Bourdain in the HOUSE!!!!

So, I was reminded that I haven't posted a blog post in eons.  It isn't because there isn't enough going on, but because there seems to be too much going on.  In a beautiful karmic happenstance, I found a perfect blog worthy subject.

I happen to be a GIGANTIC fan of Anthony Bourdain.  His books and television show cut to the core of being a "foodie".   I don't always agree with him, but I always respect what he has to say.  For example, I truly disagree with his pretty over the top bashing of Sandra Lee's "Semi-Homemade" approach and franchise.  To me, "Semi-Homemade" is 100% better than not trying at all to cook at home.  Not everybody has the time, willingness nor ability to make food at home all the way from scratch every time.  Plus, this allows me to justify posting a picture of Sandra Lee....

But in general, I'm on board with Anthony.

Anthony has two really compelling shows for people who love to travel and are adventurous about eating:  No Reservations and The Layover, both on the Travel Channel.   Per Philly.com, Bourdain is in Philadelphia!!!! 

Acclaimed chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain is storming through Philly Tuesday.

Bourdain is in the city shooting an episode of his Travel Channel show "The Layover," which profiles what somebody can do in a city in 24 to 48 hours.

Around noon Tuesday, Bourdain and his crew took a trip down 9th Street near Christian in Bella Vista and stopped in DiBruno Bros. to try a few things.
"The perfectly ripe and ready raw milk Stichelton cheese at @DiBrunoBros was a major score," Bourdain Tweeted.

Adam Balkovic, who works at DiBruno Bros., said that its owner Emilio Mignucci, took Bourdain around the Italian Market before he headed to the sandwich shop Paesano's. At Paesano's, Bourdain dug into sandwiches with owner Peter McAndrews: the Liveracce (crunchy fried chicken livers, sliced sopressata, sautéed onions, Bibb lettuce, and roasted tomatoes), Gustaio (lamb sausage, sun-dried cherries, fennel and peppers), Arista (pork with broccoli rabe), Paesano (brisket).

Nathan Baynes of Paesano's said the Liveracce was Bourdain's favorite and that he was "impressed by his candor" toward others as people clamored to get photos with him. Bourdain also hit up the Mutter Museum (its website announced the Bourdain declared that it has "the best gift shop ever"), and made his way to the Barnes Museum, the Barnes Foundation said in a Tweet. (Source: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20120724_Anthony_Bourdain_making_his_way_through_Philly.html)

 It would be a dream come true to escort Anthony around Philadelphia for The Layover, and I don't disagree with some of the choices.  However, what I see so far does not scream for me the "perfect" layover in Philadelphia.  Knowing his shows, and watching him for well over 6 seasons, here's what I'd recommend for the Philadelphia version of "The Layover".

1.  The Standard Tap, Northern Liberties - Smelts.

Anthony is a foodie.  Anthony likes to drink alcohol as an essential hobby.  The Standard Tap has got to be on his destination list.  They could mention the Duck Confit salad, they may eat a terrine du jour, perhaps try the chicken pie.  But, if Anthony Bourdain comes to Philadelphia and does not have a craft beer and smelts at the Standard Tap, I'm going to be VERY angry.  Thus, #1.

2.  Mutter Museum, Center City - cool gross stuff

They certainly got one right by bringing Anthony to the Mutter Museum (how do I get the proper dots over the u in Mutter, anyway).  This is the Museum of the College of Physicians in Philadelphia, and home to the largest collection of medical oddities anywhere in the world.  Kathleen and I have been here, have the coffee table book from here, and recommend it to those we know who would "get it".  This item in the museum will directly lead Anthony to order a salad at his next stop:

3.  McNally's Tavern, Chestnut Hill - The Dickens 

Chestnut Hill is a short cab ride from Center City.  Anthony could swing the fare.  There is no doubt that I would send him to McNally's on Germantown Avenue.  Home of the original Schmitter, now served at Citizens Bank Park.  However, that would be a highlight, but I would get Anthony "The Dickens" from McNally's.  They fresh roast a turkey every morning for this sandwich, which is basically Thanksgiving in a roll.

4.  Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Center City - ummmm...art?


OK, who the F sent Anthony Bourdain to the Barnes Foundation?  Now, it is a world class facility, with an unparalleled collection.  BUT, it is not Philadelphia's finest moment.  If Anthony watches "The Art of the Steal", he'll cut the footage from the episode.  So the Philadelphia Museum of Art is too passe, with the ubiquitous stock footage to be of Anthony running up the front steps Rocky-esque.  For something essential to Philadelphia, you send him to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts on Broad Street in Center City.  Has everything from essential classics to modern masterpieces of every genre.

