VittlesVamp

Foodie Film Fanaticism

Who knew a Nora Ephron film could be so polarizing? You know the situation is bad when Nick Denton's Silicon Valley tabloid Valleywag decides to get into the fray.

That said, I've seen "Julie & Julia" and Meryl Streep is breathtaking, warm and utterly charming as Julia Child. I couldn't help but smile with delight every single time she was on screen. And, an overwhelming need for all things French surely did follow.

The grumbling is really all about Julie Powell - the real Julia Powell, not the fictional one up on the screen portrayed by the ever-perky Amy Adams.

I say ignore it. Go. See Meryl as Julia. It's bliss.

Tasty Book Reviews

Looks like my talents have been recognized elsewhere on the Web. On TheBookStudio.com to be specific. The popular site's literary powers-that-be have taken me on as a regular book reviewer. Unsurprisingly, I'll be focusing on tomes devoted to food and drink.

My first review is of Mark Kurlansky's "The Food of a Younger Land." Check it out here.

Another Russian Delicacy

It's called hair sausage. The hair is not grown. It's placed.

It's not from young Asian women relinquishing their long tresses. It's from Italy, where they relinquish strands of spaghetti by the millions.

Beautiful, ain't it?

Mama Vamp To The Rescue

Sometimes a daughter can only find peace in her mother's arms. Or in my case, in the arms of Mama Vamp's home turf of Philadelphia.

The weekend started easily enough with a basic Cheeseburger at Pub & Kitchen followed by a stroll down Antique Row and a jewelry spree at the enchanting, glittering, bling den that is Halloween.

I began to feel at ease.

The evening introduced us to a new Mexican hot spot on Head House Square called Xochitl, where Mama Vamp finally gained respect for bona fide Guacamole and we both took solace in sublime Nuevo Mexicano fare and tequila-laden Sandia cocktails with fresh-squeezed Watermelon juice.

I felt my equilibrium returning.

The next day brought another guest to Mama Vamp's doorstep, her BFF Christina. Now that the musketeers were complete, the real fun began, including window shopping, not so window shopping, an educational stop at the National Constitution Center that had Mama Vamp crying at "We the people," and a brilliant lunch at Chifa, a sumptuous Peruvian-Chinese dining establishment that had us a "Hola."

Among the treats that we devoured was a plate of golden brown Empanadas stuffed with Lump Crabmeat sitting atop a sunset-colored Sweet Chili Sauce (pictured above). The Sweet and Sour Glazed Pork Ribs with Daikon Salad and Soy Nuts also delighted. As did the Lomo Saltado, with its slice of rare steak and a crisp vegetable saute.

But, it was the decadent, simply-named Shrimp Noodle Bowl that made us swoon. The combination of flat white noodles, rocoto cream, shrimp, bacon, parmesan and green peas didn't sound like much, but it was SO very much. Very, very, very much.

I'm swooning now just thinking about it.

Between all the swooning and the bottle of Pinot Gris we downed, the rest is a bit of a blur. A blur I returned from with my breathing abilities fully intact.

My taste buds too.

Thanks Mom!

Beignets In Brooklyn

I've been MIA as of late. My excuse? Exhaustion. Exhaustion and lack of couch.

Seriously. My couch was out of action for over two weeks, getting a nip, tuck and reupholstering in garnet red. All part of my home's ongoing facelift. But, it's back now. Looking great. And, allowing me to lax a bit in my small (albeit fabulous) apartment.

The past couple of weeks have mostly been a whirlwind of work.

Besides my recent weekend in Philadelphia with Mama Vamp -- more on that later -- there is only one moment awash in calm and contentment that stays with me still.

It was a much needed stop on Atlantic Avenue at Stan's Place for a deeply satisfying glass of Iced Coffee and three plump Beignets crowned with powdered sugar. The golden fried Beignets required a "little something" as a foil, so a thimble of jelly was brought to the table. I had hoped for Raspberry Jam, but I made do with the Grape Jelly on hand, turning the New Orleans pastries into mock Jelly Doughnuts.

The serenity didn't last for very long though. And, neither did the coffee or Beignets.

That said, I think I'm back now, along with my sofa.

More edible adventures to come...

A Sign In Brooklyn

This beauty caught my eye the other day, as I strolled down Smith Street. I hoped it was a sign of good things to come. Good juicy, tender, barbecued meat in particular.

Regrettably though, the early reviews of the sign's owner - the oddly named BBQ spot Since 1963 - have been lackluster to say the least.

Still, anyplace with the fine sense to put a sign such as this at their front door can't be all bad. I might just need to taste the place's Pulled Pork Sandwich or St. Louis-Style Pork Ribs to see for myself.

Red, White & Yellow

Not very patriotic of me, I know.

A Tomato, Nectarine and Double-Cream Goat Cheese Salad, christened with a drizzle of olive oil, squirt of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkling of sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, as well as a scattering of cilantro leaves. Add some slivers of red onion if you like.

Not necessarily typical 4th of July fare, but it makes for a very VittlesVamp kind of Independence Day treat.

The Definitive Tuna Melt On Rye

After Anthony Bourdain kvelled about Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop on a "Disappearing New York" episode of his Travel Channel series, I wasn't too impressed. This old-time sandwich counter shop was definitely the real deal -- happily vintage and grungy -- but the bill of fare was antique as well.

What can I say? I have tremendous respect for Egg Creams, Lime Rickeys and alike, but I didn't know what to think of a menu that offered options like a Can of Sardines and Hebrew National Knockwurst with Beans.

I decided to just think better of it when I finally found myself crossing Eisenberg's threshold and made the decision to stick to the name of the game -- sandwiches.

Ultimately, it was a very good call, as evidenced by the childhood classic seen above served with the obligatory slices of pickle. This wasn't just any old Tuna Melt on Rye. This was the quintessential Tuna Melt on Rye. One bite into this simple, straightforward sandwich featuring a kid-friendly "no celery or herbs here" creamy tuna salad with rich melty American Cheese and I was transported to Mama Vamp's kitchen on a school snow day. All I needed was some Tomato Soup to make the picture complete.

Guess next time I hit Eisenberg's a bowl of their Tomato Soup will have to be ordered. I can only hope it's as good as my Mom's -- straight out of the Campbell's can.