Welcome to Short Order COOK, our weekly check-in with chefs around town. Every Wednesday we’re chatting with your favorite Philly chefs to find out what they’re eating, watching, cooking and what’s in their fridge!
Are you offering takeout at Jezabel’s?
Jezabel’s is open seven days a week 10am to 3pm, and we offer free delivery across the city through our online ordering.
Have you been experimenting with new ingredients during quarantine?
I have been experimenting with recipes more than ingredients. I’ve had the time to make the same thing a couple times a week, document the process, control cooking-baking-proofing times, work on techniques, and the results are astonishing. If you are trying to master a recipe, I recommend documenting the process and you will get there!
Any guilty pleasure foods you’re willing to admit?
Pizza!!! I can eat pizza everyday – hot and crunchy for dinner or a cold slice with my morning coffee. Recently we have been partnering up with Triple Bottom Brewing for a Pizza Argentina + Beer night. We came up with this system where you submit your order via Google form. TBB takes care of the beer order, payment and then they drop it off at Jezabel’s. We make the pizza and you get to pick up pizza and beer, the perfect Philly combo. The next Pizza Argentina + Beer night is Friday, May 29.
What cookbook would you recommend to the home cook?
Tartine Revisited from Liz Prueitt: I love Tartine in San Francisco, and every recipe in this book is great. If you are a home baker and want to learn the tricks of a pastry chef, there is a section in this book called kitchen notes with a lot of practical advice and an insider’s know-how for baking every day.
Franny’s: Simple Seasonal Italian: From the beloved Franny’s in Park Slope that closed in 2018. I had amazing meals there, and this is simple, seasonal Italian that feeds the soul. Among my favorite recipes: mussels with white beans and finocchiona, EVOO and sea salt pizza, the almond cake that I turn it into a biscotti and served it on a dessert at COOK before (shown in above photo), and my all-time fave vanilla panna cotta.
Mallmann On Fire: I grew up watching Francis Mallmann on television, and as I reconnected with my Argentine roots, I turned to his book for a refresher of recipes from my homeland. If you want to learn about a man’s passion for fire and flame, some basics and then take a deep dive on grilling, this is THE book! From pictures that leave you drooling to learning how to make Salsa Llajua, Provenzal and Criolla, you will feel confident to make some delicious meals and feast the Argentine way.
Any TV shows, books, or podcasts that you’ve enjoyed recently?
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat – I enjoyed Samin Nosrat on the Good Life Project podcast because you learn about her journey, and her Netflix show is my go-to show when looking for some inspiration on focaccia, miso or Mexican food. There is so much to learn!
Where is the first place you’re going out to eat once quarantine is lifted?
Zahav! I miss Zahav’s food, soul and hospitality. It holds such a special place in my heart and if I want to impress Philadelphians or an out-of-towner this is the place to do it.
Lastly, is there something you want to mention or let people know about?
Please support as many small businesses as you can across the city like Puyero, Noord, High Street, Vientiane among others. Our city is so beautiful because of its diverse food scene so let’s help these places to make it through Covid-19.
And now, let’s take a look at what’s in Jezabel’s pantry!
