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Oh yeah. Center City District Restaurant Week is back with a vengeance, including that fabulous $20*, three-course lunch option that they launched last Fall.

And of course, Restaurant Week also includes the traditional (and very delicious) three-course, $35* dinner option.

Just to recap, that means that your options are:

- Lunch (55+ restaurants): 3 courses, $20
- Dinner (100+ restaurants): 3 courses, $35

Also like last year, the event is spread over two weeks (with a one-day break on September 18):

- September 12-17, 2010
- September 19-24, 2010

Typical Restaurant Week menus include one appetizer, one entree and one dessert, though RW favorites Amada and Zahav are known to offer several small plates for each course. So do your research, make your list of favorites and book those tables!

Note: Restaurant Week is immensely popular, so we recommend making your reservations ASAP. Or we’ll beat you to it. We’re particularly excited that newly opened Barbuzzo is included in the deal!

*Tax, alcohol and gratuity not included. Make sure to treat your servers well, because for as much as we diners love the deals, they hate them.

The Kimmel Center will be getting the celebrity chef treatment. (Photo courtesy of the Kimmel Center)

More exciting news.

Just a few days after learning about Stephen Starr’s new restaurant opening this weekend at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, now comes word that Wolfgang Puck — the world-renowned master chef and restaurateur — will be coming to Philadelphia to open a new restaurant at the Kimmel Center.

It’s part of a plan to enliven the city’s central performing arts hub.

While the Kimmel Center’s old restaurant, Cadence, was located off street level on the Kimmel’s balcony level, Wolfgang Puck will develop an entirely new restaurant and it will be located on ground floor on the Spruce Street side of the Kimmel, where the gift shop is currently located.

The new restaurant won’t open until fall 2011, but Wolfgang Puck will begin consulting on the Kimmel’s catering offerings this fall, both in the former Cadence space and in the plaza cafe in the Kimmel’s lobby.

More from The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Puck’s presence comes through an existing partnership with Restaurant Associates, the Kimmel’s current food-service vendor, which continues its relationship with the Kimmel and be a tenant in the Kimmel’s basement kitchen…

[Kimmel president Anne Ewers] said that the new restaurant, as yet unnamed, will be open for lunch and dinner, and open all the time, unlike Cadence, which was open only around Verizon Hall performance days and times.

The Kimmel Center will also be adding a new high-definition, digitally-animated, 7-foot x 7-foot video cube at the northeast corner of the building, at Broad and Spruce Streets.

Click here to read the full report from the Inquirer.

Kimmel Center to liven up its street look [Philadelphia Inquirer]

Earlier this summer, local food lovers congregated at Pub & Kitchen for the first summer happy hour from The Food Trust. That gathering was such a success that they’ve decided to do it again. This time, the locavores (and the people who love them) will be gathering at London Grill (23rd and Fairmount Ave.) on Thursday, September 2nd (that’s this week!) from 6-8 p.m.

There’s no cover charge to attend and proceeds from the event will go to support our area farmers’ markets. And speaking of markets, make sure to come with a few extra bucks in your pocket – the Fairmount Market takes place during those hours and so in addition to tossing back a few with likeminded foodies, you can also pick up a few ingredients for your next meal.

The fried chicken at Adsum. (Photo courtesy Adsum)

Whether it’s a plate of authentic buttermilk-battered fried chicken with collard greens or a high-end restaurant’s take on Korean fried chicken, these down-home eats are sure to appease your comfort-food cravings.

Here are just a few places to pick up some finder-lickin’ dishes across the Philadelphia region:

• The retro, rec-room vibe at Jones complements the kitchen’s comfort eats — and the fried chicken served over waffles with gravy is the stuff that homey dreams are made of.

• At the upscale soul-foodery Ms. Tootsie’s Restaurant Bar Lounge on South Street, mac and cheese, tropical sweet tea and sweet potato cheesecake serve as the perfect accompaniments to the crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken.

• Chef Matthew Levin stated that he simply wanted to make fried chicken “as good as Popeye’s” prior to opening Adsum this summer. By all accounts he has succeeded and then some… Rick Nichols declared the fried chicken at Adsum is the best in the city.

• Despite its craft beer bar ideals and family-friendly sensibilities, the Grays Ferry neighborhood corner bistro Resurrection Ale House has already won glossy magazine mentions for its honey-drizzled, twice-fried thighs. In June, Bon Appétit rated Resurrection as one of the Top 10 Places for Fried Chicken in the country.

• Chef David Katz gets out the deep-fryer at Mémé on Thursdays, when the lunch special includes fried chicken, a biscuit and a beer (or lemonade or iced tea) for $11.

