Philadelphia is My Home

03
Dec

It’s All About The Food

Author: Momish, Category: Dining Out, Just Ranting, Philly Finds, Philly Food

Once you hit a certain age, the holidays aren’t really about getting stuff anymore.  Not cool and fun stuff anyway.  No, instead they become more about the food than anything else.

But alas, in my true fashion, I will most likely be a total disappointment in this arena.  Since I rarely cook or bake, I can’t post any terrific mouth watering recipes that will have you running for the kitchen, rolling pin in hand.

So instead, I figured I would just pass along some great foods I have recently eaten.  It’s my little way of sharing the joy.

Let’s see.  Well for starters, I recently ate at Horizons.  A fully vegan restaurant where you can gorge yourself without feeling like a total glutton.  That part is very important to me around this time of year.  So if you are like me and need to feel good about stuffing your face, I suggest you pit stop over to this great restaurant for at least one good meal before New Year’s day.  It will really help, trust me.  Now I don’t feel so bad about all the sugar cookies I have eaten.

The food was so tasty on its own, but knowing it was healthy and good for you, made it that much more enjoyable.  I had the Portobello Trio entree, which had so much flavor, I could eat it everyday for a week straight!  I plan on going back A LOT so I can work my way down the entire menu, because it was only after much painful agony, I settled on the Portobellos.  So I must return.  (I sense a New Year’s resolution in the making!)

What else?  Oh yeah! We had a smashing birthday party for my husband last weekend.  Since it was his birthday and he is the cook in our house, we decided to cater it so he could actually enjoy his day.  After searching endlessly for a reasonable caterer that we could afford without having to sacrifice my daughter’s Christmas presents, we went with Tori’s.

Located on South street, they were able to deliver the food to us right before the party.  They were completely open to letting us order what we needed and what fit our budget.  We had “lollipop” lamb chops, eggplant bruschetta, crab cakes, a cheese and a fruit platter.  Everything was amazing and perfect, with interesting flavors instead of the same old boring trays of food.  

The party was fun, needless to say.  But in the end, it was all about the food and Tori’s really helped to make it a success. Great food without paying for all the stuff you really don’t need or want when having a simple house party.  If you haven’t checked out their new location, you must go. It’s such an amazing building, with a lovely atmosphere that perfectly compliments the great food.

So, that is my brief update on holiday eating.  If you know of any good places around town, fill me in.

In the meantime, I hope you are enjoying the festive season and all that yummy food.  Munch away, people.  Munch away.

11
Oct

Keeping Afloat

Author: Momish, Category: Just Ranting, Randomness

Well, as you may or may not have noticed, I have not been able to keep up with this blog and my editor responsibilities.  For this I truly apologize!  I am sure the readers reader I had is by now long gone.

When I started this, I had hoped to make this a great resource and fun place to meet for Philly residents on-line. But alas, shortly after we went live, I changed jobs.

My new job is keeping me very busy, not to mention barely squeezing in the time to update my personal blog every now and then.

I have contacted the powers that be in hopes of finding another editor for Philly! If anyone is interested, please e-mail me and I will pass it on.  I would hate to see this great city fall by the wayside on ismyhome.com.

In the meantime…

Well…

All I can say is I will keep trying. 

So what’s new with you?

10
Sep

Philly Parents Under A Microscope

Author: Momish, Category: General, Just Ranting, Kids, Local News

Have you had a chance to read the article in this month’s Philadelphia Magazine about Bad Parents, written by Tom McGrath? If you haven’t, then I suggest you take a moment and read it.  It’s that good.  And necessary, I might add.

I am so excited about this article and similar articles I have recently read that finally are speaking up and lashing out at the ridiculous parenting trends of today.  You know what I am talking about, where the child is the center of the universe and all that stuff.   Where parents are too emeshed and involved in their kids lives, to the point of overlooking their own lives as valuable.

My favorite passage was the author recalling how his parents never got involved in his childhood endeavors, yet alone managing and controlling them like today’s parents do:

“The only time I remember either of them getting involved was the day my mother casually suggested that rather than making 67 phone calls, we simply agree to meet every morning at a particular time. It was a great idea that I completely ignored, but to my mother’s unending credit, she never mentioned it again. Perhaps because she had a life.”

That last line had me cheering in my seat.  What is wrong with having a life? Why is it that parents suddenly forgo their own existence the minute they have a kid.  Suddenly, the kid’s soccer and ballet schedules override the parent’s social life.  Suddenly, the kid’s school achievements override the parent’s career advancement.

I don’t get it.  I don’t want to get. But I am glad other people are finally speaking out and doing valuable research that shows such over coddling only hurts and hinders in the end.

