Thursday, May 2, 2024

Vietnam: Vietnamese Cuisine in Philadelphia

Vietnamese food is one of the fastest-growing culinary sensations in America, and for good reason – the cuisine is fascinating and very unique, incorporating influences from France as well as all over Asia and producing some trademark dishes that are delicious and healthy. Most famous is pho, often considered the standard dish of Vietnamese cuisine.

This rich, robust beef soup is incredibly filling, and locals rave that Vietnam (the restaurant) delivers one of the best bowls in Philadelphia. Regulars rave over the grilled pork with broken rice, the shrimp curry, and the crisp and delicious spring rolls. If you want to start your meal off with a delightful beverage, Vietnam's Flaming Volcano is an experience all its own.

Vietnam
221 North 11th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 592-1163 ‎
www.eatatvietnam.com

Jones: Modern Comfort Food in Center City

Craving some flavorful comfort food with a modern twist? Head to Jones and find something tasty right in Center City Philadelphia.

The menu at Jones features appetizers like cheese pierogies with caramelized onions, deviled eggs, baked macaroni and cheese, chicken nachos, and meatless wings. Pair your starter with a bowl of matzo ball or chicken rice soup. The tasty array of sandwiches offers up a brisket on brioche bun, Texas barbecue pulled pork, and a turkey burger with roasted tomato aioli. Tandoori chicken kebabs, fried chicken and waffles, pecan crusted tilapia, chicken pot pie, sesame seared tuna, and fried chicken in a basket are among the entrée options.

Jones also serves a popular weekend brunch. Visit its website to learn more!

Jones
700 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 223-5663
www.jones-restaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/jones-philadelphia

The Abbaye: Enjoy Yourself in Northern Liberties

The Abbaye is a great spot to chill out with a craft beer and a bite to eat in Northern Liberties. A hefty section of draft and bottled beers is on hand, along with an expansive wine list and cocktails.

Pair your drink with a yummy appetizer like Smoky Chimay Wings, Abbaye Mussels with bacon, leeks & garlic, or Belgian Tomato Soup. Garden fresh salads include the Abbaye with walnuts, bleu cheese & bacon.

Sandwich options feature an Angus or Veggie Burger topped with your choice of a huge variety of toppings, including caramelized onions, roasted peppers, jalapenos, sautéed spinach, barbeque sauce and mushrooms. Seitan Cheesesteak, Grilled Cheese and Crab Cake sandwiches are also available.The Abbaye also serves entrees like BBQ Seitan with vegan slaw & frites, Roasted Seitan Farfalle, and Steak Frites.

The Abbaye
637 N. 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 627-6711
http://theabbaye.net/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-abbaye-philadelphia

Kanella: Mediterranean Fare in Philadelphia

Authentic dishes from the cuisines of Cyprus and Greece are 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.

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

Butcher and Singer: Fine Philadelphia Dining

Philadelphia's Butcher and Singer features a creatively inspired menu of old-school dishes served in a setting reminiscent of the glamour of a bygone age. The ambiance is romantic and elegant, with lots of polished wood, dim lighting and leather banquettes, perfect for settling in with a signature cocktail or glass of wine and a flavorful starter.

Appetizer options include a Shellfish Platter, Steak Tartare, Escargots, and Fried Oysters. The steak and chop menu features a New York Strip, an 8- and 12-Ounce Filet Mignon, Colorado Lamb Chops, Delmonico Steak and Dry Aged Porterhouse. Trout Amandine, Roasted Chicken, Twin Lobster Tails, Fried Shrimp and Surf & Turf with filet mignon & lobster are on the entrée menu. Sides come separately and include Creamed Spinach, Baked Potato, Stuffed Hash Browns and Asparagus.

Butcher and Singer
1500 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 732-4444
http://www.butcherandsinger.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/butcher-and-singer-philadelphia

Zahav: Mediterranean Cuisine in Society Hill

Philadelphia's Zahav has earned itself a loyal bevy of fans who love their take on Mediterranean food. The ambiance is lovely and relaxing, with soft music and attentive service.

Begin with a starter like Yemenite soup with chicken broth, baby turnips, & pickled onions, Roasted Zucchini with Bulgarian feta, hazelnuts, zucchini & babaganoush, or an Heirloom tomato salad with & house-made ricotta.

