Thursdays at Fairmount Farmers Market

Nothing scares me more than a crowded grocery store in the summer, which is why the Fairmount Farmers Market makes a nice alternative. Every Thursday from 3-7 pm, there are a half dozen blue and green tents nestled alongside Eastern State Penitentiary on 22nd and Fairmount Ave.

Although small, the Fairmount Farmers Market has plenty to offer, including fruits and vegetables, honey, dairy products, baked goods and more. The assortment of goodies changes weekly, but I recommend keeping an eye out for the fresh berries -- luscious strawberries, tart raspberries and blackberries the size of a quarter. At the market, I found all the makings for pie, and better yet, a fresh baked pie for instant enjoyment.

If it's too hot to bake, I peruse the market for veggies to throw on the grill. Sweet corn, juicy beefsteak tomatoes, and spicy bell peppers can easily turn a barbeque into a sumptuous feast! And when I want to brighten up the house, I can choose from a myriad of roses, gerbera daisies, lilies and other flowers.

All in all, the Fairmount Farmers Market has a large selection of food to choose from and gives me another excuse to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Interested in finding more farmers markets? Check out the Citypaper's listing of markets and find one available almost any day of the week.

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Brews at the Bishop's Collar

If you think The Bishop’s Collar is an apparel shop for clergymen, then you need to get out more. This tavern, favored by those in the neighborhood and beyond, is named for what every good Irishman refers to as the perfectly poured pint of Guinness. But it’s not just the dark stout that keeps drinkers and diners like myself coming back for more.

Like the locals, I refer to The Bishop’s Collar simply as “the Collar" and have come to think of it as the quintessential “friendly bar around the corner." It boasts a wide selection of regional microbrews and superior pubfare in a classy, but low-key setting, much like that of a traditional Irish pub. While the gents can catch a Phillies game on tv, the ladies will enjoy the outdoor seating, warm atmosphere, and the long list of cocktails and brews.

In addition to offering favorites like Guinness, Hoegaarden, Magic Hat, and of course Yuengling, the Collar regularly rotates its selection of microbrews from Yards, Victory, Troegs, and Stoudt’s Brewing Company. In fact, the founder and brewmaster of Yards Brewing Company happens to live right around the corner and has been known to frequent the Collar.

With fine drink, there must always be fine food, and time and time again I've seen the Collar take pubfare to a whole new level. When I think of pub grub, I assume there will be a choice of greasy fish and chips, chicken wings, and cheesesteaks. But the Collar has a much more diverse menu of delicious entrees to choose from, all for less than $10 (fun fact: each menu is delivered inside a classic children's book). My favorite is the the flank steak sandwich that comes dripping with melted provolone and caramelized onions, but I also enjoy the burger wrap, chicken spring rolls, and the Jersey tomato, basil and mozzarella salad. If you enjoy the food as much as I do, be

sure to stop by Sunday brunch for mimosas, bloody mary’s, and a hearty plate of steak and eggs.

The Collar is located on the corner of 24th and Fairmount and accepts both cash and credit cards.

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Bishop's Collar website
Learn how to pour a perfect pint of Guinness

Sushi, Sashimi, and Saki, Umai!

Umai Umai (pronounced oo-my oo-my) is one of the best-kept secrets in the neighborhood. Sushi secrets, that is. With its modest location on the corner of N. 22nd and Green, Umai Umai (meaning: savory taste sensation) is easy to pass by without knowing how savory it really is.

Since it's BYOS, I'm always sure to bring my own saki or wine, and due to the small space, reservations are recommended. Upon arrival, I am greeted by an inviting staff and seated in a dining room that exudes warmth with its hues of red and black. Simply decorated with bamboo shades and paper lanterns, the atmosphere is ideal for sharing a romantic evening or a night out with friends.

While the menu has a complete listing of contemporary Asian cuisine, including sesame chicken, kobe beef carpaccio and shrimp pad thai, I find the best bet is leaving the choice up to the chef. Chef Alexander McCoy, formerly of Teikoku on the Main Line, always delights and surprises with the Chef's Special. McCoy creates an ever-changing arrangement with the freshest cuts of bluefin tuna, yellowtail, freshwater eel, mantis shrimp, and scallops paired with lime.

No matter how much sushi I devour, I can rest assured that there is always room for dessert at Umai Umai. My favorite is the banana spring roll, sautéed in cinnamon and nutmeg, fried and served warm on a red bean sauce with vanilla ice cream. When looking for a more traditional taste, I sample the crème brulee, baked to perfection, and served with a caramelized sugar crust and topped with a sweet Japanese mountain berry.

Umai, indeed!

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Visit Umai Umai's website