Murray's Cheese Chop: Could it Be Possible That Just By Smelling The Cheese, You Could Gain Weight?

Every time I pass by this shop in the West Village, I start salivating from the addicting and beautiful perfume of milk, cream, and butter lingering in the air. The other day, on my way to check out the Marc Jacobs store I could not resist any longer. There was only one thing on my mind... GRILLED CHEESE.

Oh, no! But which grilled cheese should I get?? The guy behind the counter was super nice and patient. He suggested the Murray's melt with bacon and a fried egg (his favorite), but I wanted a more lunch-y (is that even a word?) sandwich. I finally narrowed it down between the Provencal or the Tuna Melt. He told me their tuna salad was to die for. I was sold.

While waiting for my delicious sandwich to be made, I wanted to jump over the counter, shove every cheese in my mouth, and slather myself in cheesy goodness took a look behind the case, so many choices of cheese! I suppressed my urge instead, by taking a huge whiff of the buttery aroma in the air. Can you gain weight from smelling too much cheese? 

Hmm... I wonder if they sell the ingredient "awesome" at Whole Foods? 

The most perfectly grilled, buttered tuna melt, possibly ever.

Tuna Melt

FINALLY it was done, after I paid I took a seat on the bench outside the shop ( they need at least 2 more benches by the way since a lot of people were eating standing up) anyway on to the sandwich....

This was made with Tuna Salad, Grafton one year cheddar and red onion on Orwasher's seven grain bread. The strong nutty cheese could have been a little more melted, but do you see the 3 layers of it they put on my sandwich?? It was amazing. Paired perfectly with the tuna salad which was more like the Robin to the  Batman of cheese. The red onions added a nice zing in the sandwich, but were actually very stringy and hard to bite into pieces. Overall a satisfying comfort sandwich that will keep me coming back for more!

Price: $5.99

Verdict: Throw away you depressing, boring salad, take whatever choice of transportation you want to get here, order any sandwich and let your diet go to hell while your brain goes into cheese utopia.

Murray's Cheese Shop

254 Bleecker St.
New York, NY 10014

or

43rd St. & Lexington
New York, NY 10017

www.murrayscheese.com 

Dinner: And a Show at the Blockley House

This past weekend I headed down to Philly to see Buddy and his band (The National Rifle) play. The Blockley House is a bar/ music venue located in University City. Soo.... off we went!

Outside entrance. Hugh: farting Lynna: Getting a good whiff

Inside is pretty spacious, plenty of dancing and standing space and a large horseshoe bar

Jerk Chicken with Rice

Since we got there early, I had an opportunity to talk to the cooks. They were making food for themselves at the time. I was drooling over what they were eating, and they were kind enough to offer cooking it for me even though it was off- menu.  

It looked innocent enough, but wow, was the chicken spicy! Though it was very juicy and tender, so I kept eating it. The scallions were a nice touch. However, I could tell they were scraping the end of the rice pot because with eat bite I got hard crunchy pieces of over cooked grains.

Price: $ 13.00

Chesapeake Bay Fries

This was sprinkled with cheddar, crab meat, and chopped scallions. The fries themselves were perfectly crisp and salted, the crab meat however smelled and tasted very fishy. Funny, the only food that shouldn't smell like what it is.

Price: $8.00

Buddy and I before he had to go play

Verdict: They do have some decent beers on tap, I had ordered a Dogfish Head, and it came out to 6 dollars...that is New York priced beer. When I'm in Philly, I don't expect to pay more than 4-5 dollars. I wouldn't come here for the food, but if a band you like is playing here, at least you now know what not to get! 

The Blockley Pourhouse

3801 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

www.theblockley.com

Dinner: Craft Ale House, Best Kept Secret in the Suburbs

Living in New York City, it is easy for me to find restaurants that are made with love, that have both quality and quantity. In the suburbs of PA? Not so much. I had always been a fan of Craft Ale House with they first opened, though they only served micro brews then. Upon hearing that they started serving lunch and dinner a while back, I had to go check it out. Could this be my future go-to restaurant when I am in the area? Quite possibly so...

Unpretentious setting, this used to be Limerick Deli. Neighbors with a hardware store, I am sure many have drove past this place without a second thought.

Chalkboard wall with the daily microbrews, and spacious seating at the bar.

If you don't have time to sit for a drink, they have six pack holders you can fill with whatever custom beers you wish. Great if you just want to try different types.

Flying Fish Doggie Style Pale Ale

Buddy's dad ordered this one. He is the type to like lighter flavored beers and  with ABV 5.3%, it still had a nice hoppy flavor without being overbearing. There was a pleasant malt flavor which comes from the addition of Carastan malts.

Price: $4.00

Left Hand Imperial Stout

I  ordered this because (to be honest) of the name and the fact that it was on nitro tap. It had ABV 10.4%, and wow was this thick. The consistency reminscent of Guinness, but the taste- double the flavor. 

