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March 20, 2010

The White Lady of Auckland

white lady in all her glory

The roving, tweeting food truck may have hit the Philly food scene in 2009, but the stationary food truck has been part of our culinary tradition for time immemorial.  So when I turned a corner in Auckland, New Zealand and came upon the White Lady in all her glory, it just seemed required that I stop and eat.

how many nights?

That’s right, for more than 60 years (22,514 nights if you can’t read kiwi), the White Lady has been setting up shop from 7 pm to 7 am in downtown Auckland.  Once my burning jealousy over late night food truckery faded, I ordered up a king burger (i.e. crowned with a fried egg) and an L&P.

king burger and an L&P

The White Lady loves you, no matter what your predeliction is — they offer beef patties, chicken, veggie, sausage or steak, even lettuce wraps for the gluten-free folk. Take it on the road, or eat standing up at the counter.  Either way, it’s sure to leave you licking your lips!

the white lady's crazy side

Should you find yourself in Auckland, New Zealand, the White Lady can be found from 7 pm to 4 am at the corner of Commerce and Fort Streets, 365 days a year, and 24 hours a day on the weekends.  That’s dedication to street food!

The White Lady
corner of Commerce St. and Fort St.
Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 093795803

Comments (View) so far. Add your comment!   |   Filed under Helen travel dine at 9:18am  
URL: http://phillyfoodie.com/post/460929076/the-white-lady-of-auckland
November 17, 2009

Around the world in 19 days

I’m getting ready for my bi-annual mega-trip. In December, I’ll be returning to my all-time favorite city, Sydney, plus hitting up LA, Tokyo, Auckland and the north island of New Zealand.  I want your advice — for food, restaurants or can’t-miss activities.

come sail away!

When I was last in New Zealand, I completely missed out on the lamington, a national specialty.  So, clearly, I can’t count on just following my nose to detect the cultural staples.

Japan has so many things I’ve probably never even seen, my standard “just try anything you’ve never had before” plan may result in me doing nothing BUT eating.  It’s also my last stop, so I’d love some recommendations on customs-friendly foodstuffs to bring back.

And, of course, any restaurant recommendations you might have are much appreciated.  gas•tron•o•my has already whetted my appetite for some Peruvian in LA.  Jenn pointed me at spicy icecream for some Sydney picks.

While I’m gone, I’ve got some holiday-themed posts lined up.  Jenn will also be doing some guest blogging.  And if Jane and I happen upon something amazing, you’ll be sure to hear about it!  You can also follow me on Twitter to follow along on the road.

hopping along

Also, would it be completely crazy to vacuum pack a down jacket?  I’ll need a coat for Japan, but not Australia and New Zealand, and that seemed the most space-efficient way to go.  And if you think it’s a good idea, do you have a vacuum sealer?  :)

Comments (View) so far. Add your comment!   |   Filed under Helen travel at 12:17am  
URL: http://phillyfoodie.com/post/246897604/around-the-world-in-19-days
September 21, 2009

Montreal: Fry capital of North America?

After 5 days of visiting lovely Montreal, let me put forth the case for recognizing their city-wide devotion to fries.

1.  Poutine.  Montreal has made a internationally known specialty out of french fries.  I can’t lie; the poutines I tried didn’t do it for me.  (All the gravy makes the fries too soggy for my taste.)  But I give them props for putting french fries front and center in their culinary claims to fame.

2. Frite Alors. It’s Montreal’s 8 store french fry chain, serving up that ideal combo, fries and beer.  I can’t believe I waited until day 4 to go there!  As we were driving out of town, I said, “We should have gone to Frite Alors one more time.”

My favorite part of the menu: the “Americaine” dipping sauce.  It’s mayo, paprika, shallots, garlic, onions and harissa.  Oh so americaine!

3. In addition to Tim Hortons stands, their movie theaters had stand-alone french fry stands.  That’s dedication.

4.  Steak frites at L’Express.

The steak has compound butter topping it, forming its own steak juice-butter heaven.  Then, aside the steak?  A ramekin of hollandaise sauce, just for the fries.  High end or low, Montreal wants you to enjoy those fries.

Finally, this sculpture, in Vieux Montreal:

entitled Frites, une Explosion de Saveur.

Comments (View) so far. Add your comment!   |   Filed under Helen travel at 12:07am  
URL: http://phillyfoodie.com/post/193072270/montreal-fry-capital-of-north-america
September 10, 2009

Greensgrow CSA Week 17: Montreal Bound!

  • Baby Spinach - Graiff Farms, Newfield, NJ
  • Bell Peppers - Lancaster, PA
  • Chives - Flaim Farms, Vineland, NJ
  • Honeycrisp Apples - Three Spring Fruit Farm, Aspers, PA
  • Eggplant - Linvilla Orchards, Media,PA
  • Beets - Flaim Farms, Vineland, NJ
  • Goat Chevre - Shellbark Hollow Farm, West Chester, PA
  • Eggs, eggs, eggs!  All mine got used up making birthday party food.
  • Bluefish - E. Frank Hopkins, caught in New Jersey

What a delightful fall bounty.  Yet I am Montreal-bound!  Eric has offered to pick up my basket this week, as well as eat anything that will be bad before I return.  (And the fish.  As cucumbers are to me, fish is to bda.)

I’m super excited for the chevre!  Jenn got a container of it earlier this year in a honey variety, so I’m hoping that flavor will be available, but all the Shellbark Hollow chevres I’ve tried have been really tasty.  The Honeycrisp apples, at least from the description, seem more suitable for fresh eating than baking, so some apple salads might be in my future.  And Mary’s promised eggplant may finally get delivered after all!

But in the meantime, any suggestions for must-eats in Montreal?

Comments (View) so far. Add your comment!   |   Filed under Helen csa travel at 7:40pm  
URL: http://phillyfoodie.com/post/184856011/greensgrow-csa-week-17-montreal-bound