Introducing Photo of the Week

My pals of the Pizza Project have asked that the budding photographer offer a weekly best of photo from my own musings or from my countless hours scouring the Web for inspiration. Emmental is more than happy to comply and up for the challenge.

And I think it fitting that we give you some time in the limelight and share your pictures with us, too. Stay tuned for upcoming photo contests.

The Photo of the Week will be featured on Mondays starting next week.

Time for a Random List: Twenty Great Album Openers

1) "Everything In Its Right Place" - Radiohead (Kid A)

Tale of the Pie: Perrotto's Pizza

We took a break from the Philly Mag Best Pizza list this week and decided to test a pie recommended by one of The Pizza Project's many Facebook friends. Okay, the "many" part of that statement is a lie, we totally need more Facebook fans, so if you're reading this, please like us! After making that request, why do I suddenly feel like I'm in sixth grade again?

While Perrotto's pie has always been on our local "to-try" list, we haven't exactly been in a rush to order one up because the Valley Forge Beef & Ale, the establishment where Perrotto's is housed, is ... well, in a nutshell, gross. Don't get me wrong, we've certainly spent a few enjoyable nights there, especially a few years ago when we would get our Saturday night dance on to the sweet sounds of DJ McNabb (not really his name, but he was usually wearing a McNabb jersey). But the place is DIRTY (as in windowsills lined with dust and tiny bugs) and they still allow smoking at the bar, so you basically smell like an ashtray within 10 seconds of walking in the place.

Putting those thoughts aside, we ordered a large pepperoni with a side of chicken fingers (which I remembered being quite good during a few late-night nibbles). Upon picking it up, we were glad to learn that Perrotto's operates in a small area separated from the rest of the Beef & Ale, so our pie was safe from the smoky confines of the bar.

Props Out: Mark, the Chap's Bartender

What makes a good bartender?

To answer this, let me relay a scenario that I experienced when I recently visited our local beer go-to, Chap's Taproom:

I needed some beer for a family get-together. So I grabbed a growler and headed to Chap's. I figured I'd grab one of the $10 specials that they run on a regular basis. Upon perusing the list, I saw that Sly Fox Pikeland Pils was on the menu so I decided to settle upon that sure-fire winner. The bar was a little crowded for a Sunday, so it was taking the gal behind the bar a minute to get to me. A guy asked me how much beer one of the growler holds. I said "64 ounces, about five beers." And then I got scared because I don't like to get into conversations with strangers at bars. I immediately envision them trying to get close to me so they can jack me flash-mob style in the parking lot. It was right at that moment that I heard a voice from behind me: It was Mark, the Chap's bartender. He was evidently working the front desk on this day, but he took the time to greet me and save me from the random who was all in my business. Seeing that the bartendress was busy, he took the initiative to ask me what I was having and then he went ahead and began the lengthy pour. While the growler was filling, he pointed me to an interesting promotion. They are calling it the Battle of the Imperial IPAs, and the standoff is between Dogfish Head 90 Minute and Bear Republic Apex. Seeing that they were selling them for $2 per flight glass, I said that they should run something where they sell you both flights for three bucks so you can drink and compare simultaneously. He said that sounded like a lovely idea and that he was going to run it by the management. I felt very proud of this suggestion. Then I noticed that they were selling a Lagunitas beverage on draft. Being a major fan of Lagunitas right now (Little Sumpin Sumpin is epic), I asked him how this beer - Lucky 13, was its name - tasted. Wouldn't you know he let me come behind the bar and put my head under the tap for some quick consumption? Just kidding! That would be stealing, but it makes for a funny image, doesn't it? In any event, during our pleasant conversation, the growler concluded its fill-up. Get this: He checks it out, sees that it isn't quite up to the top, and makes sure that I get a completely filled container. After this, he gives me my check, I give him a very decent tip for his efforts, we said our goodbyes, and we both went about the rest of our day.

Deal Alert: Tony & Joe's Pizzeria in Conshohocken

Today's LivingSocial deal is $7 for $15 at Tony & Joe's Pizzeria in Conshohocken. I've never been, so I can't personally recommend, but it may be worth a try for any of you local pizza lovers looking to save a few bucks on pizza night. It can be used for dine-in/take-out/delivery - definitely a plus.

Get the deal >>

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Uinta Brewing Co. Punk'n Harvest Pumpkin Ale

Uinta Brewing Company Punk'n Harvest Pumpkin Ale
Pumpkin beers can be a risky proposition. For every great one (Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale), you get one that is too spicy (the Dogfish misstep Punkin Ale). When I got this one by Salt Lake brewery Uinta, I didn't have high hopes. It was quite good. Subtle. Understated. Very tasty.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Widmer Brothers Brewing Drifter Pale Ale

Widmer Brothers Brewing Drifter Pale Ale
Wasn't eager to pick this one up. The label's boring. Saw the brewery was in Portland, Oregon. I know there have been many raves about Northwestern beers. Glad I gave it a shot. It's a crisp, aromatic beer with more hoppy flavor than you would expect from a pale.