Archive: April, 2010

HAPPY HOUR HOPPER at Friday Saturday Sunday's Tank Bar

POSTED: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 8:44 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Dealage | Happy Hour Hopper

Happy Hour is a place to vent daily frustrations and unwind, a time to reconnect with friends and coworkers you don't mind seeing beyond the boundaries of Cubicle Land. It's is also the ideal time to score a deal on your favorite gustatives and gulpables. Although my work scenario has me behind a kitchen prep station rather than a desk, I can appreciate HH just the same. For this feature, I'll hop bar by bar to HHs across the area and report back to Meal Ticket every Tuesday. If you've been to this week's featured HH, tell us about it in the comments. I want recommendations for future trips, too! Let's delve into it at Friday Saturday Sunday's Tank Bar.

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WHERE YOU AT? First off, shoutout to Meal Ticket reader Justin Manne for putting us on to this dealage. Above the main dining room of Friday Saturday Sunday (261 S. 21st St.) rests Tank Bar, undoubtedly named for the large aquatic centerpiece sitting between the liquor shelves. Flower vases, mirrored walls and dim lighting provided by strings of white bulbs draped from the sheet-cloaked ceiling and blue fluorescent rays streaming from the tank could make for a very sensual experience. I popped by with friends who recently tied the knot, but managed to escape feeling like the third wheel despite the vibe. Roughly 15 people can stool up at the bar, and there are also two tables on a raised section in the back of the room, plus a handful of stools by two mirror-side ledges sizable enough to hold a few drinks and a snack. WHAT'S THE SCENE? The newlyweds and I sat down next to a construction site project manager toting a hard hat and ordered a few beers (two Valeir Extra drafts, one La Fin du Monde bottle). Two young guys sat opposite us sipping martinis. For a while it was just the six of us , hen a young, enamored couple walked in, followed by a few older gentlemen dragging their briefcases. We all had front-row seats to a feeding frenzy, too, as the bartender waved shrimp around in the tank. (It seems every creature eats well here.) A smooth, eclectic mix played at the discretion of the barkeep. Very relaxing. WHAT'S THE DEAL? Any beer, drink, martini or wine by the glass is half off during Tank Bar's happy hour, which runs weekdays from 5:30 to 7:30. You must sit in the bar for this deal, and close out your tab there, as well; any tabs transferred to downstairs dining will do a Cinderella-at-midnight thing and change back to regular price. Although our hard-hatted friend tried to tempt us with a chocolate raspberry truffle martini, we drank Valeir for the duration, with one Fin du Monde and one Lindemann's Peche. Other tap choices included Spaten Lager and Eel River.

Felicia D'Ambrosio

Posted 2010-04-13 18:27:44

Half-priced imports (like the hilariously spendy Lindeman's fruit beers) are an awesome deal.

Justin Manne

Posted 2010-04-14 08:32:35

So glad you enjoyed it Marie... perhaps I will see you there on day! Great write up and I look forward to the next Hopper!

For my next recommendation- Alfa @ 1709 Walnut Street! Great drink menu and pretty good bites to go along with the booze and beer...

$3.00 beers, $5.00 cocktails (great bartender with interesting cocktail list, not your average well drink happy hour cocktails), $4.00 Red + White wines... Enjoy!

Posted by Marie DiFeliciantonio @ 8:44 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Tighter and lighter on Hoof+Fin's spring menu

