by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 03/10/2010
Two dates to mark on your calendar:
March 25th: that's when you are going to call (215-545-7392) or stop by Williams-Sonoma at The Bellevue to reserve your copy of Giada de Laurentis' new cookbook, Family Recipes from Italy and California. With this reservation you'll be guaranteed one of 350 spots in line to meet the (mhhmmm, searching for adjective but the only one that does her justice is:) hot star of a multitude of cooking shows and author of countless books.
April 1st: that's the date you'll show up for the event scheduled between 5 and 7 and get in line, chat with your fellow Giada worshippers, enjoy samples from her cookbook, see product demonstrations and be generally wowed by her personality once you place your copy of her cookbook in front of her to sign.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 03/09/2010
The Palm Bar has a new Prime Bites Menu and it's great but it gets even greater from 5 to 7 and 9 til closing when everything on this delicious menu becomes $3.50.
That's right, Three Dollars and Fifty Cents. Kobe Beef Sliders, Filet Mignon Capri Sandwiches, Mini Broiled Crab Cakes, usually 10 to 12 dollars, only $3.50. An order of these or three of these along with a handcrafted cocktail and you my friend are ready to catch the train, face the wife, walk the dog, close the deal, or just head out the door.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 02/02/2010
Our favorite brothers are profiled in this article on the City Paper's Meal Ticket blog by Felicia D'Ambrosio (who also took the photo) for a Valentine's series on the hottest food servers called Simply Edible.
Here's what she said:
"In honor of our blessedly single brothers and sisters this Valentine’s Day, we kick off our Simply Edible photo series featuring the hottest food servers in our fair city. Our first installment takes us into the depths of the Bellevue Food Court to admire the boys of Bain’s Deli.
Do you take your turkey sandwich with a side of Hot Damn? ‘Cause that’s what you’re getting from the hunky ham-handlers of Bain’s Deli in the Bellevue Food Court (200 S. Broad St.). Tattooed biceps under fashionably tight T-shirts? Check. Rockabilly hair? Yep. Smoldering gazes over the sneeze guard? All day long, ladies. Add in the sauna-like temperatures of this basement paradise and the lunch-room fantasy is complete."
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 12/16/2009
If you attended the Lidia Bastianich event at Williams-Sonoma last week you might enjoy this coverage of it....there's even a recipe to try!
The challenge:
Write a Haiku related to Burger Maestro's opening at The Bellevue. The best Haiku will receive a gift certificate for two to the Burger Maestro.
The call of burgers,
Handcut fries, chicago dogs
Salads I will toss
by Max Leitenberger
in Delicious
on 10/19/2009
Can't get enough of the AMC show Mad Men? The Palm has created a Mad Men Drink Special and a Mad Men 3 Martini Lunch.
The Lunch Special offers: 3 choices for your first course, 5 choices for your second course, a family style side dish, and 2 choices for dessert. The special is $18.95 per person.
The Mad Men Drink Special includes 3 classic drinks:
Classic Charmer Manhattan: Makers Mark Bourbon, Martini & Rossi Vermouth and a dash of bitters, served up with a cherry
The Upper East Sidecar: Remy Martin V.S.O.P Cognac, Cointreau Orange Liqueur and a lemon splash served up with a slice of orange.
Blonde Bombshell: Stoli Vanil Vodka and fresh, hand-squeezed lime juice, served up with lemon and lime. $13 per cocktail
How could you not want a great lunch and a classic drink. Head over to The Palm; relax and enjoy your day.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 10/02/2009
It's not too early and when you do think about it do you think of: selections from XIX's raw bar; butternut squash soup spiced apples, pecans, cinnamon cream; Braeburn apple salad frisee, green beans, toffee pecans, blue cheese dressing; traditional carved maple glazed turkey with roasted turkey gravy, farmhouse cranberry relish; rosemary and garlic scented ribeye roast with red wine beef sauce, horseradish cream sauce; cedar plank salmon with purple mustard, scallion, bacon, garlic; chunky mashed potato with roasted garlic; baked late harvest corn casserole; pulled smoked chicken mac and cheese. It's $65 for adults, $32 for children, tax and gratuity additional. Contact XIX at (215) 790-1919 or visit the web site at www.nineteenrestaurant.com
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 09/21/2009
Matt Maslowski, pastry chef for the Park Hyatt, works on the cake that will be cut this afternoon in celebration of The Bellevue's 105th anniversary.