As the author keenly points out:

“Unfortunately, evidence is steadily mounting that The Way We Parent Now — roughly defined as giving your child as much opportunity and attention as possible, while requiring little from him or her in return — is turning out to be something of a disaster, at least in terms of producing, you know, well-adjusted, contributing human beings.”

Although he mentions many scenarios and tidbits regarding mostly Philly parents, it actually describes this budding generation of elite professional parents, regardless of where they live. 

Go read it, then tell me what you think.

24
Aug

The Squeeze

Author: Momish, Category: Just Ranting, Randomness

Well, we are off the shore tonight in hopes of squeezing in one more beach day before the summer ends.

I can’t believe summer is almost over. Why does it seem to go by so quickly.  I am sure all the teachers out there suffer this same anxiety and sorrow whenever September draws near.

Anyway, we are not the type to brave the shore traffic during the holiday weekends, so this weekend is our only hope for a last hurrah.  I hear it is suppose to be warm tomorrow, warm enough for the beach even.

But speaking of the upcoming Labor Day weekend, does anybody know of anything interesting going on?  Care to pass it along to all of us traffic chickens who will be stuck in the city?  I will try to do some research this week and see if I find anything worth mentioning.

I’m not promising much though.  It’s hard to muster up the spirit for celebrating on the last weekend of summer. Bwwwaaaaaaaaaaa!

No, please don’t worry about me.  I’ll be fine. Really, I will.

{sniff, sniff}

21
Aug

Mix & Match Already

Author: Momish, Category: Just Ranting, Shopping

Speaking of rap music…

I was in Mandy’s yesterday shopping (I love their stockings) and I had to walk out.  The music playing was not just annoying, but offensive.

Now I know I am an old foggy, but I also spent many years working in retail.  I even worked in one of those hip, super trendy stores back in my day.  And as much as I would have loved to listen to Echo & The Bunnymen and the Bad Brains all day, we had to please all of our clientele.  That meant mixing and matching our music as well as the clothes we sold.  Trust me, I heard my fair share of rap as well as Neil Diamond over the years.

So I walked around, dealing with the music for that one song and waited to see if it would change. But when the next song was almost exactly the same, complete with lyrics that degraded women and talked about guns, I put down the one item I was going to purchase and made my way to the door.  Rap is one thing, inappropriate music being shoved down my throat is another.

When the bag check girl asked, “Couldn’t find anything?”  I was honest and told her, “Never tried. I can’t take this music.”  She gave me a look of understanding, as if either she too couldn’t take it or she was use to hearing the complaint.

It scares me to think that my step daughters shop at this place.

08
Aug

Is There A Problem Here?

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Just Ranting, People

Have you seen this article?  Apparently Britney Spears failed to recognize Posh Spice, even after Mrs. Beckham took the time to introduce herself.  Well, did it ever occur to anyone that maybe Britney just didn’t like her very much?  Did it occur to anyone in the news that maybe the general public just might not care?

Or, how about this articlewhere Lindsey Lohan once again screws up? For the most part, I actually feel sorry for this girl.  So rich and famous at such a young age obviously takes its toll.  Other times, though, all I can do is shake my head and be grateful she is not my child.  Whether or not her second arrest after being released from rehab is noteworthy has me shaking my head even harder. 

Finally, this article kinda sums it up nicely.  Paris Hilton apparently got a rash while doing time in jail.  You see, the sheets in jail are extremely thin, probably no more than 80 thread counts.  THE HORRORS! And the idea that she had no moisturizer (and I mean none, not just that she went without her $80 an ounce beauty fluid) is enough to deter most other heiresses from ever breaking the law, don’t you think?  Perhaps getting the word out regarding the heiress’ substandard living conditions in jail could fall under newsworthy, especially on a slow day where only 5 soldiers died in Iraq.

Considering all these news articles, I put forth the following problem for you to solve:

Find x, where x is the common denominator between them.  To be nice, I will make this a multiple choice question.

x =

 A. The frightening idea that these women could be considered my daughter’s current role models.

B. The tragic notion that the petty actions of these women are considered more news worthy than other global events.

C. The fact that none of these women were born in Philadelphia.

D. All of the above.

Give up?

The correct answer is C.  None of these women were born in Philadelphia.

Aw, c’mon people. C is the only answer that is a fact, as opposed to my humble opinions.  And we all know what those are worth! Besides, I had to find some way to connect all this random babbling to a Philly blog. 

Works for me

02
Aug

Reading Market Is Terminal For Rick’s Cheesesteaks

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, Dining Out, Just Ranting, Local News, Philly Food

I am a traditionalist.  As much as I like change and new things, I also cling to the past like a crab to a big toe.

That is why this whole Rick’s Philly Cheesesteaks eviction from Reading Terminal Market is bothering me.  They are screwing with tradition and history here and I just don’t like that.