POSTED: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 7:34 PM

Filed Under: Menu Time

Plenty of people commented on the sheer enormity of Lucas Manteca's opening menu at Hoof+Fin (617 S. Third st.) which started serving Argentinian-inspired grub in February. The chef has since whittled down his options (presumably based on customer feedback) and launched a tweaked spring menu, which you can peep after the jump. H+F has made room for some lighter fare — fava bean risotto in lieu of the original buttersquash version; a crab salad with hearts of palm; arroz a la gallega, a paella-esque seafood/rice dish from Manteca's Quahog's in Stone Harbor — and a slightly trimmed version of the mix-and-match grilled meat/fish section is available, as well. RAW Oysters, seasonal, on the half with mignonette $11 Beef Tartare, chimichurri, scallions, garlic chip $9 Tuna Seviche, watermelon, red onion, radishes, yuzu, soy sauce, lime $13 Fluke Carpaccio, ruby grapefruit, cilantro, peppers, truffle citrus juice $8 APPETIZERS Grilled Pizza, sopressata, sour cream cheese, arugula, onions $13 Empanadas Criollas, beef or corn and cheese $7 each Cornmeal-crusted calamari, tomato-bell pepper salad, truffle aioli $10 Provoleta Fundida, provolone cheese, salsa criolla, chorizo, grilled romaine, baguette crouton $9 Grilled Sweetbread with criolla salad, mint, lemon $12 Grilled asparagus with 6min. poached egg, fava beans, bacon vinaigrette $12 SALADS House Salad $7 Crab Salad, hearts of palm, red onion, avocado, salsa Golf $13 Arugula, avocado, shaved grana padano, extra virgin olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon, sea salt $9 Roasted beets, carrot, watercress, ginger vinaigrette $9 HOUSEMADE PASTA+RISOTTO Small plate $11/Big plate $18 Gnocchi, ricotta style, sage, truffle brown butter, capers, shaved grana padano Pappardelle, Malbec-braised short ribs, putanesca sauce Fava beans risotto, asparagus, cherry tomato, shaved granna padana MAIN COURSES Pan-roasted skate wing, asparagus, (caper, lemon, brown butter) and pureed parsnip $18 Sangria-braised short ribs, potato tortilla, tomato watercress, creamy chimichurri $24 Arroz a la Gallega, yellow rice, shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, calamari, white fish and chorizo $25 Breaded country-fried steak cutlet, house salad, buttermilk potato mash $19 Vegetarian, grilled tofu with a taste of our seasonal vegetables with cooked vegetables, raw vegetables, grains $16 FROM THE GRILL Comes with a choice of one starch and one vegetable side FISH Scallops $22 Mahi Mahi (8oz.) $19 Whole fish $25 MEAT Ribeye bone-in (12oz.) $25 Skirt Steak (10oz.) $20 Costilla: bone-in short ribs (10oz.) $18 Pork Matambre $22 SIDES Pick one of each section if you order from the grill (Extra side $5) STARCH Provencal fries Buttermilk mashed potato Crushed yams Pureed parsnip Tortilla VEGETABLE House salad of young lettuce Grilled seasonal vegetables Tomato salad Asparagus Corn on the cob

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 7:34 PM Permalink | Post a comment

John "Chainsaw" Taus departing Snackbar

POSTED: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 6:03 PM

Filed Under: Chef Salad | Dirty Dishes

Photo l Collin Flatt for Phoodie.info

John Taus

John "Chainsaw" Taus, the chef who recently earned Snackbar (253 S. 20th St.) three bells from Inquirer critic Craig LaBan, told Meal Ticket today he will be leaving the Rittenhouse corner boite shortly. Taus, who said the parting was amicable but declined to elaborate, said he will "get these guys set up, and then roll." We're waiting on a comment from Snackbar owner Jonathan Makar and will update when we speak with him. UPDATE [15April10]: Makar had this to say about working with Taus: "I think I speak for everyone when I say we had a great time working with him. Chainsaw's menu really connected with the neighborhood, and he really was a dream come true. He came into Snackbar at a time when we needed a chef who would listen to what the neighbors really wanted." Makar added that Taus' sous chef of a year and a half, Dustin Shockley, would move into the executive chef position at Snackbar. "Dustin has been here almost as long as Chainsaw has. We're excited to see what he's going to do. He's from Maine, and he's putting his recipe for clam chowder on the menu in a few weeks. Dustin is a great fit, and Chainsaw paved the way for him... we're busier than ever, so they did their job well."

Mike H

Posted 2010-04-13 13:08:22

Cant wait to see where he ends up, his dish at the Chefs dinner at Bistro La Minette was one of the best

adam

Posted 2010-04-13 13:27:51

that lamb dish was pretty sick

rory

Posted 2010-04-13 14:41:28

i want more of those leeks!

Phyllis Stein-Novack

Posted 2010-04-13 15:57:21

I reviewed Snackbar last December and it was a fine experience all around. I wonder where this talented chef will end up.

Grubber Lang

Posted 2010-04-13 17:14:05

Word round the campfire is that he's not staying local. But that he will be back...

Allitia

Posted 2010-04-13 18:50:30

Bad news for us that he could be relocating--this guy is crazy talented.

AMiller

Posted 2010-04-15 14:38:14

Yeah the Lamb dish was amazing.  I bought leaks today in honor of them.  Although I have no idea how to make them that great.

danya

Posted 2010-04-15 15:34:57

Sad to see a good chef depart, but did someone say REAL NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDAH? Yes!

Emily

Posted 2010-04-17 12:35:19

Think he could be going to Shola's new spot Speck opening in Nolibs?

