Juniper Commons: Who wouldn’t want brunch with Tom Selleck?

March 31, 2015March 31, 2015 / foodsweatandbeers / Leave a comment

I was born in 1987. Despite the fact that this technically makes me an 80s kid, I have virtually no memories of my tender first few years. I do know, however, that I look damn good dressing to the decade (thanks for the memories, LivingSocial).

GNARLY!!

But Kevin Sbraga, Philly’s original Top Chef… he was born in 1979. Chances are, he probably gets it a little more than I do. Good thing, since his newest venture, Juniper Commons, channels the era through atmosphere, edibles, and attitude.

Lounge in the evening! Photo credit to Yelp user Margaret W. Click for profile

Lately, I’ve been chin deep in hitting up classes all over Philly courtesy of ClassPass so, on Saturday, my brother and I decided to treat ourselves, post-Spin class, with a time-traveling trip to the JC. The walls are covered in a wallpaper made up of 1980s newspapers, there’s a gin-centric bar at the rear, and the open kitchen vibe feels homey and warm.

While I’m typically a savory breakfast babe, the description of the pancakes (complete with peanuts, bananas, & toasted marshmallow) had me ~~requesting~~ insisting my brother get that, having me stick with their take on Eggs Benedict (with country bread, roast beef, and hollandaise [Ideal for a gal who would take roast beef over ham in a second]).

The slightly toasted puffs of marshmallow fluff were TOTAL game-changers, making these pancakes borderline s’more-like.

This characteristic is a VERY good thing.

Brother bear and I both agreed, though, the winner was the savory.

My very own skillet? Why THANK YOU!

I think the country bread over an English muffin was right up my alley, and they did NOT skimp on the roast beef, served juicy, salty, and hot. And while I rarely get into brunch bevvies without some sort of reason, a quick trip to the bathroom before brekki gave me more than enough reason.

Hey there, handsome.

Yup, this dapper dude, this mustached man is just waiting in the ladies’ room… probably waiting for your call.

By the time breakfast began, I was so hot and bothered I had to cool off. And what’s cooler than being cool?

Wine Coolers. That’s what.

Juniper Commons makes their OWN wine coolers! This Pinot Noir (can’t even type that without thinking exclusively of Kimmy Schmidt’s Titus) was fizzy with hints of blackberry and apple brandy (or so I was told. It mostly tasted like bubbly wine juice, which I’m into).

I took a gander at the dinner menu and, truth be told, I think it’s a little pricey for what the descriptions of the dishes sound like. But for a semi-schmoozy, little bit boozy brunch and/or lunch, the vibe would bring me back and the price point seems pretty level with the rest of the Philly scene.

Found in the heart of the city, you can’t beat the location. Throw a burly, shirtless Selleck in the midst…. I’ll be back again.

Juniper Commons
521 S. Broad Street
Tastemade Philly: Juniper Commons

National Puppy Day (or: Gratuitous Great Dane Puppy Pics)

March 23, 2015 / foodsweatandbeers / 1 Comment

Once upon a time, in June of 2014 (which practically feels like an eternity ago and WILL I EVER BE ABLE TO FEEL MY FINGERS AGAIN?!), a new man entered my life. Only instead of really being a man, he was just a baby. And actually…. he was a puppy. His name was Cornwallis (though he immediately became Wally) and it was pretty much love at first sight.

Hello little man, welcome home!

He’s not even a year old yet. But, since it’s National Puppy Day (sure, that’s a thing!) and I love him even though we recently discovered I’m allergic to his saliva (lucky me, he is the drooliest dude in the kingdom), I figured…. why not?

He puts the Dane in Dainty (you just have to sound it out)…. Wally Dog, Beast of the East.

Just for scale, this is the first picture we have of our little baby.

I know. I really do.

And now… some recent snapshots.

Sometimes he’s sleepy. Must be all the growing.

Supporting his favorite rugby team, the Rabbitohs. That is a queen sized bed.

Sometimes, he is a gentleman.

Please, have a seat in my office. Would you like a water bottle to chew on?

He is never a scholar, because he is actually quite a fool.

Most of the time… he is trying to play with my mother. Who, for the record, is 5’4″ on a good day.

