Sandwiched between the quaint shops and quiet residences of Third Street lies Hoof + Fin, an Argentinean–inspired BYO from famed New Jersey chef Lucas Manteca. The small glass facade calls little attention to the restaurant inside, which creates an intimate setting for any romantic date with low lights and limited seating. However, the pretentious air is offset by friendly flannel–clad waiters and oddly mismatched clutters of art, that look as though they belong in a mountain lodge.
At first glance, the menu seems relatively sparse but the dishes are seasonal, so feel free to come back in a couple months and try a whole new meal. Despite limited options, we found it tough to choose between the choices of meat or fish, vegetable dishes or pasta dishes. After lengthy debate and debatable over–ordering, we settled on about half the menu.
As we munched on breadsticks and roasted red pepper aioli, we awaited the arrival of our first courses. The corn and cheese empanadas ($7) were spicy, yet understated. Arguably our favorite item on the menu, the sweet corn with the kick of pepper matched perfectly with a flakey, crisp shell. Meanwhile the provoleta fundida ($9) disappointed, as the chorizo heavily overpowered the provolone. We also shared a small plate of truffle and brown butter ricotta gnocchi ($11). The truffle taste was well accented by the sweet brown sugar and tart capers.
For our main course, we settled on Chicken Milanese ($19) and spinach cannelloni. The large portion of chicken was tasty but relatively plain; however, the mashed potatoes that accompanied it were well worth the order. The delicious, yet heavy cannelloni exemplified the restaurant’s semi–Italian identity crisis. The mixture of cheeses, sour cream, and spinach were an instant hit, yet seemed out of place on a South American menu. Though we were satisfied with our orders, the popular favorite seemed to be the skirt steak ($21).
Pursuing our mission to sample the majority of the menu, we ordered two out of the three dessert specials. The tres leches cake ($6) was light with its whipped cream frosting and berry garnishes. But be warned: the pool of milk in which the cake sits causes the otherwise spongy treat to become off–puttingly soggy. The caramel–filled crepes ($7), on the other hand, took the cake, no pun intended; though after a few bites, the sugary rich flavor was a bit overwhelming.
Overall, the food was enjoyable but didn’t demand an encore. While the quiet setting was a nice change of pace from over–crowded Center City hotspots, the long trip should be reserved for special occasions.
Hoof + Fin
617 S. 3rd St.
(215) 925–3070
Dont Miss: Corn and Cheese Empanadas
Skip This: Provoleta Fundida
$$$$$