Posted by Felicia D'Ambrosio @ 6:03 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Next week: Pumpkin and Pub & Kitchen collab dinners

POSTED: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 5:43 PM

Filed Under: Chef Salad | Food Events

Next Tuesday and Thursday, April 20 and 22, chefs/buddies Ian Moroney (Pumpkin) and Jonathan Adams (Pub & Kitchen) are teaming up to celebrate spring with two informal dinners. On the 20th, the duo will cook a four-course, $40 dinner at Moroney's BYO (1713 South St.) The four-course meal, which won't have set seatings (call ahead for ressies, or first-come first-served) will highlight sustainable, seasonal spring seafood. Moroney teases courses like diver scallop crudo with citrus, red-veined sorrel and avocado; perciatelli with Maine sea urchin roe bottarga and olive oil; and braised snails with crispy sweetbreads, mushroom ragu and a fried egg. On the 22nd, the show moves up Lombard to P&K (1946 Lombard St.), where they'll offer mostly the same dishes (maybe a few twists/new ones).

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 5:43 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Clever, clever: Mini Garage Winery truffle oil

POSTED: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 4:45 PM

Filed Under: Dirty Dishes | Product Placement

The Lovely Package

Oil cans

I hate on truffle oil unapologetically and often. Ingredient labels marked with the tells truffle "flavor" or "essence" means the product within is made from chemicals and contains nary a trace of the fragrant fungus. I might find it marginally acceptable if it showed up to dinner in this oil can package from Mini Garage Winery, though. Via The Lovely Package

adam

Posted 2010-04-13 13:06:06

this is awesome, must have for green aisle

danya

Posted 2010-04-13 14:13:46

Awesome. Please do get for Green Aisle, I'll buy a set.

rosario

Posted 2010-04-14 07:09:46

kudos to you for getting the word out that most so-called truffle oil is made from chemicals, not truffles.  the only way to be sure you're getting oil made with REAL truffles is if the label says "USDA 100% organic".  go to my website darosario.com to learn more.

Posted by Felicia D'Ambrosio @ 4:45 PM Permalink | Post a comment

TODAY: Meet Hans-Peter Drexler of G. Schneider and Sohn Brewery

POSTED: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 3:47 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Brew Revue | Dealage

Schneider-Weisse.de

Hans-Peter Drexler

One of my first forays into craft beer drinking was about a year ago at a Jose Pistolas happy hour. I commissioned the bartender to guide me through my tasting spree, and he had me trying everything on the list. My favorite was a tall glass of a dark pour called Schneider Aventinus. Pioneers of brewing wheat-based weisse (white) beer since 1872, G. Schneider and Sohn Brewery remains a leader in this traditional style. Brewmaster Hans-Peter Drexler has built upon the brewery's legacy with the creation of Schneider Edel Weisse, Eisbock and Schneider-Brooklyner Hopfenweisse, his collaboration with Brooklyn Brewery genius Garrett Oliver. Today I'll get to meet the man (and you can, too) who brewed my first craft beer love. On his first Philadelphia adventure Drexler will begin with rounds at Jose Pistolas (263 S. 15th St.) for a âLoaded Lunchâ from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. (pours: Schneider Aventinus, Edel Weisse, Aventinus Eisbock and the collab with Brooklyn Brewery) then to Devil's Den (1148 S. 11th St.) for happy hour from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. (tapas menu and half-priced drafts including the Schneider lineup). Finally he will mingle from 8 p.m.- midnight at Brauhaus Schmitz (718 South St.), where they'll serve Eisbock from a wooden cask alongside more from the Schneider lineup.

TODAY: Meet Hans-Peter Drexler of G….

Posted 2010-04-13 14:35:27

[...] original here: TODAY: Meet Hans-Peter Drexler of G….   Comments [0]Digg [...]

Posted by Marie DiFeliciantonio @ 3:47 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Pretty enough to eat: Noble's Graceful Garden

POSTED: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 3:05 PM

Filed Under: Field Trip

GracefulGardens.net

Chive flowers add color to planters and plates

Crouched like cats on the roof of Noble: An American Cookery (2025 Sansom St.) are three planters visible to upstairs diners through as many pitched skylights. Soon the three beds will be planted by Grace Wicks of Graceful Gardens, who collaborated with Noble's owners Bruno Pouget and Todd Rodgers and chef Brinn Sinnott to create an urban rooftop garden useful to the restaurant's kitchen and bar. "One bed is herbs de Provence -- your fundamental cooking herbs," said Wicks in a telephone interview. "Then the lemon bed, which is all lemon-scented herbs. The last is the edible flower garden, and I'm adding some pots with tomatoes, cucumbers, basil and mint." Wicks was particularly excited for bartender Christian Gaal to incorporate the lemony herbs into his inventive cocktails. Daughter of White Dog CafÃ© founder and pioneering locavore Judy Wicks, Wicks has been gardening all her life. This is her third year running her own business creating gardens in Center City, often including her signature edible, ornamental plants. "I'm a downtown girl," she says cheerfully. Though Wicks says most of her clients are private homeowners, she has designed and installed rooftop gardens for commercial clients like the Four Seasons Philadelphia hotel.

