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Archive: September, 2010
Filed Under: Chef Salad | Food News
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| Photo | Adam Erace |
| Le Virtù's lemon tagliolini with prosciutto |
Antipasto
Duvel-marinated swordfish ceviche with fennel, oranges, red onion and arugula
with Duvel Golden Ale
Primo
House-made tagliatelle pasta with Rare Vos-steamed mussels and Muffata sheeps milk cheese from Abruzzo
with Ommegang Rare Vos Amber
Secondo
Ommegang Abbery Ale-braised short rib, creamy polenta and root vegetables
with Ommegang Abbel Ale Dubbel
Dolce
Warm chocolate budino with marscarpone gelato and sour cherry puree
with Ommegang Three Philosophers Quadrupel Ale
My husband and I were able to tell the chefs had changed, even before the change was announced. The food had gone downhill. The dish above used to be one of my favorites when the former chef was there...the fried rolls were terrible. I wish I knew where the former chef went!
Sounds like he's got good credentials, but I go to Osteria way more than Le Virtu these days. Better food, better service.
I am looking forward to the new menu and experiencing Chef Cicala's cuisine. I was introduced to Le Virtu recently by my family (roots in Marche) and was delighted to find authentic regional cuisine in my home town. What a treat! The service and hospitality made it feel like coming home again. I gladly make the trip from Manhattan to Philly anytime to dine at Le Virtu. Chef Cicala can only add to what makes Le Virtu special.
[...] this clip of chef Joe Cicala (Adam Erace told you about him here) rocking a smoked potato gnocchi with lamb ragu at Le Virtù (1927 E. Passyunk Ave.). That kitchen [...]
WHERE DID LUCIANA SPURIO GO ?
Philly is incredibly lucky to have Chef Cicala in town. We enjoyed many months of his creative talents, attention to detail, and wonderful food while dining at Palio in Leesburg, VA. Our town's loss is certainly Le Virtu's gain. We are already planning the next road trip for dinner. In the meantime, definitely check out the charcuterie (Joe makes some awesome stuff!) and the budino is not to be missed (warm chocolate, a drizzle of EVO, and some sea salt make an incredible combination.) Buona fortuna a tutti!
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| Photo | Neal Santos |
Yasai to Mame (Vegetable and Bean)
Edamame
Shishito Peppers with Yuzu Sweet Miso
Crispy Bok Choy with Garlic Ponzu
Chilled Tofu with Bonito Flakes and Ginger
Kimchi Tofu
Sea Vegetable Salad
Sauteed Garlic Stems and Bean Sprouts
Chilled Spinach Salad with Vinegar and Pickles
Fermented Soy Beans
Roasted baby Eggplant with Sweet Miso
Japanese-style Tomato Ceviche
Age Dashi Tofu with Nameko Mushrooms
Vegetable Okonomiyaki
Tofu and Mushroom Tobanyaki
Sakana (Fish)
Triggerfish Jerky
Mixed Fish Ceviche
Kumamoto Oysters with 3 Sauces
Fluke with Garlic Umami Seasoning
Salmon Ceviche with Heirloom Tomatoes
Sashimi Salad
Bigeye Tuna Poke with Li Hing Mui
Japanese Yellowtail Sashimi with Chili and Yuzu
Bigeye Tuna Tataki with Shiso Butter Ponzu
Eel and Asparagus with Truffle Honey Soy
Crispy Oysters with Avocado Sansho Salsa
Alaskan King Crab with White Soy Butter
Niku (Meat)
Pork Belly Steam Bun
Wagyu Beef Sliders
Korean Style Chicken Wing with Miso Blue Cheese
Chicken Teriyaki with Pineapple
Lamb Chop with Shiso Chimichurri
Beef Tobanyaki
Chicken Kara-Age
Chicken Katsu
Pork Tonkatsu
Atsumono (Soup)
Miso Soup
Mushroom Clear Soup
Sake Steamed Manila Clams (Ginger/Chili)
Sumo Style Hotpot with Seafood, Meat, and Vegetable
Miso Ramen
Soy Ramen
Tempura
Shrimp Tempura
King Crab Tempura with Yuzu Chili Ponzu
Mixed Vegetable Tempura
Baby Shrimp Tempura with Mustard Aioli
The menu looks great. I'll check it out, especially if they keep the good beer selection also.
I'm dying for an affordable Ramen Shop in Philly
Ro-Zu had a bump in the road for sure but they are back in full force. I was just there last Saturday and the fish was fresh and delicious I think both places will be a great asset to the city.
