June Food News

Looking for someplace special to take Dad for Father’s Day? Over Father’s Day Weekend all dads will receive a free ribeye steak entrée at Bistro St. Tropez. The entrée includes a 14 oz. fire-grilled Black Angus Ribeye Steak, sautéed string beans, mushrooms, creamy pommes puree, and a bordelaise sauce, and is available for Saturday dinner or Sunday brunch. The a la carte menu will be open incase Dad would prefer to sample any of Chef Patrice Rames’ other delicious Provencal meals. There will also be a special Father’s Day dinner on Sunday beginning at 5:30.

With the coming of warm weather, restaurants all over Philly unveiled their new seasonal-inspired menus. Firecreek Restaurant and Bar is one example – their new summer menu features Coca-Cola BBQ Baby Back Ribs with habanero-sweet potato salad, Ahi Tuna-Mango Tartare with coconut marinade and malanga chips, and Sugarcane Skewered Swordfish. You can dine inside in the cozy setting, or relax outside with a great view of the Brandywine River.

Seafood Unlimited celebrates the end of winter with its new springtime cocktail offerings. Cool down with a Lemon Ginger Martini, a mix of SKYY Citrus, Ginger Simple Syrup, and fresh lime juice, or with a Black Cherry Blossom, made up of Red Stag, Triple Sec, Sour Mix, cranberry juice, lime juice, and coke. Other cocktails include the Key Lime Pie, Peartini, and Blue Hawaiian, among others. All are available at a mere $8.

Chef and Proprietor Chris Scarduzio presents a three course Spring Pasta Tasting Meal at Table 31 for $38. The first course focuses on pasta as the primary ingredient, the second pairs a pasta with a top-quality fish, and the third course highlights a meat. The dishes change frequently, but offerings may include Table 31’s legendary Cavatelli, Black Pepper Tagliatelle, or Forest Mushroom Cannelloni. An optional $20 wine pairing matches the perfectly complementary glass of Italian wine to each dish.

The new Spring Menu of Marigold Kitchen highlights the best of early spring produce, with fresh ingredients such as fiddlehead ferns, rhubarb, English peas, and artichokes. They have a whole new list of entrees, like Rabbit Prepared in Multiple Ways and Wild Striped Bass. In addition, they have a variety of vegetarian options, such as Vegetable Curry and Pan Fried Sweet Breads. Dinner is served Wednesday through Sundays starting at 5:30, and they have a Sunday brunch from 10:30 – 2.

Bistrot La Minette takes advantage of the summer season every Monday and Thursday with French Movies in the Courtyard. Diners can relax with a glass of wine in the open courtyard while watching a free French film and enjoying mouthwatering dishes such as their Gnocchi Gratinés au Fromage (French-style gnocchi complete with wild mushrooms, caramelized onions, and Comté cheese). Films start at 8 PM, and include classics such as La Vie en Rose.

Meritage is doing big things to celebrate the warm weather. Chef Anne Coll presented her new spring tasting menu, a 5-course menu for $45 that includes Chilled Cucumber Soup, Seared Cape May Diver Scallop, Roasted Black Bass and Asparagus Flan, and Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chops. Meritage is also launching a daily Happy Hour from 5-7 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays. Happy Hour includes $5 wines by-the-glass, $5 Sangria, $3 Lager bottles, and a continuously changing assortment of snacks for $5. In addition, the restaurant is giving you an opportunity to do some good while you dine. Every Thursday this summer the owners will donate 10% of anyone’s dinner check that is dining outside with a dog. The money will go to the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), a society that is dedicated to saving homeless, abandoned, and unwanted animals. And don’t worry, Meritage will make sure that your dog is dining just as well as you are! Chef Anne Coll will be serving homemade doggy treats to all furry guests.

Every Thursday night Bar Ferdinand features a Tasting Menu of 13 plates for $35. The menu changes weekly and shows an adventurous side of tapas and Spanish fare. Examples of dishes include Sea Urchin Flan baked in an egg shell cup; Local Rabbit braised in white wine with bacon and saffron; and Goat Cheese Panna Cotta with fig compote. For an additional $25, you can pair each of the four multi-plate courses with the perfect wine. Reservations are encouraged, but are not required. In addition, Bar Ferdinand will be hosting a number of events to celebrate Philly Beer Week from Friday, June 4th to Thursday, June 10th.

Enjoy some al fresco dining out on Coyote Crossing’s patio, complete with cocktails and delicious Mexican food from Chef Lazorchek’s new spring menu that features lots of fun, bold flavors. Starters include Smoked Poblano and Shrimp Soup and Coyote 5 Layer Dip, and Main Courses include Crab Stack Enchilada and Baked Salmon in Hojas de Platano.

