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New American Fare Shines at Vernick Food and Drink

January 7, 2016 by

The menu at Vernick Food and Drink may not be massive, but accolades from the likes of Zagat, Bon Appetit, and Food & Wine speak to the strength of the carefully curated list of dishes. Vernick Food and Drink makes it easy to piece together a meal from tapas, starting with ingredients "on toast" such as Maryland crab, broccoli and bacon jam, or the popular beef tartare with fresh horseradish.

You can also dive into your meal with a few plates from the raw menu, such as Island Creek oysters in a ginger-citrus dressing, tuna poke with sweet soy sauce, or sea urchin with a side of scrambled eggs. Then there are a few veggie-based apps, as well as a list of bonafide small plates that includes everything from veal sweetbreads to grilled heart of romaine with figs and aged cheddar. But if you're feeling extra hungry, opt for a full-sized entree such as grilled black sea bass or lamb rack and belly.

Vernick Food and Drink
2031 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 639-6644
www.vernickphilly.com
www.yelp.com/biz/vernick-food-and-drink-philadelphia

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Treat Yourself After a Hard Work Week at Vernick Food & Drink

December 23, 2015 by

You don’t have to be celebrating a special occasion to treat yourself to something truly special, and Vernick Food & Drink is just the place to go when you want to really indulge. While a meal doesn’t come particularly cheap at his Philadelphia favorite eatery, some say it's worth every penny to experience the taste of the skilled chef’s premium quality ingredients and creative yet classic combinations.

Dishes like whole Bronzino baked in a wood oven, Ahi tuna poke, and black pepper octopus with sweet potato and persimmon are just a few of the delicious offerings, and to get the full experience, you’ll certainly want to pair them with a glass of wine or a decadent dessert cocktail.

Choose a table inside the airy, light filled dining room and observe the chefs working in the open kitchen before your meal arrives. On warm days, the second floor patio is also a great spot for a relaxing lunch.

Vernick Food & Drink
2031 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 639-6644
www.vernickphilly.com

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Local Ingredients are Always in Season at Farmer’s Keep

November 27, 2015 by

When you're living in the heart of the city, it can be hard to find fresh, local fare. That's a situation that Farmer's Keep hopes to change. The restaurant in Rittenhouse Square devotes its entire menu to organic, sustainable food, all sourced from around the Philadelphia region. The result? Fresh, colorful plates heaped with food that's as healthy as it is tasty. And in the name of cultivating healthy lifestyles, Farmer's Keep also hosts Pilates, yoga, running, and biking clubs right in the city.

So join in with one of the clubs and fuel up before or after your sweat session. If you're looking for something light, try the Green Goddess salad with arugula, baby spinach, frisee, and chive, as well as apples and grapes, all drizzled in celery vinaigrette. Or opt for a heartier entree, like the beer and brats, hunter's pork, or lemon chicken. No matter what you order, you can always expect it to be fresh and locally sourced at Farmer's Keep.

Farmer's Keep
10 S. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 309-2928
www.farmerskeep.com
www.yelp.com/biz/farmers-keep-philadelphia

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Three of Philly’s Best Brunch Spots

November 5, 2015 by

There’s nothing better after a long weekend than a mimosa-filled Sunday brunch. Philadelphia is home to numerous brunch spots that will satisfy your craving for eggs benedict or gourmet waffles, and these are three of the best—just make sure you arrive early to beat the inevitable crowds.

Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat
With a location in Northern Liberties and one on South Street, Honey’s Sit ‘n Eat offers home-style weekend brunch to folks all across the city. The menu includes breakfast classics like omelets, home fries, lox, and huevos rancheros. It’s also BYOB, which is always a brunch plus.

Sabrina’s Cafe
Sabrina’s Cafe is another great BYOB brunch option in Philadelphia, and its brunch specials change bi-weekly to keep things fresh. These specials include fun twists on the traditional eggs benedict, French toast, and pancakes with unique toppings like dried apricots or toasted coconut, as well as hearty sandwiches with a slew of sauces and seasonings. Sabrina’s also offers many vegan and vegetarian options for meat-free visitors.

Crêperie Beau Monde
If you prefer a more sophisticated brunch option, Crêperie Beau Monde is a traditional Breton crêperie serving French cuisine based on centuries-old recipes. Brunch is served on weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. only, and while dishes here are a bit pricier than most, the decadent ingredients and luxurious atmosphere make it well worth the cost. Crêperie Beau Monde's bloody mary is so good that it has won awards, and sweet and savory crêpes offer something for any palate.

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Partake in Teatime at The Dandelion

October 29, 2015 by

At The Dandelion, lunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and high tea from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Teatime is an integral part of the staff's daily routine, just as it would be in proper English restaurant. That's because when widely-renowned restaurateur Stephen Starr dreamed up The Dandelion, he used the gastropubs of London as his inspiration.

From the vintage-inspired chandeliers, glossy fireplaces (one wooden, one marble, one tiled), and statement drapes, The Dandelion transports its guests across the pond. Scarlet leather banquettes, a gleaming bar, and comfy lounge chairs round out the aesthetic at The Dandelion.

The restaurant's aesthetic is just part of its appeal, though. If you do decide to participate in teatime, you can also partake in some light appetizers like roasted spiced bar nuts, British cheeses, or deviled eggs. Larger items available at tea time include classic English eats such as beer-battered fish and chips and lamb shepherd's pie. Although the menus change regularly depending on seasonal ingredients, you might see items like roasted chicken, rabbit pie, or crab risotto on the dinner menu at The Dandelion. Pair your entree with a glass of wine or a pint of beer.