• Korean fried chicken — salty, sweet, spicy and double-fried to joyful crispness — is in a category of its own, and unassuming hangout Café Soho serves a winning basket of these addictive wings, to be washed down with pickled daikon and icy glasses of soju. 468 W. Cheltenham Avenue, (215) 224-6800

• The signature “broasted” birds at Speck’s Drive-In remain a Collegeville legend. Shatteringly crunchy pressure-fried breasts are embellished by homemade potato salad, fries and/or coleslaw — not to mention thick black and white milkshakes. 3969 Ridge Pike, Collegeville, (610) 489-2110

• Korean fried chicken gets a swanky upgrade at Meritage on Thursdays, where a $25 dinner for two yields six pieces, ’slaw, pickled vegetables and sesame spinach, plus a can of Sapporo beer.

Granite Hill will be the name of the new Starr-operated restaurant at the Museum. (Photo courtesy The PMA)

Granite Hill will be the name of the new Stephen Starr-operated restaurant at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The new restaurant is replacing the former, very literally-named Museum Restaurant, and is scheduled to open on Friday, September 3rd.

Back on August 1, Starr Events took over the day-to-day food and catering operations at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and its four main eateries: The Museum Cafe, the Balcony Cafe, the Perelman Cafe, and the Museum Restaurant.

While the three cafes have been open for business, The Museum Restaurant (the Museum’s signature dining destination) has been closed since August 1 to allow for the transition and a new concept.

And now Starr is ready to debut the new restaurant.

Beginning on September 3rd, Granite Hill will be open for lunch on Tuesday through Sunday, dinner on Friday evenings (starting on September 10), and Sunday brunch (starting on October 3).

Granite Hill will offer upscale, irreverent twists on approachable French fare. You can expect menu items like Fried Wianno Oysters, with Madras curry remoulade, petit vegetable slaw, & preserved lemon; a Le hot dog on brioche: a D’Angelo Bros chicken boudin blanc sausage with toasted gruyere, onion confit, tarragon mustard & house made kettle chips; a Filet Frites, with Merlot tarragon butter, twice-fried Kennebec potatoes, Minus 8 vinegar; and entrée-sized salads such as the Warm Shrimp Salad with Mesclun greens, avocado, & lemon beurre blanc.

Granite Hill is intended to be the pinnacle of Starr Events’ European vision for all the museum’s eateries (they’re operating all four) and will inspire seasonal menu items at the other Museum cafes. Starr Events wanted the restaurant to have a vibe that feels like a café at Harrods in London or Barney’s New York.

We’re definitely eager to check it out.

Museum Cafés Get the STARR Treatment [Philadelphia Museum of Art]
Earlier:
Stephen Starr’s Reign at The Philadelphia Museum of Art Begins, French Influences Abound in New Cafe Menus

A couple weeks ago, we at uwishunu HQ were excited to share the news that the Food Trust was bringing a evening hours food bazaar to the city. Well, now we’re pretty much over the moon with the newest details. The Night Market will take place on Thursday, September 30, from 6 – 10 p.m. at the intersection of Tasker Street and Passyunk Avenue.

It’s the first of six such markets to be held throughout the city over the course of the next 18 months and is sure to be a rollicking good time. Make sure to bring some cash, a few good friends and a very empty belly.

Last month, we first made mention of Feastival.

It’s an event in its first year (spearheaded by Stephen Starr, Michael Solomonov and Audrey Claire Taichman), designed to raise money for this city’s beloved Live Arts and Philly Fringe Festival.

Feastival will feature a delectable array of food — all donated by area restaurants — as well as performances by Festival artists and two auctions (live and silent). It’s going to be an amazing event and we want you to attend!

That’s right, we have a pair of tickets — valued at $200 each! — to give away for the Feastival, which is taking place September 15, 2010 from 6-9 p.m. at the Festival Hub at 5th and Fairmount Streets in Northern Liberties.

The contest begins today, August 30, 2010 and ends Friday, September 10, 2010 at 12 noon. Just fill out the form below to enter. The winner will be selected by random drawing and will be notified on September 10. Note: You may submit one entry per day for the duration of the giveaway (but no more than that!).

Official rules may be found here. You must be 21 or older to enter. Just enter your information in the form below.

Feastival [Official Site]

Image courtesy of McGillin's

Though we’re still having some blazing hot days, last week’s cooler temperatures was good reminder that fall is rapidly approaching. Happily, there’s no need to mourn the end of summer, because the advent of autumn means that the many Oktoberfest celebrations aren’t far away.

McGillin’s, Philly’s oldest watering hole, is celebrating the season with a month-long Oktoberfest celebration. They’re adding an array of classic German dishes to their menu and will be pouring German beers throughout September. Festivities kick off on September 2 and run straight through to the Midtown Village Fall Festival on October 2.

Make sure to get down there during the month and cozy up to a plate of German Style Grilled Sausage with Bratwurst, Knockwurst, Red Cabbage and Warm German Potato Salad. It’s good, filling food and goes great with beer!

