El Vez: Inventive Mexican Cuisine

El Vez serves inventive Mexican fare to appreciative Philadelphia diners. It features a vibrant, trendy setting, lively music and an eclectic menu of tasty food and drink. Begin your meal with one of their signature cocktails like a Blood Orange Frozen Margarita or the Zapata with vodka, strawberry puree, basil, cranberry juice & a sugared rim.

Six styles of Guacamole are offered on the appetizer menu, along with a nice salsa selection, Macho Nachos, Shrimp Quesadillas, and Tortilla Soup. Crispy Mahi-Mahi Tacos with chipotle pepper remoulade, Black Bean Enchiladas with smoked yellow tomato sauce, and Char-Grilled Beef Tacos are among the entrée options. Sides include Sweet Plantains Con Queso, Polenta Fries, and Grilled Corn on the Cob with lime chipotle.

El Vez is open daily on 13th Street in Center City Philadelphia.

El Vez
121 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 928-9800
http://www.elvezrestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-vez-philadelphia

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Happy Presidents’ Day

Remembering the courage and vision of past and present leaders, we honor and share the spirit of Presidents' Day together as a nation.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Wishing everyone a day filled with fun and happy memories!

Alma de Cuba: Cuban Fare in Philadelphia

Alma de Cuba serves up tasty Cuban fare in a modern, upscale setting near Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square. Go there to relax with one of their signature libations, like a Mojito with rum, mint & sugar, or a Caipirinha with rum, sugar and lime juice. Wine and beer are also served.

Alma de Cuba's appetizers include Lamb Neck Casabe with yucca flatbread, Rainbow Ceviche with tuna, salmon & bass, Octopus Escalivada with grilled Spanish octopus, olives & capers, and Royal Palm Dates wrapped in bacon & bleu cheese. Vaca Frita – fried cow – is a favorite among the entrees. Lechon Asado – crispy roasted pork, Peruvian Barbeque Chicken, and Rum Cured Duck Breast are also on the menu. Be sure to try the Chocolate Cigar – almond cake wrapped in chocolate mousse – for dessert.

Alma de Cuba
1623 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 988-1799
http://www.almadecubarestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/alma-de-cuba-philadelphia

Tips for Healthy Snacking

Your little ones love sugary cookies, while you just can’t resist a savory snack every now and then. If you’re looking for healthier snacks for the whole family that still tasty and satisfying, these tips from the NIH can help you find them.

  • Create healthier versions of your favorite snacks. Instead of your usual cheese and crackers, substitute low-fat cheese and whole-grain crackers. Instead of buttery, salty movie theater popcorn, make some fat-free or low-fat popcorn.
  • Make healthier dessert choices. Instead of your usual homemade milkshake, blend a banana, ice and low-fat chocolate milk for a chocolate smoothie that’s still delicious.
  • Choose smarter condiments. Sauces and other toppings can add fat and empty calories to an otherwise healthy snack. Instead of cheese, choose salsa, and instead of regular ranch dressing opt for a fat-free variety.

For more healthy snacking tips, visit the NIH website.

Village Whiskey: Artisan Cocktails

Evoking the ambiance of a prohibition-era speakeasy, Philadelphia's Village Whiskey is a go-to gathering spot to ease the cares of the day. Settle in with a glass of one of their more than 80 whiskeys from the world over, or a carefully crafted artisan cocktail made by one of their skilled bartenders. A tasty selection of craft beers is also on hand.

Village Whiskey also serves a popular menu of food. Bar snacks include Herb Roasted Oysters, House Made Cheese Puffs, Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail, Deviled Eggs and Tater Tots. Settle in at the bar or grab a table, if you can find one in this cozy, popular spot, and order yourself one of their burgers. Options include the Whiskey King with maple & bourbon-glazed cipollini, bleu cheese, applewood smoked bacon & foie gras, and the Veggie Burger with a lentil & black bean patty, guacamole & pickled red cabbage.

Village Whiskey
118 S. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-1088
http://villagewhiskey.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/village-whiskey-philadelphia

Public Domain/Public Domain

Reading Terminal Market: A Philadelphia Classic

A must-visit destination for tourists and residents alike, Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market is a bustling bazaar that features a colorful array of shops and vendors. You’ll find everything from fresh fish to ice cream to pretzels at this great local community landmark that’s been in business since 1893.

Bakeries, farm stands, dairy products, house wares, books, crafts, meat and poultry, and flowers and plants are all arrayed at this vibrant marketplace. Pennsylvania Dutch vendors are also strongly represented.

Restaurants at Reading Terminal include Kamal’s Middle Eastern Specialties, the Grill at Smuckers, Tootsie’s Salad Express, Tokyo Sushi, Amy’s Place, 12th Street Cantina, and Dutch Eating Place. Reading Terminal also hosts events like book signings, music performances and food tours.

Reading Terminal Market is open every day.

Reading Terminal Market
51 N. 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-2317
http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/reading-terminal-market-philadelphia

Public Domain/Freeimagescollection

Pod: Space Age Fusion Dining in University City

A space age interior with colored lighting and futuristic seating ‘pods’ is what greets you when you enter Pod, making it a fun spot to meet up with friends. The menu features a flavorful array of sushi and other Asian delights. Cocktails include a Zen and Tonic with green tea liqueur, gin, tonic water & cucumber, and a Wasabi Bloody Mary with vodka, wasabi & veggie juice.

Pod's sushi is fresh and artfully presented and includes the Dragon with with eel, avocado and unagi sauce, and the Rainbow with tuna, salmon, yellowtail & shrimp sashimi. The entrée menu features Whole Roasted Branzino with wasabi chimichurri, Wasabi Crusted Filet Mignon with black truffle soy sauce, and Kung Pao Chicken & Shrimp.

Pod is open daily in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood.

Pod
3636 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-1803
http://www.podrestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pod-philadelphia

Public Domain/Public Domain

Our New Facebook Sweepstakes Has Started! Enter to Win an iPad Mini!

To enter the Sweepstakes, Like our Facebook Page and then look for the Sweepstakes tab (image shown below) located on our Facebook Page to enter. Sweepstakes ends February 28th, 2014.

For mobile users ONLY, like our Facebook Page, and then click here to enter!

Mood Cafe: Enjoy Chaat in Cedar Park

Mood Cafe specializes in yummy Indian fare, including Lassi – cold fruit and yogurt drinks, fresh juices, ice cream, milkshakes and shaved ice. It’s a friendly little spot, with nice prices and some tasty things to eat and drink. This Cedar Park restaurant also serves Chaat, which is a type of spicy, flavorful Indian street food.

Lassi drinks are creamy and delicious and feature flavors like Strawberry, Grape, Rose, Mango, Sandelwood, Almond, and Raspberry. Yummy ice cream flavors include Chocolate, Mango, Chikku, Pistachio and Tutti Frutti.

If you'd like a bite of something more substantial, order up one of their Chaat dishes. Options include Bhel Puri – with puffed rice, onions, potatoes, raw mango & chutney, Kashmiri Chaat – spicy split green lentils, noodles, potato sticks, cashew nuts & melon seeds, and Shahi Chaat – spicy cashew nuts, green lentil flour, melon seeds, spinach, almonds, pistachio, & bean seeds.

Mood Cafe
4618 Baltimore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19143
(215) 222-1037
http://www.moodcafephilly.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mood-cafe-philadelphia

Public Domain/Public Domain

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