Craig LaBan

Email claban@phillynews.com

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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.

Drink: A splendid New York State pinot blanc

10/28/2012

When it comes to white wines, New York - especially the Finger Lakes - makes some of the best in America. But Long Island's North Fork is coming on strong, too, as evidenced by this pinot blanc from Lieb Family Cellars, the 20-year-old pioneer founded by Mark and Kathy Lieb, who decided California's wine country wasn't for them after experiencing an earthquake.

Deviled eggs are a hit, with pickled beet, truffle, and pecorino stuffings.

LABAN REVIEW

LaBan review: NoBL

By Craig LaBan, Inquirer Restaurant Critic

10/26/2012

For wannabe insider diners weaned on Kitchen Confidential and chefs' Twitter feeds, it doesn't get any cooler than a chance to chow down like a kitchen...

Ramen reset 10/24/2012: A Chinatown spot's remarkable turnaround.
LABAN REVIEW Samarkand 10/19/2012: A Lower Bucks strip mall obscures the culture, language, and lamb-centric cuisine of Uzbekistan.

By Craig LaBan, Inquirer Restaurant Critic

A Lower Bucks strip mall obscures the culture, language, and lamb-centric cuisine of Uzbekistan.
LABAN CHAT LaBan chat: Block party draw; Restaurant Week finds 10/10/2012: Based on some early menu offerings, RW should be renamed "Fifty Shades of Salmon."
Pick a picnic in a parklet 10/10/2012: Craig LaBan takes to the street - literally - to find an urban dining oasis.
LABAN REVIEW Lemon Hill 10/05/2012: Fairmount tavern revives, with tip-top tipples and good grub.

By Craig LaBan, Inquirer Restaurant Critic

Craig LaBan: Fairmount tavern revives, with tip-top tipples and good grub.
Craig LaBan's Drink: Tariquet's Bas-Armagnac VSOP 10/05/2012: I've been gravitating to Gascony the last several months. It's such a prime region for great values in both red (such as the Chateau de Larroque featured in August) and white - especially the affordable series of crisp blends from Domaine du Tariquet that
Drink: Artisnale from Tired Hands 09/28/2012: A meal of "bread and water" sounds like a harsh sentence. Change that to "bread and beer" at Ardmore's Tired Hands - their crusty loaves baked in cast-iron pans with ale yeast - and I'll have fun all night. Jean Brouillet IV's formula
LABAN REVIEW Popolino 09/28/2012: This BYOB in Northern Liberties serves up bold flavors, unconventionally Italian, often with an egg on top.

By Craig LaBan, Inquirer Restaurant Critic

Craig LaBan finds a BYOB in Northern Liberties serving bold flavors, unconventionally Italian, often with an egg on top.
RESTAURANTS Blueberries to tacos: A shift in Hammonton 09/27/2012: By Craig LaBan, INQUIRER RESTAURANT CRITIC

Craig LaBan: The Pine Barrens farming town is gaining a tasty, new distinction. Plus: Six great spots worth the trip.
Bibimbapping 09/26/2012: Rice & Mix makes tasty Korean food fast.