May 3, 2012
Frankford Avenue will host a food truck pop-up tomorrow, May 4. (Photo by R. Kennedy for GPTMC)
The Philadelphia Mobile Food Association (PMFA), created to aid in the growth of the food truck craze, has organized the first of what they hope to be a series of pop-ups around the city.
With the support of the public at the food truck gatherings, among a list of goals, PMFA is working hard to amend the prohibited streets list for vendors, extend hours of operation beyond midnight and revitalize corridors that promote pedestrian traffic.
A kick-off to an already packed weekend of food-studded events (Philadelphia Wine Festival, Cinco de Mayo, Burger Brawl, The Sandwich Experiment, Taste of the Nation) PMFA will host their first event outside the Lutheran Settlement House in Fishtown, Friday, May 4, 6-11 p.m. serving a selection of brews and bites for all.
Expect to see treats from Little Baby’s Ice Cream, Pitruco Wood-Fired Pizza, SPOT serving everything burgers, steaks and pork and Zea May’s kitchen dishing Native American inspired cuisine.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Lutheran Settlement House, a non-profit aiding the community through adult education and employment, domestic violence, senior services and homeless services.
Philadelphia Mobile Food Association Pop-Up
Where: Lutheran Settlement House, 1340 Frankford Avenue
When: Friday, May 4, 6-11 p.m.
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.phillymfa.com
May 2, 2012
Can't make it to Churchill Downs? Watch the Kentucky Derby here in Philadelphia at any of the bars and restaurants offering fun specials. (Photo courtesy Kentucky Derby)
While the majority of Philadelphia won’t have the chance to giddy-up to Churchill Downs for the annual “Run for the Roses” as the 138th Kentucky Derby rounds out this weekend in what most claim to be the “greatest two minutes in sport”, we’ve placed our bets on a selection of events for ladies and gents who seek southern-inspired hospitality.
Below, check out which local establishments will jubilate over juleps and sling traditional Kentucky fare, as well as encourage all to sport their best head pieces for grand prize winnings.
• Reserve: The Old City steakhouse hosts “The Run for the Roses” Kentucky Derby viewing party, 5-8 p.m., encouraging race enthusiasts to flaunt southern-inspired fashions for the red carpet. While watching, sample spreads of dishes, specialty cocktails from the open bar and take part in the betting lounge where guests can win big through the official wagering site of the Derby. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed, and tickets can be purchased online.
• Paramour: Located in The Wayne Hotel, Paramour restaurant will celebrate their first annual Kentucky Derby Party to mark the official opening of the veranda with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and mini juleps, a cash bar and prizes for best his-and-her hats. Tickets to the indoor/outdoor event, which is from 3-6 p.m., are free, and all dapper gents and classy belles are welcomed to stay for the broadcasting of the race between 5 and 7 p.m.
• Lemon Hill: Fairmount’s newest addition to the restaurant scene adds their own festiveness to the event with the Derby’s most celebrated staple: mint juleps. From sun up to sun down (10 a.m.-2 a.m.), enjoy rounds of the mint-garnished, bourbon tradition for $7 while sporting your most eye-catching head-covering pieces for prizes.
• REX 1516: The South Street watering hole ladles a special duck-based Burgoo Stew for $6 alongside a $9 combo of poured mint juleps and plated fried okra and jalapeno aioli all day. Winners of the “best hat” contest take away growlers of beer.
• Khyber Pass Pub: The New Orleans-influenced joint dishes Kentucky classics for brunch like benedictine dip, Kentucky hot brown, bourbon balls and thoroughbred pie. Prizes, frozen and classic mint juleps and Abita beers will be in full swing for the 138th Derby affair.
• The Boilermaker: This new joint from The Farmers Cabinet tea, which already makes a mean mint julep, will be having a special Saturday happy hour from 5-7 p.m. featuring half-off all beers from the “local tap” at the upstairs bar. Patrons can enjoy a mint julep or a discounted beer while watching the race on the second floor.
• Parx Casino: If road-tripping to Churchill Downs isn’t an option this weekend, race to Philadelphia’s own horse track at Parx Casino as they shell out a grand prize of $1,500 to the lady with the best derby-inspired chapeau from 1-4 p.m. Bonus: Continue the trifecta of a day with mariachi bands serenading Cinco de Mayo from 6-8 p.m., along with the Mayweather vs Cotto WBA Super Welterweight World Championship beginning 9 p.m. at the casino’s Jax Bar.
May 2, 2012
Margaritas, Mexican food and maracas make for festive and delicious Cinco de Mayo celebrations in and around the city, including at Jose Garces' Distrito. (Photo courtesy Distrito)
Observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, Cinco de Mayo, much like every other holiday, is welcomed with festive food, music and even more festive beverages on May 5.
Here we’ve roped in our tops picks for señors and señoritas to throw back brews, bites and everything blanco around the city for the boozy national fiesta.
• Distrito: Head to modern Mexi-resto Distrito in University City, where brunch bites and tequila sips kick off the day at 11 a.m. followed by live broadcasting w/ WMMR-FM and DJs spinning from 5-7 p.m. Enjoy $5 Cinco de Mayo margaritas and Distrito’s a la carte menu which rolls out until midnight.
