Craig LaBan
Email claban@phillynews.com   Follow on Twitter

I joined the Inquirer as its restaurant critic in 1998, after a stint covering the food beat for the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. Having eaten about 500 restaurant meals a year here ever since, I never cease to be amazed by the diversity and sophistication of Philadelphia's kitchens. To travel from its many authentic ethnic neighborhoods to the gastronomic temples of Walnut Street to its beery gastropubs, cozy BYOBs and multitude of greasy-but-great steak joints, is to know this town delivers satisfaction at every level of the food chain. Including online dish.

Live chat: Join Craig at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays in the chatroom.

Book: The Philadelphia Inquirer Restaurant Guide is available through our online store.

4 Bells: According to Craig, the best restaurants in the Philadelphia area.

Gallery Image
The ever-changing Talula's Table
So why does every multicourse dinner I savor here seem more inspired than the last?
Posted 02/03/2012
So why does every multicourse dinner I savor here seem more inspired than the last?
Video: Talula's Table
Gallery: Talula’s Table
 
From Django to Kennett Square
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The magical, marrow-shined luster that is Bibou
Posted 02/03/2012
A mom-and-pop BYOB from chef Pierre Calmels, who left haute cuisine to plunge deep into the rustic soul of his native French bistro tradition, and his wife, Charlotte.
Video: Bibou
Gallery: Bibou
 
Bibou
 
Fountain chef William DiStefano is cooking like it's 2012 - 02/03/2012
I'm happy to send all splurging diners to the Four Seasons.
 
Vetri, our very best - 02/03/2012
Our restaurant scene hasn't been the same since chef Marc Vetri first showed us the beauty of his elevated, rustic Italian cooking.
 
Zahav: Gold from Solomonov - 02/03/2012
No chef in the city is creating food as thrillingly personal and well-executed
 
Amada retains its vibrant nature - 02/03/2012
Jose Garces' Old City tapas destination still cranks up to full-flamenco speed.
 
Osteria: 'The single best all-purpose restaurant' - 02/03/2012
Perfect for a family event, date night, or power lunch, with a top-notch wine list to sate any Italian-vino nerd.
Morimoto remains our premier Japanese experience - 02/03/2012
The kitchen can still create memories - but regulars must push it for fresh ideas.
 
Talula's Garden set to grow beautifully into its own - 02/03/2012
The Starr spinoff on Washington Square benefits from a steadier hand in the kitchen.
 
Tinto running on autopilot - 02/03/2012
That's not such a bad thing at Jose Garces' Rittenhouse tapas destination.
 
Dear Georges Perrier: What the Bec has happened? - 02/03/2012
Changing tastes, a fumbling economy, rising competition, and an even more inflated ego (Perrier's) have all played a role in the demise of what was the premier showpiece of Philadelphia dining for an incredible four decades.
 
Lacroix loses luster - 02/03/2012
Too many kitchen changes have finally taken a toll at the room in the Rittenhouse Hotel.
MORE STORIES
 
Slippage at Barclay Prime - 02/04/2012
Ringing up the bells - 02/04/2012
LOCAVORE | Berwyn buns - 01/24/2012
 
Truffled Old Ale - 01/20/2012
Review: Il Pittore - 01/20/2012
By Craig LaBan, Inquirer Restaurant Critic
Review: Loco Pez - 01/13/2012
By Craig LaBan, Inquirer Restaurant Critic
 
Rare rye - 01/18/2012
 
LaBAN ON DRINKS | Loco Pez revs up the margarita - 01/13/2012


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