Christmas and what I'm into right now

Christmas has come and gone again, and I had a pretty good holiday.  I really hope that it is always a time of year that I look forward to and enjoy, instead of dread and fight through.  This year, I went down to Florida with Lana, and we got to hang out with both of our families. Christmas is a great time of the year, but I personally have a hard  time separating the commercial, consumerist, secular part of the holiday with the religious part.  And part of the reason it's hard for me is because giving gifts, watching Elf (which came out five years ago!), and decorating a tree are really great traditions.

Next year, I think I'd like to try and celebrate Epiphany, or Three Kings' Day.  These holidays focus on Jesus's birth, and do so in a more meaningful way.  And that way I can celebrate twice, and have a fun and meaningful holiday.  What do you think?

Among the cool things I got were some smart wool socks, Rabbit Angstrom, St Bernardus Christmas pack, and a sandwich maker.  Although I will enjoy most of my new toys, I am realizing more and more that my Christmas spending could be put to much better use.  In the future, I hope that my gifts given and received will be mostly charitable donations.

Some things I'm into right now:  I'm reading People's History of the US and A Prayer for Owen Meany.  I like the Pittsburgh Penguins but they're playing mediocre hockey.  I start a new job in a week.  I going to do the Philadelphia Triathlon.  I want to learn French, and Gran Torino was terrible film.  Discuss any and all of these with me.  See you soon.

I keep attempting to have a blog...

I remember one time when my friend Joshua said that too many blogs turn more into blah blah blah-gs.  For me, it's hard to find enough stuff to write about that keeps me and whoever may be reading equally engaged.  I'm going to give another go at it, in a form with little organization.  I want to still (try again to) write about new foods, restaurants, and beers that I try.  Maybe about some travel I have on the horizon.  And about whatever else is going on in my life. 

So to start that off, yesterday I finally received my job offer from Temple.  This is for a job that I was "supposed" to start on December 1st, and now I will be officially starting on January 5th.  Th extra month that I had off was really great.  People kept asking me what I was doing.  I finished the last Harry Potter book(LINK).  A few other books too.  I've been working on my French with Rosetta Stone, and the more challenging, and rewarding, Pimsuler(LINK).  I've watched a bunch of movies, had a lot of time to enjoy my wonderful girlfriend's cooking, and played a little too much NHL 2005 on the Gamecube.  During this time, I've really been the recipient of generosity from a lot of my close friends, and its a testament to how great these people are.

Some deats (my favorite slang for details) for my new job.  Eleven paid holidays, two weeks vacation, and ten sick days, give me a total of 31 paid days off.  And that's not even really the best part.  On Friday afternoon, I was offered the job.  Everything was being done over the phone.  They offered me a salary, and I asked for more, hoping that we could just settle on an amount in the middle.  So I asked for more, which meant the HR person I was talking to had to call the dean.  Because it was Friday afternoon and very close to the holiday, I knew that this might be difficult.  Further, I had to accept the job on Friday, because I needed to schedule a drug test and physical before I flew out of Philly on Monday morning, at 11:30.  I was getting anxious, and decided to call back and accept the initial offer.  This disicon was solidified by the fact that I called my old boss who told me there was almost no chance of me getting more than they offered.  I decided to accept the first offer on the phone with my mom, and about 15 seconds after I decided, they called on the other line and told me that I would have the full amount I asked for.  It was great!  All of my phone calls took place at the mall, while Lana was shopping for a dress.  The only shopping I did was to pick up Pan's Labyrinth, for $3.99.  Nice.

So you want to travel the world, but you're worried about the huge carbon footprint?

A few days ago, my friend Emily called me out. As a fellow traveler and someone who is worried about the environment, she asked me how I felt about personally contributing tonnes of CO2 pollution to the atmosphere. So I felt like I had to do some research. Comparatively, planes are pretty fuel efficient, getting 48 miles per gallon per seat. Cars and planes generate about the same amount in emissions per traveler.

Recently I discovered climatecare.org. It's a UK based website that encourages users to go "climate neutral." They have a simple video that explains their goals and how they go about the whole project. For my trip, I'd have to donate around $100 to offset all of my flights. I'm not going to donate right now, but if I come in under budget on my trip and have some money left over, this is something that I'd like to support.

Lonely Planet pays to offset all travel incurred by their staff and authors. It's just another reason I think they a completely legit company.

So, really whether I'm traveling by car or plane, I'm doing some damage to the environment. It's important to not get carried away, and I it's good to support charities like Climate Care.

22366 mi

I found a really cool website where you can track out exactly how many miles a trip will be using the airport transit codes. Here's a link to my trip. It takes a while to load.

