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Get ready for a gourmet greasefest, an all-you-can-eat latke extravaganza. (Photo courtesy Gershman Y)

Latkepalooza, Philadelphia’s hugely popular Hanukkah foodie tradition, is back for its 8th year.

The event features gourmet lip-smacking latkes, all with an inventive twist, from some of Philadelphia’s hottest restaurants.

Complemented by live music from The West Philly Orchestra as well as programming just for kids, this is the perfect way to celebrate the greasiest and most festive of Jewish holidays.

Plus, new this year, a Holiday Bazaar will feature wonderful gifts for the holiday season.

Confirmed restaurants offering latkes include: Bar Ferdinand, Delicatessen, Estia, Federal Donuts, Sabrina’s Café, Singapore Chinese Kitchen, Talula’s Garden and Tashan.

Get tickets online.

8th Annual Latkepalooza
When: Sunday, December 11, 2-4 p.m.
Where: Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad Street
Cost: $15 for adults, $5 for kids
More info: www.gershmany.org

Summer in Philadelphia is brimming with fresh-from-the-ocean seafood, with oysters in particular abundance at restaurants around town, like Parc. (Photo courtesy Parc)

Today, August 5, is National Oyster Day.

Probably the most well-known aphrodisiac, plus one of the most summer-centric foods, oysters are also extremely nutritious. To capitalize on all this, top Philadelphia chefs have been serving both tried-and-true and new and unusual preparations of the delicious mollusk.

Check out our top picks for some of the best oysters and osyter-related dishes Philadelphia restaurants are dishing out. Try one or all. The world is your, well, oyster.

• Oyster House: Clearly no oyster roundup would be complete without the iconic Oyster House, now in the hands of the third generation of the Mink family since its 1947 beginnings. From Oysters Rockefeller, Marrakesh and Toscana to Southern Fried Oysters and Oyster Stew, this place makes the typical oyster bar look plain puny. It’s really easier to just check out the oyster smorgasboard in person.

• Adsum: At this siren song of creative foodie endeavors, try the fried oysters served with pickle juice remoulade.

• Alma de Cuba: Stephen Starr knows how it’s done. The Oysters Rodriguez are fried crispy, served over tofu with mashed sweet plantains and bacon, plus sauteed spinach with horseradish and huacatay sauce. And that’s just an appetizer.

• Parc: Stephen Starr’s French bistro offers a seafood-packed “plateau” in either petit or grand sizes (serves 2-4 or 6-8, respectively).

• Amada: Jose Garce also knows how it’s done. Considered a “traditional” tapa, the Oysters come with strawberry escabeche and cava granita.

• 10 Arts: For a classic take on oysters on the half shell, head to Jen Carroll’s headquarters. They’re served, three per order, with lemon, cocktail sauce and mignonette.

• Bar Ferdinand: The oysters del dia are freshly shucked, served in the shell, with whatever Spanish flavors the chef so desires that day. You get six per order. Six too few, that is, considering how delicious they are.

• Barclay Prime: Everything about this Stephen Starr steakhouse oozes elegance, so it’s no surprise that the oysters are served with perfect aplomb. East and west coast varieties are available from the raw bar, or else part of a shellfish sampler.

• Fathom Seafood House: Chef Mike Stollenwerk handles all things seafood with a deft hand. The raw bar contains east and west coast oysters for your choosing, or go for the Big Ocean Sampler served with, in addition to 12 mixed oysters, one blue crab, four shrimp, six littleneck clams and lobster louie.

• The Farmers Cabinet: The pan-fried oysters are served with sweet and sour cucumbers, curry aioli and trout roe. If you can’t snag a coveted sidewalk spot, comfort yourself with one of the restaurant’s excellent craft cocktails.

• Beck’s Cajun Cafe: No wonder Beck’s won a Best of Philly 2011 award for Sandwiches in Reading Terminal. One exemplar is the fried oyster lunch po’ boy, served on French bread with lettuce, tomatoes, picke and Creole mayo. You can also go for the fried oyster lunch platter, with corn bread, red beans and rice or Cajun fries.

Below, we have the details on oysters at Blackfish, Devon Seafood Grill, Rouge and more.

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Beer gardens are popping up everywhere this summer in Philly and we couldn't be happier. Below we run down where you can find a few. (Images Credit: iStockPhoto)

Ok, admittedly, we are a little remiss to have not done this sooner, but it is definitely time to officially declare the summer of 2011 “The Summer of the Beer Garden.”

