Foobooz sat down with Joncarl Lachman, the Philly-born force behind Noord, the new Nordic spot set to open on EPX in early May. They talked renovation plans (think communal table and seating for 40) and got a sneak peek at the opening menu. We've got to say that we're more than a little excited to check out difficult to pronounce but sure to be awesome menu items like shellfish waterzooi (a seafood stew in beer broth), konijin in het zuur (rabbit leg confit and wild boar belly with zuurkool, er, sauerkraut) and smorrebrod (open faced sandwich board).
Eater has the latest of Kermit's Bake Shoppe, the newest venture from The Sidecar and Kraftwork folks. This 22nd and Washington storefront will be home to a pizzeria and bakery serving up whole pies, slices, soups, salads and baked goods like sticky buns, cookies and loaves of bread. No word yet on an opening date.
The Insider shares news that Strangelove's, the newest beer-centtic endeavor from Brendan Hartranft and Leigh Maida (you might recognize the duo from craft beer meccas such as Memphis Taproom, Local 44 and Resurrection Ale House) is on track with an April opening date TK. 18 draft lines are installed and the food is coming from Paul Martin who has put in time at Rittenhouse brasserie Parc as well as Nola by way of South Street restaurant Catahoula.
Meal Ticket World Headquarters is located smack in the middle of Old City but our real home base is Newbold, happily just around the corner from The Daily Meal's newly nominated Best Coffee Shop in America, Ultimo (1900 S. 15th St.). When we first moved into the 'hood we were super stoked that there was a place where you could not only get an expertly pulled macchiato or pour-over but also pick up a sixer of craft beer or just drink a beer in a coffee shop, something that's pretty much unheard of around these parts.
When it came down to choosing the number one shop, The Daily Meal's panelists cited not only quality coffee but a refreshing lack of pretense, focus on coffee ed and the newly introduced line of grab and go sandwiches from American Sardine Bar.
Congratulations to Aaron and the whole Ultimo crew!
Seriously, it was just a joke and Adam's not going anywhere.
We thought the idea of Adam resigning himself to a life of clean living and green juice seemed pretty preposterous but we've had more than a few panicky responses to the post so we just figured we'd go ahead and clear the air.
We're looking forward to Adam being our go-to guy for Philly restaurant news and reviews for a good long time.
Editor's Note: Hello and welcome to Ask Meal Ticket, a new column were we try our best to answer all of life's greatest food and drink related queries. Got a question? Send it our way and out team of experts will get to the bottom of it.
Dear Meal Ticket, My parents are going to be staying at the Hotel Monaco at 6th and Chestnut next Saturday, and I'd like to take them somewhere good for dinner instead of somewhere terrible. My mom is a semi-adventurous eater, but my dad is dubious of any restaurant that doesn't have a salad bar and generally only eats steak, shrimp, or both at the same time. Where in the neighborhood can I take them that'll make my dad happy, or, alternately, what angle can I play to convince him to go to Fork or even Le Virtu, both places he would think are "weird".
Waiterjawn
Waiterjawn, we applaud your efforts to take your folks to someplace not terrible. We aren't fans of terrible meals in any way shape or form. Let's talk restaurants. First off, have you considered taking your parents across the river to Meal Ticket's favorite steak and salad bar restaurant, The Pub? That place is pure magic and it seems like it would be right up your dad's alley.
On the fancier side and another MT favorite, Fork, doesn't seem too weird for the folks. Your dad can stick with the aged New York Strip with earth-baked potato, sour cream and onion (totally not weird) while you and your mom can explore the less safe-zone portion of Eli Kulp's menu. And while they're no steaks on the menu at Le Virtu, the warm vibes of this South Philly Abruzzese spot make it a parent pleaser. Your dad can get his shrimp fix with the maccheroni neri (squid ink pasta with shrimp, clams, garlic, tomato and hot pepper) while you and your m om enjoy Joe Cicala's salume. Another great steak option is Vernick's sharable wood-roasted 28 ounce dry-aged bone-in strip loin. Let us know how it goes!