A change from my usualy (albeit short-lived) form

I’ve decided to start writing again. Not about food, for right now. I want to write intensely about whatever is occupying me at the moment, and for the last few weeks my focus has been shifting rapidly. In the food domain, however, it is worth mentioning that the Cornerstone market just opened. It’s a small fresh produce grocery store on the edge of Fishtown, and it has a small lunch menu that looks delicious. I hope to try it out soon.

With the number of questions that I have in my head for my upcoming trip, and the amount of planning that it’s taking, I feel like it’s a process that is worth documenting.

Thoughts on pre-Departure:

1) The Money Belt: I’ve been reading about these recently. The whole idea of using one sounds kind of lame and overprotective to me. In the past, every hostel I’ve stayed in has offered a locker where valuables can be locked. Most provide locks and keys, but I recommend traveling with a small master lock. Some hostels even have a safe at the front desk where they will keep your passport and plane/train tickets. I did have my pocket picked once, but the thief didn’t get away. I’ll tell you the story sometime if you’d like. A money belt is a small belt with a flat pouch where you can keep valuable on your person and safe at all times.

A money belt seems like an extra, cumbersome item to wear each day. I recommend carrying your wallet in your front pocket, and then simply putting your hands in your pocket when using public transportation or in a particularly crowded group. And always make sure to have some emergency cash in a separate location, just in case.

That being said, additional conversations in the last few days, and the replay of the mantra “better safe than sorry” in my head has lead me to keep my money in a safe place. Although I’m going to opt for a hidden pocket system instead of a belt.

2) Shoes: A few months ago, I bought a really nice pair of North Face Goretex high top hiking boots. Now, I’m worried that these may be too hot and big for the trip that I’m taking. I’ve been reading a lot of good things about Ecco shoes, and I might try to get a pair before I leave. Another conclusion that I’ve come to is that socks are just as important. I’m going to look into acrylic and Teflon socks. They seem to have the benefits of wool, but don’t’ retain as much heat. Good for summer travel.

Surprisingly, there is also a huge internet debate raging right now over Crocs. By huge, I mean on a few travel message boards. There is a group that swears by them, while many decry them for being the shoe of choice for the stupid American abroad. Bottom line: They’re light, don’t require socks, cheap, and can get wet with no problem. These will definitely find a place in my bag.

3) Mobile Phone: The biggest downside to having Verizon as your service provider is that there network is not supported worldwide. I briefly thought about buying a cheap pay as you go phone, but I think payphones are better. Although calling from a payphone in Europe can be expensive, especially if you’re calling a mobile phone, in the long run it’s cheaper than having international phone service. For international calling, Skype is rapidly becoming a staple in internet cafes and hostels. Last time I traveled, I spent $10 on my Skype account and it was enough for me to make my essential phone calls until I got home.

4) Packing: My roommate Jonny told me to take half as many cloths as I was planning. I think that’s a good general rule of thumb, but I was only planning on taking two pairs of pants. When I get my list formulated, I’ll post it here. I’m going to do a “test run” with my backpack. I’m going to put everything in and see if it fits (it really should) and how heavy the bag is. I also want some space for things I pick up along the way. One of biggest problems I’m having is my need for so many travel books. With my RTW trip, I need five different books. I’ve debated between tearing out the sections that I need, photocopying, and packing the whole book and leaving when it’s not longer needed. I haven’t come up with a conclusion.

That’s only four ideas, but I think it’s a good place to end for now.

Honey's Sit-n-Eat

When I think about my favorite places to eat breakfast, the same factors play into a great spot to eat.   On weekdays, from 8-10am, $5 will get you coffee, toast or a corn muffin, two eggs, and potato latke.  I've only been to Honey's for breakfast, but the lunch menu looks excellent as well.  Honey's has a great regular menu, and also has a large offering of revolving specials.

Honeys has probably the best service out of any place I go to in the city.  The servers share tips, so they all pitch in to serve all of the tables.  You'd be hard pressed to find an empty coffee cup in the whole place.  Everyone who works at Honey's is pleasant; it's a great place to start your day.

If you head to Honey's on the weekend, be prepared to wait for a table.  On nicer days, you can sit outside, which is great.  Honey's also provides coffee for you while you wait, which is a trend I wish would catch on at brunch spots where you're guaranteed to wait a while for a table.  I've been to Honey's many times, and I'm going to keep going back for many mornings to come.

Essentials:

800 N 4th St

Phone: 215-925-1150

Avg Ent: 8-13

Cash Only: Yes (ATM on site)

Reservations: No

BYOB: No

Carman's Country Kitchen

I really like brunch, and I'm into trying out new places, trying to find where I want to regularly eat breakfast.  Simply put, Carmen's is at the top of the breakfast game, possibly the best place in the whole city.  The menu offers four choices that change daily.  Each is $12, a side of meat is $2 extra.