Rolling the Fondant!
The cake will feature a timeline of events relevant to The Bellevue!
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 08/19/2009
...as opposed to The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling!
Teuscher got its shipment of chocolate in today and not a minute too soon! Let's celebrate with a champagne truffle!
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 08/18/2009
http://www.nineteenrestaurant.blogspot.com/
It's new and updated weekly by different staff and this week Richard Hebben, the chef de cuisine offers his recipe for grilled peaches. Yum!
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 08/12/2009
We're all about the sandwiches here at 200 S. Broad Street. Last month it was the Sandwich Make-Off (Bassett's and Bain's were the winners) in October the Sandwich Smash will be held in the ballroom of the Park Hyatt from 5 to 8 p.m., 10/4.
Five chefs will participate including The Bellevue's own Rick Olivieri of Rick's Philly Steaks; Michael Solomonov of Zahav; Peter McAndrews of Paesano's; Arthur Davaliere of Parc, and Mark Coates of Bebe's BBQ. They'll also be providing complimentary beverages and desserts.
This non-competitive showcase event will be hosted by Esquire Food Editor, Ryan D’Agostino. Sweet!
For information check out sandwichsmash.com.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 08/11/2009
Chris Dhmitri is marking his first year as owner of Bliss at The Bellevue and his 50th anniversary in the restaurant business by knocking 50 percent off the bar menu this month. This will mean $6 martinis, glasses of wines for $4 to $7, and shrimp tempura for $7.50.
by Jackson Hunter
in Delicious
on 07/28/2009
This week walking around The Bellevue, you may notice that many of the stores are having sales. In my summer interning here in The Bellevue, I haven’t had time to visit many of them, so I thought this week I’d visit a couple and report back.
Today I thought I’d start with a store more familiar to my parents than to me. Williams-Sonoma has always been adored store by my parents, because they’ve upheld the tradition of purchasing fine cooking equipment. While I’m not at the point yet in my lifewhere I have my own kitchen or can cook something other than pancakes I can appreciate all that Williams-Sonoma has to offer.
But if you’re like me, you may not be looking for a new copper kettle or be on your way to the next Iron Chef, but you may be a cookie fiend. My favorite thing I saw in the store was a collection of cookie cutters that are in the shape of animal cookies! I’m sure you remember those delectable little crackers in the box with the rope and train wheels! Well, it’s safe to say I was reliving my childhood, and you can pick up your set for just 20 dollars at Williams-Sonoma. Either for you or a friend, this looks like a really fun gift.
Stay tuned this week for more reporting on the stores in the Bellevue.
by Jackson Hunter
in Delicious
on 07/23/2009
For those of you who read yesterday’s reporting on the sandwich make-off, you may have noticed it a was simple and factual, well at least in my view, reporting the events of the day. But Alas! Anna, our PR Director, insisted that stories for the blog include a little more “color”.
For this reason, I was given the go-ahead to write my own thoughts about the sandwich make-off. Those of you that may be aggravated by the comments to follow, I’m giving you the opportunity right now to stop reading…I’ll wait a minute…still there? Ok here we go.
So, the proclaimed winner of yesterday’ Judges Competition was Bassett’s BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich, which was absolutely fantastic! But then again, anyone who puts a properly aged smoked piece of brisket in front of me would be a winner in my book, and is that fair? It was a sandwich that was not on their regular menu (although they will be selling it from now on starting a week from Monday, the 3rd of August, YAY!!!). Nonetheless, it was a great sandwich, and I look forward to getting one on Monday.