I am excited about an Izakaya in the city but can't imagine it in the Khyber?? As for RoZu, I too was there last week and everything was wonderful. I had the Eel roll and it was the freshest I have ever had.
Every time I walk by Ro-Zu it's dead. Not a good sign in my eyes.
i'll give that a shot. also, out of respect for what the khyber once was, i will pee on the floor.
Finally, an izakaya in Philly! I can't wait...
Southron: They will definitely be keeping the beer program.
[...] to convert their Old City rock club (56 S. Second St.) into an izakaya (Japanese pub) run by former Ro-Zu chef Todd Dae Kulper. A certain contingent of folks did not seem keen to this idea, and Simons and Frank eventually [...]
Filed Under: Snack Time
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| rarerborealis.com |
has anyone linked through to the bitters recipe? First of all, that is NOT how you make bitters and will surely taste like ass. Secondly, would you trust ANYONE who ruined a delicious bourbon with peaches and brown sugar?? Lastly, what's with the song?
Bitters are an excellent thing to keep in the house. Biting on a lemon wedge with bitters on it is an instant hiccup cure!
I cannot stop watching the Rex Ryan clip.
Filed Under: Food News
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[...] Philadelphia City Paper food blog Meal Ticket comes the news that Philly Cupcake is [...]
Omg did you say spiced applesauce cake with cinnamon and brown butter buttercream????? I want that right now!
philly cupcake rocks! everythhing is amazing. they won the most awards in our cupcake warz!!! http://foodrulez.com/2010/08/21/philly-cupcake-warz/
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Filed Under: Openings
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I live very close to Betty's and I really, really want to like it but I don't. The staff has a weird anxiousness to them, to point where I walked out one time because the woman working made me feel so uncomfortable. I hope they reopen with friendlier employees.
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| Manakeesh Cafe on Facebook |
[...] Cafe and Bakery, the Lebanese hub that Meal Ticket first discussed in September, will open this coming Monday, Jan. 17, says GM Abd Ghazzawi. The combo coffee house and bakery is [...]
Filed Under: Food News
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[...] New menu items at Pod [Meal Ticket] [...]
Wait. Wait. Pod is still open?!? No way.
Filed Under: Notes from the Weekend
Rachel Burgos: RB
Adam Erace: AE
Drew Lazor: DL
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
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| Photo | Rachel Burgos |
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| Photos | Drew Lazor | |
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| Photo | Adam Erace |
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
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| Photos | Rachel Burgos |
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| Photos | Adam Erace |
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
Holy smokes, that meal sounds awesome! I may have just drooled a little. My dear friend is very Irish, and she has a HUGE family party every St Patrick's day that involves the making and consumption of smoked butt with cabbage. I stopped laughing at the "butt" part when she described how good it was.
As is typical when preparing a meal for 10 people, my cooking buddy and I tried making something that we'd never tried before--namely, pork butt (and yes numerous jokes ensued afterward about eating butt). I must say, at $2/pound, what a fantastic bang for your butt, I mean buck (too bad I can't use Mr. Lazor's nifty strikethroughs on the comments). Slow roasted it with a dry rub and some fresh herbs for about 5 hours, and ate it with a squash and wild mushroom risotto and blanched wax beans. Managed to digest enough to make room for dessert: grilled peaches with lemon zested whipped cream and maple glazed pecans.
Okay, i can't resist talking about Mac and Manco's, since I was also there yesterday and yeah, yeah, it's a tradition. But $60 for two pies and five drinks? Erm...did you ever notice you never, ever get a check when you ask for your tab nor are you ever handed a cash register receipt? And that the guys who work there are all obvious relatives of Mrs. Manco and clearly can't do simple math..so they stare at your order and do a tally in their head...only it's never the same amount. We actually laugh cos' we always order the same thing when we go as a family and eat there - two pies and four small drinks. Now, a plain pie is $17. Small drinks are allegedly $1.50. We've had our bill anywhere from $45 to $60, too. On Sunday I went up to the window and ordered two pies to go. The response was $34.00. I said to myself, "Ha! Finally!" Except as we stood there waiting for our pies to cook, my son wanted a slice on the side and a small drink. Somehow, it went up from $34 to $42. I walked away and said to my son, "Did I just pay $8 for a slice of pizza and a small Coke?" Yep. So like, how do they get away with no receipts, tax, etc.? If I didn't like their crappy pizza so much, I would never go there but even though it seems to get thinner and thinner and more expensive each year, it's the rule that we have to eat there. Oh yeah, one final thing. I'm a vegetarian and always get vaguely sick after I eat their piza though again, not enough to keep me away. I am wondering if the lard in the crust rumor is true. On second thought, don't tell me.