The Dandelion
124 S. 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 558-2500
www.thedandelionpub.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-dandelion-philadelphia

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Where to Find Philly’s Most Iconic Foods

October 8, 2015 by

Most people automatically think of cheesesteaks when they think of Philadelphia’s most famous foods, but there are a few other iconic food landmarks in the City of Brotherly Love. Here are just a few of Philly’s most memorable bites, and none of them come in traditional restaurant form.

Reading Terminal Market
This historic public market is located conveniently in Philadelphia’s Center City, and it is home to a wide variety of restaurant stands and grocery vendors. The market’s stands sell local produce, Amish specialties, meats and seafood, and even fresh cut flowers. Visitors fill up on Thai food, salads, pizzas and pasta as they shop, and the market even offers quality wines and baked goods.

Pat’s and Geno’s Cheesesteaks
Though the two are always in friendly competition, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks are arguably Philadelphia’s most famous cheesesteak vendors. Pat’s has been around since 1930 and Geno’s first opened in 1966, but today both are known for that signature thin-sliced steak, melted cheese, and freshly baked bread that tastes distinctly like Philly.

9th Street Italian Market
Philadelphia has a very large Italian-American population, and this has translated into South 9th Street’s unique mix of sights, smells and tastes. The 9th Street Italian Market is located in the area of the city’s first Italian restaurants and grocers, and it still sells the same high quality herbs, spices, fresh seafood, pastas ,and other traditional Italian fare.

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Tommy DiNic’s: Unrivaled Roast Pork Sandwiches

September 24, 2015 by

Considered one of the best sandwiches in America—at least by the Travel Channel's standards—the roast pork sandwich at Tommy DiNic's is a family tradition. That shouldn't come as a surprise, since the Nicolosi clan has been part of Philadelphia's story since 1918.

That was the year that Gaetano Nicolosi debuted the family's first butcher shop in South Philadelphia, dubbing it Nicolosi's. All five of his sons worked right alongside him at the family business. It was a short commute to work for all, given that they lived right upstairs. The butcher shop evolved into part sandwich shop, and its roast pork and beef sammies became so popular that one of Gaetano's grandsons, Tommy Nicolosi, joined forces with cousin Franky DiClaudio to open the first DiNic's. (Their surnames joined forces, too, in the new eatery's moniker.)

Now located in Reading Terminal Market, Tommy DiNic's continues to serve the same juicy roast pork sandwich that made it locally famous. In fact, the menu only contains six options: pork, beef, meatballs, Italian sausage, Italian pulled pork, and brisket of beef. Those are more than enough for most patrons, many of whom like the broccoli rabe and sharp provolone on the sandwiches as much as the meat itself.

Tommy DiNic's
Reading Terminal Market
1136 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-6175
www.tommydinics.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tommy-dinics-philadelphia

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Ralph’s: A Philadelphia Tradition For Authentic Italian

August 27, 2015 by

In 1893, the Dispigno family arrived in America from Italy. Relocating to Philadelphia, they opened a restaurant that showcased the cuisine of their homeland to an appreciative audience. Over a century later, Ralph’s is now America’s oldest family-owned Italian eatery, run by the fourth generation of Dispignos. There are few restaurants in America that can boast this much history, and Ralph’s is quite rightly a Philly institution. In classic Italian style, the portions are enormous, with only the most ravenous diners able to tear through them in one sitting. Regulars rave about the Veal Parmesan, but just about everything that comes out of the kitchen is excellent. Service is attentive and friendly—you don’t stay open for 100 years by pissing off the regulars. Ralph’s is a one-of-a-kind Italian restaurant that any fan of the cuisine should make a pilgrimage to. One thing to note: Ralph's is cash only, but if you forget to load up there is an ATM on site.

Ralph’s
760 South 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 627-6011
www.ralphsrestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ralphs-italian-restaurant-philadelphia

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Kanella: Mediterranean Fare in Philadelphia

July 30, 2015 by

Authentic fare is what’s cooking in Kanella’s kitchen in Philadelphia. Go there to feast on flavorful Mediterranean fare.

Stop by in the a.m. for the Cyprus Breakfast with two eggs fried in olive oil, with halloumi – cheese, lounza – smoked pork, and bread, the Shakshouka – two Eggs poached in a cumin scented tomato and pepper stew, with grilled bread, or Malohwa – pan fried savory puff pastry, boiled egg, spicy tomato salad & Greek yogurt. Some tasty sandwiches are on the menu, along with entrees like Whole Fish of the Day with fresh greens, Braised Rabbit Leg with fregula pasta, Organic Pig Cheeks with roasted fennel, Goat Chop with dolmades, and Stuffed Pepper with raisins, rice, lentils, & pine nuts.

Visit Kanella's website to find out more about this Philadelphia restaurant.

Kanella
1001 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-1773
www.facebook.com/kanellarestaurant
www.yelp.com/biz/kanella-philadelphia

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Talula’s Daily: From Market-Fresh Food to Dinner for Two

July 9, 2015 by

Talula’s Daily is a European-style market, restaurant, and bar that aims to provide fresh food and beverages in all forms to its patrons. The stylish eatery is decorated in a quirky, modern way that features open shelving with colorful glassware displayed all over, an artistic curved bar, and wooden tables in all shapes and sizes scattered right in the middle of the marketplace.

Guests can browse local cheeses, crusty breads, takeaway dinners, and bottled beers, and then sit down to enjoy a sandwich and coffee with friends. For dinner, Talula’s serves a pre-set supper that changes from month to month. This meal is a flat rate of $55, and it includes dishes made with local ingredients that reflect the current season. Warm breads and cheeses are served with your dinner, and you can choose cocktails and wines that perfectly complement the unique dining experience.

Make a dinner reservation at Talula’s Daily on the restaurant’s website.

Talula's Daily
208 West Washington Square
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 592-6555
www.talulasdaily.com

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