Dwarfed by the dog

But, no matter how big he gets (last measurements, he’s taller than she (easily) and weighs about 145 lbs), he will always be our little puppy brother.

Our first meeting. I’m smitten.

Happy National Puppy Day to all you dog lovers out there, and thank you for tolerating my excuse for gratuitous Great Dane pics.

The Best App You’ve Never Heard Of

March 20, 2015March 20, 2015 / foodsweatandbeers / 1 Comment

Here’s the thing: I’m no Craig LaBan, my favorite Philly food critic. But, as Marc Vetri implied and Sandy Hingston supported, perhaps traditional food journalism and critique are a thing of the past. It’s no surprise to many of you that I’m a wildly active Yelper. I’ve been known to review restaurants on my blog, and I’ll talk about the Philly food and drink scene with anyone who will listen. And probably some people who don’t want to listen.

No, seriously. The lamb at Zahav will NOT QUIT, stranger on SEPTA! You feel me?!

Because of this, when a friend of mine mentioned off-hand some app coming to Philly looking for “tastemakers”, I was intrigued. What I stumbled onto (thanks to Google and a few email forwards) wasTastemade, an app I was shocked I’d never even heard of before. And, with a quick download and a few clicks of some buttons, I was on it like brown and cilantro on rice (can you tell I’m hungry?)

Photo from the Tastemade Site

Tastemade basically seems like a way to rave about your favorite food spots in Philly or BEYOND! However, instead of mere photos and words to paint the picture, you’re able to take videos, mash them together with some built-in bits and pieces like music and filters, and VOILA you’re a regular producer.

You can either choose a quick take (just a few quick snippets) or a “Full Scoop” video, which only ends up being about a minute long.

Gimme that full scoop!

If you do a “Full Scoop” you’re expected to get on film (read: SELFIE VIDEOS!) and take a bit of footage to capture the ambiance and the food. You can choose different themes for different spots, and there’s matching background music to pair with each (that’s all the words on the bottom, like Quartet, Postcard, UP LATE, etc).

Apparently this is a real spot in Camden!

I’ll admit, it took me a minute to knock away the initial oddness of filming myself in random places (‘Scuse me? Miss? Are you filming those vegetables or can I take a squash?) but once I got past it, it kinda felt like being a hot shot Food Network champ for a few seconds. And who better to share the best spots to eat in a city than the folks that are experiencing it RIGHT THAT MOMENT?!

I’ve so far done three videos but, after hitting up the Philly Tastemade Launch Party last night, I’m feeling pretty stoked to do more. PLUS with the impending trip to NYC to visit my best buddy for her birthday, we’re dining at a buncha spots unreviewed. As Claire stated: They’re MINE FOR THE ~~TAKING~~ TASTING (see what I did there?)!

Wanna see me talk about hummus? Interested in capturing moments like this tasty screenshot?

Precious moments

Scope out the @foodsweatnbeers Tastemade Page! Join and let me hear how weird YOUR voice sounds on camera! HELP NORMALIZE VIDEO SELFIES!

(And don’t blame me when folks start walking into tables at your local restaurant whilst trying to capture selfie ambiance all at once…. I recommend sitting or standing still.)

The 5 Devices and Services That Changed My Life

March 17, 2015March 17, 2015 / foodsweatandbeers / 3 Comments

Life is full of crossroads.

You know that’s not what I mean.

Nope. Not even close.

Oh, come on. Now you’re just being silly.

Nope. They’re those points in life where you make a decision, and everything changes. I’ve had quite a few. The joyful decision to head to Chapel Hill for undergrad and the terrifying one to leave North Carolina 7 years later.

The most heartbreaking decision that was made for me, not by me.

And, of course, the most important, life changing decision of all that I made almost 5 years ago today (March 21, 2010, at 215 lbs). It’s insane to look back at what can change over 5 years. And, though I know that it takes a strong, independent woman to take that leap, I also recognize that I couldn’t and wouldn’t be who I am without a little help. Some helpers were monumental, and some may seem small, but all 5 have one thing in common: they brought me where I am today (and, in case you didn’t catch it, that’s a place where I am blissfully happy.)