On Tuesday, Rick’s lease was up at the market after much controversy and debate.  But as of yesterday, Rick was still there slinging his cheesesteaks around for anyone ordering.  If I worked in Center City, I would head down there and order one myself even though I am not a huge fan of cheesesteaks (probably shouldn’t let that get out, huh?). 

And now there is all this talk of Tony Luke’s being the bad guy.  I don’t honestly think Tony Luke’s is to blame.  I doubt that there is some conspiracy here to oust Rick’s by Tony Luke.  But then again, I often suffer from the Anne Frank syndrome thinking everyone is still good at heart.  

The article states that the Market wanted a “premier” cheesesteak shop and therefore are kicking out Rick Olivieri in favor of Tony Luke.  Um, is it me or are they nuts?  As if any cheesesteak place can be considered “premier”.  It’s cheesesteaks, people! As in wrapped in paper.  As in greasy.  As in destined to give you clogged arteries.  There is nothing premier or classy about cheesesteaks, which is exactly what makes them so popular.

Olivieri claims the cancelled lease is in retaliation to past clashes with management as the head of the market’s merchant association.  Why does that ring more true than the desire to have the oh-so-upscale Tony Luke’s shop?  Obviously, he has the full support of not just his loyal customers, but the other Reading Terminal Market merchants.  According to merchant David Esh, owner-operator of Hatville Deli and a representative of the market’s Amish merchants, the 19th Annual Dutch Festival scheduled for Aug. 8-11 has been canceled in protest of the eviction.  

What do you think?  He and his family have been there since 1982.  That to me is long enough to be considered tradition and history.

Mr. Olivieri is planning on filing a lawsuit against the market.  I say you cling to that big toe with all your might, Mr. Olivieri! There are a lot of people behind you on this one.  It may be your shop and your livelihood, but it is our city and our tradition too.

25
Jul

Here’s Another Thing I Hate

Author: Momish, Category: Just Ranting, Randomness

For the past four years I have worked in Jersey and Delaware, and in both places I am usually the only city dweller amongst the crowd.  So naturally, when the lunch conversation turns to lawn care, I yawn.  Maybe it has to do with the fact that these two words are so similar, such that I subconsciously have the urge to yawn when I hear lawn. But most likely, it has more to do with the fact that my backyard is a two by four slab of concrete with nary a blade of grass in it.

And believe when I tell you that people with lawns can talk for hours about their mowers, edgers, landscapers - the list is endless.  Suburban people are always talking about things I cannot relate to or things I never heard of or have no clue what the heck they are.  Like central vacuuming. What the heck is that? 

And when I ask them what it is, they look at me like I have six heads and just broke out of a time warp bubble.  HELLO! We live in houses that are over a hundred years old and are solid brick. Central vacuuming is not one of those things that casually comes up over coffee very often. (unless you work in Jersey, of course)

Anyway, it was a welcoming change the other day when I was finally able to jump right into the discussion about yard care woes. You see, I have slugs. Yes, I kid you not, there is actual wildlife in my backyard.

Basically, I asked my co-workers (the experts) how it is that two square feet of concrete could produce a colony of thirty slugs within six minutes after the sun sets.  It’s one of those disgusting yet fascinating things I just can’t let go.  I mean really, where are these slimy things coming from?  And, more importantly, how do I get rid of them! (Salt is not an option, I believe in Karma)

Recently, my step daughter created a slug slinger from one of our paint stirrers.  She must sling roughly a dozen slugs a night into our neighbor’s yard. Yet, the suckers keep coming back. In droves.  Finally, I told her to stop.  I told her I thought they might actually be enjoying this cannonball ride of hers.  I told her we are getting more slugs, as if they are telling their friends all about the Six Flags Adventure Park just over the wall. We have since put the useless slug slinger to rest.

So anyway, suffice to say that my wonderful suburban co-workers weren’t any help whatsoever. In fact, they never even heard of a slug slinger. Imagine! Maybe they don’t care about slugs or have learned to live with them as par for the course. All I know is when I brought it up, I only got a chorus of yawns in reply.  Which turned out to be a rewarding sweet revenge after years of tree rot lunches.

But the problem remains. How do I get rid of these buggers aside from sizzling them with salt? Tell me, do you have the same phenonema happening in your yard? Do you even care?

(P.S. If anyone is interested, check out my ebay listing for a EUC slug slinger. Original Sherwin Williams Logo on both sides with minimal slim stains. Starting bid is 99 cents.)

14
Jul

Philly as a Shining Example?

Author: Momish, Category: Current Events, History, Just Ranting, World News

I read a very upsetting article the other day.  I won’t go into the details so as to not upset anyone who prefers not to ruin their day.  Suffice to say, it was a horrible crime, the details of which will make you sick and enrage you beyond words. 