• El Vez: Midtown Village celebrates the day with a neighborhood block party, festive nibs and live bands outside El Vez from noon until last sombrero standing. At 7 p.m. the party heads inside with DJs and more pitchers of tasty Pink Cadillacs.
• Iron Hill Brewery Media: Start the day with a special Mexican-inspired brunch at Iron Hill Brewery in Media. Indulge in chilaquiles, tres leches french toast and poached huevos ranchero from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and wash it all down with Chili-Mailbock pale lager infused with chili peppers for an extra punch.
• Cafe Con Chocolate: After a momentary shut-down in March, the Mexican-Japanese food fusion rarity opens on Cinco de Mayo with a special menu and live mariachi music to kick your heels to.
• Cantina Dos Segundos and Cantina Los Caballitos: The NoLibs and South Philly Cantinas party rock all day long with tacos and Tecates and their traditional watermelon margaritas, white blanco sangria and of course, shots of tequila for $5.55. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes, so creepy fake mustaches and maracas are encouraged.
• Trocadero: We’re scratching our heads over the connection between 80′s music and Mexican holidays, but the tribute band, The Legwarmers, gives us a reason to snap our fingers and spin in circles as they play the decade’s favorite tunes at the Trocadero, 9 p.m.
• Interstate Drafthouse: The Fishtown restaurant and watering hole heats things up as Chef Jennifer Zavala (from Bravo’s Top Chef) roasts a 100lb. porker for her specialty tacos alongside slews of pickles, BBQ sauce and corn on the cob. $3 select brews, $4 margs and $5 boilermakers complete the feast which lasts from 4 p.m. til close.
• South Laurel Hill: In the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, tour-takers will have the opportunity to head south of the Cemetery’s figurative border to explore the many hidden gems and little-known secrets of South Laurel Hill. This walking tour will be led by military historian and administrator of Findagrave.com, Russ Dodge. It will conclude with chips, salsa and refreshments.
• Matador: Head to Wayne for drink specials and giveaways all night. Get Dos Equis Lager and amber for $5, and authentic bites like Tamales, Chalupes and more.
May 1, 2012
Drawing from his world travels and work abroad, Cherry Hill native Chef Greg Vernick (second from right) will use locally sourced products to dish up a menu of approachable, globally-inspired dishes at Vernick, opening tonight. (Photos by M. Edlow for GPTMC)
Vernick Food & Drink from Cherry Hill native Chef/Owner Greg Vernick opens tonight, May 1, off Rittenhouse Square.
We got a sneak peek at the spot last Friday. The verdict? Pretty impressive. Here’s a quick rundown on this new neighborhood bistro:
The Inspiration
The Vernicks (Greg and his wife Julie) infused much of their observations from their travels around Europe into the restaurant. The menu reflects the sense of community engendered by European communal dining tables and shared dishes.
Chef Vernick said one of his most memorable dining experiences was an evening at a restaurant when two deuces were pushed into a four-top, conjoining two parties that didn’t even speak the same language. Through food and drink, the two pairs ended up toasting to each other, sharing food, laughing together. That’s what he wants to recreate at Vernick.
Vernick is going into 2031 Walnut just off Rittenhouse Square with floor-to-ceiling glass windows on the second floor opening up over the street. (Photo by M. Edlow for GPTMC)
The Decor
Vernick boasts three rooms with three different experiences: the sparse front bar area, the cozy wine-cellar-like back room and the more formal second-floor space with glass windows that open onto Walnut Street.
Framed black and white photos, taken by the Vernicks in Europe, line the walls upstairs while exposed brick mirrors the open kitchen in the back room downstairs.
Chef’s Favorite Dish
Chef Vernick’s favorite dish on the menu is the roast chicken, a whole Lancaster-sourced bird brined and prepared like Peking duck. The kitchen team is burning live wood in the oven, making for an irreplaceably authentic taste. As Greg puts it, “Cooking with natural wood just makes things taste better.”
Another standout is the resto’s raw menu, a westernized version of Japanese cuisine in which everything is in its raw state accompanied by minimal garnish. Preview the full dinner menu, below.
Drinks
Vernick will serve homemade sodas, and both domestic and imported wines and beers including local crafts like Yards and Flying Fish.
Best Seat in the House
There’s a seven-seat chef’s counter in the back room to give diners a close-up view of the action. That room is designed for walk-ins, but we’re assured you can make a reservation specifically for the counter if you wish (and we wish).
To begin with, Vernick Food & Drink will be open Tuesday through Sunday, 4:30-11 p.m., with the team rolling out lunch, brunch and a late-night menu in the coming months.
Vernick Food & Drink
2031 Walnut Street
www.vernickphilly.com
April 30, 2012
Burger Brawl is back this Sunday, May 6, and you don’t want to miss it.
Tickets, $75, are still available online, but they’re sure to sell out and they’re not available at the door.