The Big One: Weight Watchers
I was never one for dieting, growing up. I actually didn’t realize I had put on a ton of weight until I felt like a balloon. I’ve written about my success with Weight Watchers in the past, but I’d be extremely remiss to not mention it. Because it not only changed the way I look and think about food, it made me begin cooking and falling in love with food. So that’s a given.
Heart Rate Monitor / FitBit
It’s like two generations of the same big change. My initial Garmin FR60 was actually a prize from an online contest. And it changed the way I worked out. Suddenly, I was competing again, even if it was just against myself. I watched my efforts steadily increase, I could see improvement in my workouts. And now, with the FitBit, I actively strive to walk and hit my step goal every day. I am sure it’s pretty apparent, but I love technology. And being able to utilize it to improve my physical fitness, to me, is the bees knees.
Vegetti
Wait a minute. Does everyone know of the power and glory of zoodles (zucchini noodles)?
Truly, these, the next generation of spaghetti squash, have totally rocked my world. I got a Vegetti sometime over the summer, and I never looked back. I probably eat zoodles about 3x a week (spaghetti squash almost that often when it’s in season) but all of the sudden I’m able to have filling, nutrition lunches that taste wonderful and can take the spot of spaghetti.I know, it seems like a little thing. But goodness, it’s just… everything.
Untappd
So life is all about moderation, right? There was a time, at the beginning of this journey, where ALL I could think about was food-in, exercise-out, and almost no extracurricular activities. And then I found Untappd, my favorite beer-tracking app, and the craft beer community. And it added some spice back into my life.

Ahhh remember June 2011? I was just a baby!

Now, I track my brews religiously, I socialize with friends near and far, AND it’s given me a great hobby and brought my into this pretty fantastic beer gaggle. All work and no play makes Jordy a dull girl. And craft beer variety…. well, that’s the spice of life.
ClassPass
Sure, initially I started writing about ClassPass because they gave me a free month to try it out and I wanted to review.

Nope. That’s not me. I get way sweatier than these chicks.

Now, all the sudden, I’m scheduling two-a-days. I’m throwing my entire body into my workout instead of visiting a bland Zumba class and feeling whiny about the slow music and repetitive moves. I’m getting bendy at yoga, I’m leaving it all in the studio at FlyWheel, and, as I just recently purchased my OWN ClassPass, I’m actually down almost 10 lbs since I started. Not only this, my pants are fitting better and I think the switch from pure cardio to strength, cardio, stretching, and tiny muscle movements like Barre classes…. I can feel my body changing. My mom and dad noticed it, I even braved my winter bod to try on/buy some bathing suits at Target!

I know. You can hold your applause until we’re together in person. This ClassPass thing has just brought a renewed excitement into my fitness regime.

It’s been a pretty incredible 5 years. And for those of you who have been reading for a while, thanks for sticking with it. For everyone else, so glad you’re along for any of this ride. Who KNOWS where the next five will take us?

What’s the biggest change in your life that’s occurred over the past 5 years?

That Time Yards Brewery Took Me on a Date

March 9, 2015March 10, 2015 / foodsweatandbeers / 1 Comment

Who would’ve thought that an abysmal “attempt” at a date in college would’ve led to a night on the town courtesy of one of my favorite local breweries, Yards? In honor of Valentine’s Day, love, and (most importantly) their malty, rich brew, Love Stout, Yards hosted a contest online for the entrant with the worst date they wish they could “do over”. And I can’t tell if I should be proud or ashamed of this, but yours truly was the lucky winner!

However, the misfortune of 19 year old Jordan proved the boon for the Jordan of today! And after shooting a few congratulatory emails and scooping around to find a suitable date partner, I was treated to a #LoveStoutDoOver Date this past weekend! Our first stop was the PHS Flower Show, one of Philly’s signature yearly events that brings visitors from all over to bask in floral glory at what blooms can be transformed into by talented horticulturists, florists, and gardeners alike.

GUESS THE DISNEY MOVIE!!

This year’s theme was “Movies” (namely, Disney flicks) and it was truly impressive to see this flora recreate some of my favorite flicks. My top two favorites (pictured above)included a beloved movie (left, can you guess?) and one I hadn’t seen (right, a little tougher, and it’s NOT Aladdin!) But the best was yet to come. Because, considering how well their annual Pop-Up Beer Garden has been going the past few years, PHS decided to establish one inside the convention center!