Price: $5.50

Stout Mustache!!

Funky Farmhouse Mussels

This was made with Farmhouse ale, leeks, bleu cheese, garlic and spinach. The mussel shells acted like little spoons to get scoops of every component in one big bite. The bleu cheese flavor was not very strong, but still nice to get little bites of cheese in my broth and twice as nice to put on the soft and buttery garlic bread that accompanied it.  

Price: $9.00

Grilled Octopus

This was made with asparagus, and a tomato chutney and garnished with micro greens. A more modest sized appetizer, I ordered it as an entree. The octopus (or as Buddy would call it Oct-op-pose) was tender, and gave easily with each bite. The tomato chutney was a nice acidic alternative to lemons but not overbearing in anyway. The asparagus was fresh and cooked to perfection. Beautiful presentation, perfect size for an appetizer.

Price:$9.00

Buttermilk Tenders

Buddy ordered this one. This was the star of the night. Too modest to call itself tenders, this was more like hardy fried chicken and undoubtedly one of the best of I have ever eaten. The breading was thick crunchy, spicy and bursting with flavor. The chicken was moist and juicy- so much so that some jumped out at me. Though the sauce was delicious, it was almost not necessary. With 7 or 8 pieces per order, this was big enough for 2 people.

Price: $8.00

Roasted Pork Sandwich with Hand Cut Fries

Buddy's dad ordered this one. It was slow roasted with garlic, herbs, beer and provolone cheese. A side of au jus, and hand cut fries. I didn't get a chance to taste the sandwich, but he seemed to really enjoy it. Massive in size, the other half was packaged in a to-go box. The fries? Best ones in PA. Soft with tough and resistant outer skin. A sprinkling of kosher salt and it was the perfect bar snack.

Price: $8.00

F.Y.I

If you can't decide on a beer, they are happy to give you little shot sized tastings. After 4 or 5 shot tasting, they only charge $1.00 for each additional taste. A great (and economical) way for trying different types of beer.

Chocolate Bread Pudding

Of course we had to get dessert and this was house made! The "bread" seemed more crepe like with chunks of melted chocolate in its folds. Essentially, a disfigured chocolate crepe.

Price: $5.00

Banoffee pie

The owner's (Gary) wife made this at home. This is basically a banana cream pie, but she calls it a bafonte. Either way- it was delicious. The lighter dessert out of the two, the whipped creams airiness was refreshing on such a hot day. There was a hint of alcohol in it...perhaps Grand Marnier? The bananas perfectly ripened and the the pie crust crumbly.
     * upon speaking with the owner, I found out that this dessert is an English dessert made from bananas, cream, toffee and boiled condensed milk

Price: $5.00

Verdict: New York quality food and drink at PA prices. How can you beat that? The perfect place to come and eat when you want a more relaxed atmosphere then a rowdy bar. I can not wait to come back... a great reason to go to Royersford and visit parents!

Craft Ale House

708 West Ridge Pike
Limerick, PA 19468

www.craftalehouse.com

Lunch: Never Take a Suggestion from a Body Builder

I over heard a guy at work raving about the best pasta he has ever had. Being a fan of both pasta and "the best of", I asked him where he got it from.  "Cafe Metro" he replied. Okay, if you are not from New York, Cafe Metro is a huge chain where they make generic sandwiches, wraps, salads and "hot plates" usually purchased by people who are worried about calorie content, or just plain don't care how delicious their lunches should be. Mainly purchased during lunch hours to over worked Midtown employees. I asked him what he got. " Oh you know, whole wheat pasta, chicken and marinara sauce, vegetables."  

So this got me thinking... could Cafe Metro actually be tasty? I mean I never like to eat at chains (with the exception of Panera Bread) but maybe I have been to harsh? After all thousands of people go to Cafe Metro everyday!  

Good thing I had a 10 dollar gift certificate, so off I went!

Whole Wheat Pasta with Salmon

When I got there, everybody seemed to move at warp speed; people were flying past me, grabbing their food and jetting by. I hesitantly walked over to the pasta section. You had two choices; either get their "seasonal pasta" or make your own. I decided to make my own.  

Without even giving me time to think, the guy behind the stove glared at me: "What do you want?"

Me: "Umm.." frantically looking at their menu board." Whole wheat penne?"

Angry Man: " What else? " Throwing the pasta in the frying pan with force

Me: In a frenzy, looking over their topping selection " Basil marinara sauce?Salmon?..umm...peas?  broccoli?...is that eggplant?"

Angry Man: gives me a look like I was born yesterday " YES"

Me: " Okay and eggplant."

He shoves the pasta pan over to the poor cook who has already 4 pans to monitor and pack up.  After about 5 minutes, its done and I head over to the cashier.

Cashier:" 11.75".  Okay, first of all, some of the best pasta I have ever had cost this much, and you want me to spend 11.75 at some chain fast food place in Midtown??! I reluctantly hand over my gift card and the rest of the change.

