JJ Thai (French Thai) - Philly!

For our monthly lunch with friends, Karin and George, we met them at JJ Thai Cuisine, 2028 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215-568-7058). We had a wonderful time, and enjoyed a 3+ hour lunch! You can't go wrong with any the dishes offered here! Beautiful presentations!

Tippy and Mind were very attentive and pleasant:

We shared appetizers (normally 3 come per order, but they made exceptions)...

Curry puff - puff pastry, minced chicken, onion, potato and curry powder. Very flavorful. The cucumber sauce was a nice accompaniment.

Money Pouch - crispy pastry filled with minced pork and shrimp. So tasty!

Duck Ravioli - mushroom, duck and veal demi glace, truffle oil, red wine reduction. Yum!

Shrimp and Crab Roll - addictive!

Flavorful Pureed Tomato Soup - So good that Jay neglected to take a picture!

and entrees...

Pan Seared Scallops - with spinach, asparagus and garlic sauce. Scallops were cooked to perfection, and the vegetables were amazing!

Massaman Short Ribs - Angus short rib, gold potato, pear onion, cashew nut, brussel sprouts and massaman curry. Nice, hearty dish.

The creme brulee was excellent! Warm custard and crunchy topping. Perfection!

Wines enjoyed:

Nice people, delicious food, and good times!

The decor was inviting. Bathrooms were clean.

Even the sugar/substitute container was classy...

Ginger Asian Cuisines

We haven't been for a while, and everyone missed us! It was nice having dinner at Ginger Asian Cuisines, 7 Wilkins Station Road, Medford, NJ, tonight.

Ken immediately ordered the grape leaves appetizer, which he LOVES!

We ordered the calamari specials, which came with a choice of soup or spring roll, and choice of rice (we chose brown). Each also came with mochi ice cream (Jay loves these!)

Ken - House (salt and pepper, deep fried)

He devoured the spring roll.

Fried tender morsels of goodness

Jay - H.K. (Hong Kong style) - stir fried with sweet pepper, mushroom, snow peas and carrots in black bean sauce

Hot & Sour Soup

The mochi, along with fortune cookies, and cantaloupe

The portions were large, and we each took home leftovers.

Wine enjoyed:

Allora by Da Soli Restaurant

After a horribly sad few weeks, we met with friends Karin and George, for our monthly lunch, at Allora by da Soli, 892 Route 73 North, Marlton, NJ, 08053, on Saturday, October 22, 2016, for a 3 1/2 hour lunch. It lifted our spirits to spend time with such wonderful people.

We shared the following:

Crispy Brussels, which tasted better than they look

Suppli (love these crispy rice balls!)

Fried Calamari, lightly dusted, with marinara sauce

Bacon & Scallops Special (came with a Caesar salad)

Tuscan Braised Beef, short rib, oven roasted with rich red wine pan sauce

Veal Saltimbocca (not on the menu, but if you ask and the ingredients are available, you will get it)

Everything was flavorful - you can't go wrong here!

Dessert was an Italian Lemon cake, a light, flavorful, lemon-creme filled piece of heaven. A nice ending to a fantastic meal.

Summer, our server, was very pleasant and made us feel welcome.

Wines enjoyed:

The correct wine glasses were brought out!

One of our favorite places! Chef Mark did it again!

Asian Goodies (Philly Again!)

On Saturday, September 18, 2016, our monthly lunch with Karin and George took us back to Philly to Ken's favorite restaurant, Vietiane

Duck spring rolls

Naam salad

Green curry with crispy tofu

Sticky tamarind wings

Banh-Xeo crepe

Homemade Lao sausages

Homemade beef jerky to go


Vietnam Cafe

We ordered takeout of spring rolls and pork rolls and enjoyed them on the porch

Wines enjoyed:

We always have such a wonderful time with Karin and George!