Admission goes to the building of the Meredith Public Elementary School’s Computer lab, and includes tasting of all burgers, one vote for your favorite burger, drinks from Dogfish Head brewery and Jim Beam Devils Cut and desserts.
There will be some serious burger contenders in attendance, including 500 Degrees, Barbuzzo, Butcher & Singer, Bobby’s Burger Palace, Rouge, Square Peg and many more.
The Philadelphia Burger Brawl
When: Sunday, May 6, 3-6 p.m.
Where: Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine Street
Cost: $75
More info: www.phillyburgerbrawl.com
April 30, 2012
On Tuesday, May 1 Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant will begin celebrating National Hamburger Month the right way, with a different special burger served each night in May.
That’s 31 burgers developed specially for Iron Hill’s Burger Month Menu, in 31 days.
If you’re a big burger fan, the brewery and restaurant is offering a “Five for $15″ deal: patrons who eat five different burgers throughout the month of May will receive a $15 Iron Hill gift card.
This isn’t the first year that Iron Hill has taken part in National Hamburger Month, so they’ve got some experience under their belts.
The menu boasts burgers of all different styles, like May 18′s Alpine Burger with fried onion rings, bacon, Swiss cheese, and horseradish sauce, and May 25′s Fresno burger, paying tribute to Northern California with Haas avocados and green chile aioli.
Because nothing beats beer and burgers, you might as well block out the whole month.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Burger Month
When: Every night in May
Where: All 9 locations
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.ironhillbrewery.com
Watch the Philly 101 video above to meet Kevin Sbraga, winner of Top Chef Season 7 and Chef/Owner of Sbraga Restaurant on Broad Street, and learn what he wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia.
Before his season-winning stint on Top Chef, Burlington County, New Jersey native Sbraga created menus for Stephen Starr (Washington Square, Rat’s Restaurant at the Grounds for Sculpture) and Jose Garces (Tinto, Chifa, Distrito), plus the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia. He also won acclaim at La Mas Perrier, the Main Line restaurant of Chef Georges Perrier.
Sbraga
440 S. Broad Street
www.sbraga.com
Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
6825-31 Norwitch Drive
www.simeonemuseum.org
Watch the Philly 101 video above to meet Kevin Sbraga, winner of Top Chef Season 7 and Chef/Owner of Sbraga Restaurant on Broad Street, and learn what he wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia. Before his season-winning stint on Top Chef, Burlington County, New Jersey native Sbraga created menus for Stephen Starr (Washington Square, [...]
Read more»April 30, 2012
It’s summertime a little early at Stephen Starr’s Route 6 with brand new fresh seafood specials.
There’s a new happy hour in the bar, lounge and patio that launched last week; it runs Mondays-Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Pick up $1 oysters, $2 housemade chips, $4 bluefish dip and crab deviled eggs, $8 fried oyster sliders and even more.
Drink-wise, get $4 draft beers, $5 wines and $6 cocktails.
If that’s not an excuse to leave work a bit early, we don’t know what is.
The resto also has introduced Lobster Mondays: three courses including 1 ¼ lb lobster as an entrée all for $39.
(Hint: in case you hadn’t realized, today is a Monday.)
Check out the full happy hour menu, below.
And eat up!
Route 6
600 N. Broad Street
www.route6restaurant.com
April 27, 2012
This Monday, April 30 through Sunday, May 6 the famous Snockey’s Original Oyster & Crab House will be offering some delectable specials and hosting a variety of great events in celebration of its 100th anniversary.
For the entire week, Snockey’s, perhaps best known for its raw bar, will be offering its popular Clammy Hour, a seafood-style happy hour that includes discounts on clams, oysters, shrimp and alcohol. Special dinner platters will also be aptly priced at just $19.12 (the restaurant was founded in 1912) during the week.
The festivities will culminate on Saturday, May 5 with live music by Jim Fogarty and the ToneBenders, and on Sunday, May 6 with performances by Philadelphia’s own singer/songwriter Mia Johnson and friends, and music deejayed by Princeton University’s WPRB-FM host Professor Couch and the Rockabilly Roadhouse Radio crew.
There will also be an outdoor beer garden during the festivities on Saturday and Sunday, and you can feast on Mrs. Snockey’s Original Oyster stew, passed down through the generations, all week long.
Snockey’s 100th Anniversary Celebration
Where: Snockey’s Oyster & Crab House, 1020 S. 2nd Street
When: Monday, April 30-Sunday, May 6
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.snockeys.com
Check out the video above to meet Megan Fitzgerald, Director of Programming for the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and learn about what she wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia. Hint: it’s delicious.
For a schedule of events of everything going on at the Kimmel, thanks to Megan and the rest of the team’s planning, click here.
Kimmel Center
Broad and Spruce Streets
www.kimmelcenter.org
John’s Roast Pork
14 Snyder Avenue
www.johnsroastpork.com
Check out the video above to meet Megan Fitzgerald, Director of Programming for the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, and learn about what she wishes more people knew about in Philadelphia. Hint: it’s delicious. For a schedule of events of everything going on at the Kimmel, thanks to Megan and the rest of the [...]
Read more»
