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Philadelphians Are the Highest Tippers

YumSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:00:55 -0700

The City of Brotherly Love is also the city with the most-tipping love. Based on Zagat's newly released Philadelphia survey, the city's residents leave a generous 19.6 percent tip on average, compared to the countrywide average of 19 percent. Diners in New York - long considered the most expensive place to live in the US - only tip equal to the countrywide average, while those in Los Angeles tip below average at 18.4 percent.

Do Philadelphians really possess more love for their fellow citymen? Or is it because of Philadelphia's large number of BYO restaurants? I'm most surprised by the fact that New Yorkers tip such a meager amount. When I lived in Manhattan more than five years ago, it was considered standard to tip 20 percent due to the high cost of living there, and the fact that so many New Yorkers make a living in the service industry. Do these numbers surprise you? Are they in line with what you would normally tip, given decent service?

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Calcium = The Sixth Taste?

partysugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:00:46 -0700

Scientists in Philadelphia have discovered that mice can taste calcium. Since humans and rodents share many of the same genes, the human tongue should taste calcium as well. For centuries the four basic tastes were sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. However when umami, the fifth "savory" taste, was recognized 100 years ago, the door opened to research other tastes. According to Michael Tordoff, a geneticist who participated in the mice study, a human's palate can detect the mineral. It tastes:

Calcium tastes calcium-y, there isn't a better word for it. It is bitter, perhaps even a little sour. But it's much more because there are actual receptors for calcium, not just bitter or sour compounds.

Tordoff claims that the bitterness of certain vegetables, like bok choy or dark greens, is due to high levels of calcium. Although milk is full of calcium, the fats prevent us from tasting it.

Since I've always thought it was crazy that only four basic tastes exist, the discovery is incredibly interesting, and I think that maybe I've tasted calcium. What do you make of the findings? Have you ever tasted calcium?

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Taste Test: Philadelphia's New Cream Cheese Flavors

partysugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:45:07 -0700

Recently I got my hands on Philadelphia Cream Cheese's new flavors: sundried tomato and basil, and spinach and artichoke. Cream cheese on crackers has always been one of my secret single-girl snack foods, so I was delighted to sample the savory spreads. To find out what I thought of them, read more.

The cream cheese comes in the standard 8-ounce circular tub packaging. They're both smooth, creamy, and ideal for snacking. Selecting the correct cracker is key; a seasoned or seeded cracker will overpower the flavor of the spreads.

Sun-dried Tomato and Basil: With tiny flecks of sundried tomatoes and a pale orange color, this spread is slightly sweet. The taste of basil comes after the sundried tomato, while the regular flavor of cream cheese is apparent. This would be great for making a savory cheesecake.

Spinach and Artichoke: This spread has actual small chunks of spinach and artichoke with a strong flavor of artichoke. It's salty but not overly so. The classic flavor of cream cheese is missing, but it doesn't matter, because it tastes like a classic spinach artichoke dip.

Overall, Yum and I greatly enjoyed these cream cheese flavors. While we could not decide on a favorite, the spinach-artichoke was finished before the sundried tomato. I always have cream cheese on hand, so I may add one of these flavors to the rotation. I imagine they would be delicious in dishes like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or cheesy dip.

Has anyone else tried these cream cheeses? What did you think of them?

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Yummy Links: From Dungeness Crab to Turkey Cookies

partysugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:50:32 -0800

San Franciscans get excited: it's dungeness crab season! - SFoodie
This holiday season, why not bake a beautifully festive cake or cupcakes? - Hostess With the Mostess
Eating dark chocolate may help you handle stress. - The Epi-Log
The FDA has withdrawn the ban on the sale of Gulf Coast raw oysters during warm months. - Eater
Introducing: people talking on bananas. - People Talking on Bananas
Could Jose Garces be the next Iron Chef? - Grub Street Philadelphia
Rachael Ray on the Martha Stewart Show makes for some uncomfortable television. - Eat Me Daily
Learn how to fight wine snobbery. - Chow
Turn Keebler Fudge striped cookies into Thanksgiving turkeys. - Serious Eats

Noteworthy Nibbles - Oct. 13-20, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:00:31 -0700

As food festival season dwindles down, you might find yourself searching harder for events that will entertain you as much as your tastebuds. But look no further than our list below. Where else can you touch a 1,658-pound pumpkin but the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival? Imagine the jack-o'-lantern possibilities with that one. Find out what Top Cheffer Stefan Richter's been up to in Martha's Vineyard, or watch fellow contestant Fabio Viviani cook in the City of Brotherly Love.

Know of anything we've left off the list this week? Then please feel free to drop a line below!

