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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.
- Video: Jamonera in Center City
- Video: Hickory Lane
- Gallery: Hickory Lane
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LABAN REVIEWLa Calaca Feliz, in Fairmount
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Craig LaBan: With cooking this tasty, it’s no wonder the skeletons look so joyous in the colorful murals that line the walls.
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LABAN REVIEWHeirloom, in Chestnut Hill
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Craig LaBan finds an "earnest warmth to dining" at chef Al Paris' homespun BYOB at the Top of the Hill.
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LABAN REVIEWParamour, in the Wayne Hotel
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Beneath its sleek Lexus-like good looks, this Casanova’s kitchen engine sputtered from one poorly executed dish to the next, says Craig LaBan.
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LABAN REVIEWBirra
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It's a charmer on E'Punk, all right, but Craig LaBan thinks this pub could be so much better.
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LABAN REVIEWThe Pickled Heron
- A young cooking couple set their sights DIY-high for a French bistro in Fishtown.Craig LaBan finds a very serious new French offering in Fishtown's resurgence.
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LABAN REVIEWSky Cafe
- Conquer the funky green bean, and other western Indonesian delights."The more I tell you not to get something, the more you want it, right?" Craig LaBan finds a cheery, authentic Indonesian spot in South Philly.
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LABAN REVIEWStateside
- There's pickled pep to the small-plates menu and a diverse lineup of drinks at this East Passyunk gastropub.Craig LaBan: There's pickled pep to the small-plates menu and a diverse lineup of drinks at this East Passyunk gastropub.
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LABAN REVIEWRoute 6
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Stephen Starr has hit some bumps on the road to a Philly fish house.
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LABAN REVIEWEla: A feast to behold
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It isn't easy being a beefcake chef who wants to be taken seriously for his beef cheeks. Meet Jason Cichonski, the sexy and talented co-owner of Ela in Queen Village.
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CRAIG LABAN REVIEWVedge
- Chef Rich Landau has a way of making rutabagas sexy.In a smartly appointed 19th-century grand manse, a couple has stepped up with a full-on dining experience that adds up to one of the most exciting restaurants I've visited this year.
