VittlesVamp

I Depend On The Kindness of Bartenders

That subject line isn't completely accurate, but a kind bartender was much needed over the last week and a half. Why? Unfortunately, Mama Vamp has been in a Philadelphia hospital, with the road to the recovery seeming way too far off in the distance.

Thankfully, Philly bartenders are a kind and jovial lot -- not to mention talented.

Hat tip to Paul at the James Beard-nominated Love Bar at Friday Saturday Sunday, Cosette at a.Kitchen, Mikey and Sara at Dizengoff, and Wei-Wei at the stylish speakeasy Franklin Mortgage & Investment.

Have to give a special shout out to Mustafa, who I first encountered behind the bar Bolo. As soon as I spied his handcrafted pineapple cocktail strainer, I knew I had to have one. Bought one from him last night.

I hope to shake, stir and strain again soon, pineapple in hand. I will be raising a glass in honor of Mama Vamp's recuperation.

Don't Sleep On Celery

Celery isn't on any hot lists.

Cauliflower? Yes! Butternut squash? Yes! Ramps? Hells to the freakin' yes!

Let me say - celery deserves to be on the hot list as well.

A dinner at the uber hot Williamsburg restaurant The Four Horsemen featured a Celery-Date Salad that had the whole table swooning.

Was this some sort of magic that was cast by the glorious wines we had been enjoying? Or was it possible that celery has magic on its own (or at least when it is married with dates, toasted walnuts, and shaved Piave Vecchio cheese)?

To put it to the test, I located the recipe from Chef Nick Curtola on the Wall Street Journal's site and made it as a starter at a recent dinner party.

The whole table swooned.

Celery. It's hot. Ramps better watch their back.