooked, but the veggies and sauce were just right. It also had large chunks of seitan - the wheat-based protein - which are well-cooked, but is definitely an acquired taste. The veggie fried rice was typical, but had little chunks of seitan, which added protein and flavor to the dish.
Tofu and Vegetables: Spicy Szechuan Style Tofu and Kung Pao Dried Tofu (the latter has roasted peanuts) both have slightly spicy sauces with great flavor and fresh cut veggies. The Moo Shoo Vegetable and Tofu is one of my personal favorites. It comes with thin, crepe or thin tortilla-like, wraps, shredded tofu and veggies (well-prepared cabbage, bamboo, etc.), and hoisin sauce. Another delightful dish is the Triple Shredded in Garlic Sauce, which contains a light garlic sauce with fried, shredded, tofu and soy bean protein with shredded mushrooms.
The orange slices and fortune cookies are a perfect end to the meal.
No matter what type of sauce, veggies, or vegetarian protein option you prefer, Su Xing has it. Overall - highly recommended!
Su Xing House website: http://www.suxinghouse.com/default.html
International Kosher Council restaurants: http://www.ikckosher.com/clients.html
I have been to Su Xing a handful of times and I am always amazed by the variety of dishes.
Appetizers: The spring roles are normal, crispy and well done. The steamed dumplings are scrumptious! They are soft, not too sticky, and are filled with well-cooked veggies.
Soup: The hot and sour soup is wonderful! On a rainy or cold winter day, this is one of my favorites. It has the right level of spice and a great flavor.
Noodles and Rice: The Pan Fried Noodles with Mixed Vegetable was good; the noodles were a little overcooked, but the veggies and sauce were just right. It also had large chunks of seitan - the wheat-based protein - which are well-cooked, but is definitely an acquired taste. The veggie fried rice was typical, but had little chunks of seitan, which added protein and flavor to the dish.
Tofu and Vegetables: Spicy Szechuan Style Tofu and Kung Pao Dried Tofu (the latter has roasted peanuts) both have slightly spicy sauces with great flavor and fresh cut veggies. The Moo Shoo Vegetable and Tofu is one of my personal favorites. It comes with thin, crepe or thin tortilla-like, wraps, shredded tofu and veggies (well-prepared cabbage, bamboo, etc.), and hoisin sauce. Another delightful dish is the Triple Shredded in Garlic Sauce, which contains a light garlic sauce with fried, shredded, tofu and soy bean protein with shredded mushrooms.
The orange slices and fortune cookies are a perfect end to the meal.
No matter what type of sauce, veggies, or vegetarian protein option you prefer, Su Xing has it. Overall - highly recommended!
Su Xing House website: http://www.suxinghouse.com/default.html
International Kosher Council restaurants: http://www.ikckosher.com/clients.html
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