Wandering Fork

Over the last five years, I have been a participant in various panels related to the SPHR and PHR certification exams for Human Resources professionals.  Hosted by the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI), we meet twice a year in various locations throughout the United States. For those following me on Twitter (@wanderingfork), you know that the Spring panel met in Philadelphia, PA.  The panel dinner on Friday night was at Moshulu, a boat located at Penn’s Landing.

 

 

Moshulu Exterior

 

We were seated at the Captain’s table, a private room located in the bow (the front of the boat) and a cozy fit for 20 guests.   The server was knowledgeable about the history of the boat including the fire and restoration.

 

The menu included a salad with roll, choice of entrée, and dessert.  We had two wine options, a red and a white, both Moshulu branded.  I would recommend the white, a pleasant Chardonnay.

 

The organic spinach salad was tossed with bacon, onions, and tomatoes in a walnut vinaigrette.  For those with dietary restrictions, it was possible to request the salad without bacon…or (like me) ask for extra bacon.

 

There was a choice of three entrees: pork tenderloin, salmon, or chicken.  Most of the table selected the pork tenderloin with a brown butter thyme jus or the salmon with port reduction.  Only one person ordered the wild mushroom-stuffed chicken breast.  I chose the salmon, however when it arrived, it was closer to very rare than the medium I was expecting.  The server immediately took my plate away and returned with a small scoop of raspberry sorbet while I waited for my entrée to return.  It was an unexpected gift, and I applaud both the restaurant and the server for this gesture.  When my salmon returned, it was cooked through and sitting on top of a potato cake and wilted spinach. 

 

The dessert service was a season fresh fruit tart with vanilla Chantilly cream.  While the berries were tasty, the crust was thick and overwhelming. 

 

Finding a good location for a group dinner (20+ individuals) is a challenge.  Based on my experience at the Moshulu, I would recommend it both in terms of food and service.

 

 

Spinach Salad

 

 

Salmon with Wilted Spinach, Potato Cake, and Port Reduction

 

 

Raspberry Sorbet

 

 

Fresh Berry Tart

 

Moshulu

Penn’s Landing

401 S. Columbus Blvd.

Philadelphia, PA 19106

215 . 923 . 2500

www.moshulu.com

 

March 20, 2009 

1 x Salad                                              

1 x Salmon      

1 x Berry Tart                            

1 x White Wine                                      

1 x Red Wine               

1 x Coffee                                             

 

I also recommend the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing.  The rooms were well appointed with great views and the conference rooms comfortable with excellent catering. 

 

View of the River from 20th Floor of the Hyatt Regency

 

 

No Comments | In: Dinner, Pennsylvania | tags: Boat, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Salad, Salmon, Sorbet, Tart. | #

While in Philadelphia, PA last week for a multi-day meeting, I was presented the bounty from a Philadelphia food-themed care package. Inside were Peanut Chews, a candy I had never heard of or tasted.

 

The small individually-wrapped candies are filled with roasted peanuts and topped with dark chocolate.  The taste is not unlike the confections from another Pennsylvania-based candy maker, but with a little twist. It has a savory, almost coffee like flavor, which I later identified as molasses.  

 

Peanut Chews were created more than 85 years ago and were used as a ration bar by the U.S. Military during World War I.  Four generations of the Goldenberg Candy Company kept these popular nibbles on the shelves and in the hands of Philadelphia fans as well as throughout the eastern seaboard including New England and Florida.  They also have a large following in Korea and Hong Kong.  

 

There have been a few changes over the years, but not to the product. The Goldenberg Candy Company had a fire at the factory on July 6, 1988.  Fortunately no one was hurt and they had been shut down for the July 4^th holiday, but it did quite a bit of damage to the manufacturing plant.  Fortunately, the owners saw the opportunity to rebuild and create a more modern and automated production line. Fifteen years later in 2003, Just Born acquired Goldenberg Candy Company and continues the Peanut Chews tradition today.

 

 

www.justborn.com/peanut-chews 

No Comments | In: Dessert, Pennsylvania, Snacks | tags: Candy, Peanut Chews, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. | #