I like to do some of my grocery shopping at the Asian market on 12th and Washington. It is part of a small shopping plaza, the same one that is attached to Pho 75. While walking through the plaza from Pho to the grocery store, I came across a small Indonesian restaurant I had never heard about, Java Colonial. Full from pho, I made a note to come back with friends to try out the menu which was full of things that were new to me.
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Last winter Craig LaBan wrote an article about different food trucks around town, most I had visited or at least heard of but one truck mentioned was totally new to me- the Vegan Truck on Temple’s campus. This struck serves Asian style vegetables and soy proteins. Looking at the menu, it seemed that the fully loaded “hot pot” was the best way to check out how the truck handles their different non meat products.
This week, Luncher Janeane from Phillyism is in Old City to try a new sushi spot.
Generally, loud signage and/or dual specialties are usually a huge turn-off for me, but my desire to find good sushi in Old City pushed me into Roe Thai and Japanese for the first time.
Beyond the front door, the space is actually pretty nice with a small sushi bar for four and table seating for about 16 people – give or take (I don’t count very well when I’m hungry). The décor is simple making the space feel comfortable in a slightly upscale kind of way.
At first glance, the menu appears to be relatively expensive but once I really took a look at everything they offer, I was able to find a few legit lunches within budget (pretax at least…). Although the specialties include both Thai and Japanese, I had to go right for the Japanese side of things.
If you are a lucky duck (like me), then you have a friend with a place in Atlantic City. Free beach time is kind of the best. I recently spent some much needed post-Bar recovery time there. It is a little tricky to find really good and affordable eats in the area. I am not willing to drop my Benjamin’s at a P.F. Changs, not gonna happen. But tucked away in the corners, are some spots for a meal I can get behind- like the Caribbean/South American food from Mango Tropical.
Don’t forget the 2nd Annual Philly Vendy Awards are going down this Saturday. Last year, the last batch of tickets sold out at the door- so get yours in advance so you aren’t shut out! Judging last year’s event was so much fun, and this year I am looking forward to snacking on food from Don Memo’s, Lil Dan’s, Vernalicious, The Smoke Truck, Delicias, The King of Falafel, The Foo Truck, Yumtown, Lil Pop Shop, Sugar Philly, Little Baby’s, and Sweet Box.
Speaking of food truck parties- the Philly Mobile Food Vendor Association is having a food truck round up at 27th and Girard this Friday night. Hope you are planning on taking advantage of these awesome food truck event this weekend!
