Don’t let the name fool you on this one. Rittenhouse Square’s Snackbar has re-created its summer menu to feature full-flavored dishes and trendy cocktails without leaving you with a hefty paycheck. Allow your taste buds, not your wallet, to surrender to the Red Snapper with rice, bok chuy and miso beurre blanc ($18). The Poached Shrimp is another fresh bite, featuring honeydew, pickled cucumber and old bay vinaigrette ($9). Try pairing one of these new menu items with the equally refreshing cocktail, Bellini, which is a combination of white peach purée and sparkling wine.
Perhaps the only good thing to come out of the weak economy this summer is a more affordable and causal version of Philly’s favorite upscale venue, Savona Restaurant. Bar Savona, located in Gulph Mills, serves up a taste of Italy, with dishes like the Vongole Pizza with Manilla clams, Reggiano, fresh parsley and garlic ($12). Not only are the dishes affordable, but it is strongly encouraged you wear causal attire while you enjoy Bar Savona’s golden fried artichoke hearts with lemon zest and sale marino, whether you’re at the bar or seated on the outdoor patio.
Every Tuesday evening from July 7 to August 25, Rogue presents Live at Rogue, a summer music series which will host Barbara Montgomery and her jazz ensemble. Barbara will perform a two-set jazz performance from 6:30 – 7:30pm and 8 – 9 pm every Tuesday evening during dinner hours. Let Rogue be your summer destination for a romantic dinner for two. With the backdrop of the park in Rittenhouse Square, you and your date can enjoy Rogue’s Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna ($29) with baby green and yellow patti pan squash, white asparagus, baby carrots and red wine gastrique while listening to the eclectic sounds of live jazz music. http://www.rouge98.com/index.html
If you are a lover of seafood, then be sure to head over to Blackfish in Conshohocken this summer for a loaded tasting menu. Blackfish owner and chef, Charles Roman, will be offering a $45 four-course tasting menu every Tuesday night from 5 – 10 pm. Roman’s Tasting of Blue Crab menu features blue crab cooked three ways. One course of the Blue Crab menu features pan-fried soft-shell crab with green tomato and sumac remoulade. Finish the three crab courses off with a chocolate terrine, pistachio and salt dessert, and that craving you’ve had for weeks for seafood and a succulent dessert will be satisfied.
For all those Center City professionals looking for a leisurely lunch destination, head over to Oyster House, which boasts a new lunch menu of soups, sandwiches, assorted sides and a raw bar selection. Located at 1516 Samson St., Oyster House has the variety to appease any appetite. If you are a lover of shellfish, Oyster House features eight raw bar options as well as a sampler, which includes six oysters, six clams, four shrimp and 1/2 chilled lobster. The Oyster House burger takes your basic burger and gives it a summertime seafood twist, as it features dry aged prime, fried oyster, blue cheese and grilled onions.
Philly’s Mediterranean getaway, Positano Coast, wants you to enjoy the July sun this summer with the introduction of its outdoor Positano Café. The new addition features 10 outdoor tables shaded by large red umbrellas along the brick sidewalk. Positano Coast invites you to indulge in the Gnocchi Sorrento with marinara, melted mozzarella and basil ($11) as you people-watch and enjoy the outdoor views of Old City. Click here for the menu.
Unfortunately, many of us think bratwurst is the only food to come out of Germany. Philly’s one and only authentic German Bierhall and Restaurant, Brauhaus Schmitz, located at 718 South St., is here to prove us wrong. Brauhaus’ menu features an array of comfort dishes, each with an interesting combination of ingredients. For example, Gulaschsuppe, Brauhaus’ hearty stew, features braised beef, potatoes, spicy paprika and red wine ($7). Or give the Wiener Schnitzel a try, which is prepared with asparagus, caramelized onions, wild mushrooms and cream sauce ($17).
If you meander into the new bar on 38th and Ludlow Streets, Blockley Pourhouse, you may begin to wander if this bar was designed by the Jetsons or James Bond. Blockley Pourhouse is streamlined with stainless steel seats and black fixtures, yet there is a futuristic touch to the bar with an orange seating area and numerous flat screen TVs embedded along the steel walls. Aside from the striking appearance of Blockley Pourhouse, the bar offers local brews such as Yards Philly Pale and Stoudt’s Pils and all the food items on the menu, (yes, even the smoked pulled-pork sandwich), are under $15.
AroundPhilly Staff
