Over the last few years, I've seen participation at Sedgely grow at a tremendous pace. FSW has turned a neglected area of Fairmount Park, in a challenging neighborhood, into a welcome retreat from stress and a chance to share some great times with some great people. And just like the revitalization of an old, run-down neighborhood, Sedgely is following a well proven recipe for success: First, you have to remove the crack-heads, homeless, pimps, and whores. Then, enlist participation. Third, Focus on beautification and reconstruction. And last, but not least, a trendy dining scene has sprouted up at 33rd and Oxford just like Manyunk and Soho…

In the old days, when we all knew Billy, someone might bring a hoagie or some chips to munch on- there wasn't much else available, but nowadays- WOW!!- An incredible array of dining opportunities is available to all.

I have noticed that most FSW like to start their meal with something light- usually a salad; several friends will get together and contribute to the bowl, toss it together, and share in its bounty. I have termed this the "stone soup phenomenon", not only does it fuel the appetite, but it doesn't weigh you down and puts you in the right frame of mind for some great golf.

After the salad course, or several, and a round or two of golf, a huge array of eclectic taste offerings begin to appear seemingly from nowhere. Incognito chefs bring forth their prized dishes and no matter how hard I try to recreate them elsewhere, I can never get them to taste just right: I must be missing the secret Sedgley ingredient.

Most dishes seem mundane, almost pedestrian, at first but I have observed and experienced that their flavors mingle upon the palate and become hypnotically addictive until not a morsel of nirvana is left. Culinary geniuses like King, Magic, and Master P have brought us innovative flavor sensations by pairing chocolate and Doritos, mango water ice and pepperoni pizza, and jicama-shrimp gazpacho. Stash and E. Mann have pioneered the movement of "pot luck picnic" type dining by encouraging all participants to contribute "real" food, eat, share, and be merry. And we certainly can't forget the "bringers" (those who prepare delights for all), like Lefty's chili, Linda's cookies, Prue's bloody Marys, Dikenbe's pickles, and the countless bowls of homemade screaming sphincter salsas that were all delicious no matter how hellish the pay back was the next morning.

The cordial surroundings at Sedgely Woods create the perfect atmosphere for a series of wonderful holiday feasts. Try coming down on one of the "special days"- Memorial Day, Labor Day, and New Year's Day- all mind blowing gustatory excursions in the making that include portable stoves, grills, hot Grog and home brew; I just can't get enough, and yet there's way too much!

This year, bring a friend and support the Fein dining scene at Sedgely Woods. Don't be afraid that someone will not like the menu, there's plenty to satisfy any taste… if not, there's always Ludwig's, but that's another story entirely.

Bon Appetite.