Eat This, Drink This, Read This: Philly Weekend Planner, November 2-4

With the storm- and Halloween-related chaos of the week left behind, this weekend should be devoted to relaxing comfort. Venture out for these eats that serve as remedies to any amount of stress, wash them down with these sips that help cut down any edge and divert your attention by reading about the brilliance of Stephen Starr and why America is the best place in the world to drink wine. Who wants to argue with that?

Eat This

Peanut Butter and Grape Jam Pancakes at Carman’s Country Kitchen
There are only a couple months left to get soul-satisfying meals along with brain-pleasing wit at this petite South Philly bruncherie. If you can avoid being tempted by one of Carman Luntzel’s well-stuffed omelets, ask for this decadent combo. The dish hits that magic trifecta of recalling a childhood fave, exciting adult taste buds and filling you up in the most comforting way.

Fried Meatloaf Panini at Green Eggs Cafe
Meatloaf is great comfort food on its own, but put it in a sandwich and it’s even better. Housemade with beef, it's layered with caramelized onions, tomatoes, Jack cheese and mesquite ketchup and pressed between slices of Tuscan-style bread. Find the dish for at least one more week for $11 at each of the three Green Eggs locations.

Drink This

Smoked Apple Soda at Hot Diggity
Though we highly recommend doing the BYO thing and spiking it with some quality bourbon, this soda is delicious enough to stand on its own. One of several housemade sparkling drinks on offer at this South Street hot dog palace, this soda is like drinking cider at a campfire, all in one cup. And though you could theoretically have frankfurters at a bonfire, there’s no way you could use the drink to wash down fries as good as the hand-cut version served here.

Almost Sunny in Philadelphia at Square Peg
This zippy cocktail with plenty of kick will help wipe away any lingering clouds of worry. Svedka clementine vodka gets creamsicle’d with a dash of Tuaca vanilla liqueur, then mixed with orange juice and shaken with an egg white. The frothy result is served in a pint glass for $11, and will bring at least a few rays of sunshine your way.

Read This

Stephen Starr Is an Innovator
Philly food scribe Kirsten Henri is back from a brief move out of state, and as her first post-Wisconsin piece for Philadelphia Magazine she uses her new perspective to weigh in on the effect Stephen Starr has had on our city. In short, she lauds the restaurateur for his innovation and willingness to open restaurants in seemingly slow areas and turn them into hot spots. She also laments he gets much less respect than he deserves. Do you agree?

Why America Is The Very Best Place In The World To Drink Wine
Master sommelier and author Betts Richard gets all superlative in a Forbes piece on why Americans have it good when it comes to drinking wine. From variety of different vintages and varietals to availability of good glassware to the quality of wine service, the USA does pretty well, on a global scale. Want details so you can brag at your next dinner party? Click over and read, Richard spouts plenty.