There’s no denying that shedding some pounds hasn’t crossed our New Year’s Resolution list countless times. Whether it means taking the stairs, reducing our carb intake or simply cutting back on the caffeine, our endless quest to becoming healthy has most certainly consumed our thoughts at some point. And although you continue to assure yourself that your diet plan will begin as soon as you devour that last piece of cake, you and I both know that those nights of eating-out are far from over. Well, no worries. We here at Aroundphilly.com have conveniently composed an array of healthier picks for you to order at some of Philadelphia’s leading restaurants. Next time you’re ready to surrender to your temptations, remember our wise words, and take the lighter alternative. (You can thank us later).
Le Bec-Fin
Practically known as the crown jewel of Walnut Street’s Restaurant Row, Le Bec-Fin attracts Philadelphians with its undeniable elegance and cutting-edge culinary expertise. A gastronomical landmark since 1970, chef and owner Georges Perrier’s exquisite French cuisine remains one of simplicity and amazing flavor. Although you’re sure to have a remarkable dining experience here, keep in mind that even the most delicately prepared dishes can instantly spoil your diet. Consequently, we got in touch with executive chef Nicholas Elmi who recommended these healthier and lighter options.
Try: Mediterranean Rouget ($32) with fennel confit, preserved grapefruit, black olive, saffron nage “The fennel is caramelized and then cooked slowly in duck fat, brunoise preserved grapefruit and thyme. Olives are dehydrated and crumbled with fennel pollen for a garnish on top of the fish. In the plate there is black olive caramel (caramel, E.V.O. and olives), and grapefruit gelee, and fennel oil. Poured Table side will be the saffron nage which is a sauce with the bones of the rouget, saffron, fennel, kombu (seaweed), pernod, veg stock and E.V.O.,” explains chef Elmi.
Try: Roasted Breast of Squab ($44) with leg confit, crisp onion, yellowfoots, watercress, miso jus
“Squab is filleted off of the cage and rolled in its own skin, then sous vide. It is best served medium rare; anything above that will dry out the breast. Legs are cured in salt and thyme then cooked very slowly in duck fat until tender. Yellowfoot mushrooms have similar flavor to chanterelle and are roasted and then braised with red pearl onions, thyme, shallots and sherry vinegar. On the plate there will be watercress couli and fresh watercress salad. There is also an onion crisp that is caramelized onion pureed and spread thin then baked very slowly to create chips. The sauce is made with the carcass of the squab, white wine shallot, thyme buerre manier (flour and butter and finished with miso),” says chef Elmi.
Supper
From chef extraordinaire Mitch Prensky comes Supper, a noted restaurant of contemporary décor fused with a calm and comforting atmosphere. The inventive New American menu and delectable culinary offerings always attract a booming crowd, and temptations will surely run high. Yet, healthy picks are readily available without taking fatal stabs at your diet. “I’m a chef, not a dietician. My job is to make great food that people will love, but we do honor all dietary requests, and we don’t utilize much starch in our plates” says chef Mitch Prensky.
Try: Striped Bass ($16) with mushroom hash, braised chard and limoncello vinaigrette
Try: Spice Crusted Tuna ($17) with grilled romaine, roasted olives, hard cooked egg and bagna cauda
Try: Shellfish Cioppino ($26) with spicy tomatoes, fennel, garden herbs and grilled bread (You can opt out of the grilled bread)
Amada
Here is your opportunity to check out the culinary expertise of Iron Chef winner, Jose Garces. At Amada, prepare to indulge in a rich, authentic Spanish cuisine, served tapas style. Despite all the appealing options, to prevent a strenuous workout at the gym, consider these healthy alternatives.
Try: Escalivada ($9) with roasted peppers and eggplant, cipollini onions and confit tomatoes
Try: Ensalada Verde ($9.50) with green salad with asparagus, favas, avocado and green beans
Café Spice
Café Spice certainly lives up to its exotic name. This vibrant, upscale Indian bistro captures the elegant atmosphere of any noted restaurant, while savoring the rich flavor of corner curry shops. We spoke to chef/owner Paul Sankaralingam, who recommended some healthier alternatives for lighter eaters.
Try: Ragda Patties ($6) potato patties spiced chick peas with sweet yogurt, mint, and tamarind chutney. “These are my favorites. They contain plenty of protein, and a healthy amount of carbohydrates,” explains chef Sankaralingam.
Try: Chicken Tikka ($10.50) boneless chicken marinated with coriander, garammasala, yogurt and ginger cooked in tandoor. “This is lean, white meat, with no cream, or butter.” (Pretty healthy, if we do say so ourselves)
Try: Vegetable Jalfrezi ($8.95) mixed vegetables cooked with green pepper, onion, tomato in an onion tomato gravy
AroundPhilly Staff