Another great location to pick up some authentic Mexican Cantina is at the newly opened Más Mexicali Cantina. The high-energy restaurant features both traditional and signature dishes. They even have an assortment of vegetarian options, such as Tofu Tacos, Grilled Vegetable Burrito, and Marinated and Sizzled Tofu Fajitas.

The Fifth Annual Great Chefs Event is being hosted by the Vetric Foundation for Children (VFFC). Chefs from across the nation are coming together to support the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. Held at Urban Outfitters on Tuesday, June 15th, the event allows participants to mingle while sampling a wide variety of food that is prepared right in front of them. In addition, there will be exclusive items given away through silent and live auctions. Tickets cost $250 and $400 for VIP.

The Burger Bar at Resorts unveils a new menu. There are a variety of new appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and other popular favorites. Try out their Fresh Coconut Shrimp or Clams Casino, or a health-conscious Grilled Vegetable Sandwich. Of course, you can’t forget about their burgers. The Italian Burger has grilled prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and tomato bruschetta; the Kobe Supreme has Wagyu Kobe beef, Applewood smoked bacon, wild mushrooms, and Parmesan brown sauce.

In the beginning of last summer, Doghouse Gourmet Burgers was unveiled. Since then, they have been perfecting the art of burger-making. All of their burgers feature delicious toppings, homemade sauces, and fresh veggies. The Mastiff is a 6 oz Angus burger with blackening spice, lettuce, tomato, Texas queso, two onion rings, and chipotle aioli. The Black Lamb, a little more mild, is a 6 oz Angus burger with lettuce, tomato, red onion, fried egg, Applewood bacon, and American cheese piled on. Not in the mood for a burger? Try their Pug in a Blanket, a BBQed Pulled Pork sandwich, or their Lhasa Apso, a grilled chicken breast with lettuce, tomato, red onion, grilled pineapple in teriyaki sauce, layered with Swiss cheese and topped with mayo.

On May 5th the new Fishtown bistro and beer bar Kraftwork opened. They offer a diverse range of food that includes Oysters, Crispy Pork Croquettes, Ricotta Dumplings, the Beer Can Chicken Sandwich, and both Charcuteria and Cheese Boards. Happy Hour is 12 PM to 6 PM on weekdays, and the restaurant is open seven days a week from 12 PM to 2 AM.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House has an appetizing new menu – the Spring Ruth’s Classics Menu. It is a three-course meal for $39.95, and has new starters, entrees, and desserts. Starts include Crab and Corn Chowder and Harvest Salad; Garlic Crusted Hablit and a 6 oz Filet and Shrimp are examples of new entrees; and the Summer Symphony Duo Dessert is the perfect ending to your meal.

Since deputing in University City on May 10th, City Tap House has made quite a buzz by serving the region’s largest selection of draught beers (they have 60 in all!). This selection includes many rare and sought after beers, a host of local brews, and a large number of seasonal choices. Their open-air seating is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a beer and a bite from their innovative menu of American pub fare. Menu items range in price from their $6 Hand-Cut Sweet Potato Fries to $29 for their Saturday dinner special of Grilled Bone-In Rib-Eye. City Tap Hour is every Wednesday from 5-7, with $3 select craft beers, $4 select wines, and $5 specialty cocktails.

On April 25th, Starr Restaurant debuted its latest project: The Ranstead Room. Its alley entrance, stylish interior, and 1940s/1950s-inspired cocktails gives diners the feeling of sneaking into a speakeasy. Famed mixologist Sasha Petraske crafted the perfect classic cocktail menu for the 36-seat lounge. Examples include the Boulevardier, made of bourbon, campari, and sweet vermouth, and The Sands Cocktail, comprised of gin, grapefruit and lemon juices, and maraschino liquer.

Positano Coast has revamped its Amalfi-Coast inspired menu. They combine old classics, such as Sea Urchin Pasta, Crudo, and Asparagus and Mushroom Risotto, with innovative new dishes such as Organic Crispy Egg, Spicy Crabcake, and Baked Cannelloni, which is stuffed with ricotta, spinach, ground rib-eye, mozzarella, and is topped with marinara. Try out the Positano Lemon Drop, their signature cocktail. The restaurant offers modest pricing and outdoor dining is available.

R2L perfected its restaurant with the invention of the late-night BAR2L. Diners have great views over Center City while being served tableside cocktails by BAR2L’s special cocktail carts, which feature 17 wines by the glass and continuously rotating $12 specialty cocktails. The after-hours menu is served until 1 AM. Guests can order “The Billy Jordan” Shrimp Cocktail ($16), Crab Cakes with Chesapeake Mouse ($16), or Crisp Cheese Risotto with truffle and soy sabayon ($12), among other options. BAR2L is open Thursday through Saturday, 10 PM – 2 AM.