Mezze, or small plates, are also a good way to go. Choose several to share at the table or keep them all to yourself. Options include Crispy Lamb’s Tongue with snap peas, smoked grapes, pistachio tehina, & peaches, Kibbe Naya with raw lamb, corn, fenugreek, & kale, and Watermelon salad with marinated cobia, Israeli olives, & smoked honey.

Zahav
237 St. James Place
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 625-8800
http://www.zahavrestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zahav-philadelphia

Public Domain/Public Domain

Pizzeria Stella: Stellar Pies in Society Hill

Few things are as deeply satisfying as a flavorful pizza, sizzling hot out of the oven, swathed with melted cheese, and bedecked with a variety of yummy toppings. Go to Pizzeria Stella to get yours, artisan-made and baked in a wood-fired oven on Second Street in Philadelphia.

Antipasti are also on the menu to start your meal. Options include Sheep’s Milk Ricotta on rosemary flatbread, Broccoli Rabe with garlic & ricotta salata, and Shrimp Arrabiata – pan roasted shrimp with flatbread. Three pasta dishes are also on the menu, including Spaghetti Pomodoro, and Lamb Bolognaise with rigatoni.

Stella's pizza options feature a Margherita with basil & buffalo mozzarella, Sausage with wood-roasted sausage, pesto & mozzarella, Picante with capicola, crushed red pepper & provolone, and Tartufo with black truffle, egg & fontina. House-made gelato is also served.

Pizzeria Stella
423 S. Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 320-8000
http://www.starr-restaurant.com/stella/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pizzeria-stella-philadelphia

Public Domain/Public Domain

Village Whiskey: Artisan Cocktails

Evoking the ambiance of a prohibition-era speakeasy, Philadelphia's Village Whiskey is a go-to gathering spot to ease the cares of the day. Settle in with a glass of one of their more than 80 whiskeys from the world over, or a carefully crafted artisan cocktail made by one of their skilled bartenders. A tasty selection of craft beers is also on hand.

Village Whiskey also serves a popular menu of food. Bar snacks include Herb Roasted Oysters, House Made Cheese Puffs, Jumbo Lump Crab Cocktail, Deviled Eggs and Tater Tots. Settle in at the bar or grab a table, if you can find one in this cozy, popular spot, and order yourself one of their burgers. Options include the Whiskey King with maple & bourbon-glazed cipollini, bleu cheese, applewood smoked bacon & foie gras, and the Veggie Burger with a lentil & black bean patty, guacamole & pickled red cabbage.

Village Whiskey
118 S. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-1088
http://villagewhiskey.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/village-whiskey-philadelphia

Public Domain/Public Domain

Pod: Space Age Fusion Dining in University City

A space age interior with colored lighting and futuristic seating ‘pods’ is what greets you when you enter Pod, making it a fun spot to meet up with friends. The menu features a flavorful array of sushi and other Asian delights. Cocktails include a Zen and Tonic with green tea liqueur, gin, tonic water & cucumber, and a Wasabi Bloody Mary with vodka, wasabi & veggie juice.

Pod's sushi is fresh and artfully presented and includes the Dragon with with eel, avocado and unagi sauce, and the Rainbow with tuna, salmon, yellowtail & shrimp sashimi. The entrée menu features Whole Roasted Branzino with wasabi chimichurri, Wasabi Crusted Filet Mignon with black truffle soy sauce, and Kung Pao Chicken & Shrimp.

Pod is open daily in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood.

Pod
3636 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-1803
http://www.podrestaurant.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/pod-philadelphia

Public Domain/Public Domain

Vernick Food & Drink: International Delights

Chef and owner Greg Vernick brings his experience as cook in fine establishments around the world to this charming little eatery. Settle in for your meal with a cocktail or glass of wine from their extensive selection and sumptuous starter like Creamy Eggplant & chanterelles, Fromage Blanc & kumquats, Beef Tartare with fresh Horseradish, or Island Creek Oysters with ginger & citrus. The entrée menu offers up Grilled Black Sea Bass with fire-roasted tomato sauce, Steamed Halibut with sweet potato, miso & Manilla clam broth, Pork Blade Steak with onion marmalade & sautéed mustard greens, and Braied Veal Ossobuco with preserved lemon. Desserts include Roasted Date Cake with coconut gelato and Carrot Cake with vanilla bean cream cheese. Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday.

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

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