Overbooking the Social Calendar

I took a fashion tip from Jeremy Clarkson for this event.

Yet again, it seems my calendar is filling quicker than is possible to handle. But this usually happens in the Autumn…at least, I won’t have to run six blocks in a suit this time to perform on stage at a local theater then go to a nearby dance. Only a regretful decline is necessary. And is there enough to regret but so much more to enjoy.

With Oktoberfest (actually in SEPTEMBER) as a primer, October is when events get into high gear before the Holiday Season is upon us. With the political scene in high gear due to the Presidential election, things get really busy.

Already this month, I’ve been to a debate party; a Memorial fundraiser for Philadelphia Police officers and just recently, I tried some two Guinness varieties now available on the American market.

Today alone has no less than THREE events that range from a 25^th Anniversary Celebration in Manayunk, a Concert at the Kimmel Center with the after-party scheduled for XIX at the Bellevue and a Hendricks Gin event in Old City.

Garnish with veggies not citrus

On the plus side, the man playing the Kimmel Center, Jeff Bradshaw, I have seen one multiple occasions at various venues. If you’ve not seen him live, get out there. Or better yet, if you’re an R&B fan, buy his album. It’s quite pleasant. So I can skip that event without him being too mad. The only draw for me is to be in the Kimmel Center which I have yet to enter, but there is plenty of time.

The Anniversary celebration I’m a little saddened to be not attending. It marks the 25^th year of Jake’s Restaurant and Bruce Cooper’s investment in Manayunk’s Main St. I’ve gotten to know Bruce from my time at the paper but his reputation stretched into my early days working in Derek Davis’ restaurants while going to high school, then college. Many waiters that I worked with used to hold Jake’s as a model of how a restaurant should be run.  Now Bruce has Jake’s and Cooper’s Wine Bar and neither disappoint.

Bruce personally reached out to me last night to invite me to the celebration tonight. I will certainly try to stop by later in the evening.

Like drinking a peat bog...SMOKY!

But the event I will be attending involves an unusual kind of gin. I first had Kendrick’s while interviewing Sandra Day and the late Jim Wiest after the Delaware Valley Opera Company were forced out of their 20-year home in Fairmount Park. Jim served me a full glass of Hendrick’s with some ice and a slice of cucumber. No water, no tonic. Straight gin. I have been a fan ever since.

Those who know me know that once I give my word, I carry through. So when a friend asked me to join her for this Hendrick’s event, I accepted. Dinner in Old City then a “Voyage into the Unusual”; should be an interesting evening after all.

 

Update: I have just been invited by another friend to an Ardbeg event on Delaware Ave on Tuesday. Apparently, there will be a rocket involved. I wonder if Dan Dare or Buck Rogers will be there.

Bring the Bento

Last week proved to be interesting. After some more paperwork including a press pass application for the City of Philadelphia and other tax forms, I was out covering stories. This one about the Food Co-Op will hopefully prove to be something big, real big. I often feel cynical about certain initiatives but I really think that this one will be great for the neighbor and has some real momentum.
After that event, I went to Deke's BBQ. You may remember as The Garage, the place where I met the late, lamented Phillies sportscaster Harry Kalas. Tucked away next to the Ugly Moose, off of Shurs La., Deke's serves a filling BBQ menu and a killer Pecan Pie. By sheer luck, I met up with some journalistic colleagues there and had a great time, despite a "hockey" game going on around us.
Speaking of make-overs, I stepped into Dream House Asian Bistro today. New owners took over the old Jade Court last year and realized a overhaul and facelift were long overdue.
Jade Court served mediocre/standard Chinese Takeaway fare. I have only two distinct memories of the joint. Once, in my high school years, my friends and I trekked across a frozen Ridge Ave in a snow storm to satisfy our collect craving for MSG and carbohydrates. We got to the old parking lot on Lyceum Ave. and ate right out of the carton.
My second memory is not so pleasant. My co-worker and I ordered lunch from there once. Neither one of us could come into work the next day for symptoms I refuse to describe here. So I never ordered from there again, despite it being so close to the office.
But sometimes, you got to take the plunge and see if change is for the good.
Immediately, I noticed there was a difference when I ordered. I was informed that lunch was served as a Bento Box and I would receive entree, garden salad, two crab rangoon, 6-piece California Roll, cup of soup and steamed rice.That is what I got. Perfect portion size for the worker on the go and very filling. The Sesame Chicken was standard flavor but not drowning in sauce. The California Roll was also standard but enjoyable. I was a little concerned about mixing hot and cold foods but that is the nature of the box where you are ording as a take out.
A quick glance of the interior showed that the new owners really put the facade of the old Jade Court behind them. There is a whole sushi bar with chef in attendance. But only tomorrow will tell me if their cooking as truly improved...and if I will eat there again. IF all goes well, I'll be sitting in for Bento or Sushi soon.

UPDATE: I survived with any problems, we'll certainly be ordering from Dream House soon.

Photo: Bernard J. Scally