Marc Vetri says Philadelphia is comfortable and that there’s nothing wrong with red gravy done right. [Meal Ticket]

Big John’s in Cherry Hill has a pickle bar that certainly looks “world famous.” [Phoodie]

Uncle Jimmy says when you’re hankering for Israeli, make it take out from Mama’s Vegetarian. [Uncle Jimmy Eats]

The sweet potato fries stole the show at Ants Pants Cafe. [Foodzings]

Pho & Cafe Viet Huong is the perfect place to spend a freezing cold day. [Foodzings]

It’s a appetizer heavy look at  El Camino Real. [Veggicurious]

Foodaphilia has plenty of pretty pictures of Uzu in Old City. [Foodaphilia]

Philly Mag comes up with nine hot drinks to get you through the winter. We are surprised to see Naked Chocolate Cafe missing from the list, especially the seasonal peppermint hot chocolate. Get it with a shot of espresso for a real pick-me-up.

• Caramel Cream Dream: Double Shots
• White Hot Chocolate: Gryphon Café
• Mexican Hot Chocolate: E’s Passyunk
• The Flat White: Ants Pants Café
• Caramel Apple Cider: Burlap and Bean
• French Press: Mugshots
• Sweet Dreams: Lambertville Trading Company
• Fresh Lemon Ginger Tea: Soy Café
• Benna Cap: Benna’s Cafe

In Search Of … Hot Drinks [Philadelphia Magazine]

Craig LaBan agrees with Finding Philly about the Violet Crumble milkshake at Ants Pants Cafe.

The chocolate-covered Violet Crumble, a smooth Aussie take on the honeycomb-filled British “Crunchie,” lends an almost malted flavor and textural snap to this frozen vanilla-bean elixir. Add a pouf of homemade caramel whip, and you can slurp your way into a creamy Down Under sugar buzz.

The shake’s the thing [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Ants Pants Cafe [Official Site]

Finding Philly is seriously gripped by the Violet Crumble Milkshake served up at Ants Pants Cafe in G-Ho.

Words cannot do it justice. It’s too small by far. I ordered two of them this morning. Get it with the whipped cream, it’s the real stuff. I could try for hours to describe it but I’m not going to because I’ll get hungry for it again. Go get one!

Ants Pants has Liquid Gold for Sale [Finding Philly]
Ants Pants Cafe [Official Site]

Nothing small about these Quick Bites, open wide and devour!

• Aqua, 705 Chestnut Street, may be opening as soon as Mondy and Michael Klein has the dish.
• Also in Table Talk today it’s noted that Suede is looking to be reborn Triada, a “small-plates restaurant-cum-lounge.” Of course Triada should not to be confused with Tria or Trio. And there’s no truth to the rumor that riage, a small tapas and Emergency Room waiting area is opening near Jefferson.
• Another item of note in TT, especially to those who miss Warmdaddy’s on Front Street, their new RiverView Plaza location is “about a month out.” (Table Talk)

Read the rest of this entry »