It all started in May when two new beer gardens opened in Fishtown. First was Memphis Taproom, followed quickly by Stephen Starr’s Frankford Hall. Meanwhile on East Passyunk, Le Virtu opened its Campo Beer Garden to much acclaim.

And then in June, there was the With Love Beer Garden, an amazing — ahem, even if we do say so ourselves — pop-up beer garden for Philly Beer Week at the Four Seasons. And the momentum has continued from there. Even the National Constitution Center celebrated the opening of their blockbuster George Washington exhibition this summer with a very cool one-night-only beer garden in honor of General George.

And now, even though it’s July, there are still two solid months of summer remaining for you to take advantage of all the beer garden action popping up across the city. So we put together a roundup to help you do exactly that.

Below is our guide for where to find the best beer gardens in Philadelphia. (Note: while some of them might not technically be a true beer garden, they come close enough so we’re including them here.)

Enjoy!!

• Frankford Hall: On May 17, Stephen Starr’s Frankford Hall opened with with indoor and outdoor seating for 400. The space is simple by Starr standards, complete with exposed brick walls, reclaimed industrial materials and ping-pong tables. Classic German foods are available at a walk-up counter (think pretzels, bratwurst, curry fries, sauerkraut, schnitzel and spaetzle), as is a hefty beer menu that includes everything from traditional German beers to craft specialties available on nine taps.

• Memphis Taproom: ’Tis the season for dining and drinking outdoors, and Memphis Taproom recently celebrated its third anniversary with the debut of its much-anticipated beer garden. The narrow picnic table-clad spot serves up gourmet hotdogs (of the beef, vegan and vegetarian variety) including the California Uber Alles (beer-battered with nori, avocado and pickled ginger,) the Suicide (jalapeno, sririacha, onion rings and habanero) and the Antipasta (sharp provolone, caponata, garlic mayo, olives, roasted peppers and pepperoncini), fried pickles and canned craft beers.

• Le Virtu: The sweet smell of burning wood and charcoal searing meats on the grill welcomes diners to the Campo Beer Garden at Le Virtu, located on the manicured grassy lot adjacent to the restaurant. Deep in the heart of South Philly, the Campo beer garden takes its name from Abruzzo’s high mountain Campo Imperatore, where casual grilling joints line the switchback roads. The menu extends beyond the grill to offer a taste of some of the region’s spring and summer favorites. Have a beer, relax on the grass and enjoy one of South Philly’s best outdoor locations. Here’s a video teaser.

• Hop Angel Brauhaus: This German-themed restaurant and beer bar in the Fox Chase neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia also opened a beer garden in May. German style beer, imported, local and national, is the main focus, but other styles are also featured. Most beers are available in .5 liter, .4 liter, and .3 liter servings. And 1 liter glasses for those that are really thirsty. Also, the bratwursts are legit.

• Silk City: The setting at the Silk City Beer Garden is part island oasis, part junkyard. It’s filled with colorful wooden tables, empty-kegs-turned-chairs, string lights aplenty and garden ornament-like objects likely salvaged at many a yard sale. And to that an awesome beer selection, favoring local brews, and you have a recipe for a great summer outing.

• The With Love Beer Garden at The Four Seasons: Psst. Don’t look now, but we’re hearing whispers that this awesome beer garden could make a triumphant return in August. That’s all we can say for now, but stay tuned…

Below we have a few more picks for where to go to enjoy a few beers alfresco.
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Signs of spring: take advantage of the gorgeous weather and grab a drink or a meal outside.
(Image credits: top by B. Krist for GPTMC, bottom left by G. Widman for GPTMC, bottom right courtesy Parc)

We can’t hide our excitement about today’s weather. Plus, tomorrow, Saturday, March 19, is this year’s official last day of winter. On account of that glorious date, as well as today’s gorgeous forecast, we’re providing you with some top picks for restaurants and bars where you can celebrate outdoors.

Philadelphia has the alfresco dining thing down pat. Case in point:

• Parc: Not only does Parc have the most outdoor seating in the Rittenhouse neighborhood, it’s also arguably the best people-watching spot in the whole city. More than 75 seats wrap around the restaurant, which has an airy and authentic French brasserie feel.

• Rouge: Rouge started it all back in 1998 when it opened its sidewalk cafe on Rittenhouse Square, the very first in Philadelphia. Today it still offers a great park view, spring breezes and delicious fare.

