The Mexican revolution in food continues in Philadelphia with Xochitl (pronounced SO-CHEET, and meaning “flower” in Spanish) (208 S. Second St., Philadelphia, 215.238.7280). The brainchild of co-owners Steven Cook of Marigold Kitchen in University City and chef Dionicio Jimenez, Xochitl will be featuring authentic dishes from the Puebla region, Jimenez’s native home, in the bi-level restaurant.
Celebrating tequila (purported to be the new “vodka” in America), general manager Sergio Ruiz has created the restaurant’s signature Xochitl margarita served with 100 percent blue agave tequila and freshly squeezed lime. Or guests can experience tequila flights, a sampling of three tequilas: Blanco (bottled immediately after distillation), Reposado (“rested” for a minimum of two months) or Anejo (aged for a minimum of one year).
Menu highlights include starters such as the sopa azteca with fried tortilla, tostados de ceviche with shrimp, octopus and Spanish mackerel ceviche and made-to-order guacamole and entrees, filete Azteca and chiles en nogada.
By now you’ve probably heard about Restaurant M (225 South 8th St., Philadelphia, 215.922.2446) at the Morris House Hotel. What you probably haven’t heard is the best way to experience this much-lauded newcomer (at least until summer rolls around, when you can sit in the spectacular gated gardens for dinner) helmed by exec chef David Katz.
The library room can accommodate eight people for a private dining experience, Monday through Thursday evenings. The cost of $106 per person includes hors d’oeuvres, salad, meat and fish selections with seasonal veggies, and dessert. Two bottles of wine are included for the table.
Yo, Rocky! The Café (2011 Walnut St., Philadelphia, 215.568.5603) recently launched a special Sunday series, “Dinner and A Movie,” a tribute to Sylvester Stallone, with screenings of Rocky, now through February 25.
“We were extremely excited that several scenes from the current release, Rocky Balboa, were shot next door at The Café’s sister bar and restaurant, the Irish Pub,” said managing partner Mark O’Connor.
In honor of the Rocky films, chef Colleen McAvaddy has created the “Philadelphia Pretzel Cheese Steak,” shaved prime beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheddar cheese on a fresh baked pretzel roll served with pommes frites and tomato aioli and “Rocky’s Punch,” a combination of flavored vodkas and fresh fruit juices, mixed and shaken to order.
McGillin’s Olde Ale House (1310 Drury St., Philadelphia, 215.732.5562) was recently named among the 2007 list of Top 100 Nightclubs and Bars in the United States, by the editors of Nightclub and Bar Magazine, one of the leading national trade publications in the industry.
The oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia, McGillin’s was one of only two Pennsylvania venues included on the prestigious list and the only venue in Philadelphia.
AroundPhilly Staff
