Upon our arrival to Old City on a rainy Wednesday evening, we were immediately welcomed by Chloe’s charming storefront and warm lighting that peeked out from the inside. The adorable BYO is inviting from the start, with kitschy decorations and a small space that instantly makes you feel like you’ve been here before. The restaurant has been owned and operated by married-couple chefs Mary Ann Ferrie and Dan Grimes since 2001. Chloe offers New American cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients and served in the heartiest portions Philadelphia has to offer.
We started our meal with the Chloe salad ($6.50) and grilled pizza ($14). The salad, a plate of mixed greens with baked panko-crusted goat cheese, red onion and an orange chipotle dressing, was absolutely delightful, albeit a bit summery for a dreary October night. The strong flavor of the baked goat cheese is complemented well by the sweet-and-sour taste of the dressing.
The grilled free form pizza, served with fig jam, gorgonzola, applewood smoked bacon and olive oil, is best left split amongst two or three. Although the unusual combination of flavors is what drew us to the dish, the gorgonzola ended up overpowering the other ingredients, and one slice in we were ready for the next course.
Chloe’s entrees, dubbed “large plates,” offer a selection of wholesome seafood and meat dishes that can satisfy the largest of appetites. We decided on the baby back ribs ($28), served with macaroni and cheese, seared spinach and a bourbon chipotle glaze. We were immediately taken aback by the size of the portion — over 15 ribs were plopped in front of us. The dish was an homage to a good ol’ backyard BBQ, where each ingredient is added drop by drop. The meat was a little tough, but the rich flavor of the glaze made up for it and the cheesy pasta was a welcome addition to the plate. Although vegetarian options are skim, the pumpkin ravioli (a special) was fantastic and the scallops come highly recommended.
At a friend’s suggestion, we managed to save room for dessert — a difficult feat, but one that proved worthwhile. The chocolate mousse pie ($6), served with raspberry syrup, an Oreo crust and bittersweet chocolate shavings, satisfied our sweet tooth and was a perfect way to end the meal.
The real magic of Chloe lies in the atmosphere. The service cannot be beat, with some of the friendliest waiters around. Although the space can get a bit noisy, it is nonetheless pleasant, and if anything the bustling environment is what makes Chloe so comforting and special. Be weary of its schedule, however. Chloe is only opened Wednesday through Saturday, 5-9:30, and reservations (and credit cards) are not accepted.
Chloe 232 Arch St. (215) 629-2337 Don’t Miss: Chloe salad, dessert Skip: The tuna — what is called rare on the menu is often overcooked Bottom Line: Great for a romantic date or an evening out with friends.
