Archive for the 'Philadelphia' Category

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Twenty21 – Philadelphia

Published by Gastronomer on June 30, 2007 in New American, Philadelphia and Restaurant Review. 0 Comments

June 15, 2007
Cuisine: American (New)

2005 Market St, Philadelphia 19103
At N 20th St

Phone: 215-851-6262
Website: www.twenty-21.com

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Rosemary Foccacia (complimentary)

Homemade Meatloaf – traditional meatloaf, mashed potatoes, mushroom jus ($15)

Jumbo Lump Crabcake – Napa cabbage, caramelized pears ($19)

Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brulée ($7)

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I’m leaving Philadelphia.

The Astronomer and I are packing our bags and heading to Ho Chi Minh City for the next year to temporarily escape the grind and to see what life is like on the other side of the globe. While I’m beyond stoked about our coming adventures, I’m extremely bummed to be leaving the city I called home for the past few years.

For my farewell luncheon, my colleagues and I dined at Twenty21, which is located across the street from our building in Commerce Square. Even though Commerce Square is positioned right smack in the middle of two high rise buildings in Center City, the ambiance is surprisingly serene due to a flowing fountain and shady greenery.

Twenty21’s dining room is huge, smartly decorated, and dimly lit. We opted to dine outside because the weather was much too pleasant to be stuck inside. As we waited for our food to arrive, we nibbled on some rosemary foccacia with olive oil. The foccacia was stellar and flavorful as is, so the olive oil wasn’t necessary. We enjoyed it so much that my colleague Carol asked for seconds for the entire table.

I ordered the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake and struck a deal with my colleague Jennifer to share her meatloaf. The crab cake, served with sautéed Napa cabbage and caramelized pears, was disappointingly bland. While it’s important to showcase the crabmeat, it’s also essential to properly season the crab cake. Jennifer and I both agreed that the sautéed cabbage was really great. The pears were good, but too thinly sliced and skimpy.

Whereas the crab cake was under-seasoned, the meatloaf was slightly over-seasoned, especially the portions sitting in the jus. I served my portion of the meatloaf on to a separate plate so I didn’t find it too salty, but rather just right. The potatoes were smooth, buttery, and extra delicious with the mushroom jus. The asparagus and mushrooms atop the meatloaf were all cooked very well.

In a celebratory mood, Jennifer and I split a crème brûlée for dessert. The sugary shell was done right, but sadly there was only a shallow layer of crème beneath. The miscalculated ratio of sugar to crème was unsatisfactory.

Day by Day – Philadelphia

Published by Gastronomer on June 30, 2007 in Philadelphia and Restaurant Review. 0 Comments

June 14, 2007
Cuisine: Sandwiches, Soups

2101 Sansom St, Philadelphia 19103
At 21st Street

Phone: 215-564-5540
Website: www.daybydayinc.com

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Italian Bread (complimentary)

Quiche Lorraine ($7.50)

Turkey Club with bacon, lettuce & tomato on Italian bread served with Red Bliss Potato ($8.50)

Panini with Smoked Turkey, Cheddar and Mango Chutney ($7)

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After two years of observing the staffers from Day by Day smoking by the dumpster, unloading delivery trucks, and packing up catering vans as I walked to work each morning, it was nice to finally sample their offerings on a recent lunch date with Wes and Wayne. Day by Day serves up soups, sandwiches, and a variety of weekly specials colorfully written on blackboards both outside and inside the restaurant. Most of their fare is classic Americana, but there are a few Asian, Latin, and Southern twists thrown in to keep things from veering toward boring.

Wes ordered a turkey club with bacon, while Wayne had the quiche Lorraine. Wayne thought the quiche was great and really hit the mark. Day by Day offers a different variety of quiche each week. Wes liked his sandwich as well, but didn’t have much of an appetite this afternoon which was a shame.

I thoroughly enjoyed my panini with smoked turkey, cheddar and mango chutney. The multigrain bread was especially memorable, as was the mango chutney which was sweet, sticky, and tart. I love sandwiches with fruity elements! The panini was served atop a lightly dressed bed of greens that was quite good, but the panini was definitely the highlight.

21st Street Gourmet – Philadelphia

Published by Gastronomer on June 15, 2007 in Philadelphia and Restaurant Review. 2 Comments

June 7, 2007
Cuisine: Sandwiches, Other

119 S 21st St, Philadelphia 19103
Btwn Walnut St & Sansom St

Phone: 215-563-9099
Website: none

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Lentil Loaf Sandwich – aged provolone, tomato, served on toasted grain bread with pasta salad and Dijon potato salad ($7.25)

Poached Eggs on a Fluffy Croissant with a side of Bacon ($3.95)

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My friend Wes and I are always on the lookout for tasty lunch spots and decided to give 21st Street Gourmet a try the other afternoon. When it comes to appetites and food preferences, Wes and I are like night and day. Whereas Wes is rarely hungry and only likes traditional American fare, I have a hearty appetite and enjoy just about everything granted it doesn’t contain trans fats. It’s not easy finding an eatery that satisfies both our tastes, but 21st Street Gourmet comes pretty darn close.

