Our own Chef William Beck was quoted in a great article by Kelly Roncace of the South Jersey Times.titled A Taste of Fat Tuesday.
Bill should know since Beck’s offers plenty of Mardi Gras foods at Reading Terminal Market and 30th Street Station including King Cakes, Muffalata, Po’ Boys, jambalaya and more.
Read on!http://tinyurl.com/nyeq95u
Get a recipe for Beck’s Jambalaya!
Cook-Off at Reading Terminal Market Features Original Recipes Made
With Beck’s Kitchen Pantry Creole Mayo and Spice Blends to Benefit Local Food Charity
Three local foodies will show their culinary skills at the Best of Beck’s Kitchen Pantry cook-off at the Reading Terminal Market on Wed., Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The participants will showcase their original dishes incorporating items from the new, all-natural line of Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spice blends.
The event benefits Manna, whose mission is to provide nutritious meals and nutrition counseling to neighbors who are battling life threatening illnesses.
“Foodies, this is your chance to strut your stuff,” said Bill Beck, creator of Beck’s Kitchen Pantry. “Show us your chops by creating original dishes that use our spice blends and condiments, raise money for a good cause and take a chance at bringing home the grand prize.”
The winner of the contest will receive a $500 gift certificate to the Reading Terminal Market. Individuals wanting to participate must first compete in a voting round by submitting their own recipes using at least one of the new Beck’s Kitchen Pantry items. Participants may submit one recipe per kitchen pantry item. The voting officially began on Sept. 16 and ends on Oct. 7. To enter, go to the recipe contest tab on the Beck’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BecksCajunCafe.
Chef Jennifer Choplin of SoWe Bar and Grille and Wayne Metsinger, General Manager of Linvilla Orchards, are among the judges for the competition.
Participants may obtain the Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices at a $2.00 discount per item at Beck’s Cajun Café at the Reading Terminal Market or at Amtak’s 30th Street Station.
Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices may also be purchased at Bacchus Market, Green Aisle, Pennsylvania General Store (Philadelphia), Grandpa Hick’s Cheese and Gourmet Shop (Lahaska), Highland Orchards (West Chester), Hollander Gourmet (New Hope), The Larder of Doylestown, Linvilla Orchards (Media), Love the Cook (Cape May, NJ), Sara’s Produce (Collingswood, NJ) and Hot Stuff (Chincoteague, VA).
Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices are a throwback to a simpler time with all-natural ingredients and wholesome flavors of home like horseradish, pickles and garlic. They are easily recognized in their vintage glass jars and retro style labeling. The line includes:
The event is sponsored by Beck’s Cajun Café, the Reading Terminal Market and MyPhillyAlive.com. Proceeds of the sales of Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices on the day of the event will be donated to Manna. Attendees are also asked to make a donation to the charity to support their community efforts.
Founded by Chef Bill Beck, Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices bring zing to foods of all kinds. The line includes Creole Mayo, BBQ Onion Relish, 3 Devils Hot Sauce relish and Angel’s Kiss, Devil Dust and Rub-a-Dub spice rubs. A three time Best of Philly winner, Chef Bill Beck’s has won acclaim for his deft hand and has been showcased at Manhattan’s James Beard House twice times. For more information, including recipes, ingredients and retail locations, visit http://www.beckskitchenpantry.com. Or call Jonathan Morein, Sales Manager at 215-565-5377. For more information about Beck’s Cajun Café, visit: http://www.beckscajuncafe.com.
####
New, All-Natural Line of All-Natural Condiments and Spice Blends Now Available in Specialty 
Food Stores and Supermarkets in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia
Philadelphia, September 3, 2013 – Twelve specialty food retailers in Greater Philadelphia, South Jersey and Virginia including Linvilla Orchards, the Pennsylvania General Store, Love the Cook of Cape May and Hot Stuff of Chincoteague Island are now carrying the new Beck’s Kitchen Pantry line of condiments and spices.ailable in Farm Markets and Specialty Food Stores In Greater Philadelphia Area, South Jersey and Virginia
Originated by award-winning chef Bill Beck, Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices kick-up the taste of sandwiches, soups, salads, seafood, prime cuts of meat and more. The entire line including Beck’s Creole Mayo, BBQ Onion Relish, 3 Devils Hot Sauce; and Angel’s Kiss, Devil Dust and Rub-a-Dub spice rubs, was developed at Beck’s Cajun Café at Philadelphia’s Reading Terminal Market.
“Our customers have loved our original condiments and spice blends as accompaniments with our cooking for years,” said Beck. “Now people can enjoy them at home every day or when entertaining guests.”
