Results tagged “alisonatbluebell”

Two weeks ago, we mentioned a special pig roast going on at Alison at Blue Bell. Seeing as the last time we ate at one of Chef Alison Barshak's restaurants, it was for a Jewish holiday, it seemed only fitting that we should move from the kosher to the treyf, the divine to the mundane.

This week's planned Foodsday Tuesday post will have to wait, because we'd much rather tell you about a media alert we just received about one of our favorite suburban restaurants (Alison at Blue Bell) and one of our favorite preparations of "call-me-a-bad-Jew" meat (whole roasted pig). Next Wednesday, June 17, Chef Alison Barshak will be celebrating almost-summer with one helluva prix fixe meal: $35 will get you a choice of gazpacho or Caesar salad; split roasted pig (from Maple Acres Farm Market, a tamale, and a salad; and a dessert of either berry crisp with ice cream or a chocolate torte with berry sauce. It sounds delicious and perfect for summer—and maybe if it's a success, Chef Barshak can be persuaded to make this a regular event over the next few months?

I love Brussels sprouts, which is probably news to Mamaist, who tried to make me eat them for years. The trick, I discovered, is eating them fresh (not frozen)—and with meat, preferably bacon. I had this epiphany while I was in college, and I've never looked back. This has led me to amazing finds, like the Brussels sprouts and bacon salad at Alison at Blue Bell and the duck fat-fried, lardon-enhanced sprouts frequently served as a special at St. Stephen's Green in Fairmount. It's also led me to experiment in my own kitchen, and this time of year, when the cute little veggies are in season and readily available at Iovine Brothers in Reading Terminal Market, my love of trying new things with Brussels sprouts knows no bounds. Below is the recipe for my most recent concoction. I think it's a keeper—and because I'm still weight watching, it's a keeper that's not too bad for your diet!