Food & Drink
Late Summer All Year Round
August calls itself “a twist on classic Italian.” In a sense, August succeeds in its twisting, but a more accurate description might be “improving.” At August, you’ll find all the usual suspects that lurk at the typical Italian Center City BYOB: the arugula and radicchio salad, the artichoke hearts, the almond-crusted salmon, the rigatoni bolognese.
Don’t Gnocch-It Till You’ve Tried It
I found myself at Bellini Grill, an Italian BYOB in Center City, for a friend’s birthday. Our group — comprised of about a dozen people — was seated at a big table near the door.
Don't Let the Monkeys Distract You
The primates on the walls at Bridget Foy’s never smile alone. Whether a regular or a newcomer, few can hide their satisfaction with this South Street hot spot.
Asian Fusion For the Techno Set
For those that enjoy Asian-fusion, Akoya provides a nice alternative to Pod, both in atmosphere and food selection.
Relax. It’s Just Fish.
The ambiance at Matyson was one of an intimate dining space — the kind of place you’d go on a first date rather than as a big group of rambunctious people.
Sugar-Coated, Kinda Bloated
When I walked into Sabrina’s Café with a large group of friends, my first thought was, “How are we all going to fit in here?” This cozy restaurant near the Italian Market has the atmosphere of a true café: simple décor, small, intimate dining space and a neighborhood feel.
West Philadelphia’s Dock Street Brews Up Happiness
Pizza and beer — arguably staples of any college student’s diet. Dock Street Brewing Co. does both of these better than anyone this side of the Schuylkill and for a very reasonable price. Located in an old firehouse at the corner of 50th and Baltimore Streets, the building has plenty of charm.
A New Stop On the BYO Map
Giorgio on Pine — a new BYOB spot where Valentino Ristorante once stood at 13th and Pine — invites patrons into a split-level space bounded by rustic, exposed brick walls and filled with warm lighting and the subtle sounds of Italian arias.
Far Beyond the Blue Box
Upon walking into Swallow Bistro, you’ll be struck by the thought that you’ve left Philadelphia altogether.
Extraordinary Simplicity
Sometimes simple is exactly what you need, and Audrey Claire (20th and Spruce St.) delivers just that.
Like an Angel
Just like coffee in a mug, soda out of a glass bottle and cereal straight from the box, pasta served in a bowl is better than pasta served on its usual companion, a plate.
Tasty, Hot and Straight From the Pot
At the Melting Pot, three things melt: cheese, chocolate and the contents of your wallet. The restaurant is right across the street from Reading Market Terminal, but its warm red walls and elaborate light fixtures asserted itself as more structured fine dining.
Keepin' it Real
Although the walk from campus to West Philadelphia’s Vietnam Café (47th & Baltimore) may be a nice stroll on a spring evening, the nine-block trek was anything but pleasant on a frigid February afternoon.
Mamma Mia, How Can I Resist You?
The Christmas lights outlining the shuttered windows of Anthony and Michael Companga’s Italian BYOB, Ava, were warm and welcoming upon our snowy arrival at the restaurant.
A Haiku On Plantains
Dwarf-like or giant At any stage of ripeness You, a hearty meal.
Flog About It
foobooz.com The go-to blog when it comes to restaurant openings in Philly, Foobooz prides itself on being “equal parts events calendar and weblog.” With a handy search tool that lets you find restaurants by cuisine type, this blog doesn’t mess around.
Cuban Rhythms
How many times do people say beige is their favorite color? Never. Beige is bland. Beige is boring. How to break free from this standardized coffee hue?
Se Habla Cantonese
During a five-hour layover in Lima, I had my first encounter with a chifa — the term for the ubiquitous Chinese restaurants of Peru.
Take Me to Funky Town
To older generations of plaid-wearing Philadelphians, Silk City has always been home to the sickest beats, the raddest dancing and the real Philadelphia.
