August 11, 2010
Le Bar Lyonnais, below Le Bec Fin
Want to enjoy a sophisticated happy hour without having to pay the sophisticated price? Head over to Le Bec Fin’s Le Bar Lyonnais for some fancy and low-priced cocktails and bar bites.
You’ll enjoy $6 specialty drinks like the Pink Lady, made with vodka, homemade grenadine and lemon juice. The price doesn’t compromise the mixture. The drinks are made strong, but the taste is perfectly mixed as to not be too overpowering. Accompany any drink with one of four $5 bites. You can nosh on delicious foods like Shrimp Tempura or Duck Rillettes without spending too much of your hard earned cash—I spent less than $15! And this isn’t typical bar food. There’s no grease, no plastic baskets and no question of taste.
This also isn’t your typical bar scene. Le Bar Lyonnais, located below Le Bec Fin, is dimly lit, with rich tones, candles and soothing French music pouring out of the speakers. The ambiance is laid back, classic and elegant, with a touch of mystery and romance any French establishment should have.
Happy hour is Monday through Friday, 5-7 pm.
Le Bec Fin
1523 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 567-1000
www.lebecfin.com
August 9, 2010
The Upstairs 'Mezz' Bar @ Union Trust
Though I’d salivated every time I’d walked past, I’d never actually been to Union Trust Steakhouse before. I had never ventured inside the restaurant, housed in a former bank with magnificent vaulted ceilings, because I’d thought of it as a fine dining establishment with an extravagant atmosphere that I’d have to plunk down quite the pretty penny to enjoy.
Luckily I’m not thinking that way anymore, after stopping by for a happy hour that turned into dinner. The steakhouse has two sophisticated bars, one situated on the first floor amongst the tables of diners, and another on the mezzanine, a flight of stairs above the main level of the restaurant, which affords separation from the diners and a quieter, more intimate feel – along with fabulous overlooking views of the amazing space.
This upper bar is where Center City Sips takes place on Wednesday evenings – check it out for a great introduction to the venue. What I loved about Union Trust was how easy it was to sit down at the bar for a cocktail and then segue into a bunch of delicious appetizers that can fill you up and delight your taste buds while make you feel indulgent… all without breaking the bank.
A fan of fruity drinks, I wet my whistle with a Jalé Berry (pronounced like the actress), a berrylicious blend of blackberries, jalapeno, fresh lemon, and Bombay Sapphire. My boyfriend chose a John Daly from the formidable drink list, which anyone who likes Arnold Palmers will love: fresh lemonade mixed with earl grey infused Bluecoat gin.
Raw Oysters @ Union Trust
If you’re the least bit hungry after tippling, do yourself a favor and order up some apps. You’ll get a basket of warm breads including Philly pretzels (with mustard!), ciabatta, and phenomenally delicious cheddar garlic biscuits.
There’s a great selection of both meat and seafood-focused food. You can never go wrong with raw oysters, especially the Latin “Smoked” Oysters, which magically carry the essence of BBQ and are topped with a dollop of avocado for added creaminess.
Salmon Carpaccio
Sticking to the raw fish, the King Salmon Carpaccio is a whole plate of delicately sliced fish with a pile of frisee salad in the middle, all topped off with soy truffle vinaigrette. You’ll never look at a piece of lox the same way again.
Bacon & Scallops
If you’re into both fish and meat, you have to try the scallops and bacon. Perfectly seared sea scallops (just the right combo of sweetness salty crispiness) come alongside cubes of bacon-ized pork belly. I savored each bite as long as humanly possible.
For the true meat eater (this is a steakhouse after all), the Kobe Short Ribs are unbelievably tender, falling apart into flavorful morsels at the mere touch of a fork. If you really want to feel like you’re eating a full meal in the fancy joint, don’t forget dessert (I recommend the s’mores, which are inspired by – but so much more than – the classic campfire treat).
With the fabulous appetizers and elegant bars at Union Trust, there’s no excuse not to turn them into an extremely classy dinner!
