It was a familiar scene to many in West Philly. “Honest” Tom McCusker behind the counter asking for names and taking orders. But this time he was at eye level – not in his famous truck, but at his new shop at 261 S. 44th (between Spruce and Locust).

Honest Tom’s Taco Shop (Facebook link) opened for business this morning and with any luck, McCusker said, they will be open until 9 p.m. or so tonight. Honest Tom’s will be open seven days a week 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Like the truck, the shop is cash only.

Come back in a few days for a review, but we pretty much know how this one will turn out.

We got a word from the Roost owners and now can confirm the rumors that have been swirling around for a few days that the take out/delivery chicken and biscuit shop at 45th and Springfield has closed – for now. According to Annie Baum-Stein, who along with her partner also owns Milk & Honey Market, the shop closed for some housekeeping on Monday, Dec. 12. They are working on its re-opening in early 2012 but it may be at a different location, hopefully with seating and curb appeal.

The Roost location at 4529 Springfield will continue to function as Milk & Honey’s kitchen and offices. Milk & Honey will be going strong. If you are dying for a biscuit that you were able to get with your Roost chicken order, they are available with orders of soup at Milk & Honey while supplies last. Also, look for Milk & Honey Catering in early 2012.

This holiday season Milk & Honey is offering a lot of nice gifts, including Urban Apiaries gift boxes. For more information visit our Buy Local for the Holidays page.

At long last, Guacamole Mex-Grill (Facebook page) has opened its brightly painted storefront at 4612 Woodland Avenue. Judging by yesterday’s noontime crowd, the eat-in/take-out taqueria has already become a popular choice for folks who live and work in the area around the University of the Sciences of Philadelphia. Guacamole is owned and operated by the de Luna family, whose food expertise stems from their grandmother’s mole (pronounced MO-lay) business in Mexico. As a mole aficionado, I’d been looking forward to trying it. The quality food, quick service, and colorful setting will no doubt draw a dedicated following.

In casual style, you order at the register — the food arrives quickly and packaged to go. With only 15-18 seats in the dining room, there is not a lot of room to sit, so if it’s peak lunch or dinner, don’t rule out take-out. Tacos, tortas, tostadas, and gorditas come with one of four basic fillings, priced from $5.50 to around $7.50. We ordered carne asada tostadas ($6.50 for two) and gorditas al pastor ($6.50). The grilled beef carne asada was flavorful, but the al pastor — marinated, grilled pork chopped with pineapple and chiles — was a revelation. It was seriously delicious, and next time I’ll order torta al pastor: mexican pork sandwich on a Portuguese roll. The mole poblano on the chicken enchiladas ($8.50, platter with rice, beans and salad) was rich, dark, and deeply flavored. Enchiladas also come with red or green sauce, and all the variations on the taco/tostada theme are available with grilled vegetables. The chips ($.75) are real, deep fried, crunchy/salty tortilla chips, and the guacamole ($2.50) is about as good as the packaged kind from Trader Joe’s. If it’s your favorite topping, order it, but don’t come to Guacamole specifically for the Guac. Come for the mole.

Guacamole Mex-Grill features rich flavors but not intense spice. Order extra salsa if you need more heat. You can choose from a range of sodas, juices, or bottled water, but plain tap water is not served. The Mex-Grill is primarily a take-out joint, with a straightforward and familiar menu. Though some of us like to go BYO, Guacamole is not that kind of place. After less than a week in operation, the menu will continue to adapt to the tastes of the neighborhood, and is subject to change. For the time being, it’s great to have a locally owned, small scale alternative to the “mexican” chain restaurants.

– Jen

Two new pickup sites for the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative’s affordable produce have been established in West Philly, according to the cooperative’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program Manager Evan Elizabeth Miller. The previously established site at CHOP has been recently suspended by the hospital.

CSA is currently working with two residents in the area, one in Spruce Hill, and the other in Garden Court, who will serve as site hosts for this program. A site host is a volunteer who provides an area where the CSA produce boxes are delivered.

Lancaster Farm Fresh is a non-profit organic farmers cooperative with the headquarters in Lancaster County, PA. One of the cooperative’s goals is to increase access to local, fresh and organic foods to inner city neighborhoods, like West Philadelphia. According to Miller, farmers markets are a great way for people to get produce in the summer months, but it is rarely affordable to lower income families. The CSA program is offering the farm’s produce at the same prices as those given to their wholesalers.

CSA also has a Fresh Food Fund, which grows through contributions given by the members, used to subsidize the costs of CSA shares to families and individuals in need. They were recently approved to accept Access card/SNAP benefits and are looking for an organization in West Philly to sponsor them (manage their EBT machine), so they can establish an additional pickup site where the membership can pay for their food with their access funds.

To sign up for the CSA membership please go here and fill out an application form. West Philly residents can either pick the ‘Garden Court’ or ‘Spruce Hill’ options. The Winter Share program begins January 16, 2012. You can find detailed description of winter product offerings here. If you have questions please email: csa [at] lancasterfarmfresh.com or call 717-656-3533.

Those who didn’t get a chance last week to pre-order their Thanksgiving turkeys through stores like Mariposa and Milk & Honey can still do it until Friday, Nov. 18 through The Gold Standard Cafe (4800 Baltimore Ave).

Fresh, farm-grown turkeys will be delivered to the cafe on November 22 in the afternoon. Weights range from 12-30 pounds. The exact weight cannot be guaranteed but they will come close to your request. Price is $2.75 per pound. Turkeys are Lancaster County grown, never frozen, and anti-biotic free.

Orders must be placed by Friday, Nov. 18 at noon . Please email your order to: eat@thegoldstandardcafe.com. Payment is due at pickup (check or cash).

Mariposa Food Co-op is expanding into a space five times bigger than its current location and needs more help. Currently, the store is hiring for part-time cashier positions and also looking for an intern starting this winter.

The cashiering position is hourly based and includes benefits. For more information and to apply please go to this page.

Mariposa Food Co-op is also looking for an energetic self-starter seeking professional experience in membership management and communications to help open their new food co-op. This position is unpaid, but includes some perks. For more information and to apply for this position please go here.