From margaritas at the Cantina to maccheroni alla mugnaia at Le Virtu and the square pies at Stogie Joe's, there is certainly no lack of good eats on East Passyunk Avenue. On Saturday, April 27 the East Passyunk Business Improvement District is bringing together 25 of EPX's best restaurants for Flavors of the Avenue, a tented tasting event happening from noon to 4 p.m.
Yesterday we had a chance to sample some of the dishes that are going to be at Flavors and we've got to say there were some pretty serious plates including a drop dead gorgeous spring green gazpacho from Christopher Kearse's Will, Joe Cicala's awesome porchetta, A+ meatballs from Stogie Joe's and a braised tripe dish from Tre Scalini that made believers out of the offal-afraid.
Tickets are $5 off from now until April 8th. $45 for VIP gets you an extra hour in the tent as well as more drinks options (think Pollyodd limoncellos and craft beer) but the $25 general admission price is a pretty great deal for plates from 25 restaurants plus wine and beer.
Oh and one more reason to get psyched for Flavors of the Avenue? Noord is going to be there!
- It's been a while since we talked about the open call for submissions from Metropolitan Gallery 250 (250 S. 18th St.) for the industry-only Sidework Series, so we understand if you need to refresh your memory. With all the submissions in and selections made, the show is scheduled to open on Mon., Apr. 15. Monday's opening will run from 6 to 9 p.m., with beer and cheese noshes provided by Victory Brewing and Metro Bakery.
The exhibit will also open from 6 to 9 p.m. on Fri., May 3 for First Friday, and as a special treat, Little Baby's Ice Cream will be parking their trike outside to serve up a limited edition flavor: sour cherry, sea salt and dark chocolate cookie. If neither of those nights work for you, the gallery will also be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the run, which ends on May 26.
This sunny afternoon we swung by the picturesque Porch (who doesn't love that beautiful 76 on ramp/Market Street view) to check out their spring and summer food truck line up. Beginning today and running until the end of the summer The Porch is going to be hosting a handful of food trucks on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Today's offerings included Cupcake Carnival, The Cow and The Curd (hello, fried cheese curds!), The Sunflower Truck Stop and Lucky Old Souls where we grabbed a stellar burger and grapefruit soda. The burger and cupcake theme continues on Fridays with Spot Burger, Sweetbox Cupcakes along with Say Cheese and Just Jackie's. In addition to al fresco dining, entertainment comes in the form of live music, jugglers and tightrope walkers.
Joe Beddia, proprietor of the newly opened Pizzeria Beddia (115 E. Girard Ave.) is the latest local food celeb to garner a guest sandwich spot at American Sardine Bar (1800 Federal St.) Sandwich artist Scott Schroeder crafted the Oxtail JR, a braised oxtail sandwich on ciabatta with piave, arugula and long hot mayo in Beddia's honor. We're not going to name names but we're hearing that this might just be the best ASB guest sandwich yet.
As part of Gary Regan's Just One Shift series, British barkeep extraordinaire Charlotte Voisey is going to be behind the bar tonight at Franklin Mortgage (112 S. 18th St.) Cocktail geeks will recognize Voisey from London's pioneering Apartment 195, a recent appearance on Iron Chef America and as host of The Proper Pour.
Here's a look at the cocktail menu she'll be mixing tonight from 6 p.m. until close:
Philadelphia Freedom
Hudson Baby Bourbon, Rhubarb Tea, lime mint
Al Sotalaskan Sour
Hendricks, Yellow Chartreuse, lemon, orange bitters, egg white
Franklin Flame of Love Reykavelt
Reyka, Fino sherry, orange peel
Charleston's Saint Cecelia Society Punch
Sailor Jerry, Peach Brandy, pineapple, lemon, green tea, champagne
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