Yards treated us to eats and, of course, beverages.

Roast beef and cold Philly Pale Ale — Can’t beat it!

I tried (and surprisingly enjoyed!) the PHS Horticulture Cider whipped up by Wyndridge Farm especially for the show, but knew we had bigger fish to fry (oysters are fish, right?)

We boogied home to change into some more “date night” appropriate attire and digest our late lunch, in order to clear some room for a romantic trip to Pennsylvania 6… that NEARLY turned into another date that needed doing over!

If you’ve never been to Pennsylvania 6, it’s a pretty cozy establishment. At night time, the tables have tea light candles, and it’s all very cute. Know what that’s not good for?

A 6’1″ oaf rocking a puffy coat and trying to be “dainty”.

Upon my arrival do you think I:

a) ran into the table?

b) bumped into a water glass having it fall on the table?

c) accidentally dipped my coat into a neighbor’s drink?

d) nearly burnt a menu?

If you chose: E) all of the above, CONGRATULATIONS!

Sorry candle. Sorry water glass.

All was forgiven and forgotten (except by the table got the jacket dip, I’m pretty sure they’re still pretty ticked.

And then, our oysters (fried and raw) and Love Stout were dropped off, complete with adorable miniature Tabasco sauce. So I felt better.

Pardon that camera tilt, I felt so awkward snapping shots with a DSLR in a tight squeeze like PA6!

My dish was the winner, IMHO, and was a slow roasted bone-in short rib that just fell apart at the mere suggestion of a fork.

Yup.

We took our “dessert” (a six-pack of Love Stout) and some Yards goodies home, and they even treated us to cab fare (because they’re classy like that).

SO despite my clumsiest, best efforts at ruining a date on my own terms, Yards in fact took me and my date out on a lovely evening and treated me like a lady.

….I hope they call soon.

(Meat)Ball So Hard on South Street

March 2, 2015March 2, 2015 / foodsweatandbeers / 2 Comments

I never had one of those Italian grandmothers that you see in the media. You know, the short, plump ladies who you never see without an apron, hand permanently glued to a saucy wooden spoon that practically lives in the kitchen.

“Eat, eat! You’re wasting away!!”

My grandmothers’ specialties were deviled eggs and baked beans, or sneaking me Godiva chocolates from the fridge. Needless to say, I loved them…. But I kinda liked the idea this Italian grandma. Someone whose only goal was to fill the bellies and hearts of everyone around her and keep the house warm and smelling of gravy and sausage. It’s no surprise, then, that I immediately felt at home walking into the doors of Me N Mo, South Street’s new meatball home, specializing in balls of meat and pasta to eat!

I was lucky enough to attend a pretty fantastic grand opening party and the staff pulled out all the stops. And, by all the stops, I mean just about any meatball you could imagine!

Stuffing fontina into meatballs? Brilliant.

Making ANY chicken based dish Buffalo-style? My kinda joint.

They also have some more traditional options, including spicy pork and beef. But, oddly enough, my favorite was a combination I never even considered.

I believe they call this their “Hong Kong” meatball

Pork and Shrimp?! No, these bad boys aren’t Kosher at all. But they ARE delicious, moist, and jam-packed with savory flavor.

~~As I am a dainty and delicate lady, I made sure to enjoy tiny portions of each.~~ I literally couldn’t stop eating these saucy spheres.

This may or may not have been my second plate.

The cost for four meatballs of any type and some Sarcone’s bread is $8 which is honestly a little steep for beef meatballs alone, IMHO. However, I think that for some of the more interesting options (Pork and shrimp, lamb!!) it would be worth a trip. Surprisingly, the vegetarian balls tied for second place for me and my buddies. So whether you want your balls meaty and spicy, meat-free and creamy (their mushroom-cream sauce would be a great option for the veg-heads!), Me N Mo has got you covered. You can also get a buttload of balls from their catering menu, as a few of my friends did for Super Bowl Sunday this year. Nice little variety from the standard pizza and wings offerings, and who doesn’t wanna show up to a party armed with buckets of balls?

….Maybe don’t answer that.

Me N Mo: Meatballs & MORE!
214 South Street
Philadelphia, PA

Food, Sweat, and Beers

That's what this girl's made of…

Month: March 2015