The Palm has a new $3.50 Happy Hour.
(Photo courtesy The Palm)

The Palm at the Bellevue has just introduced an all new “Prime Bites” menu of seven appetizers for just $3.50 each during Happy Hour.

The Prime Time Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday, from 5-7 pm and then again from 9 pm until close. But at the bar only.

Here’s the menu of appetizers that are just $3.50 each:

* Kobe Beef Sliders
bacon, lettuce, tomato and pesto aioli
* Filet Mignon Capri Sandwiches
imported mozzarella di bufala, tomato and basil with a balsamic aioli
* “Ultimate” Chicken Strips
panko and parmesan battered with sweet and sour chili sauce
* Mini Broiled Crab Cakes
mango salsa and chipotle tartar sauce
* Veal Parmigiana Sliders
Palm classic on a roll
* “Point Judith” Calamari Fritti
cornmeal dusted and tossed with lemon and cherry peppers
* Prime Cheese Steak
prime New York steak, caramelized onions and Vermont cheddar cheese

Also, Oysters on the Half Shell are $1 each and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail are $2 each piece during the Prime Time Happy Hour.

Pretty solid Happy Hour deal right on Rittenhouse Row.

The Palm at the Bellevue [Official Site]

This Sunday at the McFadden’s at the Ballpark, you can enjoy beer, baseball, and… puppies!

McFadden’s is hosting its third annual Beerfest at the Ballpark from 2–6 pm with brews from more than 20 breweries to sample, like General Lafayette Inn, Longtrail, Magic Hat, Red Hook, Troegs, Victory, Weyerbacher, and many, many more.

Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance online for $40 or at the door for $50 (if they are still available).

Your ticket also scores you some free nibbles, a tasting glass, and (drum roll please) free parking! You can save $5 off the ticket price by entering the code: K9BF at checkout.

A portion of the proceeds benefit the PSPCA, who will also be in attendance with some adoptable pups and cats! They will have an adoption RV on site, and will showcase some of the adoptable dogs around 3pm.

Throughout the day there will be live music, games & prizes, and a Beeramid challenge to win Phils tickets! And the Phillies take on the Padres at 4:10 (*in San Diego*) and McFadden’s will be showing the game on the big screens.

So why not hang out at McFadden’s this Sunday to enjoy some fine brews and a good ballgame on TV, all while supporting local shelter dogs. Who knows, you may not go home alone.

McFadden’s at the Ballpark [Official Site]

Chef de Cuisine Jen Carroll and Pastry Chef Monica Glass have a special new lunch deal just for you. (Photos courtesy 10 Arts)

10 Arts at the Ritz Carlton has just launched a new Five Bite Lunch special.

Top Chef alum Jennifer Carroll and Pastry Chef Monica Glass have teamed up to bring you five tastes from the restaurant’s impressive lunch menu — plus a Victory beer — all for just $22.

The new Five Bite Lunch special at 10 Arts includes:

- Warm Soft Pretzels served with creamy cheddar sauce, jalapeño jam, Dijon mustard
- A shot of 10 Arts signature Smoked Heirloom Corn Chowder
- Choice of Two Minis:

* Mini Fish Burger, striped bass,topped with fennel, oven-dried tomato and saffron aioli
* Mini Lobster Roll, Maine lobster salad on a toasted bun
* Mini Cheeseburger, made with Pineland Farms ground sirloin
* Mini Hot Dog

- Mini Cupcake of the Day.
- Victory Beer or choice of soft drink or iced tea

The lunch special is available Monday – Friday, from 11:30 am until 2pm.

Five Bite Lunch at 10 Arts [Foobooz]
10 Arts [Visit Philly]
Ritz Carlton Philadelphia [Visit Philly]

Amuse at the Le Méridien Philadelphia Hotel. (Photo courtesy of Le Méridien)

Today, Amuse at Le Méridien Philadelphia debuted their new Three Martini Lunch featuring three martinis, Onion Soup Amuse and the brasserie’s signature Steak Frites — all for just $30.

The Three Martini Lunch will be available now through September, during the hours of 11:30 a.m. through 2 p.m., and the menu will feature six martini options:

- The Dirty Martini: Svedka, olive juice and regular or Blue cheese stuffed green olives

- The Classic Vodka Martini: Stolichnaya, dry vermouth and regular or blue cheese stuffed green olives

- Cosmopolitan: Skyy, Cointreau cranberry and fresh lime juice

- Citrus Martini: Skyy citrus, with fresh lemon juice and Cointreau

- French Martini: Belvedere, Chambord and pineapple juice

- Parisienne: Hendrick’s, dry vermouth and crème de cassis, shaken up.

Take your time while enjoying your martinis, Amuse is offering Three Martini Lunch vouchers, which will allow you to redeem any remaining drinks within 30 days. Nice.

Amuse [Official Site]
Le Méridien [Visit Philly]