Archive: April, 2013
Michael Klein, Philly.com
Owner Nancy Law will offer free lunch to anyone who dines alfresco at SoWe at 22d and Carpenter Streets on the first day temperatures hit or exceed 70 degrees this spring.
Maybe Monday?
The offer is for one complimentary sandwich or burger from chef Jennifer Choplin’s new menu per guest between noon and 2 p.m.
Michael Klein, Philly.com
I'm not here to debate or even question the propriety of serving kosher meat on a Reuben sandwich - only to explain the utter deliciousness of the pastrami and turkey at Hershel's East Side Deli at Reading Terminal Market.
It's always been a top-tier sandwich, and at $9.95 for a huge Reuben, a great value. Owner Steve Safern recently switched to kosher product, and it may even be better.
Wash down this calorific treat with a diet Dr. Brown's soda, and you're all set.
Michael Klein, Philly.com
Having divested himself of his two Rosey's BBQ shops (in Jenkintown and Ambler), Chad Rosenthal is creating ... another BBQ restaurant.
Almost.
The menu at the Lucky Well - taking shape in the former Shanachie on Butler Avenue in downtown Ambler - will be based on comfort food prepared from scratch.
Michael Klein, Philly.com
Andrew Arbitell of Phoenixville, an advertising major at Temple University, won a recent contest sponsored by Goldenberg's Peanut Chews to write a 10-word billboard slogan.
Arbitell, 20, came up with "Enjoyed when the Rocky steps were just steps." Arbitell learned of the candy contest from Joe Glennon, his ad prof.
The head is up on a billboard along I-95 near the Peanut Chews factory through April 28.
Michael Klein, Philly.com
Anthony Mascieri is looking at May for the opening of a Rittenhouse branch of Plenty, his upmarket quick-serve sandwich shop-slash-coffee bar from East Passyunk Avenue.
Morrissey Design of Flourtown is at work on the new spot, at 1602 Spruce St.
It's on Philadelphia’s Register of Historic Places, so Morrissey worked with historians while installing operable café windows. A mezzanine was recaptured to create additional seating.
Michael Klein, Philly.com
Stephen Starr - who started his career as a music promoter - and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson - the Philly-born drummer for The Roots - are going into the food business together in New York.
Expect a mid-May rollout of Hybird, a stand at Chelsea Market. Starr owns branches of Morimoto and Buddakan in the same building.
Only dribs and drabs of information have been released (the New York Times had more on the overall changes at the market), but the menu will include Quest's signature chicken drumsticks (which have been served here at the Roots Picnic and Feastival), dumplings crafted by Buddakan's chefs, cupcakes, as well as juices and slushies.
Michael Klein, Philly.com
Philly's Ultimo Coffee, which started at 15th and Mifflin Streets in 2009 and opened a second shop last year at 22d and Catharine Streets, just snagged the #1 spot on TheDailyMeal.com's list of America’s Best Coffee Shops.
"What makes Ultimo tick — and brings in Philadelphians in flocks? Simplicity, and a little bit of love," the blurb reads, in part. "And many will argue that Philadelphia, often seen as the underdog to the big cities of the Northeast, is hands-down the winner for the best cup of coffee because the coffee scene there is hardly home to the snobbery that can come with 'Third Wave' coffee." No atty-tude!
Michael Klein, Philly.com
Open about a week in Manayunk: The Goat's Beard (4201 Main St., 267-323-2495), a rustic whiskey bar with bold American cooking, served in small plates. The location was Main Street Bar & Grill and for many years was Thomas'.
Major work opened up the first floor. On the second floor, a wooden-slat wall embedded with plants adds an interesting touch to what could have been a bare, high-ceilinged room.
Owner Sean Coyle, who founded Bourbon Blue, insists that The Goat's Beard is not named after a barnyard animal but the native Pennsylvania plant (Aruncus). However, goats abound in the furnishings.
Michael Klein, Philly.com
Strangelove's - the latest beer bar from the Memphis Taproom/Local 44/Resurrection Ale House crew - is on a "sometime in April" track for 216 S. 11th St., on the former site of Doc Watson's plus a list of short-lived bars.
Partners Leigh Maida and husband Brandan Hartranft get a major pass for the slight delay: She delivered a baby girl a month ago.
Paul Martin, an alum of Parc and original chef at Catahoula, is chef.
Michael Klein, Philly.com
The lunchtime selection at the Porch at 30th Street (just outside 30th Street Station) will include food trucks from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays in April.
The lineup:
Wednesdays: The Cow and The Curd (cheese curds), Cupcake Carnivale, Lucky Old Souls (burgers), and the Sunflower Truck Stop (sandwiches)
