jp's food adventures

Buying groceries on the LES really brings home the diversity of people and shopping styles here. In conversation, the topic can quickly devolve into a minefield of class signals and negative opinions about specific businesses. This place is "dirty"....

A rock star buddy of mine once described Greek cuisine as “prehistoric Italian."  I don't agree with this characterization, but it's not entirely off the mark. Greek is the mother cuisine of the Mediterranean. I've been a fan since...

I’m not too big on fried food. The Korean fried chicken trend a while back? Missed it entirely. But I do enjoy fried fish every now and then. The best I’ve had was in Edinburgh, Scotland, a place where...

Before prohibition, people who wanted to drink beer at home just went to the corner watering hole and got a bucket of tap beer to go. Those days are long gone. Bottles and cans are now the norm for...

It’s hard to argue with Frank Prisinzano’s successful restaurant concept: serve good, fresh, simple Italian food at reasonable prices, while keeping a serious wine list on hand for your less price-sensitive customers. This keeps traffic flowing to his East...

Chinese produce vendors dot our neighborhood, in the form of greengrocers, outdoor stands or pushcarts. You can spot those with the most attractive prices by the brisk business they do. Many vegetables that would be difficult to locate in...

The Cuban sandwich has been a neighborhood staple for decades. While Cuban expats in Florida take credit for its creation, Puerto Rican and Dominican diners and luncheonettes have been the bastions of this delicacy here. Variations have even made...

For generations the Essex Street Market has been a neighborhood source for meat, fish, produce, groceries and specialty items. It is fast becoming something of an eclectic, high-end food court as well - a dining destination. Unlike Philadelphia’s Reading...

We’ve had our first snow, the nights are cool and the leaves are falling. I’ve reluctantly put my sandals away, and stopped eating Caprese salads. No denying autumn is here, and with it the desire for fall flavors. Winter...

Mussels. They’re inexpensive, easy to cook, kind of celebratory, widely available in the neighborhood and delicious. Yet many never think of making them at home. Why not? Here’s one of my favorite recipes, given to me by an American ex-pat...