Le Bec-Fin is celebrating “Biere Semaine” (Beer Week) on two special days. On Wednesday, June 9th and Thursday, June 10th, the restaurant will have a three-course dinner with five beer tastings at Le Bar Lyonnais, the bistro downstairs from Le Bec-Fin. Chef Georges Perrier and Executive Chef Nicolas Elmi have crafted a unique dinner menu for each evening. On the 9th Don Russell (Joe Sixpack) and various other speakers will be entertaining the crowd with their vast beer knowledge, while on the 10th Brewmaster Rene Huard will be visiting to make beer remarks. The price of each dinner is $75 plus tax and gratuity and they start at 6 PM. There is limited seating, so make sure to reserve your spot.

The sophisticated Fish now has a stepped-up Happy Hour that offers a discounted selection of bottled beers and by-the-glass imported wines. Visitors at the 30-seat row house can also choose from seasonal cocktails that are $6 each, and include Guava Margarita, Sparkling Grapefruit Martini, and Mojito Limon. Inspired seafood snacks and plates complement the Happy Hour, with yummy dishes such as Crab Frites, Blue Bay Mussels, and Fried Rock Shrimp for $5 each. Oysters are $1 each, and Oyster shooters (fresh oysters that include a punch of flavor) are available for $3. Happy Hour is 5 – 7 PM Monday through Thursday, and 11 PM – 1 AM Friday and Saturday.

Looking for something a little more casual? Check out Savas Brick Oven Pizza, located near Drexel. Savas offers every type of comfort food that you could possibly want. Pizzas, strombolis, paninis, nachos, soup, poppers wraps, gyros, pita sandwiches, quesadillas, waffles, pancakes, omelettes, cheesecake – you name it, they have it. The ChocoLove is especially delicious – French toast, nutella, and bananas. The best yet – entrees don’t go over $10.
 

Cooperage Wine & Whiskey Bar recently opened at The Curtis Center in April. The bar has a fun atmosphere and concentrates on local Philly beers. They have approximately 40 whiskeys from around the world, in addition to more than 20 wines by the glass and bottle. Their food is a twist on the pub standard, and offers seasonal options with ingredients purchased from local farmers. They have signature salads, such as the House Cured Hudson Valley Duck Pastrami, and innovative sandwiches such as the “Muffuletta.” One of their popular main entrees is the Oven Roasted Free-Range Chicken, completed with creamy grits, wild mushrooms, and pan gravy. Another is their “Hippie Chop,” a granole crusted 10 oz. Berkshire pork chop with leek bread pudding and whiskey-apple chutney. Their kitchen is open seven days a week, Monday through Friday 11:30 AM – 10 PM, Saturday 4 – 10 PM, and Sunday 4 – 9 PM.

Former restaurant Twenty Manning reopened as Twenty Manning Grill. Restaurateur Audrey Claire Taichman and Chef-Partner Kiong Banh reinvented the BYOB restaurant to better reflect the neighborhood and what restaurant-goers asked for the most. With a focus on local fresh fruits and veggies, the new menu is an assortment of old favorites (such as the “TMG” Burger) and a new eclectic variety of seasonal dishes. Items include Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho with pineapple basil sorbet, Charbroiled Beef Sirloin Noodles, and Moules Frites. Pair any of these with the “TMG” Perfect Martini and you’ll have the perfect meal.

Chef Hiroyuki ‘Zama’ Tanaka’ presents Sunday Sushi at Zama Restaurant. Designed for two people, the meal consists of 48 pieces of sushi served in three courses: 18 sashimi, three maki rolls, and 12 nigiri. The meal is paired with a bottle of wine to enhance fish flavors. Sunday Sushi is available every Sunday from 5-9 PM and is priced at $100 plus tax and tip.

Chelsea Prime of Atlantic City has built the cornerstone of its menu around its succulent prime steak. It now unveils its new “female friendly” menu that focuses on healthier menu options and lighter specialties, such as Roasted Halibut, Organic Pork Shop, and Tune Sashimi with watermelon, lemon confit, and melon ginger sauce. This 1940s-inspired boutique steakhouse also offers a rotation of 5 different prix fixe menus for a limited amount of time. The prix fixe menus are $45 per person including tax.

From June 1st to September 6th the new BYOB restaurant The Diving Horse is debuting in Avalon. The team that is behind Philly’s successful Pub & Kitchen focuses on seasonal seafood in this new restaurant, and crafts a menu that is affordable and features locally-based food from nearby farms and area day boat fishermen. The Diving Horse combines a cozy “farmhouse atmosphere” with spacious outdoor seating. Although the menu changes almost daily, it will most likely include Fried Oysters with warm German potato salad and pancetta, Barnegat Bay Scallops, and Dry Aged Angus Steak. The price of dishes ranges from $9 – $31, and dinner is served seven nights a week starting at 5 PM.

