Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, squash and yams– it must be Thanksgiving.  What better day to stay in and have a wonderful home-cooked meal with family and friends.  Of course, no Thanksgiving meal would be complete without the traditional pumpkin pie, but here’s a great recipe for those looking to add a different flavor that still works with the color scheme of yellows, reds, oranges and browns.

Lemon meringue pie is a tasty treat that accompanies pumpkin pie, or can be served on its own.  This year, surprise your family and friends with a new end to Thanksgiving that they are sure to enjoy.  This wonderful pie could feed anywhere from eight to 12 people depending on your serving slice. continue reading »

Quick, easy and tasty! The three words a chef loves to hear. Try this week’s recipe to stay in for the next time you need a cake, a treat or a celebration. This has been a family favorite in my house for years and honoring veterans everywhere, you can garnish the top of this cake with strawberries and blueberries in the shape of a flag. The entire recipe takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. continue reading »

Trick or treat!  If you picked treat, good choice, because this week we have a scrumptious and easy recipe that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. This year, Halloween is taking over and a variety of treats are readily available for all who seek a ghoulish night of fun and sugar.  If you’re like many who a tasty treat for less money, try this recipe for Halloween Dirt, and watch your family and neighbors scream with delight.  Preparation time is about 20 minutes and this dessert can serve about 20 people. continue reading »

With the increasing financial hardship and economic strain, more NEasters are choosing to dine in and save some money, rather then eat out.  Given the fact that more and more people are taking on this custom, I am including a recipe that I came upon a few weeks ago for all our money-saving friends, and those who want to try a little something different.  Try this fast, easy and delicious Shepherd’s Pie recipe from Ladies Home Journal with a low calorie count of just 246 per serving. continue reading »

With the increasing financial hardship and economic strain, more NEasters are choosing to dine in and save some money, rather then eat out.  Given the fact that more and more people are taking on this custom, I am including a recipe that I came upon a few weeks ago for all our money-saving friends, and those who want to try a little something different.  A Beef teriyaki with cucumber salad recipe I discovered in an Asian-style cookbook (Homestyle Asian) intrigued my creative side, as well as my taste buds.

The preparation time is around 20 to 30 minutes, takes 20 minutes to cook and serves 4 people.

What you will need for the beef teriyaki:

• 4 filet steaks
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon of sake (optional, but recommended)
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ginger
• 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds
• 1/3 cup of soy sauce

What you will need for the cucumber salad:

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar (rice wine vinegar preferred)
• ½ red pepper, diced
• ¼ a cup of water

Continue reading for cooking instructions continue reading »

You don’t have to go to South Street for Latin food and fun, Copabanana has three locations in Philadelphia and one is located in the back of Grant Plaza in our beloved NEast. Always full of life, always full of music and laughter, Copabanana is a party trapped inside a restaurant.

Open everyday of the year from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. Copa is trying to accommodate all crowds for lunch and dinner. The darkly lit restaurant turns into more of a bar scene with loud music later on in the evening after the dinner crowd starts to disperse.  Well known for its margaritas and Spanish fries, this bar/restaurant is a great place to venture for relaxing and catching up with friends. continue reading »

With its charming wooden floors and old church pew-style seats Ashburner Inn, located at 8400 Torresdale Ave. in Holmesburg, offers a quiet elegance to casual dining. A full bar area and two dining sections make this a spacious little inn for relaxing and enjoying professional cooking from former Atlantic City chef Rick Narasaki. Ashburner Inn focuses on serving a contemporary American menu with a variety of choices. While many people may feel this tavern would be more accustomed to a bar seen, Ashburner Inn provides a unique and settling experience for a neighborhood Inn. There is even a separate area to accommodate large private parties. The tables will be covered with white cloths, and the room dressed up a bit to add to the quaint, soft-lit atmosphere. continue reading »

By Donna Ward

Las Margaritas is a fantastic Mexican restaurant located at 2538 Welsh Rd. near Roosevelt Boulevard.  You have probably seen the jalapeño van driving around the NEast and other neighboring areas, but if you haven’t eaten at Las Margaritas you are missing some of the best Mexican cuisine in the NEast.  It may be true that some Mexican food requires an acquired taste, but at Las Margaritas there is something for everyone, even the mild-palated patrons. continue reading »

This quaint café is located at 9645 James Street right off Grant Avenue across from the Torresdale train station. Founded in 2005, Three Monkeys has polished hardwood floors and tabletops. With Internet access available, many college students in the area seek out Three Monkeys as a great place to have wonderful food, light conversation and accomplish their network needs. Parking can be a little interesting for dinnertime diners, but at lunch there is usually plenty of space outside the café on the street. continue reading »

A small little Italian restaurant located at 7602 Castor Ave., known commonly as Frank’s, sparked my interest as I drove past the wooden-framed windows out front. I had never even so much as heard of this small restaurant until recently, so I was very shocked to learn it had been established here for more than years. Trying to park can be a bit tricky, since it’s on the street, which can be hit or miss. continue reading »