I had the scallops with eggs, toast and potatoes.  I really like seafood, but I'm not a scallop lover.  These were the best scallops I've ever had.  My housemate and brunch partner Jonny had a lima bean omelet that looked delicious.  Despite having a limited menu, most people, including vegetarians, shouldn't have a hard time finding something they want.  

The service is unbeatable. Carmen's is a tiny little place, there are about five tables, and then a small bar.  Reservations are required.

Carmen's will become a regular stop for me.  It's one of, if not the, best breakfast places in the whole city.  Do yourself a favor and wake up early, make a reservation, and head over and see what Carmen is serving up today.

Essentials:

1301 S 11h St (11th and Wharton)

Phone: 215-339-9613

Avg Ent:12-14

Reservations: Required

BYOB: No way.

Jamaican Jerk Hut

When I went the Jamaican Jerk Hut, it was for a very specific purpose. We had two vegetarians, wanted to BYOB, and wanted a place that isn't too expensive.

The Jerk Hut is cheap for a reason. Service includes you ordering at a counter, and waiting around for one of the two employees to take the order. It's not that they were being lazy, the phone was ringing off the hook, even on a Monday. Inside, there is a few seats. They were working on a large outdoor patio in the back, which I can only imagine is perfect on summer nights.

Besides reagge playing, there isn't much of an ambiance. We saw three ants crawling on the counter when we were paying. So why go to a place with basic service and little atmosphere?

It's the food. I had the jerk chicken, and it was the most amazingly flavored piece of meat I've had in recent memory. My friends also seemed to enjoy their dishes. The side of plantains I ordered perfectly complimented my meal. Honestly, I would recommend this place for takeout, especially if you can't eat outside. The good tastes good enough to overcome what the restaurant lacks otherwise.

Essentials:

1436 South St

Phone: (215) 545-8644

Avg Ent: 8-13

Cash only: No

Reservations: No

BYOB: Yes

Sabrina's Cafe

I went to brunch with my girlfriend, Lana, on Sunday. Neither of us had been to the S. Philly Sabrina's, so we headed down there, ready for a wait. This cafe has a surprisingly long wait on Saturday and Sunday, be we arrived around 10:10, and were seated by 10:40. If you arrived between 10:30 and 11:30, however, you're likely to stand around an hour before you're ordering.

Looking at the menu, I was kind of baffled that there was this kind of wait. I go out to brunch often, and I couldn't understand why so many people keep showing up here. Because it was so busy, the service wasn't the best, but it was more than acceptable.

Lana custom made an omelet, and I ordered the barking chihuahua burrito. The coffee kept flowing while we waited for our food, and once it was delivered I knew why this spot was so popular. The food looked great, and between the two of us we had enough to feed a small family. Most of the dishes come with Sabrina's homefries, which are not to be missed. The food, overall, was excellent, and was definitely worth the wait. The menu at Sabrina's allows you to stick with what you know and love, or go all out and get something that is truly a one of a kind creation.

At Sabrina's, you'll leave full, happy, and probably with some left overs for later.

Essentials:
Sabrina's Cafe
910 Christian St
Phone: (215) 574-1599
Avg Brunch: 7-13

Pod

I've been on a Steven Starr kick recently, so when my Mom came into town, wanting to take me out, I decided to pick A restaurant that has easy enough parking, was expensive, but not too expensive, and a place that I've never been to. Pod, here we come.

Upon entering, I was instantly impressed with the decor. All of the Starr restaurants that I've been to have a cool feeling, with Pod opting for neon lights, smooth flowing curves on all surfaces (chairs and ceiling included). Anime was playing on a screen in the background.

There were three crowds: preppy college studs enjoying happy hour, small parties sitting around the long table with a built in conveyor belt on which small sushi dishes circulate, and small parties at tables.

The service wasn't great, but I'm convinced that had mostly to do with our particular server, and was not representative of the restaurant as a whole. The menu has a not so varied far of Japanese, Chinese, and Thia dishes, sort of all combined. They use wasibi often and liberally, steer clear if you don't like it. I had the shrimp and scallop stiryfry. I liked my dish bestout of the rest at our table (Wasibi crusted filet mingnon, seseme crusted tuna, and veggie pad thia).

Dessert was the best part, the sweet 18, which had 9 different bite sized desserts; coconut macaroon, chocolate covered banana, candied apricot, tofu donut, brownie bite, ect. Two of each, and perfect for a party of four.

In the end, dinner was good, the place was kind of cool, but I just can't recommend it. If you're going to spend that kind of money, they're are many other places.

The Essentials:
Pod
3636 Sansom St.
215-387-1803
Avg Ent: 15-23
3/5

*Please comment. I'm trying this out. Let me know if it's too long, I don't focus on the right things, criticism, ect.*