The Oyster House debuted their Brunch Menu back in April, and since then it has garnered plenty of praise. The menu ranges in price from $11 – 12, and includes Johnnycakes (shellfish sausage and maple crème fraiche), Shrimp and Grits, Oyster Omelet, and Smoked Trout Hash. They have a variety of seafood in raw bar offerings, small and large seafood plates, in addition to soups, salads, and sandwiches. Their most popular dish? The unique Oyster Scrapple – sunny side eggs, horseradish crème fraiche, and cocktail sauce, available a la carte for $4. Brunch is open Saturdays 11:30 AM – 3 PM.

Former wine bar Di Vino has been revamped to the new Cichetteria 19. Cichetteria 19 presents authentic Venetian cuisine and a large selection of wines in a warm atmosphere that has sidewalk seating. The affordable menu focuses on fresh local ingredients and a weekly market menu. The small-plates menu prices at one for $5, three for $12, and five for $19. Trammezzini, specialty toasted bread with toppings, are $3.50 each, and toppings include Gamberetti Salsa Rosa, Funghi e Carciofi, and Hearts of Palm. The restaurant is especially crowded during weekend brunches and weeknight happy hours, so get there early!

Marathon Restaurants has remodeled their six downtown locations, and has transitioned them from being primarily lunch-based locations to new chef-driven restaurants that feature separately crafted dinner menus. Each restaurant reflects its local neighborhood through its renovated interiors and daily specials, and use fresh, healthful ingredients and seasonal offerings. New items include the Wild Mushroom Flatbread with herbed goat cheese and arugula, the Pressed Brisket Sandwich, and Pappardelle with Shittake and Cremini Mushrooms. Don’t worry though, they’ve kept old lunchtime favorites! You can still find the Control Freak Salad and Marathon Burger at all six restaurants.

Grill and wine bar Seasons 52 has opened up a new location at the King of Prussia Mall. Head over to check out their seasonally-inspired dishes.

Have some spare time on your hands this summer? Wish you could make the perfect cake? The Antoine Amrani Adult Chocolate Pastry Classes are perfect for you. Internationally acclaimed Chef Chocolatier Antoine Amrani teaches a 1.5-hour class on the art of cake making on the third Saturday of every month at 11 AM. The class is $95 per student, and a portion of the proceeds benefits the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania. Classes focus on cake assembly and decoration, and include learning Chocolate Rum Cake, Caramel Chocolate Mousse Cake, Chocolate Mocha Cake, and Black Forest Cake. The best part of the class? You can bring the cake home with you after the class. Who said you couldn’t have your cake and eat it, too?

On June 4th Germantown Avenue celebrates Mt. Airy’s First Friday. All shops, galleries, and restaurants will be open late until 9 PM. Restaurants in the area include Avenida, Champagne, McMenamin’s Tavern, The Nile Cafe, and Umbria, among others. It’s the perfect opportunity to dine late at your favorite Germantown restaurant!

With the new summer sun comes new fresh greens, and many new places to get great local food. The Farmers Market in the plaza in front of The Radian offers local fruits and veggies, fresh baked goods and breads, and sustainably raised meats every Friday in June and July from 12 to 2 PM. They even have live music, with performances by the West Philadelphia Orchestra and Elliott Levin.

The Piazza Farmers Market is Philly’s largest and only independent farmer’s market, and features over 30 farmers and vendors from PA, NJ, and DE. This market can be found at the piazza in Northern Liberties and is every Saturday, year-round. They have a wide variety of fruits and veggies, baked goods, pasture raised-natural beef, pork, and chicken, cage-free pastured eggs, and other specialty food items. It’s the perfect weekend stop for organic, homegrown food.

The area’s largest environmental event, GreenFest is happening on Sunday, September 12th from 11 AM to 6 PM in the South Street Headhouse Square District. GreenFest features vegetarian food, and emphasizes sustainable food products. This year, the theme is Sustainable Fashion.

The Plain & Fancy Food Fest is happening this year on Saturday, June 5th from 5 – 7:30 PM in the Fox Chase Courtyard. The Food Fest features a variety of restaurants from the Philly region and samples a wide selection of food and drink. Restaurants include Moonstruck, Sweet Lucy’s Smokehouse, Marsha Brown, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House, among others. There will be music entertainment, a raffle and silent auction in which you can win prizes, and even a visit from the Phillie Phanatic. Tickets are $40 per person in advance and $45 at the door. Proceeds benefit cancer research and patient care at Fox Chase.