The Urban Housewife at Grindcore House

Melisser Elliott, otherwise known as The Urban Housewife, is releasing a book: The Vegan Girl's Guide to Life. And she'll be in Philly next week for a book signing at the most excellent Grindcore House coffee shop. Wednesday, November 10th, from 6-8 PM. It's going to be awesome. Philly vegans, especially all you lovely vegan ladies, I'm expecting you to represent. I know I'll be there, dorking out, and I'm totally bringing some snacks for the author. Carbomb Cupcakes, perhaps? (Now completely vegan, of course.)

And while we're on the subject, let's talk about that awesome coffee shop. Oh Grindcore House, how I love thee. Let me count the ways...

1. Finally! A coffee shop in my neighborhood! Something I can easily walk to from my apartment that I actually want to walk to? Didn't think I'd see the day down here!

2. This isn't just any coffee shop. It's 100% vegan. A vegan coffee shop. In deep South Philly. I totally did a triple take when I first saw the sign.

3. They've got a big pastry case full of cruelty-free tasty treats. Some from Vegan Treats, some from North Port Fishington Cookie Factory, and the rest from lots of other local bakers (wink, wink).

4. Sandwiches are on the menu too. And bagels with a big selection of flavored cream cheese options. They carry Better Butter as well for your snacking pleasure. They've got their bases covered.

5. Their iced tea is BANGIN'.

6. Seasonal favorite: Hot Apple Cider

7. Five different alternative milk options (coconut creamer, soy milk and creamer, rice milk and almond milk), and agave syrup on the bar.

8. The shop is a much-needed beacon of light in what can be an otherwise dismal neighborhood.

9. Baristas that are sweet, not snobby pants.

10. The owners, Mike and David, are probably the nicest people on the planet. Fact.

And of course, they do some great events. Besides the Urban Housewife, here's some other events coming soon:

• Krautrock: Rebirth of Germany / Prog Rock Britannia Film Screening, Friday November 5th 8:30 PM - 11 PM
• "Change of Heart" Book event with author Nick Cooney, Friday November 19th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

I hope I see lots of your smiling faces next Wednesday, for Melisser's book signing. Tell your friends. Grab a copy or two of the book, meet the author, and snack on vegan goodies. What else are you doing on a Wednesday night?

Always Sunny is IN South Philly!

Guys, I'm a little distracted. There's baking to tell you about, and zany vegan marshmallow mis-adventures. But I can't stay focused, because It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is filming 2 blocks from my apartment. That's not an exaggeration, 2 BLOCKS. 

So I've been stalking watching Danny Devito and Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton do their thing (otherwise known as Frank, Mac, Charlie and Dennis). And Jason Sudeikis is on set too (from Saturday Night Live), making a guest appearance. And so forgive me if I'm not thinking of baking today because my favorite show is filming in my hood. I'll be back to baking and blogging about it soon. 

Danny and Charlie came over to say hi, and sign some autographs for the kids. They're pretty rad. It's also totally clear to me now why Danny Devito is so saucy with the ladies- He's totally at eye level with most chick's boobs. Srsly.