Two Philadelphia alums -- Brian (former sous of Roy's) and Kara (former pastry at Striped Bass) are holding down THE best food in Manasquan NJ's little commercial strip. I visited three times in one weekend, proving that nowhere else can even come close to these guys. London Broil sandwich -- horseradish cream, perfectly mid-rare slices of beef, pepperjack and fried shallots like to die Cheesesteak -- just as good as the best in Philly Chicken Salad sandwich -- why isn't there corn and bacon in every version? Highly recommend checking it out if you're ever in that particular Shore 'hood. http://www.yelp.com/biz/max-devros-manasquan
Saturday-cocktails at Cantina where I was the only guy without any type of facial hair. Followed it up with one of the best dinners of the summer at Fond. Corn risotto with crispy pancetta and a swordfish with tomatoes and tzatziki. Sunday-Metropolitan bakery croissant on the way down the shore and then a potluck dinner on the bay in LBI. Pork loin sliders, BBQ brisket sandwiches, bacon wrapped dates, jalapeno poppers and copious light beers. Sunday back in town for breakfast at the counter at Honeys. Huevos rancheros with chorizo, and a double cheeseburger with BBQ potato chips on it in my in-laws backyard to close out the holiday weekend.
Thursday and Saturday nights were closing nights at the bar, so I just threw down a Southhampton Keller Pils or two after my shift. That beer has been on constant rotation in my thirsty hands. Friday was a late night but with quick jaunts after work to the Pope (MORE KELLER PILS for me and my man) and then the Sidecar right before closing time to take home a six pack (Duck Rabbit Amber, Prima Pils, Stoudts Pils, Purple Haze, Lagunitas IPA, and... something else) Sunday, I worked the inaugural brunch at Local 44 and couldn't take my eyes off the food. This stuff looks and tastes gooooood. I personally ordered the PB&J French Toast sticks and Shitake Scrapple-- and sampled the vegan Red Flannel Hash. Sunday night brought a night of rest with some Dogfish Punkin, Victory's Hellerbock, and some burgers and spinach dip on a friend's deck. Monday = more work, nothing exciting to report. Amen.
I forgot to say: PISTACHIO CROISSANTS by Artisan!?!?! Did not know. Now, I do.
Re: Microwave corn - My hyper-gourmet aunt & uncle shocked me this summer when they served bluefish they caught, zucchini from their garden & bread baked by a friend with - gasp - microwaved corn on the cob. Who knew?
Having guests from out of town is always a great excuse to get the best Philly offers. So:
SAT Started out with a traipze through 9th St Market and then on to East Passyunk to score supplies. Wowed the visiting fam with Capogiro ("Best gelato we've ever had!"). A stop at Hawthorne's outdoor seating on the way back for some choice Yards selections.
Back home for a cheese plate that included prosciutto & mozz from Claudios, & was pepped up by Zahav hummus and amazing fig jam from Green Aisle. Followed by grillin: Griggstown herbed poussin and NY Strips from South Philly Acme. (No one can tell me the mafia does not run that meat dept. They have the best beef, hands down.)
SUN Showed off the Headhouse Market. As I was shopping for goods, Mr. Not-hungry-yet-its-too-early snagged a breakfast sausage sandwich from the Renaissance truck, and ate the whole thing in about 2 minutes. "I was trying to save you a bite, but..."
MON Visitors are fun, but when they leave it's time to relax. Happy coincidence: new fave Catahoula was hosting a Bartenders' Association gathering with Plymouth Gin. Even existing on the fringes meant random exotic-but-hardcore cocktails repeatedly found their way into our hands. The Oyster Shooters are incredible (2 for $5) and the Po' Boys rock.
Eating & drinking this weekend was as stellar as the weather.I don't have to imagine it Adam-- ITS ALREADY DONE!!! I make some pretty delicious (albeit definitely white person, inauthentic-style) banh mi on those baguettes more than I care to admit. I've been on a self imposed Artisan hiatus for a while because it was bordering on Intervention-style addiction.
Can we talk about the goat's milk butter at fish? I could eat that by the ice cream scoop.
Kib, Artisan really is the best. Could you imagine a banh mi on those baguettes....