Beck’s Creole Mayo is a zesty sandwich spread and mixer with salads including chicken and crab. It also is a flavorful a dip for crudite and chilled, steamed vegetables.
Beck’s BBQ Onion Relish is infused with barrel aged bourbon to bring a tangy, smoky flavor to burgers, hot dogs, steaks and meatloaf. It also makes a handy accompaniment for Hors d’ Oeuvres and hearty cheeses.
Three Devils hot sauce is where flavor meets heat: a slow-cooked, witches’ brew of fresh garlic, ancho, onions, habanero, oranges and chipotle. Three Devils gives a tasty bite to food and drink from fried shrimp to Bloody Marys. Not your kid brother’s hot sauce!
Angel’s Kiss is a savory and aromatic blend that sharpens the natural flavors of chicken, pork, and seafood. When used in cooking, its flavors bloom to create the warm mouth feel of a masala with hints of curry, cumin and cinnamon. It can also be combined with olive oil and a sprinkling of fresh citrus to create a marinade that will pleasantly surprise any palate.
Devil Dust blackening seasoning is a select blend of fiery and smoky pepper varieties blended with sweet basil and oregano. It ignites a complex, flavorful heat without scorching the essence of dishes using beef, poultry, seafood and vegetables.
Rub-A-Dub Steak Rub is a bold and delicious rub and post-cooking seasoning that distinguishes the natural flavors of hearty meats including steaks, lamb, pork and game. Savor its intense flavors of cumin, coriander, mustard and fennel to make any meal sing with flavor!
The following specialty food retailers currently carry the Beck’s line: Bacchus Market, Beck’s Cajun Café at the Reading Terminal Market, Beck’s Cajun Café at 30th Street Station, Green Aisle Grocery, Pennsylvania General Store (Philadelphia), The Larder (Doylestown), Grandpa Hick’s Cheese and Gourmet Shop (Lahaska), Highland Orchards (West Chester), Hollander Gourmet (New Hope), Linvilla Orchards (Media), Love the Cook (Cape May, NJ), Sara’s Produce (Collingswood, NJ), and Hot Stuff (Chincoteague, VA) with more being added every day. Individuals wanting the spicy, savory and tangy flavors of Beck’s Kitchen Pantry may also order them online at www.beckskitchenpantry.com.
Founded by Chef Bill Beck, Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices bring zing to foods of all kinds. The line includes Creole Mayo, BBQ Onion Relish, 3 Devils Hot Sauce relish and Angel’s Kiss, Devil Dust and Rub-a-Dub spice rubs. A three time Best of Philly winner, Chef Bill Beck’s has won acclaim for his deft hand and has been showcased at Manhattan’s James Beard House twice times. For more information, including recipes, ingredients and retail locations, visit http://www.beckskitchenpantry.com. Or call Jonathan Morein, Sales Manager at 215-565-5377. For more information about Beck’s Cajun Café, visit www.beckscajuncafe.com.
####
Only 45 minutes left to get Beck’s World Famous Train Wreck — steak, andouille, salami, caramelized onion and Creole Mayo on French Bread. Get one today for $1.00 off.
Stop by Beck’s Cajun Cafe at 30th Street Station for these special items and discounts. Also featuring the Fried Chicken Po’ Boy with Creole Mayo!
Breakfast Po Boys $1.00 OFF
Free Small Soup w/ any Beck’s Caesar Salads
Fried Chicken Po Boy, Fully Dressed $6.95
Check out this week’s specials at Beck’s Cajun Café
@ Amtrak’s 30th Street Station! Try the new Fried Chicken Po’Boy and get discounts on our great Cajun/Creole menu items! Also available are all Beck’s Kitchen Pantry condiments and spices including Creole Mayo, Tangy Onion Relish, 3 Devils Hot Sauce, Angel’s Kiss, Devil Dust and Rub-a-Dub Spice Rub. Get yours today!
Amtrak, IRS and police employees show your employee I.D. at the register and get 10% off on any menu item (daily specials not included). College students too!