Bain’s deli went home with the victory of People's Choice, and I have to say his sandwich was one of my favorites. The name of the sandwich was especially interesting. The Juan Epstein? I had no idea who or what that was, so I contacted one of my favorite and all knowing professors from Cornell, Professor Wikipedia. Does “Welcome Back Kotter” ring a bell for you? That was long before my time. Juan Epstein was a Puerto Rican Jewish kid, and the name fits for the sandwich. I give Bain’s points for wit and creativity. I think it is one thing that keeps people coming back to Bain’s and makes them worthy of the People’s Choice Award.
Other sandwiches which I enjoyed were the Lamb Wrap from Boutros and The Rickter Scale Sandwich from Rick’s. My personal vote for People's Choice went to Boutros, because, well I’m a sucker for Mediterranean food, and the flavors involved in the wrap were distinct and well balanced. The Rickter Scale Sandwich from Rick’s Steaks, eminded me of a Florentine-esque panini with the roasted red peppers and pesto, but it also had a nice Philly style with the chicken cheese steak. The flavors were all there, but the pesto overwhelmed the rest of the sandwich. I liked the overall direction in taste, and the mixture of cuisines.
I guess that’s enough commentary from the summer intern. I’ll leave you to make your own decision. Everyone seems to have their favorites. All this talk about food is getting me hungry. Too bad the sampling is over and I have to bring lunch again.
Yours truly from the fifth floor last cubicle on the right,
Jackson Hunter,
Intern, Bellevue Management
by Jackson Hunter
in Delicious
on 07/23/2009
Yesterday, at one o’clock marked the end of the Fourth Annual Sandwich Make-off in the Bellevue Food Court and what a day it was.
Coming to Bellevue management this summer for an internship, I have never witnessed this event, or anything else like it, and I mean that in the best way.
Entries from eight of the Bellevue Food Court vendors and the best of the best in the sandwich world competed for prestige and bragging rights, under the two categories of “people’s choice” and “judge’s choice”
The event was kicked off Monday during lunch with samples and voting ballots available to the public. The ballets allowed for just one choice of your favorite, and after personally tasting each vendor I don’t know how anyone could decide. With ballots collected and the fabulous task of counting the ballots completed (by me), part two of the competition began two days later on Wednesday with the Judge's Choice competition.
This year's judges included Kathy Orr of CBS3 and CW57, Glenn Schwartz of NBC10, John Bolaris of Fox 29, Philadelphia DA candidates Micheal Untenyer (R), Seth Williams (D), two Phillies ball girls and Jamie Smith of Philabundance.
With the judges in place and the crowd ready, on came the sandwiches, and just as they wowed the public Monday, the vendors generated similar enthusiasm for sandwiches from the judges. Entries included a Chicken Parm Wrap from Amazon, a Roasted Lamb Sandwich from Boutros, a Chicken Romano from Angelo’s, a Buffalo Chicken Wrap from Salad Works, a Chicken Sicilian from Ellen’s, The Rickter Scale sandwich from Rick’s, a BBQ beef brisket from Bassett’s and the Juan Epstein from Bain’s.
With anxious anticipation we waited for a decided winner, and John Gulino’s BBQ Beef Brisket from Bassett’s came out as the Judge's Choice winner, making this his second win in two years. The Peoples Choice went to Michael Jolles of Bain’s Deli for the Juan Epstein. With the winners announced, the crowd quickly devoured the remaining samples of the day’s specialty sandwiches. Bassett’s winning sandwich will be on the menu Monday if you want to go taste just how good it was. We look forward to next year, to see whether this year’s winners can retain their glory.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 07/20/2009
Jackson Hunter, Bellevue Management intern, gets ready to count the results just after 2 p.m. for the People's Choice voting for the 4th Annual Sandwich Make-Off at The Bellevue to benefit PhilAbundance.
The actual Make-Off takes place on Wednesday, July 22 starting at noon with meteorologists John Bolaris, Glenn "Hurricane" Schwartz, and Kathy Orr doing the judging. Members of the Philadelphia School District's Summer Band Camp will be providing brass flourishes throughout the judging and Phillies Ballgirls will also be in attendance. It's free and open to the public!
