The Christmas Post

When I was a young boy, Christmas at my house wasn't that special.  I grew up in a Jewish household full of dysfunction and not welcoming to outsiders.



[caption id="attachment_829" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Blow-up Christmas Decorations, New Jersey[/caption]

Sure, I enjoyed the lights and the break from school, but I never fully understood the meaning of the holiday.  To me it was just about kitschy yard decorations and lots of gifts for other kids.   

[caption id="attachment_807" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Preparing For Nutcracker, The Academy Of Music[/caption]

I think that having a child gave me an opportunity to experience the true meaning of Christmas.  It really is about magic, wonder, great food, and time with loved ones.  I learned to embrace Santa and the joy that believing in him brings to my daughter.

[caption id="attachment_806" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Watching The Nutcracker From The Wings[/caption]

Her passion is ballet and she's quite good at it.  For the past three years she's been a performer in Pennsylvania Ballet's annual Nutcracker production.  This year she has a lead role. It's become an essential part of our Christmas tradition, and I feel honored and proud that it has become part of our holiday celebration. By the end of this season I'll have seen it 35 times and yes, each performance is as exciting as the last.

[caption id="attachment_805" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Hoops Watching Mother Ginger[/caption]

Of course, Christmas dinners at my house give me an excuse to go crazy shopping for food and coffee at Dibruno Brothers, pastries at Isgro's, and the centerpiece of our dinner, Christmas ham.

[caption id="attachment_809" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Dibruno Bros., Italian Market[/caption]

My 180 degree transformation is the best Christmas gift of all.  Sure I love surprises under the tree just like the next guy, but the real meaning of the holiday is much deeper than that.  So when you wake up Christmas morning, make yourself a fabulous cup of coffee and take time to appreciate the special people in your life--no matter your religious beliefs.

A special thanks to Caffe Luxxe, who sent me a gift of single origin Direct Trade Guatemalan El Tambor.  I can't wait to try it Christmas morning!

12/27 Bonus Photograph, The Academy Of Music, the oldest opera house in the US after a Nutcracker Performance

[caption id="attachment_836" align="aligncenter" width="560"] The Academy Of Music, Philadelphia built in 1857[/caption]

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Caffe Luxxe

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Good'n Plenty

For decades Passyunk Avenue has been the main artery in the heart of South Philadelphia.  The demographic has historically been White and old school Italian with Geno's and Pat's Steaks at the epicenter.  Not very welcoming to outsiders, it's a tight-knit, conservative populace and Passyunk is their shopping mecca ('Speak English' signs allowed at Philly shop)...but for the past ten years the times have been changing.

Cheap real estate and close proximity to Center City (and the creation of Citizens Alliance for Better Neighborhoods) has attracted a new class of citizens around the neighborhood.  Young and mostly single, it's a much more diverse and liberal crowd who prefer working or hanging out in coffee shops and hip clothing stores to shopping for First Communion dresses. (Changing City: Passyunk Ave.)

Barista Edward prepares a shot of Rival Brothers Whistle & Cuss

In 2011, Plenty opened along the Avenue.  Initially it was a boutique deli and prepared food shop.  The concept didn't thrive and brothers Damon and Anthony Mascieri took over ownership about a year later.  After extensive remodeling, Plenty became a coffeehouse / cafe and a popular destination.  Locally roasted coffee and sourced food is the theme.  House brew is Rival Brothers and they also feature ReAnimator and La Colombe.  Anthony plans on offering other local roasters as guests on his brew bar.  I love the idea of a cafe that works exclusively with local roasters.  The food reflects Anthony's global travel experiences, featuring selections such as a beef-chorizo meatball sandwich, an homage to Spain and the "Seoul" short-rib, a Korean offering.

Plenty Cafe, Rittenhouse

In the beginning of December, the Mascieris opened their second cafe near Rittenhouse Square in what was a former jewlery store.  The building is listed on the Register of Historic Places and careful attention was paid to make sure the building's integrity was kept intact.  There's reclaimed wood throughout.  It's a warm space thats beautifully designed with limited bi-level seating.  The coffee and food selections are the same at both cafes.

View from above, Plenty Cafe, Rittenhouse

 

In addition to the classic coffee offerings, Anthony also put together a small specialty drink section that is international in scope.  I tried the San Telmo made with espresso, steamed milk, dulce de leche and a sprinkling of salt on top.  It was really lovely, a nice contrast of flavors, something more akin to a dessert drink.

My hope is that the coffee roaster selections rotate often.  I was told that they were going to offer some roasts from Square One in Lancaster, PA in a few weeks, a roaster I've heard about but haven't tried and a reason why Plenty will be my constant coffee destination.

CoffeeGuru features over 7,000 independent coffeehouses in the US, Canada, UK and Ireland. Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/coffeeguru-indie-coffeehouses/id547969523?mt=8

Plenty Coffee

Rival Brothers Coffee Roasters

La Colombe Coffee Roasters

ReAnimator Coffee Roasters