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Archive: August, 2012
In recent years, some of the most exciting developments in the beer scene are happening out in the Philadelphia suburbs, giving city dwellers plenty of reason to reconsider Septa’s regional rail. The Lansdale/Doylestown line alone, with a handful of notable breweries situated along its tracks, presents you with a tough decision as to where and when to hop off. One of the newest additions is Lansdale’s Round Guys Brewing Co. (324 W. Main St.)
The space has been undergoing a slow evolution since owners Scott Rudich and Rich DiLiberto set up shop and began brewing late last year. According to Rudich, the original strategy was to operate as a brewery first, with any plans for a pub to come later. Thanks to the vagaries of new laws and the PLCB, a full-service brewpub came along a bit sooner than planned. In April, the taproom opened for sampling and growler sales; as of July, Round Guys is officially operating as a brewpub serving pints and plates.
Ever since we caught word of Brain Dwyer's shrine to all things 'za related back in January 2011, we've been pretty stoked. And after having the pleasure of previewing the space adjacent to Little Baby's Scoop Shop, well, it's pretty amazing.
Well, folks, come Friday, the wait is over. Pizza Brain (2313 Frankford Ave.) will be hosting an epic grand opening on Friday, September 7th kicking off at 4:30 p.m. with "a pizza and ice cream party that hasn't been seen since the opening of the Pizza Hut-Cold Stone Creamery combo on Aramingo Ave." Somehow we're thinking that that's a bit of an understatement.
Here's a look at some of what you can expect during this pizza-history-making bash: the unexpected, a ribbon cutting ceremony plus some lofty speeches, belly dancing, a healthy array of live music accompaniment, fun, antics and photo opportunities, a mural of famous Philadelphians from local hot dog celeb Hawk Krall, magic, face painting, mobile barber cuts by Sulimay's Barber Shop, free beer provided by Barry's Homebrew Outlet, Craig McDonald, and Memphis taproom, Little Baby's Ice Cream (some of which will taste like pizza) and of course, pizza (all of which will taste like pizza).
Looks like there are going to be some changes happening at Midtown Villages's Modern Greek spot Opa (1311 Sansom St.) August 31 will be the last day for current chef, Andrew Brown. No word yet where Brown is headed up sous James Wells is taking over as exec. Owner George Tsiouris is reporting that Wells will be working with his mother whose Greek home cooking inspires the menu. Tsiouris is also recently returned from an inspirational research trip to the motherland and hopes to relaunch new menus with Wells come fall.
The Insider is reporting that the newest chef to helm the stoves at the always-in-flux The Farmer's Cabinet (1113 Walnut St.) is Jennifer Zavala. Since her Top Chef season 6 launch into the limelight, Zavala has bounced around quite a bit with time put in at Xochitl, Interstate Draft House, El Camino Real, as well as Hen's Revenge, a series of lady-chef pop up dinners, and a stoner food truck in the works. Not too many details have emerged about whether Zavala is taking over at head chef or consulting but we'll be sure to stay a breast of this intriquing match-up.
Monday, August 20
Tuesday, August 21
High-end seafood chain Ocean Prime taking over the former Roy's location at 15th and Sansom.
Wednesday, August 22
Mac and cheese and pancakes, together at last? We check 'em out.
Thursday, August 23
Bliss scooping frozen Middle Eastern desserts, smoothies and fruit cocktails in University City.
Friday, August 24
Classy cocktails and retro snacks now serving at 1 Tippling Pl.
Calling all locavores-carnivores: Greensgrow and PhillyCowShare are partnering up for a beefy promotion. From now until the end of August you can order 1/8 of a cow for a mere $369. If you're thinking that it seems like a lot of dough for a few steaks, here's the run down local, grass-fed goodness that you'll be taking home:
3 Delmonico Steaks, 2 T-Bone Steaks, 1 porterhouse steak, 2 ranch steaks, 1 sirloin steak,1 flat iron steak, 1 filet mignon, 1 London broil, 1 rump roast, 1 of the following cuts: mock tender, petite tender, tri tip, or flank steak, 1 chuck roast, 1 chuck roast or brisket, 2 packages of chipsteak, 2 packages of cubed beef, 1 osso bucco-style soup bones.
The Chef's Counter at Sbraga (440 S. Broad St.) is a a place where Top Chef champ Kevin Sbraga gets to have a little fun. This month he's easing us into the fall with a back-to-school inspired menu of elementary school fare. We're not sure what the hair net situation is going to be but the cafeteria menu has all of the lunch lady classics like Salisbury Steak, grilled cheese and chocolate milk. The tasting runs for $75 with an optional $50 wine pairing.
Maybe you missed out on Diner en Blanc last night and slept on securing reservations for the highly-anticipated opening of Will BYOB, but that doesn’t mean you should resign yourself to a weekend of catching up on your DVR backlog.
You know that if you go home after work, you’ll be in your jammies nursing a glass of wine on the couch in no time flat—so maybe you’d better head right over to Amada (217 Chestnut St.) tonight and see what their new happy hour’s all about. Running Wednesday through Friday only, from 5 to 7 p.m., the made-over menu pairs crowd-pleasing tapa standards with an eclectic mix of beverage options. Gambas al ajillo buddy up with coca de setas (a classic Catalan flatbread topped with mushrooms and manchego) to provide the food buffer you’ll need to explore a couple of creative sangrias and cocktails like the Matador, which combines bourbon with ginger and elderflower.
South Street Southern spot REX 1516 (1516 South St.) is launching a $5 happy hour menu to go along with their already stellar beer deals. Newbold IPA $3, Ballast Point IPA $6, Okar Blues Pils $4, Great Lakes Porter $5, Franziskaner $6, Allagash Curieux $10 can be paired with Pork Belly Cracklins with house made hot sauce Ham and Cheddar Croquettes with charred tomato sauce, Pretzels with roasted jalapeno cheddar, Fried Oyster Sliders with, bacon, pickles, and creole mustard, and Fried Okra with bacon aioli.
On first glance you wouldn’t know it was a bar, but now residing in the former home of Jolly’s Piano Bar is Anne Frey’s (2006 Chestnut St.) With its living room-style lounge in front and a long, appealing bar counter, it’s by no means your average speakeasy. As soon as I was seated, Anne immediately asked if I wanted some cheese, then ran off to the kitchen to get me some before I could respond. She welcomed guests with open arms as if she’d invited you into her own home, making you feel like less of a customer and more in the company of friends. This vibe makes it the complete opposite of every other cocktail bar in this city and in the best way possible. Adding to the cozy, home-away-from-home appeal will be the installation of a fireplace this fall, along with small plates and snacks of Anne’s own creation such as sweet and spicy Bitters pecans, sausage rolls and a variety of dips and crackers.
Having only received clearance from the liquor board mere hours before their 5 p.m. opening Wednesday, the bar staff (managed by David Tang, formerly of the Ranstead Room), seemed like they’ve been doing this for weeks. And despite not having a drink menu when I arrived, if you’re a fan of uncomplicated cocktails, then you didn’t need one. Classics like the French 75 or a Manhattan were made with ease and brilliant presentation; although I think I threw the bartender for a loop when I asked for Absinthe on my first drink. The lack of extravagant ingredients and whacky drink names will definitely cater to a more sophisticated crowd. Hopefully enticing them even further will be six barrel-aged spirits, ready for consumption in about two months. There will also be two nightly happy hours from 5-6:30 p.m., and 10-11 p.m. for the late night industry crowd. Hours of operation are currently slated for 5-2 a.m., Tuesday-Sunday, with Tang hinting at the possibility of cocktail courses to be offered on Mondays.
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