Janice's Blog

Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods and none more vibrant than East Passyunk. Its recent revival  is a hip urban constellation of  restaurants and shops, from  organic food  store to  Euro florist, from child care facilities to art center.   

Fanning  from the 5-block hub are renovated townhomes and apartments  for  the new “creative class” of city dweller,  all  living peacefully with  multi generation I(pronounced “EYE)”talian-Americans.

Not quite Rocky meets Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but something in between.

Brightly set on a corner with its incredible glass mosaic exterior in this trendy  firmament is  Black N Brew, 

Philadelphia’s supreme go-to full menu  COFFEE shop - open 7 am -5pm daily

Owners Colleen and Jen express their love  for  world travel in an original menu  with exotic flair,  posted on the black boarded walls along with some fab  local art.

 WI FI is free, parking is plentiful. This is a child-friendly, dog-friendly eatery with outside seating.  Perfect for brunch, an early or late breakfast or lunch.

Just back from  Costa Rica , I met   Jen and Colleen at an eco resort,  and had vowed to lay off  lavish breakfasts.  I  had my usual power bar after yoga this morning and was proud of myself.  Real estatetook into the city today , and it was the detour to  Black N Brew that made this a one meal day.

Who could resist the freshly made Pesto and Tomato omelet with brioche toast, homemade strawberry  (with no sugar) jam, and potatoes.  And, yes, I managed to savor a cranberry and nut biscotti on the drive home that Colleen had packed for me for “later” HA! Too good!  

You can’t miss this artistic, hip hangout with its mosaic glass exterior walls done by a famous local artiste and his interns. You shouldn’t miss making Black N Brew a regular on your list of fun Philadelphia eateries

My friend Anna makes THE best Chai...here's her recipe

Home Made Chai Tea

(All measurements are per cup – multiply for the number of cups or medium-sized mugs you are making.

3/4 cup water

1/4 unsweetened soy milk

Honey to taste

Roughly ~2 teaspoons per cup loose black tea leaves (Ideally Assam or Ceylon tea – English Breakfast will do)

All of the following (measurements are per cup or per medium-sized mug):

2 green cardamom pods

2-3 whole black peppercorns

1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds

1-2 pieces cinnamon (“real cinnamon” not Cassia. May be labeled “Vietnamese cinnamon”)

Fresh ginger (2-3 thin slices for extra zing)

Heat water. Before it comes to a boil, add fresh ginger (with skin, sliced into thin rounds), if using and any or several of the following: a few pods of green cardamom, Cinnamon stick, fennel seeds, peppercorns and/or cinnamon.

Then add loose black tea. Turn off the heat and let steep for 2 minutes. Pour into a cup through a sieve to strain out tea leaves and spices. Add milk and then honey to taste

As I commented in the remarks section, Lou Ludwig's advice today goes hand in hand with the idea of slowing down, weighing your options, responding rather than reaction. And if the decision you make doesn't turn out, you can always make another one :)

I love a daily message I recieve and today's was so thought-provoking I wanted to share it.

 The things that we would be asking ourselves is, "What proportion of my day am I in vibrational harmony with my desires, which means, how much of my day am I happy, glad, eager, fulfilled, satisfied, complimentary? And what percentage of my day am I ornery, irritated, frustrated, or blaming?" And you don't have to do 100%, you don't have to do 90%, you don't have to do 80%. If you could even get around 55% feeling better, than not feeling so good — you'd have significant movement in what begins to happen in your experience.    jroosevelt@kw.com

Jared Christiansen has some real life expereinces to share that will make your Friday! It got me laughing outloud, especially the one about the photo with the raccoon and posting it on Facebook. Enjoy!

Lou's blog today encourages us to make our own way and not follow the crowd. I look at examples of both the media and medicine where once most of us followed an "acceptable" authority and today - we have many choices, just need to do the research and work.

You might think eating locally in Pennsylvania is not relevant in the winter months? Not so! Cold weather crops plus the use of hoop houses and other methods help to extend the natural growing season. Cold storage vegetables like carrots, beets, turnips, onions, winter squashes, and potatoes also mean that there is plenty of fresh produce to choose from at winter market. Certainly hens continue to lay eggs year-round and the varied assortment of cheeses, meats, and baked goods continue to flow from our vendors. You will be amazed at all you will find.

In addition, a number of crafters and other vendors will offer their special wares this First Friday. The Winter Farmers Market runs from 2 - 5 pm along State Street at the Genesis Alleyway each first and third Friday from 2 - 5 pm. For more information, visit the Kennett Farmers Market website and sign up for the newsletter.

jroosevelt@kw.com

Ok, cat lovers, here is your entry for the next Amercan Idol. The microphone is invisible. Will this feline get your vote? jroosevelt@kw.com

"Be Always at War with your Vices, at Peace with your Neighbors, and let each New Year find you a Better Man." ~Benjamin Franklin

jroosevelt@kw.com

The temperatures have turned cold  but there's a warm welcome in the galleries, shops, and restaurants of Historic Kennett Square. 

Many businesses are open late on First Friday, this Friday, January 6th 6-9 p.m  and offer special exhibits, light refreshments, and good company.  Some of the activities happening "around the Square" include:  

THE PAPER MARKET ECO BOUTIQUE  at 106 West State Street announces a showing of mixed media, watercolors and oil pastels by Unionville artist Charlene Thomforde.  They will offer light refreshments throughout the evening.

BYRSA BISTRO at 102 East State Street will have live music on First Friday and is introducing a new chef's specialty.

THE CENTRE FOR VIBRANT LIVING at 115 Marshall Street (behind the post office & library) presents a photographic exhibit of Jose Avila, inspired by poetry, as well as some of Jose's unique pottery.  Light refreshments will be served.   

WILLOW ON STATE at 331 East State Street is featuring the paintings, sculpture and photography of emerging artists under 25 years old! Pottery, photographs from Kennett Square and the surrounding local region, jewelry by Silvie Waals, sculpture from artist Jeffrey Thomas Bell, and wood carvings from John Rush.