New York, NY: Global Kitchen: The Magic of Pickling - Oct. 13
Boston, MA: Share Our Strength's A Tasteful Pursuit Dinner - Oct. 13
San Francisco, CA: Whiskeyfest - Oct. 16
Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Food & Wine Festival - Oct. 16-18
Edgartown, MA: Martha's Vineyard Food & Wine Festival - Oct. 16-18
Baltimore, MD: Russian Festival - Oct. 16-18
Fort Collins, CO: Fall Harvest Brewfest - Oct. 17
Llano, TX: Llano River Chuck Wagon Cookoff - Oct. 17
Half Moon Bay, CA: Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival - Oct. 17-18
Wellfleet, MA: Wellfleet Oysterfest - Oct. 17-18
Chicago, IL: Friends of James Beard Benefit Chicago - Oct. 18

Noteworthy Nibbles - Sept. 29-Oct. 6, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Wine lovers, unite! From St. Louis, MO, to Orlando, FL, and everywhere up and down the California coast, this week is full of celebrations that pay homage to the year's bounty of grapes.

As a West Coaster, I have my pick of places to swirl my glass, but, since sandwiches are my true love, I'm green with envy for those who can attend Philly's Sandwich Smash. Where will you be tasting tipples this week? Drop us a line in the comments below!

Monterey, CA: Monterey Wine Festival - Oct. 1-2
Orlando, FL: Latin Food & Wine Festival - Oct. 1-3
Los Angeles, CA: American Wine & Food Festival - Oct. 2-4
Carpinteria, CA: California Avocado Festival - Oct. 2-4
Denver, CO: Denver Chili Fest - Oct. 3
Chicago, IL: Eli's Cheesecake Festival - Oct. 3-4
New York, NY: New York Culinary Experience - Oct. 3-4
St. Louis, MO: St. Louis Wine Festival - Oct. 3-4
Shelton, WA: OysterFest - Oct. 3-4
Philadelphia, PA: Sandwich Smash - Oct. 4

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Philadelphia's New Cream Cheese Flavors

partysugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:25:02 -0700

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Noteworthy Nibbles - Aug. 11-18, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:30:27 -0700

If you don't have any solid plans for this weekend, don't let the food festivities pass you by. From New Mexico's Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights event to an Iowa homage to sweet corn, August is packed with distinctive culinary celebrations.

Personally, I wish I could attend North Carolina BBQ pitmaster Ed Mitchell's dinner at the James Beard House - but I'll happily settle for a local lesson in making Summer farmers market cocktails. What's on your tasting itinerary for the weekend? Pipe up and tell us in the comments!

Houston, TX: Houston Restaurant Week - Aug. 11-23
New York, NY: Modern Israeli Cuisine at the James Beard House - Aug. 12
San Francisco, CA: Botanical Spirits & Summer Farmers Market Cocktails – Aug. 12
Chicago, IL: Taste of the Nation Chicago - Aug. 13
West Columbia, SC: Eat, Drink & Think Local - Aug. 13
Red River, NM: Hot Chili Days, Cool Mountain Nights - Aug. 13-15
West Point, IA: West Point Sweet Corn Festival - Aug. 13-16
Boston, MA: Fisherman's Feast – Aug. 13-16
Delcambre, LA: Delcambre Shrimp Festival - Aug. 13-16

To see the rest, read more.

Springfield, MO: Summer Sizzle BBQ – Aug. 14-15
Emporia, KS: Flint Hills Beef Fest - Aug. 14-16
Sonoma County, CA: Grape to Glass Weekend - Aug. 14-16
San Rafael, CA: San Rafael Food & Wine Festival - Aug. 15
Cary, NC: Beer, Bourbon & BBQ - Aug. 15
Hayward, CA: Hayward Zucchini Festival - Aug. 15-16
Napa, CA: Taste of the Nation Napa Valley - Aug. 17
Philadelphia, PA: Taste of the Nation Philadelphia - Aug. 17
New York, NY: Legends of Barbecue with Ed Mitchell - Aug. 18
San Francisco, CA: Summer Garden Party at the Magic Flute - Aug. 18

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A New Battle Begins Over The Next Iron Chef!

YumSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:45:51 -0700

Days before the season finale of The Next Food Network Star - and hot off the heels of another captivating Top Chef Masters round - we've learned more about another foodie reality TV show. After the first successful iteration of The Next Iron Chef in 2007 (alums Michael Symon, Chris Cosentino, and Aaron Sanchez have all become Food Network personalities), the show is returning for a second season on Oct. 4.