Monday 8/12
Blackened Chicken Po Boy $6.50
Fried Mac & Cheese $1.00 off Today
Cajun Trio Platter: Shrimp, Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya W/ Fried Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens
Tuesday 8/13
The Train Wreck $1.00 off 11-3
Free Fountain refills when served at our counter
Cajun Trio Platter: Gator Gumbo, Sweet Potato Fries & Shrimp Pasta Salad $8.95
Wednesday 8/14
Breakfast Po Boys $1.00 OFF
Free Small Soup w/ any Beck’s Caesar Salads
Fried Chicken Po Boy, Fully Dressed $6.95
Thursday 8/15
BBQ Beef Brisket Po Boy $6.95
Blackened salmon Caesar Salad $7.95
Cajun Trio Platter: Grilled Muffaletta, Potato Salad, Bread Pudding $8.95
Friday 8/16
Jambalaya Bowl with free grilled corn Bread
”Our Best of Philly” Fried Shrimp Po Boy ……Fully Dressed $8.95
Cajun Trio Platter: Chicken Alfredo, Gumbo and Collard Greens
Saturday 8/17
Free Community Coffee w/ and Breakfast Po Boy
Quiche with Side Salad $6.96
The Train Wreck Po Boy with side of Cajun Fries $8.95
Sunday 8/18
$1.00 off Beignets
Cajun Trio Platter: Jumbo 3 Devil’s Hot Wings w/ Celery and Blue Cheese Dip (10ea)….. $7.95
Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad…. today $7.95
Beck’s Cajun Café
30th Street Station
215-382-2800
Look for Beck’s on Saturday as we do a tasting of the new Beck’s Kitchen Pantry line of condiments and spices at Highland Orchards at 1000 Marshallton-Thorndale Road from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We’ll be serving up tasty foods with a sampling of our Creole Mayo, BBQ Onion Relish, 3 Devils Hot Sauce and of course our chef-inspired spice rubs! Or, you can find the Beck’s line at Beck’s Cajun Cafe at Linvilla Orchards, Bacchus Market, the Larder in New Hope and many others. Or you can order online at http://www.beckskitchenpantry.com or at Beck’s Cajun Cafe at the Reading Terminal Market and 30th Street Station.
Special thanks to Faryn at University of Pennsylvania for this great review!
Beck’s Cajun Cafe: Cajun (Food) Court
Skip the 28–hour train: Beck’s Cajun Cafe takes you to Louisiana in minutes
By FARYN PEARL
Shayla Cole
It’s strange to get such fine food in a food court. But that’s where the excellent Beck’s Cajun Cafe lies—right between a KFC and a nameless take–out Chinese stand. Of course, most people won’t have the luxury of sitting down and savoring Beck’s Louisiana–style offerings. They’ll be catching a train, grabbing gumbo on the go. That’s right: Beck’s is in the middle of 30th Street Station. While the venue might not scream “some of the best Cajun cooking in Philadelphia,” the food does.
And it’s the food that matters to chef and owner Bill Beck, who owned a Latin restaurant before starting the first Beck’s Cajun in Reading Terminal Market. A chef by trade, he was always attracted to Cajun cooking, an amalgamation of Latin, French and Southern cuisine. In talking to Beck, it was clear that he was passionate about bringing this style of cooking to Philadelphia and about the food he was serving.
So let’s get to the food. Namely, Beck serves alligator, and it is delicious. Honestly, my comrades and I were a little (read: completely) terrified when the Gator Gumbo ($6.95) came out. One bite and we were converts.
Alligator meat is surprisingly lean and flavorful, like chicken but more savory. Add that exotic meat (which, by the way, is authentic— they ship it from Louisiana) to a spicy and richly flavored gumbo stock and you have yourself a meal that’s truly crave–worthy. For favorites, the mini–cornbread loaves ($1.25) were a close second. Golden and crispy on the outside, warm and airy on the inside, they were the kind of pastry you read about in Martha Stewart magazines, but can never seem to recreate on your own. Also of note were the beignets ($3.95), a classic Louisiana–style doughnut smothered with fine confectioner’s powder (which got all over my pants but was otherwise totally worth it), and the Train Wreck Po Boy ($7.95), a hulking mass of steak and pork covered in cheese and sandwiched between crispy French bread—an alternate cheesesteak to rival Pat’s and Geno’s. The only disappointment was the Jambalaya Bowl ($6.95), the quintessential Cajun dish. It just didn’t have the spiciness or ingenuity of the other dishes; even the added kick of Beck’s own 3 Devils Hot Sauce ($6.99, part of their new retail line) couldn’t elevate it to the others’ level.
I know it’s no fun to read a gushingly positive review. But with incredible authentic Cajun cuisine—seriously, alligator—and the friendliest service around, it’s hard to find anything bad to say about Beck’s Cajun Cafe. Next time you need to go to 30th Street Station, give yourself a 30–minute head start and check out Beck’s. It will be worth the trip.