So on the pasta. As I opened it at my desk, I was pleased to see that it is over flowing with food. Good. Enough for tomorrows lunch as well. I sprinkle the side of parmesan cheese they gave me and take a bite. The pasta could not have been more overcooked if they tried. It had an almost bitter taste. I move on to the salmon. Surprisingly moist with its own natural flavor along with the eggplant and rest of the vegetables being winners. The sauce tasted canned (but what do you expect?) I ended up eating only the veggies and fish and leaving the sad over done pasta to the trash can. I guess there won't be any left for lunch tomorrow.

Price: $11.75

Garlic Toast

This came with the meal. Stale. Garlic Powder. Waste Basket.

Price: Free

Verdict: Never take food recommendations from a body builder who drinks Muscle Milk as a snack. My suggestion if you somehow are delirious and DO end up here for lunch is to get one of their salads. At least with a salad, you know your aren't going to get anything impressive, but hey...at least you got your daily dose of vitamins in!

Cafe Metro

Various Locations

www.cafemetrony.com

Sweet Tooth: Dessert at Winnie's Le Bus

After dinner, Buddy and I wanted a change of atmosphere, so we decided to go to a different spot for dessert. We picked Winnie's Le Bus; our favorite breakfast spot when I went used to go to college around the area. The place was spacious and had had a corky, paintery feel. Memories of delicious cornbread, pancakes, and yummy iced teas came flooding back.

Buddy's beer and newly made friend. I think his friend was already a little tipsy when he got there; judging by his drunk smile and diluted eyes...

Sweet Potato Fries

These were kind of a disappointment. They were very tough and dry, inside and out. There was not much flavor to them, but came with a side of yogurt cream sauce. The sauce was not that flavorful either, other than the almost sour cream taste, but helped moisten the dryness of the fries ...his friend however; seemed to really enjoy them

Price: $3.50

Banana Bread Pudding

When this first arrived at our table, I thought it was french toast! Well it wasn't ,but the flavors of french toast were sure there (especially with the generous sprinkle of cinnamon on top!) I couldn't taste much banana and the bread itself was very rubbery and lacked depth. The sauce however, was sweet, creamy and thick; reminiscent of melted custard. We didn't want to have leftovers so we polished this off,leaving it to expand in my stomach and boy ..was I STUFFED.

Price:$5.50

Cornbread

Buddy and I decided to buy some of their cornbread to go since we had remembered fighting each other for it when they served free pieces during their breakfast hours. I couldn't wait to open it up and have it with their delicious jam for breakfast!

Price: $5.00

Winnie's Mixed Berry Jam

I was so excited about this...their jam as I had recalled was some of the best jam I have ever had. Ever. When Buddy was purchasing this, the cashier asked if we were getting it as a gift. I guess she thought it was absurd that we were getting this for our own greedy tummies. Oh well!

Price: $7.00

Well, obviously we couldn't wait til the next day and decided to open the cornbread and jam up at night at ohhh... approximately 2 am. It was sad to say that the cornbread tasted vastly different from what we had remembered. There were actually pieces of corn in it this time and not as sweet. It was almost flavorless, which was very disappointing. The jam however, was amazing with whole chunks of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Not too tart, just enough to make you pucker, but still sweet and soupy. The definition of a perfect jam. If only the cornbread matched the jams standards, this would have been the perfect midnight snack!

Verdict: Their strength is definitely breakfast, and I would continue to come for that. Maybe we just didn't pick the right dessert, or the right fries this time, but I still have faith in this place, not just because of the charmful atmosphere, but also the many great memories.

Winnies Le Bus

4266 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA 19127-1609

www.lebusmanayunk.com

Sweet Tooth: Shake Shack

Walking around on my day off, I happened to pass by Shake Shack. Hmmm.... continue my healthy walk, or stop and stuff my face with delicious custard? Decisions, decisions....

It was beautiful outside, and REALLY crowded. The line for the burgers was crazy, why do people want cow meat, when you can get a yummy cool treat made by cows?

List of custards, I really wanted to try the red velvet and the strawberry rhubarb, but they were for different days of the week :(

The Grasshopper

This was a mint and chocolate custard. Whoa...if the definition of creamy and decadent became an actual object...this is what it would turn to. This had an intense rich chocolate flavor without being too sweet, the after taste was a faint minty tingle. Sigh... I wish I had another one right now

Price: $2.50

Sugar Ruuuuuushhhhhhh!!

Verdict: Though I haven't gotten the patience to wait in line for their burgers, I can guarantee you that this custard is definitely worth a trip for. Check online first for the flavor of the day, they always have vanilla and chocolate on the menu.

Shake Shack

11 Madison Avenue

New York, NY 10010

www.shakeshack.com

Product Review: Double Dog Double Pale Ale

Buddy and I didn't feel like going to the bar and spending a bunch of money so we got a variety pack of beer instead. And this one was....interesting.

Double Dog Double Pale Ale

It was bitter.