What I will talk about is the setting where this crime took place, Dunbar Villiage in Florida.  As the article states, the residents there call this place “hell”.  To call it one of those “housing projects” that is failing miserably is the most benign thing you can say about this place.  There were over 700 calls to the police in this past year, according to the article.  Drugs being dealt in the open, bullet proof street lamps, gated entrance (to keep the criminals out or in, I wonder?)  All of these things have got to scream to someone with half a brain, “Hey! This isn’t working!”

Reading about this terrible place which many people are forced to call home reminded me of Philadelphia’s old “projects”.  Tall high rises where people were packed like sardines and made to feel like animals, often causing them to act like animals. It wasn’t working.  And when something doesn’t work, you tear it down and start over. NO MATTER WHAT THE COST! We are talking about people’s lives, here. Real people. Our fellow Americans.

Someone’s head is buried way too deep in the sand of those lovely Florida beaches.  I don’t understand how such trecherous situations can still be in existence, yet alone continually be ignored as a breeding ground for crime. 

I remember when they imploded the old Washington Avenue projects, I was there. I got up early in the morning to see that disaster go down.  It was the end of an era.  Now, in its place is a community of homes where kids are playing in the backyards and neighbors talk to each other on their front steps.  Casually, without fear.  Furthermore, surrounding this area are houses being restored and businesses setting up camp on the street corners. 

I think the powers that be down in Florida should come visit Philly and take a look at what amazing results can do to the spirit, when you build structures that people want to call home. It stems from pride. People want to feel good about where they live, and in returen they protect that feeling, nurture their homes, help promote their communities and stand up for themselves.

Granted, I am not an expert on public housing or economic plight.  Perhaps I am the one with my head in the sand after all.  Who knows. Perhaps I am the one making more out of the new homes on Washington Avenue than they deserve.  After all, its only been 10 years.

Or, perhaps someone from Florida should come visit our city, take note of the changes we made, then tell me if I am wrong. 

27
Jun

“Ratatouille”, My You Know What!

Author: Momish, Category: Just Ranting, Randomness, Resources

Here is one of the things I really hate about living in the city….RATS!

There ain’t nothing cute rats. They can make all the movies they want about friendly and adorable pretend rats with quaint accents cooking French cuisine.  Heck, you may even find me laughing and rooting for the little bugger, because  it isn’t real.  But, the real ones? Like the one I saw last night IN MY HOUSE? Sorry, but upon seeing one of those little disease ridden rodents scurrying across my bathroom, the only thing I am doing is freaking out. And I mean freaking out as in a whole other level of freaking out, my friends.  As in adapting a new mantra in life that goes along the lines of, “KILL! KILL! KILL!”

So, after screaming and jumping up and down like a lunitic hopping across a live minefield, I lied awake in bed, completely paranoid and beside myself with anxiety. Sleep was not an option. I was on full alert. I immediately jumped into combat mode.  KILL! KILL! KILL!

First things first, I got the cat. Although obviously useless, his presence at the foot of my bed made a significant difference none-the-less. Second, I began a mental check list of all the stuff I need to do to make sure that disgusting thing doesn’t come near me or my family, even by proxy. By four in the morning I had my strategy all planned out and was ready for full on war.  KILL! KILL! KILL!

City rats are not to be taken lightly. They transmit diseases through their droppings, urine and fleas. These disease are especially harmful to children under five. My daughter is two, TWO, so you see where I’m coming from here? How many ways are there to say PANIC?

Needless to say, at 9:01 I was on the phone with Philadelphia Rat Control and had already researched rats to the point where I can now teach a class on this stuff. Here is the plan I have devised. I am posting it here, just in case you should ever find a rat running in your house at midnight, in the middle of an already hectic weak when you are pretty much a neurotic mess of a human being to begin with:

• Call Philadelphia Rat Control (they are no help beyond “we’ll check out the area”)
• Sanitize everything! Every floor space, counter space and table space. BLEACH!
• Put all open dry foods in plastic bags or bins
• Empty the lazy cat’s food bowl at night
• Clean all the apples and cherries that have fallen in your 2X4 cement yard
• Get hubby to seal all holes around the 100 year old house and decrepid basement
• Tightly seal up all trash and bins, inside and out (think superglue)
• Close all toilet lids (spray Windex on lid before closing)
• Put out a million traps in places cat and kid can’t reach (Note: Poison is not recommended around children and pets, plus it can end up in a desperate search for a decaying rat that hid itself real good while it was dying. I am not sure what is worse, a live rat or a decaying rat you can’t find or get to!)
• Wipe dry all sinks, tub and showers after using in order to remove all water sources (needless to say, repair leaks)
• And finally, take a Valium before you drop dead of a heart attack. You want to be around to see that sucker go down, after all. DEAD! DEAD! DEAD!