• Twenty Manning Grill: Twenty Manning has some of the best outdoor seating in Philadelphia. Sit on Manning Street, a side street with very little car traffic, and enjoy the Pan Asian fare.

• Pub & Kitchen: This hot spot offers outdoor seating for up to 40 along 20th Street. There are awnings above as well as generous tree-cover. Go for happy hour, available 4-6 p.m. during the week, for $1 oysters, $2 bar snacks and $3 domestic draft beers.

• The Plaza Cafe at the Comcast Center (by Table 31): Orange umbrellas provide shade while dancing fountains offer a bit of visual entertainment, to say nothing of the tallest skyscraper in Pennsylvania standing just 50 feet away. Insider tip: the cafe offers its awesome happy hour ($5 cocktails and wine, $3 beers) Monday-Friday 4-7 p.m., and all day Saturday.

• Continental Midtown: The rooftop lounge is Midtown’s pièce de résistance (and, in face, recently earned a spot on USA Today’s list of 10 best rooftop bars in the U.S.). Go for happy hour or a full-on dining experience: accompanying the eclectic cuisine is an extensive martini list that boasts several interesting combinations (and even more interesting names).

• Waterworks: The setting is nothing short of spectacular. Sitting right below the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge has an amazing view of the Schuylkill River and Boathouse Row, and an atmosphere that belies its location minutes from downtown. The majestic setting is ideal for a relaxed evening meal, or the grand (indeed) Sunday brunch.

More options, below.

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Bar Ferdinand is one of many spots around the city offering warming winter cocktails. (Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC)

With the onslaught of frigid temperatures and ice storms this winter — and more grueling weather surely on the horizon — the rooftop happy hours of spring never seemed so far away. Fortunately, lots of cocktails coming out of Philadelphia’s bars and restaurants are bringing the heat.

It doesn’t get much hotter than a habanero pepper, the centerpiece of the Pablotini at Las Tarascas en Zocalo. In fact, you can control the temperature: the longer you leave the pepper in there, the spicier the cocktail — also infused with Cuervo Gold, Grand Marnier and lime juice — gets.

Below, check out our other top picks for watering holes that are reflecting the winter forecast.

• Bar Ferdinand: This Northern Liberties Spanish spot offers a cozy interior matched by its warm winter drinks, like the Valentino Martini: Stoli Vanil, Godiva White and Chambord.

• Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co.: For a swig of sunshine, check out La Florida Daquiri (made with Nicaraguan rum, crème de cacao, orange liquer, housemade grenadine and fresh lime juice), just one of the handcrafted cocktails on The Franklin’s new winter menu.

• Alma de Cuba: For some much-needed Caribbean-inspired warmth, go for the Papaya Sangria Rosado, crafted with Pisco-spiked rose wine, papaya, jicama and a mix of tropical fruits.

• Tinto: Take the edge off the seasonal chill with treats like the Cranberry Allspice Sangria, featuring dark rum and triple sec blended with rosé wine, simple syrup, allspice liqueur and lemon, served over ice with macerated cranberries.

• Oyster House: If you dream of leaving these icy roads behind, consider ordering an Astronaut’s Haircut. The spicy cocktail includes Hendrick’s gin and a dash of absinthe.

• Twenty Manning Grill: The Rum’kin Pie won the fall cocktail contest and is still around, for good reason. It’s Myers Platinum rum infused with cinnamon and nutmeg roasted pumpkin, spiced rum, Navan, Bailey’s and Buttershot Schnapps.

Check out more picks, below.

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Mark your calendars, cocktail enthusiasts! On Monday, September 13 Art in the Age will be hosting a SNAP Cocktail Competition at Liberties Walk in Northern Liberties. Festivities begin at 7 p.m. sharp and will take place rain or shine.

Mixologists from fifteen area bars and restaurants (including Adsum, Valanni and Village Whiskey) will be shaking and stirring up the very best SNAP cocktails they can muster. SNAP is an 80 proof, certified organic spirit that is derived from pure cane sugar and features cinnamon, cloves, rooibos tea and fresh ginger.

The event will be judged by the City Paper’s Drew Lazor, Master Sommelier Melissa Monosoff and William Grant & Sons Portfiolio Ambassador, Charlotte Voisey. Cocktails will be judged on taste, originality and presentation. The event is open to the public and will also feature $5 SNAP and ROOT cocktails from Bar Ferdinand and El Camino.

