First Visit to PPL Park for Union Game

A few weeks ago I made my first trip to PPL Park to see the Philadelphia Union play Real Salt Lake.  The only game I've seen the Union play was against Man United and I was rooting against them since I follow Man United more closely.  The Union played an exciting game so my cousin and I decided to make the trip to Chester to catch them in MLS action.

Up this point, the location of the stadium was the primary reason for not going.  I wasn't worried about the safety, but actually driving and parking.  I live in the Center City so making a trip to Chester is a pain when I am used to taking the subway to South Philly to see the Phils, etc.  

I heard from others that parking was difficult without a pass and it took awhile to leave the parking lot after the game.  However we had zero problems getting to the stadium and parking was a breeze with the parking pass.  If you don't have a pass there is a parking lot right off 95 and buses there to take to you to the stadium.  There are cops at nearly every corner from 95 to the stadium and you don't have to stop at any lights.  Clearly security is front and center.  

There was a lot of tailgating outside the stadium in the still-to-be-paved parking lots.  We chose to head into the stadium to look around.  

The soccer-only stadium is the highlight of going to the game.  The views are spectacular with the Commodore Barry Bridge as the backdrop.  I don't think there is a bad seat in the house and the crowd is diverse.  Sons of Ben cheers the entire game to keep the atmosphere festive.  It is worth going if only to see the stadium and take in the soccer-specific atmosphere.   

The concessions and prices are no different than Citizens Bank Park or any other major sporting stadium.  There are beer zones outside with several vendors serving all kinds of food. Plenty of restrooms for men and women, too.

The game was exciting and the Union have some players to watch, especially Sebastian Le Toux and Danny Mwanga, the first overall pick.  Both are strikers and are exciting to watch.  Le Toux is tireless and Mwanga is star in the making.  Everyone else seems average.  Mwanga scored the opening goal.   After the goal the "Doop" song is played and the crowd gets into it.  You can watch the first goal scored at PPL Park here with the song.  Sweet European version here.

I certainly came away impressed with the stadium, atmosphere and team.  Win or lose, the team is fun to watch and it is nice to have a local professional team and dedicated soccer specific stadium in the region.

The location will be the biggest obstacle to success long term.  It took a while to leave the parking lot and I would imagine it took even longer for those who had to take a bus back to the parking lots near 95.  I suspect this will be less of an issue next year.

Security is not an issue with all the extra police prominent on every block.  But, there is nothing to see or do near the stadium.  The Union must have been given the land, which is basically a waste land.  Combined with millions from the government to help "revitalize" Chester, you know why the stadium was built at this location.  I see Chester staying the same and the suburbanites escorted into and out of the stadium for years to come.

Go see the stadium and support the team.  It is worth the trip.  Long term, the team needs to win to keep selling out the stadium. Let's hope the area sees some bright spots in the years ahead.  Pic from our seats below.

City Garden update

It's been awhile since we updated you on our city garden. Below is a video update. You will see the tomato plants are huge. We've been getting a ton of plum tomatoes and are saving them for tomato sauce. The other two tomato plants are growing (you'll the ridiculous size in the video), but no tomatoes yet. There been flowers, but no fruit. The same thing happened last year and not sure what the problem is at this point. One of the tomato plants was attacked by hornworm caterpillars, which are some of the ugliest things you'll ever see. It has since recovered, but might be too late to get fruit. The baby pepper plant has been sprouting some nice peppers. The asparagus beans have grown nicely, but we probably will not grow again. Tastier options.

Three Sheets 22nd & Philly Style

Urban dictionary defines "three sheets" as an old sailing term in which, after setting all three main sails to the wind, a ship will shudder and roll, much like a stumbling drunk.  The drinking TV show Three Sheets adds a twist to the term.  Why not go three sheets and explore the drinking culture, unique bars, special drinks and food of the city.  See more here and here.

At 22nd & Philly we did our own version of Three Sheets. The original plan was to make seven stops each with its own story. As three sheet tours tend to go, the plan doesn't always work out as you'd like. We visited five places.

The first stop was Yards Brewery located on Delaware Ave.  It turned out to be the highlight of the tour and will get its own separate post to discuss in more detail.  Tours are every Saturday from 12:00-3:00.  It is also not regimented so you could likely show up later and get an abbreviated tour.  Yards has a taproom and is actually a nice set-up and laid back.  I'd visit the taproom again without the tour.