5.  Chubby's, Roxborough - Cheesesteaks

It is a Philadelphia episode.  Anthony, by law I believe, must eat a cheesesteak.  Pat's and Geno's have the lights and the fame, but product that pales in comparison to others in the city.  Tony Luke's is great, but that place gets enough Food Network coverage.  Jim's on South gets enough publicity from its cooks selling drugs from behind the counter.  On Henry Avenue in Roxborough, sit D'Allesandro's and Chubby's.  Both great.  I'm taking Anthony to Chubby's because of the complementary hot pepper bar, which has nearly dissolved my tongue on a couple occasions.

I happen to believe that would make 5 interesting segments that could create a Layover Philadelphia show that would really feel Philadelphia.

Honorable Mention:  DiBruno's Cheese, Chinatown Underground Market, Oyster House, Vetri, Rodin Museum, Insectarium, Rotunda Bar at the Ritz-Carlton, Citizens Bank Ballpark

Common Sense in Government, a Lost Art

So, was reading the Philadelphia Inquirer over coffee before work this week, as I am compelled to do.  I actually am so old school, I do not read this newspaper on a Kindle, iPad, iPhone or computer.  I read an ACTUAL NEWSPAPER!  Anyway, I came across this article......

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/homepage/20120110_Pennsylvania_to_impose_asset_test_for_food_stamps.html

So, the basic premise of this decision by Pennsylvania's government is that if you have $2,000 or more in savings, regardless of your income, you do not qualify for food stamps.

Wait....WHAT?

Let me preface these comments with a necessary disclaimer:  I am a registered Republican.  Which means my opinions on matters of social justice and economics are meaningless to you equally knuckleheaded Democrats.  I understand.   But I will blog away regardless.

This is quite possibly the most shortsighted decision possible for this program.  To call this "dumb" is insulting to those things that are truly dumb.  For numerous reasons, there is poverty in this country.  Conversely, we happen to be one of the wealthiest countries on the planet.  So, it makes complete sense that there should be mechanisms in place to help feed people in this country who lack the resources to adequately finance proper nutrition. 

In my opinion, having $2,000 in savings should be the MINIMUM you have in savings to qualify for food stamp benefits.  It is a positive indicator that you are committed to stable personal finance, are able to understand how to budget and save, and are on the road to eventually (hopefully?) not needing government subsidy.  The food stamps are a necessary part of the delicate financial picture for low-income households, and help support these people.  Taking away food stamps for those who have been able to, in this low-income situation, cobble together a meager $2,000 in personal savings is not just unfair, it is punitive. 

There is a very fine line between getting by and being broke for low-income households.  Having $2,000 in the bank ain't living the dream (that's to you, Pennsylvania government) if you're making $22k a year.  Enacting this rule encourages low-income households to NOT use proper budgeting and savings techniques. 

Think about this down the line, Pennsylvania needs to run an asset test on you.  Can't have more than $2,000.  So, you've saved a little, but can't put it in the bank.  So, every gainfully employed person is going to either be spending that money, or putting it in a shoebox under the bed.  You think crime in North Philly is bad now, wait till folks on food stamps need to pass that asset test.  That's cash money in those rowhomes, just ready for the taking.

If you have less than $2,000 in savings, and have the same low-income profile as the person who may have saved $2,000 or more, you should not get food stamps.  You should get FOOD.  Radical thought.  If you do not have the wherewithal to have any financial basis, then we're going to eliminate the middleman for you.  Until you PASS the asset test, you get the same amount of value in actual, balanced food products.  The government has done this before, and we certainly have the ability to construct a basic, balanced box of food to be regularly available for pickup (and even delivery) for our most needy, low/no income citizens.  Once you've risen up a little, can PASS the asset test, then you get your card, and gain the ability to choose how the food stamps will help augment and support your food and nutrition requirements. 

I recognize that this is not a perfect solution, is rather harsh, and all that stuff.  But which is worse?  Enacting a rule that penalizes folks trying to do the right thing, and encourages folks to do the wrong things or enacting a rule that benefits people moving up and away from needing subsidy in the first place, but still provides necessary food for those in poverty?

Regardless of what side of the political fence you sit on, the Pennsylvania "asset test" food stamp rule is something that ALL of us should be communicating with our elected officials about.  It is a very bad thing.