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 06/25/2009
Rick at the grill:
Kenn Kweder and fan.
A fourth generation of Olivieris with William Penn. That's Chelsea, and Kristin, Rick's daughters.
Author Carolyn Wyman with copies of her book, The Great Philly Cheesesteak Book"
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 06/19/2009
As seen by the City Paper's blog, mealticket.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 06/17/2009
Noon to 2 p.m. today. He'll be signing copies of his new book, 'wichcraft. There will be lots of samples for those who wait in line and demos by the W-S staff.
Where he'll sit...
The line is forming
First in line: Lynnanne Feairheller!
Williams-Sonoma Bellevue store manager Will Steigerwald with publicist from W-S.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 06/15/2009
Steaks on the grill.
You'll see your favorite grillhands at The Bellevue.
Rick sells the first cheesesteak to Bellevue Property Manager Andrew Speizman.
Meaty, cheesey deliciousness.
My first receipts. I forgot to get punched,
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 06/10/2009
Did you know about the three-course Business Lunch at The Palm? Three courses, $17.95. First course: salad (mixed greens or Caesar) or soup of the day; Second Course: twin tenderloins, blackened tuna salad, chicken or Palm burger; Third Course: cheesecake or Key Lime pie. And these are portions that can only be described as Palm-sized.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 06/03/2009
Rick Olivieri unpacks his famous sign.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 06/02/2009
It's one day closer to the opening of Rick's Philly Steaks but unfortunately it won't be opening on Thursday or even Friday. We're still talking Tuesday. Tomorrow I'll go behind the scenes and try to locate the classic neon sign. In the meantime, here's what we're looking at:
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 06/01/2009
Until it opens I'll be posting daily updates on the progress in the Gourmet Food Court. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's hungry for one of his famous cheese steaks.
It looks like it will be Tuesday, June 9 folks.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 06/01/2009
On Wednesday, June 17 from noon to 2 p.m., Tom Colicchio of Craft Restaurant and Top Chef will be at Williams-Sonoma to sign copies of new book Wichcraft. It's free and open to the public but you have to purchase a book. He's known as a warm and friendly book signer who will personalize beyond belief.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 05/12/2009
Cellar Selection Wednesday at XIX will feature Sake and Sashimi. From 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sommelier Richard Slutter guides guests through a themed tasting of five to six wines. Guests are then given the opportunity to test their wine knowledge with a blind tasting of the wines they just sampled. The person with the most correct answers wins a prize! Cost is $20 and includes a sampling of light fare from XIX Chef Marc Plessis. Call 215-790-1919 to make a reservation.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 05/07/2009
Wine lovers will feel right at home at XIX (NINETEEN) at Park Hyatt at The Bellevue. Sommelier Richard Slutter has introduced weekly Cellar Selection Wednesdays and a monthly Perfect Pairings Wine Dinner wine-centric events meant to educate and delight both novice and expert oenophiles. Every Wednesday from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., Slutter guides guests through a themed tasting of five to six wines for $20. Cellar Selection Wednesdays will also include light fare from XIX Chef Marc Plessis and each week, one person will take away of bottle of one of the nights featured wines.
XIX's Perfect Pairings Wine Dinners will be a monthly event. For $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity, diners will enjoy a meal guided by Slutter, featuring such dazzling libations as Moet Chandon Rose Nectar Imperial, Argyle Pinot Noir Reserve and Santa Julia Torrontes. A special tasting menu will highlight the qualities of each wine.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 04/29/2009
Tomorrow's National Dining Out for Life Day and XIX has created a special $35 menu with 33% of the proceeds going to Action AIDS. Dine anywhere on the 19th floor (including the spectacular balconies) or take in the Happy Hour and know that it's all going towards a good cause.
by Anna Iredale
in Delicious
on 04/27/2009
With just about two weeks to go until Rick Olivieri unveils his new location at The Bellevue's Food Court, some deliveries have been made, including one of the key ingredients: Cheese Whiz!
Rick's got some events planned to mark the opening but right now they're under wraps. Rest assured they involve meat and cheese.