This season will purportedly "take the contestants from Los Angeles to Japan to New York to compete in the food fight of their professional lives." Alton Brown hosts once again, with the competitors facing the wrath of three judges: returning panelist and restaurateur Donatella Arpaia, Vogue food writer Jeffrey Steingarten, and sustainable advisor (and Slow Food Nation director) Anya Fernald.

Who will be next to join the likes of Bobby Flay, Cat Cora, Mario Batali, Michael Symon, and Masaharu Morimoto (who just confirmed plans to open his first West Coast restaurant)? I've got my speculations - and I'd love to hear yours below. Find out who the 10 contenders are.

Meet the 2009 James Beard Award Nominees!

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:30:53 -0700

Last month, we introduced you to the semifinalists for the 2009 James Beard Awards. This morning, the short list of final nominees was unveiled, and the winners of the awards - nicknamed the "Oscars of the food world" - will be revealed at an awards gala at Manhattan's Lincoln Center on May 4. In addition to the highly anticipated nominations for outstanding restaurateur, outstanding chef, and outstanding restaurant, among others, the foundation's other honors - in cookbooks, newspaper writing, restaurant design, and blogs - were also announced.

Did any of your favorite chefs and restaurants make the list? View the all the nominations, or check out a summary of some of the biggest award nominees when you read more.

Outstanding Restaurateur Award
Tom Douglas, Tom Douglas Restaurants; Seattle, WA
Keith McNally, Balthazar, Lucky Strike, Pastis; New York, NY
Richard Melman, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises; Chicago, IL
Drew Nieporent, Myriad Restaurant Group; New York, NY
Stephen Starr, Starr Restaurant Organization; Philadelphia, PA

Outstanding Chef Award
José Andrés, Minibar; Washington, DC
Dan Barber, Blue Hill; New York, NY
Tom Colicchio, Craft; New York, NY
Suzanne Goin, Lucques; Los Angeles, CA
Paul Kahan, Blackbird; Chicago, IL

Outstanding Restaurant Award
Babbo, New York, NY; Chef/Owner: Mario Batali, Owner: Joe Bastianich
Boulevard, San Francisco, CA; Chef/Owner: Nancy Oakes, Owner: Pat Kuleto
Fore Street, Portland, ME; Chef/Owner: Sam Hayward, Owner: Victor Leon and Dana Street
Highlands Bar & Grill, Birmingham, AL; Chef/Owner: Frank Stitt
Jean Georges, New York, NY; Chef/Owner: Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Owner: Phil Suarez

Rising Star Chef of the Year Award
Nate Appleman, A16; San Francisco, CA
Sean Brock, McCrady's; Charleston, SC
Johnny Monis, Komi; Washington, DC
Gabriel Rucker, Le Pigeon; Portland, OR
Michael Solomonov, Zahav; Philadelphia, PA
Sue Zemanick, Gautreau's; New Orleans, LA

Best New Restaurant
The Bazaar by José Andrés, Los Angeles, CA; Chef/Owner: José Andrés
Corton, New York, NY; Chef/Owner: Paul Liebrandt, Owner: Drew Nieporent
L20, Chicago, IL; Chef: Laurent Gras, Owner: Richard Melman
Momofuku Ko, New York, NY; Chef/Owner: David Chang
Scarpetta, New York, NY; Chef/Owner: Scott Conant

Outstanding Pastry Chef
Gina DePalma, Babbo; New York, NY
Kamel Guechida, Joël Robuchon; Las Vegas, NV
Pichet Ong, P*ong; New York, NY
Nicole Plue, Redd; Yountville, CA
Mindy Segal, Mindy's Hot Chocolate; Chicago, IL

Outstanding Wine Service Award
Bin 36, Chicago, IL; Wine Director: Brian Duncan
Blackberry Farm, Walland, TN; Wine Director: Andy Chabot
Le Bernardin, New York, NY; Wine Director: Aldo Sohm
Patina, Los Angeles, CA; Wine Director: Eric Espuny
Picasso at Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV; Wine Director: Robert Smith

Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional
Dale DeGroff, Dale DeGroff Co., Inc.; New York, NY
Merry Edwards, Merry Edwards Wines; Sebastopol, CA
Garrett Oliver, The Brooklyn Brewery; Brooklyn, NY
John Shafer and Doug Shafer, Shafer Vineyards; Napa, CA
Julian P. Van Winkle, III, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery; Louisville, KY

Outstanding Service Award
Daniel, New York, NY; Owners: Daniel Boulud and Joel Smilow
Emeril's New Orleans, New Orleans, LA; Owner: Emeril Lagasse
La Grenouille, New York, NY; Owners: Charles Masson and Giséle Masson
Spiaggia, Chicago, IL; Owner: Larry Levy
Vetri, Philadelphia, PA; Owners: Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin

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