21st Street Gourmet is a full-service restaurant that offers take-out and catering as well. The restaurant is quite spacious and was reasonably crowded when we visited. Most diners seemed to be business-types on lunch break.

Always in the mood for breakfast, Wes ordered Poached Eggs on a Fluffy Croissant with a side of bacon. A large toasted croissant gently held together two poached eggs. Wes said the poached eggs were perfect (not too hard or too soft) and the yolks were wonderfully runny. He also commented that the croissant was delicious and the bacon was thick. What really put a smile on my face was when Wes admitted that this meal was better than the slop served up at Sandy’s and returned the next day to enjoy another Poached Eggs on a Fluffy Croissant. I’ve been trying to get Wes to abandon Sandy’s for months!

My Lentil Loaf Sandwich was a smaller than expected based on the price, but very delightful and satisfying. The loaf was composed of lentils, rice, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Although I’m not a vegetarian, I often prefer vegetarian options over meat because they tend to be healthier and definitely more interesting. The melted aged provolone tied together the loaf, bread, and tomatoes well. The pasta salad (tri-color rotini tossed in Italian dressing) was fairly run of the mill, but the potato salad (quartered small red potatoes in Dijon/mayonnaise dressing) was above average.

Horizons – Philadelphia

Published by Astronomer on June 14, 2007 in Philadelphia, Restaurant Review, Vegan and Vegetarian. 2 Comments

June 2, 2007
Cuisine: Vegetarian, Eclectic & International, Health Food

611 S 7th St, Philadelphia 19147
At South Street

Phone: 215-923-6117
Website: www.horizonsphiladelphia.com
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Foccacia (complimentary)

Appetizer I: Vietnamese Bruschetta – lemongrass braised tofu, red chile mayo, cilantro, scallion & mint relish ($7)

Appetizer II: Jamaican BBQ Seitan – cucumber ranch, habanero tamarind slaw ($8)

Entree I: Hearts of Palm Paella – grilled asparagus, seared valencian rice, saffron sauce, green olive & creamy roasted corn relish ($18)

Entree II: Pacific Rim Grilled Tofu – spicy kochujang glaze, ginger lime butter, edamame mashed potatoes, ponzu broccolini ($18)

Chocolate Mousse with Macadamia Nut Cookies ($6)

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It is quite possible that my family was stunned when, among all the restaurants in the Philadelphia area, I chose to visit a vegan establishment for my graduation dinner. Most of my all-time favorite meals have indeed been built around juicy, succulent animal byproducts, but in recent years I have begun to develop an appreciation for healthy eating, and Horizons had long been near the top of the Gastronomer’s and my “must-try” list. Besides, I knew my mom would love it. I decided to take the plunge.

All in all, the food at Horizons blew me away. The meal began with some delicious foccacia and olive oil for dipping. The bread was totally addictive, and in anticipation of possibly being left hungry by the meatless later courses, I ended up eating far too much. I also downed a tasty mojito. Drinking at meals is a rarity for me, but hey, it was a night of celebration.

The Gastronomer and I decided to share two appetizers and two entrees in order to sample as much of the inventive menu as possible. We began with the Vietnamese Bruschetta and Jamaican Barbeque Seitan. The bruschetta featured a small slice of baguette topped with a slab of tofu and a delicate relish. The Gastronomer liked the spice of the red chile mayo smeared on the bread, but wished that the toppings had more of a kick. I agreed; the flavors were pleasant but didn’t really leave me longing for more.

On the other hand, the BBQ seitan was phenomenal. Horizons is famous for making soy and gluten products taste meat-like, which was certainly the case with this dish. The seitan had a stringy texture similar to pulled pork and efficiently soaked up the flavors of the sauce, which was sticky, sweet, tangy, and just plain brilliant. I can honestly say that the seitan was better than 95% of the barbecued meats I’ve eaten (and I live in Alabama). We passed the dish around for everyone to try a piece; sadly it was gone before we knew it.

For our entrees, we ordered the Hearts of Palm Paella and the Pacific Rim Grilled Tofu. Both were well executed; although nothing could match the astounding flavor of the BBQ seitan. The texture of the paella surprised us—instead of trying to mimic standard seafood paella, Horizons went for a novel form that was more like a cake of fried risotto. The Gastronomer loved how the hearts of palm had the texture of a vegetable, but boasted a tangy flavor unheard of among greens. She also commented that the saffron sauce was pretty, but not all that memorable from a taste standpoint. As someone who embraces mild flavors, I thoroughly enjoyed the sauce, which was a perfect accompaniment for the asparagus. Both of us could have done without the bell pepper stuffed with a mayo-based sauce.

