In search of kosher restaurants

Here is an excerpt from Craig LaBan's online chat of March 28, 2017:

Reader: Can you talk about kosher restaurants in Philadelphia, especially the NE?

Craig LaBan: Philly has a relatively small selection of certified kosher restaurants. There are a bunch on the Main Line under the Citron + Rose group, but I haven't followed their progress much in the last few years. There was one excellent glatt kosher grill in Northeast Philly - Judah Grille - that I noted in my Northeast Philly package. They make Israeli-style fare - excellent salads, savory kebabs, spicy shakshuka, and some excellent eggplant dishes. Also, while I noted one kosher butcher in the Northeast, Simon's, another reader suggested I also try Glendale Kosher Meats (9305 Banes St. near Welsh and Bustleton). In town, I'd suggest either Mama's Vegetarian, which makes my favorite falafel in the city, on 20th Street just south of Market. Also, for a meatcentric kosher restaurant, try Hamifgash, another Israeli restaurant, on the 800 block of Sansom Street just west of Jewelers' Row. I like their shawarma and a highly spiced patty of minced beef that's just delicious.

Reader: Have you heard about Iannelli's Bakery closing or is it still open? It's hard to tell. I need my tomato pie fix. Where are your other favorite tomato pie spots in Philly?

Reader: New York Bakery or Cacia's for tomato pie!

C.L.: Good choices both. But my citywide favorite now is Gaeta's on Castor Avenue in the Northeast. Love both the intensity and balance of its (not too sweet) sauce. Also,I just talked to someone at Ianelli's who said they're only open weekends.

Reader: I recently discovered fresh tamales. I buy them from an awesome hole in the wall on Ninth Street during my run to the Italian Market. Any other places that have great tamales in the city?

C.L.: I just bought a couple very good tamales from the Los Amigos meat market on Ninth Street, where I also bought fresh chorizo in bulk (no casing) for taco night. I had the pork and the raja peppers with Oaxacan cheese, both very good. My all-time favorite tamale stop is still at Mole Poblano on Ninth south of Washington at Ellsworth. Need to go early on a weekend morning to get the best before they sell out.

Reader: I recently became a father and my wife and I have been limited to going out for happy hour drinks and a quick bite, but I have a few days alone next week and will be taking myself out to dinner. Where and what would you eat? I'm leaning toward Wm. Mulherin's Sons. I'm curious on your thoughts.

C.L.: First off, congrats! And, yes, Wm. Mulherin's is a great idea for a splurge, with a great bar that also makes for good solo dining (and an amari tasting). If you like sushi, you might also treat yourself to the omakase tasting counter at Royal Izakaya, where Jesse Ito is cutting some of the best fish in town and the tasting menu is a major splurge ($125).

Reader: Any recomendations for best pastrami or corned beef sandwiches? I really liked 4th St. and Abe Fisher.

C.L.: Hershel's East Side Deli in Reading Terminal Market makes some of the best pastrami in Philly. There's a family connection to Katz's in N.Y.C., pastrami royalty. Also, try the pastrami at High Street on Market. I'm fond of it over top of a crispy potato cake in a pastrami and hash breakfast sandwich.