Union Trust
717 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-6000
www.uniontruststeakhouse.com
July 27, 2010
Profis Creperie in Reading Terminal Market
Imagine diving into fresh strawberries and cheesecake wrapped in a warm crepe smothered in nutella. Now imagine not having to pay for it either. Do I have your attention yet?
On Thursday, July 29th, head over to Profis Creperie located inside Reading Terminal Market to get one FREE crepe. In celebration of their fifth anniversary, the Profis is offering free sweet crepes all day.
Order any off the sweet side of the menu, then sit back and watch as your delicacy is made with precision and packed with fresh fruit, desserts and sweet sauces.
Take a bite into your rich meal and see why Profis has seen success since its opening five years ago. You’ll be so satisfied, we bet you’ll be coming back—the crepes are exceptional, even when they aren’t free.
Each customer is limited to one crepe, but that is all you will need. One crepe can feed at least two people.
Reading Terminal Market
12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 922-2317
www.readingterminalmarket.org
July 23, 2010
Blueberry French Toast @ Garces Trading Co.
The Iron Chef’s vibrant gourmet market/cafe hybrid just got even tastier with the introduction of Weekend Brunch offered Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In addition to the GTC dishes you’ve come to love (deep dish pizza anyone?), the menu also includes a three-course $25 prix fixe option featuring 2 dishes of your choice, dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage.
Fresh Summer Melon @ Garces Trading Co.
Firsts include Fresh Summer Melon with mint labneh and spiced pecans (to die for!), Chef’s Cheese Selection served with housemade condiment, Cured Salmon Tartar with pea shoots, fresh sourdough bread and creme fraiche, as well as Baby Artichokes with preserved lemon, honey, dates and walnuts.
For the Second Course, choose from classic Blueberry Muffin French Toast served with Lancaster County maple syrup and goat butter, or Organic Poached Eggs with hot smoked pastrami, pain au lait, and whole grain mustard hollandaise.
Shirred Egg with Soft Polenta @ Garces Trading Co.
Quiche prepared with roasted tomato, housemade bacon and bucherondin and an Omelette du Jour are also options, although a personal favorite is the Shirred Egg with soft polenta and red chile marinara.
As for dessert, make sure you ask for the daily specials- we enjoyed fresh blueberry panna cotta with lemon curd, rich chocolate bouchon and a cheery green pistachio macaroon. Drinks include Rosemary Lemonade, Virgin Bloody Mary, and the must-have smooth GTC Reserva Coffee. The light, cheery atmosphere inside the Trading Company makes for a highly enjoyable, relaxed experience. And don’t be surprised if you find yourself browsing the shelves stoked with gourmet items post-brunch to stock up on some of the Iron Chef’s favorite ingredients!
Garces Trading Company
111 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 574-1099
www.garcestradingcompany.com
July 20, 2010
Flat Iron Steak @ Le Bec Fin
This summer, with a $40 menu to celebrate their anniversary, Le Bec Fin invites you to visit over and over again. Believe me, you’ll want to—it’s hard to choose from a menu packed with exquisite fare like, Olive Oil Poached Salmon, Flat Iron Steak or Roasted Stuffed Quail. And that’s just one stop on the four-course adventure.
Among the list of appetizers is the Roasted Spanish Octopus, with two preparations of Chorizo and topped with pickled blueberries. Or, if you want something to cool down your palate in the hot summer weather, try the new appetizer, Tomato and Watermelon Salad, served with Grains of Paradise and Chevre Sorbet. Served chilled, it is crisp and refreshing—the perfect menu item to compliment the summer season.
The meal starts off with bread and cheese, then proceeds on to appetizers and the entrée followed by a cheese course, which is chosen by the chef. Make sure to save room for dessert.
The Famed Dessert Cart @ Le Bec Fin
The menu includes two choices from the famous Le Bec Fin dessert cart, which boasts an impressive display of house-made pastries, tarts, cakes and, of course, the signature Gateau Le Bec Fin—a delectable rum-soaked chocolate Genoise with chocolate butter cream. Guests may also order a la carte desserts like the Trilogy, which is three scoops of rich, flavored sorbet and/or ice cream.