The Pacific Rim Tofu was beautifully presented, but its mild flavors were a bit of a letdown for The Gastronomer. She informed me that tofu is at its best and most flavorful when it is marinated and deep fried rather than simply grilled. I still thought the dish was excellent, although I have to admit that the “spicy” glaze was hardly noticeable. The people at Horizons really know how to cook tofu; I wish I could achieve such beautiful grill marks and wonderful texture in my own backyard. The ponzu broccoli and edamame mashed potatoes were outstanding sides.

Upon finishing off the last of the tofu, I was amazingly stuffed—I had truly underestimated the substance of the meal. However, others at the table couldn’t resist trying some desserts. The dairy-free cheesecake was the standout; I don’t know how they did it, but it was one of the best pieces of cheesecake I’ve ever tasted. The Gastronomer shared the Chocolate Mousse with Macadamia Nut Cookie with my brother and sister. The cookie was tasty, but too crunchy; The Gastronomer still swears by Wes’s Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies. She thought the chocolate mousse was similar to a fine truffle, although she didn’t care much for the coconut coating.

The overall experience at Horizons exceeded my expectations: the menu offers uniform quality and a few true delicacies, and the presentation of the food is gorgeous. I would recommend Horizons to anyone looking for a delicious, reasonably priced fine dining experience, vegan or otherwise. My mom liked it so much that she purchased the Horizons cookbook on the spot.

Audrey Claire – Philadelphia

Published by Gastronomer on June 1, 2007 in New American, Philadelphia, Restaurant Review and Small Plates. 2 Comments

May 25, 2007
Cuisine: American (New), Tapas

276 S 20th Street, Philadelphia 19103
Between Rittenhouse Square & Spruce Street

Phone: 215-731-1222
Website: http://www.audreyclaire.com

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Course I: Spicy Hummus, House Cured Salmon and Mesclun with Herb Vinaigrette Flatbread ($9.50)

Course II: Buffalo Mozzarella, Plum Tomatoes, and Israeli Basil Flatbread ($9)

Course III: Grilled Octopus with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon and Fresh Herbs Over Greens ($8)

Course IV: Grilled Shrimp with Saffron Rice, Spring Peas, Chorizo and Paprika Vinaigrette ($11)

Course V: Spiced Lamb Meatball with Chickpea-Carrot Salad ($10)

Course VI: Sauteed Softshell Crabs with Black Bean and Roasted Corn Salsa ($23)

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After four years of arduous seminars, tough problem sets, and way too much stress, the madness that is Swarthmore College finally ended for The Astronomer late last week. To properly commemorate this red letter day, champagne, good food, and great friends were in order. The Astronomer and I, along with his BFF Matt and teammate Connor, headed over to Audrey Claire for a celebratory feast with a bottle of bubbly in hand (and a lot of beers too).

Due to the extensive wait for a table outside, we opted to sit indoors. Luckily our group was large enough to merit our own table rather than a communal one because I hate hearing other diners’ conversations, which is oftentimes unavoidable in this compact space.

I always have a blast eating at Audrey Claire because the menu encourages mixing and matching flavors and sharing food family-style. My dining partners were refreshingly open-minded eaters so it was a breeze choosing which dishes to order.

We started off with two of Audrey Claire’s signature flatbreads. The spicy hummus with house cured salmon did not disappoint. I’ve tried this dish once prior and it was just as good as I remembered. Truly a perfect summertime delight. The Buffalo mozzarella, plum tomatoes, and Israeli basil flatbread was excellent as well, but perhaps too closely resembled a pizza. High quality ingredients and simple flavors are what makes these flatbreads sensational.

The Astronomer insisted that we order the grilled octopus because he is mildly obsessed with the tentacled creature. When the dish arrived, we were all let down by the ratio of octopus to greens; from the menu’s description we thought the octopus would be the star. Expectations aside, the dish was pleasantly light and the octopus was decent in spite of being chopped up into bits.

Our fourth course was chosen by Matt—Grilled Shrimp with Saffron Rice, Spring Peas, Chorizo and Paprika Vinaigrette. The one shrimp I had was suitable, but not as jumbo or juicy as I would have liked. The vinaigrette added a lovely tang to the shrimp. We all agreed that the saffron rice was more or less blah. I’m always surprised by how mild saffron tastes because its dying properties are indeed phenomenal.

Our fifth course—Spiced Lamb Meatball with Chickpea-Carrot Salad—was the highlight of the evening and perhaps the best dish I’ve ever eaten at Audrey Claire. The meatballs were intensely savory and impressively retained a deep lamb flavor. The chickpea-carrot salad was sweet, cinnamon-y, and amazingly delicious. The Astronomer usually shuns chickpeas, but loved the salad a great deal. A subtle mint sauce brought the dish to a whole new level.

Our final course was one of the evening’s specials—softshell crabs. Two good-sized crabs were fried up nicely, drizzled with spicy mayonnaise, and paired with a black bean and roasted corn salsa. The individual elements of the dish were tasty, but the entree overall lacked a certain something to tie it all together. I’m always a sucker for ordering specials and unfortunately they always seem to be a let down; I need to stick to the tried and true menu items.

FYI: this post marks the 100th restaurant review on gas•tron•o•my!