A Pinch Of Making the World Better

The Make the World Better Foundation concert series took over Philly’s FDR Park along with Diplo’s Run Club kicking off its tour in South Philly. A great (mostly dry) time, even with a few storms popping up throughout the weekend. Rent week took over the food thoughts, but boy did we get some great time outside this past week.

Admittedly, I was (mostly) taking it easy with meals this week, so getting ahead and saying there’s not too much exciting on the “what was made this week” front. THAT SAID, rent week meals still have a time and a place! Plus, a little mid-week splurge for the Dog Days were a treat. We’ll get back to the meals shortly…

Former Eagle Connor Barwin (Go Birds) and his Make the World Better Foundation put on an incredible concert series this weekend at FDR Park, which I got to go to Remi Wolf last night – what a crazy, fun performance. And Diplo took over the stage Saturday morning after we ran a 5K throughout the park and into the Navy Yard – again, crazy and fun… never did I expect to run and see a 3+ hour concert all before 12:30 p.m.

Currently on the Brain: World Central Kitchen + MTWB’s Local Impact

On one hand getting to do all of this around our city and seeing all these people gather with so much joy is awesome. I’ll also admit that it’s hard to not think about the other side of things when we hear about the lack of food supplies across other parts of the world. I don’t need to say much more than what others have said like chef José Andrés.

Last year, what I thought might be a small bake sale for donations to World Central Kitchen raised nearly $1,000 all thanks to everyone here. So while I know there’s lots to give to these days, I can say the actions of WCK are making a direct impact right now. I donated a chunk of the last bake sale just yesterday, so feel free to explore more if interested in supporting.

Also very much worth highlighting: the local MTWB foundation’s work because they put on a great show this weekend all in support to create more spaces for the community to come together every day safely.

Entertaining my thoughts always appreciated. Back to the food highlights.

Who’s Barkin’ ?

The Dog Days of Summer are almost over! Not quite yet for everyone, but at least for Royal Tavern. That’s exactly what you’re looking at above. I said I’d get my paws on some of those dogs, and thankfully some friends were all aboard last week:

• Muffuletta Dog – griddled dog, olive salad, provolone, mortadella, sesame seeds

• Le Steamy – steamed dog, brown mustard, coleslaw

Not pictured: the obligatory burger and city wide also taken down.

Over indulged? Perhaps. Regret? Absolutely not. Royal Tavern, no notes.

What’s Cookin’

One SOLID Trader Joe’s haul got me through last week and will carry me through this week before shipping off to a short family vacation.

If there’s one meal worth shouting out, it’s the Shawarma Chicken Bowl. I’ve said it before, get the TJ’s Shawarma-marinated chicken thighs.

They do the work for ya, just pop it in the oven to roast along with some vegetables. Cook up some rice. Grab some TJ’s tzatziki while you’re at it, and you’ve got your bowl. I added a little extra with some avocado and cucumbers I had in my fridge. This carried me through four different meals in the past week. 🫡

I also avoided the temptation of coffee and a baked good Sunday by treating myself to a nice stack of homemade pancakes.

A Pinch of Favorites Map

I love exploring neighborhoods around the city, whether I’m familiar with them or not. And this is also one of my favorite parts of my job – discovering new favorite shops, restaurants and people all around the city. Last week we explored East Passyunk, which I’d already call a gem. So no better time than now to add a few food-related spots to the A Pinch Of Favorites map.

• Le Virtù – a neighborhood staple focused on serving up authentic foods from the Abruzzo region of Italy. I think I could’ve cleared all the pasta dishes myself, perhaps a clean-licked plate or two.

• Milk Jawn – for a city that has many ice cream spots to highlight, there’s a reason this takes the cakes as many locals’ top choice. Loved my scoop of their malted milk toffee crunch.

• Occasionette – while you’re not going here for a bite, it’s a top spot for goods and gifts not just focused on food… but also what a selection for those who love a good cookbook, glassware, drink mix and a whole lot more.

• CJ & D's Trenton Tomato Pies – thin, well-done crust and small slices worth big praise. Slinging pies in Cartesian Brewing, this pizza deserves its praise. Grab a pint and a pie, or more of each if you so please.

East Passyunk has so many great shops and places to explore that every time I go, I want to get back right after. (Still RIP to the favorite Bing Bing Dim Sum, a necessary mention always). Looking forward to getting to the Passyunk Passeggiata for some evening block parties to keep the summer alive.

I’m heading down to Maryland to spend time with family this weekend. Safe to say that the dog days of summer are just hitting stride with that group (meaning, lots of dogs in one house). Depending on activities planned, a few things to potentially tally up: orange crushes consumed, crabs eaten, and, likely surprising to some, bagels ordered.

Take it easy this week 🤘