Restaurant chat: Absinthe, gnocchi, cheese and more
Craig: Yes, BGC, that's the one. Send me your mailing info to claban@phillynews.com and I'll send you a book. King of Tandoor opened quite recently on a block that has suddenly exploded with dining options - plus Sabrina's Too and the truly brand-new Kite and Key gatropub. I'll say this, the owner was over-the-top nice, the room has one of the sparkliest chandeliers and golden ceiling fixtures I've seen. The food? It's early. Our lunch was just fine, better than average, but didn't knock my masala-socks off quite yet. I'll be back.
BGC: Hear any early buzz out of Chima? I'm looking to do the Center City meat-eat thing soon and am trying to decide b/t there and Fogo. Thoughts?
Craig: I haven't heard any reports yet, and it's still too new for me. Anyone out there with an early dispatch from the skewered meat front?
Cheezy: I found Vintage's selection of cheeses to be average. Tria and Benneluxx have a slightly more decent selection. Can you name any other wine bars where I can get some good cheese? I love cheeeeeese!!!!
Craig: Cheezy, I'm a cheese-a-holic, too, and find Tria's selections to be among the city's best. That said, there are other good venues that mix the wine bar/beer bar concept with good cheese: Ansill, the Ugly American (a nice surprise, at this mostly beer stop, to find Up in Smoke as an anchor on their platter), as well as Tinto and Amada (which have really raised awareness of some good Spanish cheeses, like La Serena, with their wines). Also, Fork has long been committed to good cheese. One other suggestion, though not in the city: Domaine Hudson in Wilmington is a very good wine bar that is serious about cheese. Just take a look at this link of their current cheese offerings and note all the unusual options from the old Ossau to a couple British choices: http://www.domainehudson.com/Cheese.html
Lauren: Are there any good sushi places in the Sea Isle/Ocean City area?
Craig: Not that I can think of, Lauren. It's odd, because you'd think the seaside would inpire great sushi. One possibility for not-bad sushi down the Shore would be Moonfish Grill in Cape May, which replaced Daniel's on Broadway. It's a multi-concept place with giant steaks, and big, cream heavy pastas. The sushi was the best part of our meal this June. Also, in years past, I have enjoyed the sushi at Yama, in Ventnor, though it's been a long time.
Craig: On that note, I'm going to call this chat finito for today. I'll be back next week - at 2 p.m., in the good old time slot. Until then, may you all be well, and eat something worth bragging about!