Founded in 1994 by two collegiate wrestlers, Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovitz, Yards began making beer in a garage in Manayunk. A true pioneer in the Philly craft beer explosion, Yards is known for its, Philly pale ale,  india pale ale, special ale and the brawler. The Ales of the Revolution, a partnership with City Tavern, have also become popular since being launched. 

After the tour, we tried a tasting of the Ales of the Revolution.  I enjoyed them all, but would choose the porter as my favorite.

The next stop was the Piazza at Schmidt's.  Each time we visit the Piazza we come away impressed.  It is urban design at its finest.  Built with the old European piazza concept in mind, the Piazza at Schmidt's brings people together and creates a festive atmosphere.  The piazza has giant TV, several restaurants and random markets throughout the week/year.  We settled on Swift Half for some food and, yes, more drink.  We'll provide a full review at some point since we were not at Swift Half for any reason more than sitting outside, drinking, eating and enjoying the Piazza, a concept we only hope spreads elsewhere. 

A few blocks away from the Piazza is gastropub pioneer, Standard Tap.  A perfect reason to stop in for a drink or two. Standard Tap opened in 1999 and is one of many reasons behind the growth of the Northern Liberties section of Philly. A gastropub is a pub that also focuses on high quality food. Gastropubs have exploded in recent years to the benefit of beer and food lovers like ourselves!  Standard Tap is widely regarded as a leader in the Philly beer movement and was one of the first bars to focus on local and/or craft beers.  The treat of the day was a Troeg's IPA from a hand-pumped cask.  The beer list was full of local beers I haven't had so we will be going back sometime soon.

After a few hours rest, we visited McGillin's Olde Ale House, the oldest continuously operated tavern in Philadelphia. Open since 18-fricken-60! It was originally called The Bell in Hand, but the laborers who frequented the place just called it McGillin’s after William McGillin, the Irish immigrant who owned the bar. McGillin's is known as being a no nonsense bar.  Simple concept - beer flowing, music and people looking to have a good time.  

In true Three Sheets style, the last stop was for food in the hopes of the stemming the inevitable three sheets outcome: the hangover.  Hello, Jim's Steaks. This Philadelphia tradition was opened in 1939 at its original location in West Philadelphia, where it still operates. Yes, Jim really was the first owner. Jim's Steaks' other location on South Street, though, has become a Philadelphia Landmark, much like Pat’s King of Steaks. We went to the South Philly location; the cheesesteak hit the spot and it was back home to some much needed sleep.

We missed two other spots on the original schedule - Cherry Street Tavern and Monk's Cafe.  Cherry Street is a small neighborhood bar that flies under the radar. I never heard of the place until friends moved down the street and took us there. It’s a simple place with mostly locals coming.  Prohibition is why it was a scheduled stop. The bar was licensed in 1905, so like any bar was hit hard during prohibition. But never doubt Americans and their desire to drink. Along the bar where patrons sit is a drain where you could do two things: use the bathroom if you are too lazy or pour out your drinks if cops raided the place. Random celebrities have been known to stop by.

Monk's is the reason why Philly leads the country in the Belgian beers.  A colleague used to work at Eulogy, another Belgian place, and was told that Belgian beer often doesn't make it past Philly to the rest of the country. Why? The beer is bought up by places like Monks and not enough is left. Go Philly! I once met the founder of World of Beer at Monks. Truly a Belgian beer lovers dream.

It was an excellent day and we hope to hear about your own Three Sheets adventures.  A slideshow of the tour and a video of Jim's Steaks are below.  

22nd & Philly Best of List - Individual Dishes

The Best of Philly to-do list post was easily one of our most popular posts, which got us thinking about our own Best of Philly list.  Friends, family members, neighbors and others always ask us for recommendations.  Namely - what is your favorite restaurant.  We usually stumble our way through an answer since we don’t have a single favorite restaurant (well maybe Zahav).  This is what makes a best of list so perfect.  Favorites depend on the type of food, occasion, atmosphere desired, etc. 

  

This is our list of the best individual dishes in Philly, in no particular order. Please tell us your own favorites. 

