Wishing you a year of happiness and success in 2013.

The gastropub trend has hit Philadelphia with a bang, as many bars are taking the time to revamp their food offerings beyond the standard bar fare. One highlight of this movement is Standard Tap, opened in 1999. First and foremost, as you might expect from the title, this is a beer bar, and Standard Tap supports a wide variety of local breweries. With over twenty beers on tap, far more in bottles, and two cask-conditioned ales served from hand pumps, you can literally spend weeks just sampling the beers. The food is equally ambitious, using large amounts of locally-sourced meats and produce to create some truly unique and spectacular dishes. Some of the menu’s most successful offerings include the great chicken pot pie, which takes an American favorite and enrobes it in a fresh pastry crust with flavorful, succulent ingredients. Burgers are also fantastic, with juicy patties topped with thick-sliced bacon. On nice days, Standard Tap's roof deck is a perfect spot to hang out.

Standard Tap
901 North 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 238-0630
www.standardtap.com/drink.html

Chef Peter Woolsey loves the cuisine of France, taking frequent trips to the country to immerse himself in its rich culinary tradition. So it’s not surprising that he would want to share it with his fellow Philadelphians at Bistrot La Minette. This incredibly charming French restaurant has won raves from diners in recent years for its spectacular food and service. Get a reservation in advance, because the space isn’t large and it usually fills up fast. Once you’re seated, the menu is stunning from beginning to end, but here are some suggestions. The appetizer course boasts an incredible terrine of foie gras with figs, as well as great escargots in herbed butter. Entrees are diverse, but the Dijon mustard braised rabbit with house-made tagliatelle is spectacular, as is the Gascony-style braised lamb shank. If you’re having a hard time deciding, head in on Sunday for the prix fixe meal!

Bistrot La Minette
623 S Sixth St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-8000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bistrot-la-minette-philadelphia