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

If you didn’t get a chance to participate in last summer’s “West Philly Grows Again” kids consignment sale, you can do it in January. Next sale will be held at St. Mary’s Nursery School (3916 Locust Walk) on Saturday, Jan. 28, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Consignor registration is going on right now.

For more information and to download a registration form please visit this page.

This week’s adoptable dog is Candy who badly needs a home for Christmas. She is just a pup around 45 lbs. and already spayed thanks to her former friends. She is a terrier/pit bull mix, but please don’t hold it against her if you were looking for something else. You will find her to be a very patient companion.

You can teach Candy anything you want with a treat in hand, but she sometimes gets distracted when other dogs are around. She’s still learning how to socialize and may be a little pushy when it comes to play. She also doesn’t like to play with cats, but she will get along with you and all of your friends.

Candy is part of the ACCT Pen Pal Program. She has a volunteer dedicated to helping her find her a home. The volunteer spends time with her on a regular basis, teaches her the basics of being a great dog and helps her stay happy while living at the shelter. She can also provide post-adoption support!

If you are interested in meeting Candy, please email her Pen Pal at: darcy.wilkins [at] gmail.com. For more information on how to adopt/foster Pen Pal dogs go here.

Firehouse Bicycles has just expanded into a second location in West Philadelphia after purchasing the legendary Wolff Cycles at 4311 Lancaster Ave. Wolff Cycles has been in operation since the 1930s and is possibly the oldest continuously operating bicycle shop in Philadelphia.

The shop has been re-named “Wolf Cycles” – the new owners decided to drop one “f” to make a fresh start, but also to preserve some of the legacy of the old shop. Firehouse Bicycles at 50th and Baltimore continues to operate. Their current staff has been divided to serve customers in two locations.

Wolf Cycles has on tap the same new and used bikes, gear and services that Firehouse offers. The store hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 – 6 p.m. For more information or if you have questions please call 215-222-2171.