1. Hiramasa at Distrito. This is a yellowtail ceviche in an orange habanero sauce. I’ve had this numerous times and each time I am amazed.  It is simply awesome.  Save yourself the time and order two. I attempted to make this the famous birthday dinner.
2. Conejo con Castanas at Amada.  This is braised rabbit pasta.  I had this about a month ago.  How good was it?  I was full and ordered another.  That’s right.  I ordered it twice!
3. Candele w/wild boar at Osteria.  It’s been several years since we’ve been to Osteria, but I remember this dish vividly.  Likely the best pasta I’ve ever had.  Forget the pizza at Osteria - get this!  I took at look at the menu recently and this dish is not listed.  Hopefully it returns soon.
4. The Breakfast.  This was at Gayle, which has closed.  I am not a dessert guy (i.e. give me another main course), but this was easily the best dessert in my life.  
5. Spicy dry rub wings at Devil’s Alley.  These wings fall off the bone and the cucumber sauce surprisingly goes well.  I’ve taken many friends to Devil’s Alley and no one comes away disappointed.
6. French onion soup dumplings at Continental.  No explanation needed.  Everyone loves them so just go and order them.
7. Sicilian pizza at Sarcone's.  For a best of item, it is embarrasing that I've only had it once 5 years ago!  What's wrong with me?  Easily the best pizza I've had in Philly - not even close.  You have to get there early though because they only make it once and after it's sold out, that's it for the day.   I do get pepperoni rolls from Sarcone's at Di Brunos several times a month. 
8. Lamb chops at Salt & Pepper.  First lamb chops I ever had and still the best.  And yes, I've tried many since.  Owned by a friend, Salt & Pepper is one of favorite places.  Sadly, we've never reviewed (maybe we are hoping to keep it our own little secret).  

Best of Philly To-Do List... and Yogorino

Since moving into Philadelphia about four years ago, I have really enjoyed reading Philadelphia Magazine for its new ideas of things to do and places to eat, hearty (and somewhat snooty) gossip, and extensive local feature stories. The biggest issue each year is the annual "Best of Philly" edition, which showcases the best food, drinks, shops, activities, people and more that Philadelphia and the surrounding 'burbs have to offer.

The 2010 Best of Philly list just came out, so today I settled into a shady bench in Rittenhouse Square to carefully read every review and start my own new to-do/eat/see list. Here's what I picked off the Best of Philly for 22ndandPhilly to check out in the coming months:

Fish - It's right down the road from 22nd Street (a.k.a. us) and Best of Philly listed it as the best new restaurant. We've walked by and peaked at the menu a few times, but will have go check it out now.
Ko Zee Doo - New Portuguese spot in Northern Liberties, named best new BYOB.
Le Virtu - Italian restaurant on Passyunk that supposedly has incredible pasta (just say duck ragu and we're there).
Paesano's - Italian sandwiches at 9th & Christian.
Stogie Joe's - Philly Mag says they have the best tomato pie. And Bradd loooooves tomato pie.
Supper - Foodie friends recently named this spot on South Street their current favorite. Philly Mag says it has the best bar snacks. And I looooove bar snacks.
Kanella - Recently went to the Greek BYOB for dinner and it was alright, but I still want to go back for brunch, which Best of Philly says is #1.
Garces Trading Company - We've stopped in to see it and buy wine, but I definitely want to go back and eat sometime.
Amis - Marc Vetri's newest got a Best of Philly nod for "power snacking." I like feeling powerful, plus we loved every bite of food at Vetri a few months ago, and my Vetri-groupie boss gave Amis a great review.
Dante & Luigi's - Best old school Italian. 'Nuff said.
Fork - I pass by Fork all the time but never think to eat there. Philly Mag gives it props for the best charcuterie.
Silk City - Been there late night for dancing (super fun, good music, but it quickly heated up to about 300 degrees and everyone got all sweaty and gross). Philly Mag says it has the best outdoor dining. It looks fun from the outside on Spring Garden St. 

One more spot would have made it onto this list - Yogorino, named the best frozen yogurt - but it was hot in the park and I got inspired reading the Best of Philly issue so I dashed over to 20th Street and grabbed a cup before I continued reading. Yogorino only offers the traditional, Greek-style flavor but then you can pick a slew of toppings. Philly Mag raved that its the smoothest and richest yogurt out there. I will say that it was much better than Sweet Endings (which I thought was pretty nasty) but I still wasn't thrilled. FroYo to me should taste like ice cream but smoother. Maybe thats just the Americanized version, but oh well, thats what I like. This "mini" size at Yogorino cost me $3.00 but don't let this pic fool you. The bottom half of the blue cup is curved, so it only holds about an inch of ice cream. The fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings I added helped, but I wouldn't go back. I miss my hometown shop, Denville Dairy!

Thank you Best of Philly for all these new ideas!