The New York Times: El Mariachi

You would never think in the depths of Trenton, NJ you would find such an authentic, amazing Mexican restaurant. The food writers at The New York Times have found it. I had a great experience shooting for them and had the opportunity to try the dishes after I photographed them.

You would easily drive by this place if you didn't know where to look. The interior was a little out of date but that didn't stop people from coming in.

You can get the whole article here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/18/nyregion/a-review-of-restaurante-el-mariachi-in-trenton.html?ref=nyregion&_r=0

The Wall Street Journal: The Mildred

http://www.the-mildred.com/

Screen shot from website

I had the opportunity to shoot a new and very interesting restaurant located in the Bella Vista area for The Wall Street Journal in Philadelphia. Michael Santoro chef and owner has a impressive background in his cooking endeavors leading up to the opening of The Mildred. They serve the majority of their entrees in cast-iron Staub French ovens. Slow cooking is a signature method of cooking they have here. I photographed their vertical pheasant which is being served. 

Here's a link to the article: http://www.the-mildred.com/clip/MILD_WallStreetJournal_Nov_8_12.jpg

Cooperage

Source: http://philly.thedrinknation.com

Last Weekend we wanted to go out some where we haven’t been. I didn’t feel like changing into something nice so what came first on our list was Cooperage. My parents wanted to take us there back in the summer but I wasn’t feeling it and we decided on some where else. So it left it limbo for another date.

Joe and I went last Saturday night, on a decent cool evening. We were both hungry and very thirsty so once we got there the draft list was first on mind. I had the last of their Ocktober Fest beer and Joe had a IPA. The list was good but not extensive. It was also more of a whiskey bar even though it didn't feel like it. For the appetizer the waitress recommend their fried calamari dish. Main entree I ordered their signature Coop’s Burger done medium with sauteed mushrooms and sweet potato fries. Joe had their black bean burger and side salad.

As for the fried calamari dish I was impressed. What made it so good was their house made side dip and the fried rings AND tentacles. (those are my favorite) The scallop style dish it came out on was very appropriate but in the same instance stood out from the entire look of the restaurant. Cooperage even in the name has a dark earthy feel. The bright white plates and overly lit atmosphere stood out like a sore thumb. The iron base tables worked though. Also the dollar store salt n pepper shakers were a bummer.

The Coop’s burger came out perfect and the sweet potato fries as of right now are my favorite in the city. Originally I was a fan of Good Dog’s but these were perfect and bright orange. Honestly they could be frozen Alexandra’s but until I know they are the best!!!

Joe’s black bean burger was also great and the light lemon vinaigrette dressing just tossed with the Mediterranean mix was good.

Overall the food and presentation was good. The atmosphere when walking in and a couple decoration points were a little off. I would go back again but more for a lunch date than a evening out.

http://www.cooperagephilly.com/

Baked Pumpkin Seeds

Baked Pumpkin Seeds

1-2 cups of cleaned, dried pumpkin seeds

2 teaspoons of melted butter or olive oil

seasoning salt

Pepper

Rosemary

 



Preheat oven to 300 degrees

In a large bowl mix the butter or olive oil with the seeds.
Pour in remaining ingredients until covered.

Distribute pumpkin seeds evenly on tray.

Let cook for 45min or until golden brown

Every 15 min check on seeds and mix around.

Enjoy as a snack or on your salad!!