Accompanying the menu is a $40 by-the-bottle wine list. Not a wine connoisseur? Not a problem. The highly amicable and knowledgeable staff will be happy to suggest the precise wine to pair with your dish.
The meal is only half the experience. When you see Georges Perrier interact with guests, its hard not to see why Le Bec has had the same owner and chef since opening its doors in 1970. There is an exuberance that fills the room when Perrier enters. He shows a passion not only for his restaurant, but for the people who eat there, as he keeps a watchful eye on his restaurant, ensuring that his guests are enjoying their time in the elegant, chandelier clad dining establishment.
To get a taste yourself, visit Le Bec Fin Tuesday through Friday from 5:00-6:30 pm. The event will last through the summer.
Le Bec Fin
1523 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 567-1000
www.lebecfin.com
July 19, 2010
Lump Crab Meat & Cantaloupe Appetizer @ Mercato
Executive chef Mackenzie Hilton, who recently won Food Network’s Chopped, has been at the Mercato kitchen’s helm since the restaurant opened in 2005… and her expertise shows. Using seasonal flavors, she puts an experimental twist on traditional Old World Italian fare. The result is unforgettable.
Start with the whole grilled artichoke, a bit of a claim to fame for Mercato. It’s bathed in fresh extra virgin olive oil, crusted with sea salt crystals, and served with tangy citrus aioli delicious enough to spoon-feed yourself with. The lump crab meat and cantaloupe is another appetizer must, a tower of crab, cucumber, cantaloupe and ruby red grapefruit seasoned with dill, mint and fennel, served with zesty orange-chive aioli.
Grilled Artichokes @ Mercato
What better entree to suit the cozy atmosphere and casual-chic vibe of this quintessential Philly BYOB than a warm plate of house-made pasta? Each dish is expertly crafted and prepared inventively yet still comfortingly.
The pappardelle – thick ribbons of pasta with crisp roasted mushrooms, caramelized wild onions, crispy parsnip curls, pancetta, arugula, and creamy sage brown butter- will leave you speechless.
Crispy Skin Striped Bass @ Mercato
For the “culminare” course, you can’t go wrong with the crispy skin striped bass, one dish that remains on the menu through the chef’s every seasonal revamp. It’s prepared in a Chianti reduction that’s raspberry-sweet, with caramelized cipollini onions, artichokes and pancetta crisp. Stuffed yet or not, you will eat the whole darn thing.
The pan-seared diver scallops are another choice you’d be remiss not to order, cooked to exquisite fragrance and consistency atop wild mushroom and English pea risotto and Parmesan crisp.
Molten Chocolate Cake @ Mercato
Don’t skip out on dessert: the bittersweet molten chocolate cake is liquid cocoa heaven in a cup, served with vanilla bean ice cream. Or try the classic tiramisu, in keeping with Hilton’s absolute delivery on traditional Italian, served with chocolate covered espresso beans and Kahlua soaked ladyfingers. The rotating flavors of sorbet and gelato are made in house, and can be taken to go if you’re ready to burst.
The four-course tasting menu ($48) is a good option to ensure you don’t miss out on any of Mercato’s prizeworthy offerings (it did indeed win Philadelphia Magazine’s best new BYOB award in 2006 shortly after opening). But don’t hesitate to ask your server for recommendations, as the waitstaff is as pleasant, competent and energetic. Grab a bottle of wine, a friend or two and a coveted table at this neighborhood gem.
Mercato
1216 Spruce St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
(215) 985-2962
www.mercatobyob.com
July 15, 2010
Matzo Ball Soup @ Delicatessen
I don’t know about you, but I judge a deli by its matzo ball soup.
So when I blew on my spoon and took a sip of Delicatessen’s fragrant broth, hunks of flavorful chicken, and pleasantly mouthful sized matzo balls, I decided the place already passed the test. But owner Michael’s goal is to exceed, not just meet, tough-crowd-Philadelphians’ deli expectations. And, even after just a few months, boy does he deliver.