If you plan on attending, please RSVP by emailing Stephanie at stephanie@artintheage.com.

Sitting Barside @ Bar Ferdinand, Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

Bar Ferdinand, a delicious tapas restaurant nestled in Northern Liberties, is hosting a special five course tasting menu tomorrow, appropriately entitled Beer & Steer.

The tasting menu will feature Black Angus Beef, which was, according to the restaurant, “graded Prime, then dry aged for 21 days, from a free range steer raised on Green Meadow Farm in Gap, PA.”

Each course on the tasting menu will be paired with one of River Horse Brewery’s craft beers.

The meal is set at $65 per person for the Chef’s Tasting Menu and beer pairing, $45 per person without the beer. Check out the full menu on Bar Ferdinand’s official website.

Bar Ferdinand
1030 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123-1552
(215) 923-1313
www.barferdinand.com

This Saturday, Bar Ferdinand and the Piazza at Schmidt’s are hosting a two day dining extravaganza in Northern Liberties. With over fifty restaurants from around the region and a number of local artists, crafters, and musicians, the Piazza at Schmidt’s is clearly the place to be all weekend long.

Events include Burgerdelphia, PYT’s first annual burger eating contest, live rock music from 5pm to 7pm, and the Equality Forum’s SundayOUT! on Sunday. Swing by before the festivities on Saturday to peruse the the Piazza’s Farmers Market from 10am to 2pm.

I’ve posted the entire weekend agenda after the jump, detailing all the goings-on at the Piazza. Read up, and plan your weekend accordingly.

The Piazza at Schmidts [ visitphilly.com ]

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Pan seared local tilefish w/ potatoes, chorizo in a saffron broth & basil aioli (Top) Chilled asparagus soup with crab salad (Bottom Left)

I had the the chance to stop in at Northern Liberties’ Bar Ferdinand last Thursday to check out the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Considering the restaurant uses fresh, local ingredients, it’s quite difficult to give an indication what dishes might be featured. However, it’s safe to say that everything I sampled was truly an exquisite and impressive showcase of creativity, with huge amounts of flavor with every bite.

The Chef’s Tasting Menu is available every Thursday with reservations and is priced at $35 per person. I’d recommend the outdoor seating on Liberties Walk in order to truly enjoy the upcoming warm Spring evenings. It’s also one of Philly’s finest locations to enjoy a nice, quiet romantic dinner.

Bouchot mussels w/ grapes, hazelnuts, tarragon, verjus

The menu is served in roughly a dozen, small made-for-sharing plates divided over four courses. Each course was more exciting than the previous. It started with the first course featuring appetizer-like offerings such as a mezze plate (Salmon and Mediterranean Rilletes and Pork Head Terrine) and soup (Chilled Asparagus Soup with crab salad).

The two middle courses can be likened to small entrees such as Pan Seared Local Tilefish with fingerling potatoes, piperade, chorizo, saffron broth and basil aioli or Roasted Poussin with rhubarb compote, salad of strawberries, watercress and lomo.

Mezze plate: salmon rilette, pork head terrine w/ sauce gribiche, vegetable rillete

The final course concluded in a highly anticipated dessert, which was a Warm Chocolate Rosemary Cake and Mahon Ice Cream with poached figs, Pedro Ximenez gelee, sherry reduction and candied pumpkin seeds.

Wine pairing is also available for the entire meal for $25. Four wines are served alongside each course, and as intended complements the dishes beautifully.

While the Chef’s Tasting Menu changes week to week, a pleasant experience is guaranteed. Make your reservations today.

Bar Ferdinand
1030 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123-1552
(215) 923-1313
www.barferdinand.com

Sitting barside at Bar Ferdinand; and a sample from Chef Michael Thomas' tapas menu. [Photos by G. Widman (L) and courtesy of Bar Ferdinand (R).

Since Bar Ferdinand uses locally sourced ingredients in their extensive tapas menu, it’s difficult to cover exactly what they are serving day-to-day. Their selections change weekly, reflecting the seasonal availability of local ingredients.

A mainstay of their fantastic menu however, is the special Thursday Tasting offering. Thirteen small, made-for-sharing plates for $35, and for an extra $25, four wines, paired with each of the four courses.

Highlights from previous Thursday Tastings include sea urchin flan, house-made fettuccine with braised pork shoulder, and house-smoked trout sliders with horseradish crème fraiche. Yum!

Bar Ferdinand
1030 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123-1552
(215) 923-1313
www.barferdinand.com