A Classic – White House Subs

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Beth D'Addono

The guys get busy at White House Subs in AC

Maybe it’s the bread, fresh Italian loaves straight out of the oven from Formica Bros. Bakery across the street.

Or maybe it’s the oversized fillings of deli meats and cheeses. Whatever it is – White House, at 2301 Arctic Ave. in AC, has been a lines-out-the-door sub shop since 1946. Supposedly even Ol’ Blue Eyes had sandwiches delivered to him when he was in town. The owners are definitely fans of the Chairman – don’t miss the wall of fame shrine that includes photos and even a framed towel used by Francis Albert himself at his last AC appearance. Awesome relic.

Naturally, the subs are HUGE – two-handers – so depending on your hunger, a half ($7 for a turkey sub) will do you. Or go for the gusto, and spring for the $12.60 White House Special, jam-packed with Italian meats and cheeses and dressed with hot peppers, lettuce tomato and onions. With more than 20 million subs sold, they’re doing something right.

Vibe: No frills is giving this place too much credit. But it works.

The Crowd: A real mixed bag, from business types to teens, tourists – the line is always interesting. But don’t wait on it if you’re taking out, elbow through and head to the back to order.

Best Bets: The tuna with provolone is the best.

And for Dessert: if you can possibly save room, go across the street to Formica where the cannollis are piped to order and the filling is thick, sweet ricotta spiked with chocolate chips.

Open (very) wide

Tresor Treasures in Winter Park

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Beth D'Addono

David Barany in his Tresor Gallery

The shops along tony Park Avenue in Winter Park, just north of Orlando, are the usual mix of high end boutiques, kitschy gift shops and the occasional chain store.

Which makes Tresor Gallery such a gem.

The artsy shop, opened almost a year ago by Hungarian-born David Barany, who along with his wife also owns Winter Park MedSpa, is a bright spot on the Avenue. Representing more than 100 artists, Tresor – which means treasure in French – includes the work of well known painters like John and Lynn Whipple, Tony Savoie and glass artist Rollin Karg. There are tons of funky and interesting accessories and fashionable (read well priced) jewelry lines, including Nature Bijoux, a French line inspired by nature, and Alchemy Goods, which repurposes bike tire tubes into fetching belts, bags and wallets. Tresor is a great place to buy unique, and affordable gifts, Judaica and treasures for yourself and your home.

FInding a shop that really manages to stand out from the crowd is such a treat. Tresor is just that kind of place.

Gorgeous detail from Tony Savoie

BYO Bonanza in Philly

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Beth D'Addono

Mercato chef Mackenzie Hilton

When it comes to a BYOB restaurant scene, Philadelphia is a real corker.

With more than 230 bring your own bottle eateries around town, diners can save big bucks – and drink their favorite vintages without paying a restaurant mark-up. Sticker shocked by the high price of liquor licenses, more chefs, like Ian Moroney, who owns the 28-seat Pumpkin on South Street, opt to do what they do best. “I got into this business to cook, not run a bar. BYOB works for us, and our customers love it.” Moroney, like most BYOB owners, doesn’t charge a corkage fee, another reason to wine and dine, Philadelphia style.

Three to Try …

Mercato: Chef Mackenzie Hilton infuses the slow cooking of Old World Italy with a bold take on new Italian American cuisine at this airy cash only BYOB. Large floor-to-ceiling windows open out onto a lively street scene. 1216 Spruce St, (215) 985.BYOB

Mercato in Midtown VIllage

Pumpkin: Artful New American cuisine, locally sourced produce and a great deal on Sundays: five courses for $35, including dishes like seared scallops over lentils spiked with a beet vinaigrette and braised branzino with fennel, preserved lemons and olive tapenade. 1713 South St. (215) 545-4448

Kanella: Cyprus meets Greece at Kanella’s table, where chef/owner Konstantinos Pitsillides coaxes wonderful flavors out of slowly braised rabbit with butter beans and the daily whole fish, simply roasted with seasonal greens. Or come for the Cyprus breakfast, eggs fried in olive oil with tangy houlami cheese. 1001 Spruce St. (215) 922-1773

BYOB Bits: Reservation policies vary, so call ahead. Ask in advance about credits cards – cash only is not uncommon. And if you don’t have your favorite Super Tuscan handy, not to worry, here’s an interactive map of the city by neighborhood, complete with the locations of the nearest liquor store.

Vegan Philly – Eat your Vegetables and Like It!

Posted on September 5, 2011 by Beth D'Addono

A morsel from the vegan tasting menu at Meritage

Although vegetarian-friendly menus are common these days, vegans sometimes get a shorter shrift. Not at Meritage where meat free dining rules every Tuesday, with a $35, four course tasting of seasonal delights. Think roasted baby beets with rhubarb, mint, and citrus or a nutty chickpea cake served with olive tapenade, smoky tomato chutney.

In the Reading Terminal Market, Basic Four Vegetarian Snack Bar bests the “just salad” option with housemade veggie burgers, tofu turkey sandwiches and a faux tuna fish salad that will knock your organic cotton socks off.

Fans of smoky barbecue should head directly to Khyber Pass Pub where the vegan pulled pork is just delish, topped with a zippy vinegar based sauce and a pile of cole slaw.

And for upscale vegan, can’t wait for Vedge to open later this month, a classy spot from Rich Landau and Kate Jacoby, last of Horizon, in the old Deux Cheminees spot on Locust.

At Barbuzzo, the delectable modern-Medi in Midtown Village, chef/co-owner Marcie Turney doesn’t just proclaim a locavore bent. A chalkboard is updated daily with specific veg, fruit and dairy sourced from farms in Chester and Lancaster Counties, verdant spots including Green Meadow and Blue Moon Acres. Even carnivores will swoon over the daily farm-fresh vegetable board, which might hold thyme-scented coins of sweet carrot, fig and goat cheese crostini and green beans in a pistachio pesto.

Barbuzzo's Marcie Turney loves her veg