Kentucky Brisket in the Basket Hot Brown @ Delicatessen
There’s the “Kentucky Brisket in the Basket Hot Brown,” two sunny side up eggs topped with brisket, grilled tomato and a creamy cheese-based mornay sauce, on a soft challah roll, with crispy spiced waffle fries on the side.
Or the “4 Bite” Sliders: house-smoked pastrami, corned beef and turkey served on mini challah rolls with cole slaw and tart Russian dressing, with a side of deliciously cinnamony homemade apple sauce.
The Four Bite Sliders @ Delicatessen
There’s something for the beef-eater: the “Tuxedo Dog”, a foot long Hebrew National hot dog stuffed with American cheese, wrapped with applewood smoked bacon and served on a toasted roll. And for the vegetarian: the “Wholey Trinity,” grilled muenster cheese with fresh avocado and tomato pressed on thick cut rye bread. And for the chocoholic: the best bread pudding I have ever consumed: chocolate-y, banana-y, challah-y, egg-y luscious goodness.
I could go on. But in the interest of encouraging you to stop reading and head over to Delicatessen, I’ll say that for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, these guys won’t disappoint. Reasonable prices, great Hill location, excellent service, innovative and mouth-wateringly delicious food: what more could a deli-goer ask for?
Delicatessen
703 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
215-923-4560
www.delicatessenphilly.com
July 13, 2010
From Wednesday to Sunday, July 21st – 25th, Ballet X’s Summer Series 2010 promises to properly introduce adventurous audiences to the works of three talented and well-known choreographers.
Matthew Prescott has created an upbeat contemporary ballet, evoking the journey from dusk to dawn, set to selections from the Appalachian Journey compilation album by Edgar Meyer, Mark O’Connor and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
The renowned choreographer Matthew Neenan debuts a new ballet inspired by the American indie-rock band Beirut. The 8-song soundtrack will include Elephant Gun, A Sunday Smile, and The Akara.
Adam Hougland’s Risk of Flight was premiered during Ballet X’s first season as The Wilma Theater’s resident company in Fall 2007, and is set to the acoustic cello music by Zoë Keating.
Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors, and $20 for students. For dates and times, visit Ballet X’s official website.
The Wilma Theatre
265 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 546-7824
www.wilmatheater.org
July 8, 2010
Inside Chifa, Photo courtesy the restaurant
Continuing his series of Craft Beer Dinners, Chef Jose Garces is set to host Sly Fox Brewing Company’s Brian O’Reilly at his popular Latin-Asian restaurant, Chifa, on Thursday, July 22nd.
The special event will feature a four-course meal paired up with O’Reilly’s delicious, award winning brews. The $65-per-person menu includes:
Citrus Marinated Kajiki (Pacific Blue Marlin)
with 5-spice crumble and baby vegetables paired with Royal Weisse Ale
Summer Curry Prawns
paired with Saison VOS, a Belgian style farmhouse ale
Braised Short Ribs
served with Peruvian succotash paired with 113 IPA
Malted Pound Cake
with strawberries and Incubus syrup paired with Incubus, Sly Fox’s golden triple.
Space is limited for these events and reservations are required. Call the restaurant to book your spot.
Chifa
707 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 925-5555
www.chifarestaurant.com
July 8, 2010
Last weekend, Oyster House added their new Shore Feast option to their already fantastic seafood menu. Serving up seafood favorites like steamed lobster and oysters on the half shell, it’s a seriously great addition.
According to the restaurant, the Shore Feast features “three Oysters and three Clams on the half shell; a Bucket of Steamers and 1 ½ Lb. Steamed Lobster with lemon and drawn butter; Corn on the Cob; and House-Made Cole Slaw.”
This new option is available nightly, 5pm to 11pm, and priced at $46 per person.
Oyster House
1516 Sansom Street, Philadelphia, PA
(215) 567-7683
www.oysterhousephilly.com
