"philadelphia phillies" news and stories

If you've been to a Phillies game at Citizens' Bank Park in recent years, you might have noticed something different about the launcher that the Phillie Phanatic uses. He's not launching tee-shirts out into the stand like they do at some ball parks. Nope, he's shooting hot dogs out into the bleachers. If you've ever wondered about the technology used to send those dogs (well wrapped in foil, with mustart and relish) out into the top seats, you're in for a treat.



Philadelphia-base ad agency Red Tettemer (the same folks who brought us the Guac-Off last summer) have produced a six and a half minute documentary that takes you behind the scenes of the revoluationary launcher. To add to the deliciousness, RT folks, in a fit of hot dog solidarity, redesigned their home page to feature many, many launched dogs. Personally, I don't think you can say you've fully lived until you've eaten a hot dog that was shot out of an air cannon and spent several seconds airborne.

• Philadelphia has Phillies 'Phever' right now and so this week's headline article in the food section is devoted to what the Phillies eat at they gear up for the World Series.
• Project H.O.M.E. strives to fight homelessness in the city. One way they're working to give people a fresh chance by employing them at the H.O.M.E. Page Cafe at the Philadelphia Free Library.
• This week in the Market Basket, the food editors picked Theo's Nib Brittle, Campbell's Tomato Herb Soup and Mauviel copper tarte tatin pan.
• Hot Pockets are quick, convenient and often filled with unrecognizable ingredients. Make your own and control the quality of the contents.
• Make your own spice blends instead of going with the premixed ones at the store for increased flavor and freshness.
• The Rush Hour Gourmet this week is serving up Sesame Seared Chicken.

If you follow baseball, you may have heard that the World Series starts tonight. If you live in Philadelphia (as I do) or Tampa Bay, it is probably all you're hearing. As is tradition, the political figures from those cities have placed their food bets. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has promised to pony up Philadelphia cheesesteaks, Tastykakes, Philly soft pretzels and Mac and Cheese from Delilah's Southern Café (Oprah's favorite). If the Rays win. In return, the mayors from St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Tampa, FL have offered a Florida Beach Picnic that will include coconut shrimp, stone crab claws and Cuban sandwiches.

Not to be outdone, the governors of Pennsylvania and Florida have also gotten in on the action, betting similar packages of sweet and savory treats. May the best team, city and state win!

[via NBC10 and The Inquirer]

I was born in Hollywood and living in Los Angeles until I was nine years old. The Dodgers were the first major league baseball team I ever saw and I remained devoted to them until I moved to Philadelphia in 2002. Over the last six years, in the face of the ferocious loyalty that Philadelphians demonstrate towards their sports teams, my allegiance to the Dodgers has slipped. I'm now watching this series between the Phillies and the Dodgers, hoping with all my might that the Phils pull it out tonight and win a fourth game tonight.

This cake was baked by Isgro Bakery in South Philadelphia (the bakery has been there since 1904) and the picture was taken by Scott.

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