A new place to tap for a brew in Old City

Here is an excerpt from Craig LaBan's online chat of Oct. 21, 2014:

Reader: Have you had a chance to try 2nd Story's beers yet?

Craig LaBan: No! But I can't wait. In the proud tradition of projects that seem on the verge of opening, only to finally appear five months later, 2nd Story, which just opened Tuesday in the old Triumph brewpub in Old City, was slated to actually participate in our Brewvitational competition back in May. Something came up at the last minute, and, well, five months later ... I'm thirsty!

Reader: I had most of the beers from 2nd Story at a preview event; they do many beers well, but none of them stood out as outstanding and/or differentiate themselves within their respective style.

C.L.: Well, it's a crowded beer field in Philly. Let's give them time to establish their lineup and have some fun with those Chestnut St. mash tuns.

Reader: 2nd Story beers - I tried several at District Riverton Bistro (there's a connection) and thought John Wible did an excellent job with the Farmhouse Ale.

Reader: Went to Manayunk Tomato over the weekend - how does that rank in your ranks for places in the Yunk?

C.L.: I consider it a worthy stop for a tasty, crispy slice with some style. It's not at the level of the many new-school Italian-style pizzerias that are popping up everywhere across the region now. But I liked it for a casual, affordable bite. And in Manayunk, that's worth plenty.

Reader: Have you tried Nomad Roman yet? I think you didn't appreciate their Roman pie effort on their South St. location.

C.L.: Well, let's just say I didn't love the thin, crispy-crusted Roman-style rounds as much as I loved the delicate and puffy-edged Neapolitan pies they're producing over at Nomad. Those are pretty much at the top of the heap for me among the existing Neapolitan places (right beside Pizza Vetri). But I've really enjoyed the Nomad's Roman-focused sibling on Locust Street since it opened last year. It's a lovely space, affordable and quick for dinner, and convenient to the Avenue of the Arts. Pretheater pizza anyone? I still don't prefer the texture of that style over the Neapolitan, but the toppings and flavor combinations are very similar to the ones I love over at the Bella Vista Nomad, and the original in Hopewell, N.J. Definitely on my GO list, but just maybe not quite at the top.

Reader: Where could I get baby eel? I asked the personnel at Asia Market (Chinatown mall) and they look at me like I'm talking foreign languages?!

C.L.: A good question - this is really a specialty ingredient most commonly used by Spanish and Portuguese chefs. Live eels stir-fried with ginger and garlic? Just try the one I had with XO sauce at Ken's Seafood to know how good that can be. The chefs at Amada or Tinto might have ideas. Or call Samuels & Son, which can probably source anything for a price.

Reader: Where can I buy lamb shanks/shortribs/oxtail without breaking the bank?

C.L.: Best place in town is Border Springs at Reading Terminal Market. I've heard they stopped serving lunch, but retail is really what they did best. Really excellent lamb, fairly priced for the quality.

Reader: Border Springs most definitely has stopped serving lunch at the terminal. Unfortunate because they had some good stuff, but not surprising because it was always pretty empty at the food counter.