Mama Vamp has been in need for the past month. So, dutiful daughter that I am, I packed my bag and headed down to Philadelphia.
As Mama Vamp prepared for another foray into the hospital and physical therapy, she insisted on a stop at Koo Zee Doo, Philly's lauded Portugese BYOB in Northern Liberties. There, we tucked into Moelas. Sounds enchanting, huh? Moelas...
It's Portugese for braised chicken gizzards.
Your stomach may be turning at that description, but let me tell you this: one bite into these deeply satisfying, rich nuggets of tenderness and you'll be a convert. Hallelujah!
We followed up our bowl o' gizzards with Arroz de Pato. Pictured above, this was a steaming pan of delicate rice tossed with slivers of juicy confit and topped with slices of perfectly roasted, skin-crackling duck.
Mama Vamp was mighty satisfied. Thank goodness. It would have to hold her for a while. I was pretty sure that her hospital tray wouldn't sport a plate of gizzards next to the Saltines.
Been back and forth over the past four weeks. Happily, Mama Vamp is on the road to recovery and I can breathe a sigh of heavy relief. I've stopped for a few cups of coffee along the way. I've even grabbed a meal or two with Philly friends. Still, I look forward to Mama Vamp's return to full-throttle.
Time we got her on a train up to New York City for some Big Apple eats, not to mention an in-person tour of my new kitchen.
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