bakerloo's Profile
Gateway to offal? (Philly)
I'm interested in offal - I've never really tried any but I'm becoming a more adventurous eater and feel that this is a can't miss stop on the good eater express. Do any of you recommend starting with anything particular? Or working my way up to anything in particular? Is tripe the best thing to try first? I really don't know.
On top of that, I wonder where would be a good place in Philadelphia to experiment? Bibou is the word on everyone's lips, of course, but do you have any additional recommendations? Thanks!
bachelorette dinner
Melograno is one of my favorites (and it's basically across the street from Helium Comedy Club so that hits two in one). It's mid-range in terms of price but it is BYOB, which will certainly help you out monetarily.
La Viola is fun and delicious but can feel small in my opinion.
Another option, though perhaps a bit more off the beaten path than you may want, is Bistro La Minnette at 6th and Bainbridge. It's charming and the food is fantastic.
Proposal Dinner
Tinto (20th and Sansom) is dimly lit, Spanish, and beautiful. Ask to be seated in the downstairs room for more intimacy and less noise.
There are plenty non-seafood items on the menu (tapas) - and the wine selection is lovely. Big congratulations!
Saturday night recommendation?
That's in the old Astral Plane, right? Thank you for listing the site!
Saturday night recommendation?
Bistro La Minette is charming. We wandered in there during their first week. I'd love to go back and see how they've grown. James has been so high on my list for so long but I just cannot make my significant other care about it, for whatever reason. I had written off Fork but I'm glad to hear that the changes they've made are good ones. Maybe we'll have to check it out again.
Saturday night recommendation?
Thanks for the rec - I always forget about Branzino. Haven't been there yet, but I'll put it on the suggestion list!
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Branzino Restaurant
261 S 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Saturday night recommendation?
My significant other and I are planning a date but Bibou is completely booked on Saturday. Oh the tears I've cried! Now I'm looking for your recommendations of a favorite off-the-beaten-track Saturday night dinner for two adventurous eaters. Not necessarily looking for fancy; coming from South Philly; not terribly interested in going to West Philly. Some favorites: Melograno, Zahav, Kanella, La Locanda, Mercato.
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Melograno
2201 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA
Kanella
266 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Mercato Restaurant
1216 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Bibou
1009 South 8th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Zahav
237 St James Place, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Thoughts on Garces' restaurants, and the Next Iron Chef
I certainly hopes that as he grows his empire and expands his name that his restaurants will continue to be of quality. He seems to be moving very quickly through Philadelphia. I've not yet made it to Village Whiskey (which is stupid because I am on that block 4 times a week) but I've enjoyed his other three restaurants quite a bit. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Distrito. I've got a big salt tooth, so I don't mind the extra Garces seasoning - haha.
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Distrito Restaurant
3945 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Good coffee/espresso in downtown Philadelphia?
I agree with the other posters, but you can also get a surprisingly good espresso at one of the Capogiro gelateria locations. The closest to where you'll be is on 20th and Sansom, but the original Capogiro is on 13th and Sansom.
Amada white bean side dish
I found it - where else? - at Food and Wine.
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/white-bean-soup-with-bacon-and-herbs
Amada white bean side dish
I found a Garces soup version online and it is fantastic! Thanks for the help.
Amada white bean side dish
Ooh - I didn't realize he had one! I will check, thank you!
Amada white bean side dish
A couple of months ago, I had the pleasure of attending a roast suckling pig dinner at Amada. My boyfriend and I were knocked out by the white bean side dish that was served with meal, and I would like to try to make a version at home. Any ideas on how I might do that?
Any thoughts on L2?
L2 is fine. It's not anything terribly special, but it is fine. The people there are terrific and friendly.
Best sashimi in Philly?
I would recommend either Misso (on Spruce between 13th and Broad) or Morimoto.
Favorite BYOBs?
My boyfriend and I are going to be in Manhattan next weekend and I'm looking for a cool BYOB off the beaten track. We're already planning to hit one of our favorites, Panna II. Any other suggestions? Will travel to boroughs for food!
Has anyone been to Coquette lately (2009)?
Samson Street Oyster House hasn't yet reopened.
Best Jukebox in town?
I've always been a fan of the jukebox at McGlinchey's, but no way do they meet the other two requirements.
Old-School and Newfangled Cocktails in Philly
If you want a good cocktail with an old school feeling, I have to agree with the recommendations of Chick's and Southwark. They are not in the vicinity of your accommodations - probably about a 25 minute walk, depending on your gait.
I am a fan of APO (formerly Apothecary), but it is in no way old school. It has a very cooler than thou feel, but if you are a true mixology nerd, you need to sidle up to the bar and watch those mixologist go at it. It can be a religious experience.
Izumi on Passyunk - recommendations?
Oh great! My partner loves salmon and I love sea urchin! Thanks
Izumi on Passyunk - recommendations?
Ah, we would almost always just order another roll instead of dessert anyway. Thanks for the recommendation!
where to go
Zahav is incredible. Enjoy!
Maybe you guys should check out La Locanda Del Ghiottone - on 3rd Street between Arch and Race. They have a $35 prix fixe that is not on the menu - gets you an appetizer, pasta, and main. BYO. It's good food but nothing tooooo adventurous.
Izumi on Passyunk - recommendations?
Hi Philly people! My partner and I are going to Izumi on Wednesday night. Any must-eat rolls or specialties we should know about?
Any 'Must Orders' at Rangoon in Philly?
I echo everyone else with the thousand layer bread. It's heaven!
it's time for the crappy pots to go
There is a Foster's at 4th and Market in Old City.
Another great place for all things kitchen is Fante's in the Italian Market - 9th between Washington and Christian in South Philly.
Lunch near Philly Federal courthouse
If you are looking for a good, cheap lunch check out Pagano's Pizza in the Mellon Center building, downstairs on basement level on the way to the El. The Chinese lunch cart right on 6th, outside the courthouse is great. Fantastic sandwiches at Old Nelson (7th and Market)- but takeout only.
I've had decent curry at Aqua - on Chestnut just above 7th. A little further away is Rangoon (9th, between Arch and Race) also wonderful. Jose Garces' new place, Chifa, just opened next door to Aqua at 707 Chestnut. Enjoy!
bagels/tofu veggie cream cheese in Philadelphia?
You might be able to find it at Benna's at 8th and Wharton, or B2 (same owners) at Dickinson and Passyunk, both South Philly. They seem to have a lot of options along those lines.
I haven't been to Philadelphia in over 3 years
For a unique and delicious experience, go to Dmitri's at 3rd and Catherine, just south of South St. But be warned: cash only, BYO.
