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Explore the Flavors of the Mediterranean at Audrey Claire

April 14, 2015 by

Audrey Claire is a staple of Philadelphia's tony Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Serving Mediterranean fare that's inspired by the seasons, this intimate corner eatery offers indoor and outdoor seating. During Philly's more temperate months, Audrey Claire's cafe windows are cast open, inviting a warm breeze to fill the space, while outside, cafe tables line the sidewalk.

Regulars recommend beginning your meal with an order of grilled flatbreads. The pear flatbread is a popular choice, topped with robust gorgonzola and crunchy sunflower seeds. Pass an order of salty olives around the table, then move on to a mesclun salad or the butternut squash risotto. As for entrees, the roasted chicken breast receives two thumbs up from regular diners. Vegetarians can enjoy the flavorful penne arrabiata. There are two prix fixe menus that are required for parties of seven to 25; both are reasonably priced at $35 or $45.

A BYOB establishment, Audrey Claire accepts cash only, so leave your credit cards at home. The eatery is open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Audrey Claire
276 S. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 731-1222
audreyclaire.com
www.yelp.com/biz/audrey-claire-philadelphia

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Estia: A Taste of Authentic Greek Fare in Philadelphia

February 17, 2015 by

Greek food can be widely varying in quality, and there’s nothing more disappointing than a poor, inauthentic Greek meal. Philadelphians rave over Estia, an authentic Greek eatery that serves up some of the best cuisine in the city.

Start with the cucumber and tomato salad, generously garnished with some of the most toothsome feta you will ever eat. The go-to appetizer is the grilled calamari, which regulars say is resilient yet tender to the fork. The seafood-centric entrees include shrimp souvlaki, moussaka, grilled halibut, and a 14-ounce New York strip. Note that the lunchtime prix fixe menu is a great deal: $17 for a filling two-course meal.

The decor at Estia is also notable, with welcoming alcoves and an iced fish display that lets you see the picks of the market.

Estia
1405 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 735-7700
www.estiarestaurant.com

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Tinto: An Intimate Spanish Tapas Bar in Philadelphia

December 16, 2014 by

Reminiscent of Spanish pintxo bars, Tinto is an intimate tapas bar and restaurant in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. Here, two modern and cozy dining rooms are decorated with antique cork screws and stacked wooden wine crates full of Spanish wines.

The moderately priced food is a gastronomist’s first pick. Fresh vegetables are delivered daily from Luna Farm, a sustainable, all-organic, 40-acre farm in Ottsville, Pa. Regular diners suggest you start your meal with the sopa de castaña, a truffled chestnut soup with duck and mushroom hash, fried quail egg, and pistachios. The diver scallops are another popular choice, set upon a bed of parsnips and crispy serrano ham. Downstairs, you'll encounter a sultry lounge that offers wines, crafted cocktails, signature sangrias, Spanish ciders, and craft beers.

Tinto is open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Happy hour is offered 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays.

Tinto
114 S. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 665-9150
philadelphia.tintorestaurant.com
www.yelp.com/biz/tinto-philadelphia

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Meritage: Fine Dining in Rittenhouse Square

December 9, 2014 by

Meritage serves contemporary American fare just a few blocks from Rittenhouse Square. The dining room, which seats 55 people, boasts golden yellow walls and gleaming hardwood floors, proving the space to be equal parts cozy and chic.

Meritage promises to be one of the more wallet-friendly fine dining destinations in the tony Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. A full bar offers an impressive variety of wines under $50, while elegantly plated dishes don't exceed $30. The gourmet fare here includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. For those without dietary restrictions, the free-range chicken breast with whipped potatoes, and sauteed spinach is a local favorite. Finish your meal with the decadent goat cheese cake with pistachio, poppy seeds, and lemon curd.

Meritage serves dinner 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Meritage
500 S. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 985-1922
www.meritagephiladelphia.com/index.html
www.yelp.com/biz/meritage-philadelphia

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Burgers and Shakes at Shake Shake in Philadelphia

November 11, 2014 by

Busting through the seams of wax paper sleeves, 100% Angus beef burgers are topped high with crisp green lettuce, wheels of red tomato, gooey melted cheese, and applewood bacon. A pickle is likely to abandon ship, landing on your cafeteria-style serving tray below, which also hosts an overflowing paper container of crinkle-cut fries. Elsewhere on your tray, melting frozen custard oozes out from under the lid of your milkshake.

If you're dining at Shake Shack, expect things to get a little, well, messy. Not that you'll mind! Getting back to basics is what this modern-day roadside burger stand is all about. Served with a smile and a dose of all-American charm, everything at Shake Shack is made to-order, from the burgers and fries to the thick, handspun milkshakes and the Concretes, the latter offering spoonfuls of cookies and candy in blended frozen custard.

Shake Shack
2000 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 809-1742
www.shakeshack.com/location/philadelphia
www.yelp.com/biz/shake-shack-philadelphia

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Memphis Taproom: Beer and Brunch in Philadelphia

October 15, 2014 by

Go to the Memphis Taproom to chill out in a warm, inviting setting while you cozy up to a pint of draft beer and a bite to eat. Their rotating artisan beer selection on tap might include Sierra Nevada Black Belgian IPA, Smuttynose IPA, Green Jack Lurcher Stout, and Firestone Walker Union Jack.

Brunch is served on weekends, with a flavorful array of dishes like Eggs Bednarik with poached eggs, kielbasa, on English muffin with hollandaise, Market French Toast, and The Weasel with two scrambled eggs, chili, cheese, roasted potatoes & toast. Later in the day, you can curb your hunger with a tasty array of sandwiches, along with entrees like Grilled Flat Iron Steak with parsnip potato mash, Chicken Fried Chicken with collard greens, Fish & Chips with coleslaw, and a Gyro Platter with pilaf & tsatziki.

Memphis Taproom
2331 E. Cumberland Street
Philadelphia, PA 19125
http://memphistaproom.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/memphis-taproom-philadelphia

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Catahoula: Cajun Fare in Philadelphia

September 23, 2014 by

Queen Village might be the last place you’d expect to find a top-flight Cajun restaurant, but Philadelphia is full of surprises. Catahoula offers classic New Orleans flavors, executed with high-quality ingredients and the perfect amount of spice.

The po’ boy sandwiches are all highly-regarded, but the oyster version may be the pinnacle. Huge, savory oysters breaded and fried are served on a French roll with remoulade. Fans also rave about the fried macaroni and cheese, which is a distinctive take on the classic comfort food dish. The duck jambalaya also wins plenty of raves – it’s difficult to make duck work in a dish like this, but Catahoula is said to do so admirably. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of food and drink specials throughout the week.

Visit Catahoula's website to learn more about this Philadelphia eatery!

Catahoula
775 S. Front Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 271-9300
http://www.yelp.com/biz/catahoula-philadelphia

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Vietnam: Vietnamese Cuisine in Philadelphia

September 16, 2014 by

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

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Jones: Modern Comfort Food in Center City

September 11, 2014 by

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

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The Abbaye: Enjoy Yourself in Northern Liberties

August 19, 2014 by

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

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