Shayla Cole | 34th Street
Beck’s Cajun Cafe at 30th Street Station was recently reviewed by The Triangle, Drexel University’s newspaper. Thanks to reviewer Jared Ely for the shout-oust about our Cajun Express Delivery service to homes, offices and dorms in University City and Center City and about our delicious King Cakes. Read on…
Beck’s Cajun Cafe adds unusual kick to traditional bayou recipes
by Jared.Ely on February 8, 2013 in Arts & Entertainment, Restaurant Reviews
Have you ever had the urge to eat something out of the ordinary? That longing that emanates from deep within the pit of your stomach, the one that moans and cries out in agony for a delicacy it knows it wants but just can’t seem to find? The one that begs not only for sustenance but also a certain degree of pizzazz?
Beck’s Cajun Cafe, has become popular in the Philadelphia community for its vast selection of Creole cuisine. Beck’s is also located at Reading Terminal Market, which opened in 2009.
I am, of course, speaking rhetorically. Obviously you’ve had that feeling. Anyone with a functioning pulse has had that feeling. It’s the feeling that drives us to take the subway out into the heart of Center City at odd hours of the night to obtain that one exceptional pizza, that one incomparable cheesesteak, that one special cup of coffee that can placate our raging thirst for cuisine.
We’re lucky to be in University City. We’re lucky to have all types of food from Mediterranean to just about every type of Asian cuisine, not to mention the American staples and frozen yogurt, no more than a mile or so away from us. But with Beck’s Cajun Cafe now at 30th Street Station, we hit the jackpot.
Having operated out of Reading Terminal Market since 2009, Beck’s has become exceptionally popular, and justifiably so. They offer a wide selection of Creole cuisine, such as Po Boys and Jambalaya, and it’s all authentic. Renowned chef Bill Beck, a Philadelphia native who earned such accolades as being the guest chef at the famous James Beard House and three “Best of Philly” awards, truly loves preparing and serving the best Cajun dishes he can make. Needless to say, his enthusiasm really shines through. When I met with him, it was obvious that he’s incredibly passionate about giving his customers the most authentic Cajun food he can make, not only because he wants the customer to enjoy their meal but also to make sure that the food he serves is true to its roots. He goes as far as importing the shrimp, Community Coffee, Zapp’s Chips and alligator (yes, they actually put alligator in a few of their dishes) all the way from Louisiana to make the food as authentic as possible.
This authenticity is clearly visible in the food, too. It’s not as though the imported foods are similar to what most people are used to; on the contrary, these colorful foods add a special degree of excitement to the dish. For instance, the Community Coffee that Beck’s serves is nothing at all like normal, everyday coffee. Instead of the typical, bitter bite of coffee, this Louisiana blend contains chicory root, giving it a much smoother feel and earthier taste that resolves into just a hint of chocolate after a moment. At first taste I was taken aback, but half a cup later I fell in love with the drink.
In addition to their authenticity, Beck’s has real staying power from the quality that extends throughout its menu. While there I sampled the Beignets and the Train Wreck, a Po Boy sandwich paying homage to the Philly cheesesteak. The Beignets were incredible; they resemble doughnuts with powdered sugar on top, but inside lay a vast network of almost imperceptibly gooey dough, almost akin to an extremely thick funnel cake. With each bite I became more and more aware of how often I’ll be visiting Beck’s in the near future. The Train Wreck was amazing as well, packed full to bursting with a plethora of meats and dripping with a mix of satisfying au jus, the flavor of which most certainly proved the sandwich’s faithfulness to the Philly cheesesteak.
It is Beck’s new delivery system that really puts the restaurant over the edge. Now, any time you have the desire for Creole cuisine, it’s only a phone call away. Its location, within the bustling 30th Street Station, experiences mass commuter traffic and thus is convenient for both University City students as well as frequent travelers. When discussing this new service, the proprietors were excited to finally reach out to the University City area and give students the chance to try some real comfort food.
Overall, Beck’s is a shining example of what restaurants should strive to become. I cannot express how obvious it is that at Beck’s, the customer comes first and the business follows behind. It was not only refreshing to see the servers talking to customers about their dishes, letting them try the food and getting the customer’s opinion of it, but it also showed me just how much Beck’s is about serving the best, most authentic Creole cuisine possible and having the most satisfied customers. If there’s one thing I can guarantee, it’s that you can expect quality, friendly service, and most importantly, a great meal when you go to Beck’s. So next time you’re in the mood for Cajun, be it at 30th Street Station, Reading Terminal Market or pretty much anywhere else, don’t hesitate to try Beck’s. You won’t be disappointed.
http://thetriangle.org/2013/02/08/becks-cajun-cafe-adds-unusual-kick-to-traditional-bayou-recipes/
wjbeck12
Beck's Cajun Cafe Blog 