Friday was my birthday and I celebrated with my buddy, whose b-day was the following day. We started with breakfast at Morning Glory, then hit the bars: POPE to Varga to Fergie's to Oyster House to Tria to Slice (yeah, not a bar but we needed food) to the Franklin to Johnny Brenda's. God bless my sainted wife for taking me home that night. Saturday, the aforementioned sainted wife treated me to an amazing birthday dinner at the chef's table at Elements in Princeton, NJ. It was a multi-course extravaganza with seriously good cocktail and wine pairings. The food is definitely worth the drive. Sunday, my brother and I brewed 20 gallons of rye pale ale for his upcoming wedding and then went to a family party where the host grilled up some great pizza (pulled pork with smoked gouda and scallions was a highlight). Monday, brunched at Johnny Brenda's on a croque madame, Standard Porter and Dock Street Satellite Stout. Back at home for dinner I grilled a butterflied chicken while my wife sauteed spinach and made potatoes and corn on the cob. I washed it all down with some delicious rosato from Proprieta Sperino.
I've had the almond... had it yesterday, in fact. But c'mon, pistachio? I'm drooling.
That cherry really is adorable. Also, Adam, Artisan Boulanger is my favorite. I love it as much as I love my cats. Friday I was FINALLY rewarded with something I had been waiting for. For four days in a row, I had faithfully gone to the POPE (literally across the street from my house, but still!!!) with the hopes that Ephemere would be on tap after spotting it on the "coming soon" list. On Friday, I finally got to have some of it and it was worth every day I spent chasing the dragon. Saturday I ate a lunch of pork schnitzel and spaetzle at a creepy, creepy place in rural PA. It was full of old people and had a "raw bar" right when you walked in the doors that was totally unattended and had a bunch of shucked oysters sitting on ice. I was tempted to steal some but the whole place smelled like a nursing home so I somehow lost my urge to eat shellfish. It was a weird place but I got drunk there. Silver lining!
That butter is awesome. I seriously think you can judge the quality of a restaurant by the tastiness of its butter.
The goat's milk butter at fish is sublimely good. Like i don't understand why goat's milk butter isn't everywhere. I also don't understand how it's still possible to get reservations at fish. Way underrated.
When you wanna get re-addicted, I am an excellent enabler.
All the croissants are great there--I think they call them croissants, although they look more like danish--but the pistachio is the best I've tried. I noticed them for the first time last weekend, saw the green shade and figured it for something tropical like guava. Grab 'em if you see 'em,
To be fair, I should clarify that one pie was white ($19.25 versus the $17 for a regular), plus $2.50 to add spinach. By my math, I figure each soda for about $2. It's pretty ridiculous when you put into perspective that you could get a pizza at Osteria for less than the $21.75 cost of the white--but I can't help love the M&M. Been going there since I had enough teeth to tear through a slice.
Celebrated Larry's birthday at the Mill Creek Tavern on Sunday. The super friendly bartender wanted to pretend it wasn't his special day but he was so chatty and sweet (not to mention an excellent pourer), I was down to celebrate with him either way. Then hit up Fiume, for some Jack and Gingers and delightful bar banter with the 'tender, Alli.
I asked the Patches of Star lady at Headhouse why she doesn't sell goat milk butter. She said it's because it takes an insane amount of milk to make it, and she would have to charge so much for it it's not worth it. Re: Fish, I love the food but the service has ranged from erratic to indifferent (bartenders excepted).
BBQ on Lemon Hill on Labor Day. Practically empty! What the hell? Had chicken and veggie kabobs, then lazily decided to put marshmallow kabobs on the grill, rather than holding them over it (so taxing!). Naturally they melted into a giant mallow blob, which we all dunked our graham crackers and hersheys in. Somehow the remainder scraped off easily. I highly recommend this accident.
Thanks for posting the pic of the cherry! It somehow eases the guilt I feel from consuming its cuteness. Friday was the first time I've eaten at the bar at fish and it won't be the last- so wonderful! Meme was great as always (corn and ricotta agnolotti with truffle and parmesan oh my!) and I can't get the delicious veggie board at Kraftwork out of my mind. Great food AND a killer episode of Mad Men? September is shaping up to be pretty amazing!
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| Photo | Drew Lazor |
Raisin Challah for the table with Apple Butter
Grilled Fig and Matchstick Apple Salad, Truffle honey, Challah croutons
Bubbys Chicken Matzah Ball Soup
Slow Brisket, Sweet Potatoes, Prunes
Chicken Cordon Jew: Roulade Chicken Breast stuffed with Corned Beef, Swiss cheese and Madeira Mustard Sauce
Filet of Sole with Golden Raisins and Cherry Tomatoes
Kasha Varniskes
Roasted Veg
Dessert
Schnecken & Such
Bahaha! Party like it's 5771. I'm stealing that, you are forewarned.
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