Noble’s rooftop garden is in bloom — time for dinner! :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2010-06-11 13:19:29

[...] a look at the rooftop garden at Noble (2025 Sansom St.), which we first talked about in April — up here they’re growing edible flowers, heirloom tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and close [...]

VIDEO: The rooftop garden at Noble :: Meal Ticket :: Food Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2010-07-28 12:37:40

[...] rooftop garden at Noble (2025 Sansom St.), which was but a glimmer in Grace Wicks‘ eye back in April, is sprouting in full force, so much so that chef Brinn Sinnott has organized a [...]

Posted by Felicia D'Ambrosio @ 3:05 PM Permalink | Post a comment

TONIGHT: Don Q Rum mix-off at Walnut Room

POSTED: Monday, April 12, 2010, 9:00 PM

Filed Under: Booze | Contests | Dealage

Screen capture from DonQ.com

The Don Q range

Hemingway drank it in doubles and Bluebeard pirated the seven seas fueled on the stuff. It's rum, and it's due for a comeback. Taste what's next at the Don Q Rum mix-off tonight at Walnut Room (1709 Walnut St., second floor) where yours truly will be judging the liquid offerings of competitors, all members in good standing of the United States Bartenders Guild PA chapter. Supersommelier Marnie Old and Alfa's Kenny Shug will preside beside me on the high bench, where we will render judgement according to our constitutions. Complimentary Don Q cocktails for all comers will flow from 7-10 p.m.; contest begins at 8 p.m. Flaunting your sugar plantation-style in tropical threads earns admiring glances/batted lashes.

TheRumTrader

Posted 2010-04-13 09:14:26

Glad to see RUM popping up in tasting and judgings more and more around the country. It truly is the spirit of the gods.

Posted by Felicia D'Ambrosio @ 9:00 PM Permalink | Post a comment

"Spotting stars at Starr restaurants" season begins: Abbie Cornish at Alma

POSTED: Monday, April 12, 2010, 8:49 PM

Filed Under: Food and Movies

Everyone in Philly knows how much visiting celebs heart Stephen Starr restaurants. So it's no big shock that we're hearing that swoontastic Aussie actress Abbie Cornish (Bright Star) was spotted mealing out at Alma de Cuba (1623 Walnut St.) last night, over scripts, shrimp ceviche, Kobe tacos, verde empanadas, mojitos and sangria. She's in town shooting The Dark Fields with Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro; she and Cooper will film scenes at Butcher & Singer (1500 Walnut St.), another Starr joint, starting tomorrow. Over on our sister blog Critical Mass, Molly Eichel's been doing a helluva job stalking tracking The Dark Fields stars around town.

Celeb spotting: Where to see Bradley Cooper and Bobby D. around town :: Critical Mass :: A&E Blog :: Philadelphia City Paper

Posted 2010-04-12 15:56:49

[...] Spider• THE CRITICAL MASS WEEKEND OMNIBUS: The Good, The Bad and the Weekend Meal Ticket• "Spotting stars at Starr restaurants" season begins: Abbie Cornish at Alma• Home game special: $8 hot dog and beer at Bridget Foy's• Notes from the Weekend: April [...]

Posted by Drew Lazor @ 8:49 PM Permalink | Post a comment

Home game special: $8 hot dog and beer at Bridget Foy's

POSTED: Monday, April 12, 2010, 8:24 PM

Filed Under: Dealage | Food and Sports | Weird Regional Foods

If you weren't lucky enough to score a ticket to the Phils' home opener today (first pitch was at 3:05 p.m.), head over to Bridget Foy's (200 South St.) to cheer on the boys and catch a deal. Starting today and continuing throughout the season, BF's will offer a hot dog and a select beer for $8 during all Phillies home games. And this ain't no generic wiener on a roll: It's the South Philly Dog (rabe, hot peppers, provolone), the winner of the tasting poll held by Aramark and Citizens Bank Park searching for the venue's signature hot dog. Today and today only, BF's will offer all three hot dogs that were in contention as part of the $8 deal. If you can't make up your mind, order a sampler for $15.

Posted by Marie DiFeliciantonio @ 8:24 PM Permalink | Post a comment

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Founded in October 2008, Meal Ticket is a City Paper blog about food, drink and assorted other things that make you go mmm. We do recipes, interviews, restaurant news, commentary and much more. We don't do restaurant reviews here — those are handled in print, mostly by our critic (and Meal Ticket contributor) Adam Erace. Got a tip, question, thought or concern? Just want to say hello? Please shoot a note to caroline@citypaper.net.

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