Attn: Philly-area residents!

Had an amazing dinner at Lai Lai in North Wales last night:

• Shredded pork and pickled cabbage soup (for 2)--great broth and crisp, not-at-all overcooked veggies that tasted like nature intended them to


• Steamed dumplings in a sweet and spicy ginger, plum and chili oil sauce


• The chef's special--sliced beef with tomatoes and ginger


• Melt-your-face pork short ribs (pictured above--and yes, all those red things ARE chili peppers)

We were warmly welcomed by the staff. The service was first class. Our host--a lovely attentive woman (one of the owners, perhaps?)--kindly offered us the authentic Chinese menu in lieu of the Americanized-Chinese/Korean menu. And when my husband ordered the short ribs, she asked him, "How spicy would you like it?" Even when he nodded and said, "Spicy! Kick it up a notch," she wisely instructed the chef to prepare it with "small heat NOT regular heat," and we both enjoyed some giggles and knowing glances when my husband's eyes began to tear and sweat formed on his brow. I tried it, too, and it was HOT, but not at the sacrifice of flavor.

All-around great meal, and I can't wait to go back!

Simple and Colorful: Carnitas!

Pork carnitas, stewed in sofrito; served on a whole-wheat tortilla, and topped with advocado, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Goodness in a glass

It's Belgian chocolate; it's red wine. It's ChocoVino!

Thanks to wonderfully generous friends, Jaime and Marcio, for this delicious gift!

"Thing globally; act locally." Or vice versa.

There's a saying, "Think globally; act locally." But there's nothing to prohibit each of us from acting globally, too. Jessica Posner, thanks for reminding us of our power.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/20/jessica-posners-do-someth_n_652145.html

Favorite summer flavor?

No dish exemplifies "summer" for me more than a New England lobster roll. It's simple to make; just three necessary ingredients: freshly boiled lobster, melted unsalted butter, and a good roll.

If you want to "jazz" it up a bit, as I attempted here, it's also nice to add a little Bermuda (sweet, purple) onion and a squeeze of lemon!

What food/meal exemplifies summer for you?