WEEKLYPRESS.COM · UCREVIEW.COM · AUGUST 10 · 2011 Maria’s Favorite Philly Flavors


By Maria Valetti Food & Wine Connoisseur


summer has such a defini- tive end– the long days of fun are done and it’s time to get serious as school classes begin and job summer hours go back to the normal 9-5 schedule. Cooler weather rolls-in, shore traffic no lon- ger clogs up the roads and public and private pools close until next May. Lots to lament (like the sweet summer bounty of fruits), but it’s also a time when Philly tends to give credit where credit is due with yearly ‘Best Of’ awards, Top ‘Style’ recognition and an annual run-down or two of ‘hot lists’. All that got me thinking…what are the favorites on my list right now when it comes to win- ing and dining and service industry specialists in cen- ter city and University City Philadelphia? People I meet, friends, fam- ily, out-of-towners and ac- quaintances always ask me, “What’s your favorite res- taurant?” [That’s actually a tough one that I won’t usu- ally answer as it depends on my mood] How about your favorite cheesesteak? [Actually I’d say the Philly Cheese Steak Spring Rolls® at Davio’s] Or they ask: where is your favorite place to go for a romantic diner? [Well it used to be James, but (sadly) since they closed I have been looking for a re- placement.] So here you go; I put to- gether a list to help guide you through the flavors of Philly and have even men- tioned special people that help make Philly the flavor- ful city it is. I’ve tried not to include the “expected” categories and made sure to eschew the too commonly discussed (Pizza). What I have listed are interesting categories that are a differ- ent take on the Philly food


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ummer tends to be the season to sum things up. Maybe it’s because


scene with the hope that you’ll discover something new. Favorites are listed in no particular order: Neighborhood Bistro: Zinc Bistro a Vin ~Cozy and in- viting, Zinc is the quintes- sential gathering spot for French fare and Parisian ambience 246 South 11th Street Hideaway Spot; Ranstead Room ~You’ll find the door to this cocktail den on shady Ranstead alley. Duck in and order the Tstrumble, a tequila-based tipple. It’s so dark in here no one will ever recognize you. 2013 Ranstead St Themed Restaurant: The Farmers’ Cabinet ~take a step back in time and just like the movie Midnight in Paris find yourself inside a 1920s speakeasy themed bar. Have a seat at the com- munity table, order a beer- cocktail, and listen to the loud and lively, live “Hot Jazz”. 1113 Walnut St Quick Tasty Bite: Mama’s vegetarian ~A “Mama’s” small falafel sandwich on wheat pita extra spicy is the perfect lunch on the run – in and out time (after packing your pickled items to-go): 2 minutes. 18 South 20th Street


Sweet Fix: Manakeeesh www.PhillyLemonGrass.com


~Not your typical cookie/ cake café – Manakeesh spe- cializes in Lebanese good- ies: try the Kanafe, a moist cheese-layered , rose-scent- ed semolina cake 4420 Walnut St


Late Night Snack: Valan- ni ~With options like the Medi-Latin tapas sharing dish and the grilled ro- maine salad till 1am, there’s a plate to please every over- imbibed palate 1229 Spruce St


Happy Hour: SoleFood Lounge at The Lowes Hotel ~Wed-Fri local legend Joan- na Pascale keeps the crowds grooving as $5 drinks and $5 bites are delivered and quickly devoured. Specials run weeknights from 5-7 p.m. 1200 Market Street


Beers AND Bites: Varga Bar ~this is the bar that taught me to like beer; some drafts are as high as 18% alc! And the Pub grub here as ALL good. 941 Spruce Street


Wine Bar: Jet Wine Bar ~Take a tour around the wine world with Jet! Their global wine selection fea- tures a few traditional grapes but more important- ly the obscure and inter- esting! A glass of Pecorino


Zagat Survey


Destination Award 2003


please? Yes it’s a grape too as well as a cheese! 1525 South Street


Spice Fix: Han Dynasty ~Bring a Riesling or a spar- kling wine to cool your tongue from the heat of Han’s food. Spice ranges from 1-10…can you han- dle the heat? 108 Chestnut Street


Seductive Ambiance:Alma de Cuba ~The décor is red hot and the lounge seating intimate – add a little Latin spice and some salsa from the speakers and it becomes as smokin’ as Cuban Cohi- ba! 1623 Walnut Street


Pasta: Vetri ~fluffy, cloud- like, savory spinach gnoc- chi. Ethereal. 1312 Spruce Street


Group Dining: Kanella Byob ~get a group together


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UNIVERSITY CITY


say 20 or so, call ahead and tell Chef Konstantinos Pitsil- lides that you want to have a whole-animal diner. He’ll offer you a baby pig lamb or goat (depending on what’s available) and cook it to perfection with pinch of Mediterranean spice, and at just the right price. 266 S 10th St


Wine Education: WSET (Wine and Spirits Educa- tion Trust) ~If you’re seri- ous about wine get a seri- ous wine education. It’s the only place in the city offers real accredited courses and the chance to taste the fin- est wines in the world. Vari- ous center city locations www. phillywine.com


Outside Eating: Talula’s Garden ~I know, it’s already got enough accolades, but this quaint and charming magical garden setting has the perfect view to match Amiee Olexy’s dainty de- lectables. 210 W Washington Square


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Sommelier: Scott Turnbull at the Fountain Restaurant (The Four Seasons Ho- tel) ~it’s easy to trust Scott when it comes to food and wine pairing; he’s an expert in every aspect of the fine dining experiencing, so let him guide your senses to a new and noteworthy bottle. 1 Logan Square


Beer tasting Diner Events: Chifa ~at least once a month Chifa features a specialty brewing company and cre- ates a multi-course meal around the featured brew. Sign up for their email letter for updates on events. 707 Chestnut St


Chef’s Table: Lacroix at the Rittenhouse Hotel ~lo- cated in the center of all the action, this chef’s table is actually IN the kitchen. Watch a 12-course extrava- ganza come to life like it’s a 3D movie. 210 West Rittenhouse Square


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