Philadelphia, PA Eats: Part 2

The Saga Continues:

As I finished up my travel for 2008, it’s time to do another installment on the eating escapades over the last couple months. I’m still in Philadelphia and MAN does this city know how to eat – if you missed the first post, check out Philadelphia Eats: Episode 1.

Otherwise, you know what I’m doing here: Eating at as many new places as I can find. Giving my 30 second thoughts, and moving on to the next place. So, without further ado:

This Post’s Highlight City: Philadelphia, PA Eats: Part 2

Fast Food

Here’s the standards list: I characterize food as “fast” much like my mother does – I have to unwrap it. Usually wait in a queue, national chains, multiple states have them.

There were lots of duplicates in this category overlapping with the first post: Au Bon Pain, The Corner Bakery, Dunkin Donuts, Faunbrook Catering (pretty much every Wednesday for lunch in Exton), The Pita Pit, Primo’s, Primo’s and more Primo’s – So here are the new ones this leg of the journey.

Wendy’s – Yeah, I know “them again?” What can I say? I do love a good value menu. Right down the street from the hotel. Eat [great might be a stretch] even late. Check! – As expected.

Chinese place on Market at 21st – I’m pretty sure there is one conglomerate that supplies and runs every Chinese place like this: Standard one page oversize menu with green and red text. Super close-up square pictures of entrees above them counter that appear to have been fading since 1984. And the exact same fluorescent red sweet and sour sauce in the pseudo-tupperware container. That’s probably why the name didn’t stick with me. That said… there’s a reason I keep going to these places. Sesame chicken, pork fried rice, crab rangoon and an egg roll. Can’t go wrong.

Pagano’s – Last day in town was not great. Pagano’s is a newer place that opened in the plaza where the office is located. Slick looking counter/deli type joint. However breakfast is not their strong point. Breakfast sandwiches should be no brainers. Should have been a tip off when the woman next to me was complaining about hers. Over cooked eggs, bland bagels, forgot the cheese… Won’t be back before noon – they get one more try though.

Asian Chao at PHL Airport – Worst meal I’ve eaten in Philly. Bourbon chicken was charred, Orange Chicken was dry, No sweet/sour sauce available, over-deep-fried egg rolls… and a glass of sprite that was a good 85% ice… Seriously? Skip this place in terminal F. I should have gotten the Sbarro…(*sigh*). That goodness I had enough smarts to hit Primo’s for lunch.

Mid Range Places:

These were places I needed to order from a menu, but could sit down and have my food brought to me. But you still get paper napkins and plastic “we don’t care if you steal it” cutlery:

Aya’s Café – Mediterranean fare near the office, pretty laid back, cozy atmosphere, not terribly big – but big enough. I had the Babaganoush and the Shawarma (thanks to Guy Fieri for doing that one on Guy’s Big Bite or I never would have know what the heck it was). De-friggin-licious! The Shawarma especially. Compatriots had a couple of their huge salads. I’ll be back there several times.

Day by Day Restaurant – A client favorite – we saw several people from the office while we were there. It’s easy to see why. Good food, reasonably priced, and the staff remembers you if you are a regular. I tried the Havarti and Turkey melt. There was a hint of citrus in there too that balanced perfectly. Nice even meal – as expected. Daily menu items on the big board like Seafood Lasagna that made it a tough decision even with the smaller total number of options.. I might try that next time I see it. Can’t tell you the last time I saw a bowl of crumbled desserts as an enticement to get something to go from the pastry counter – good idea.

World Café Live – Very interesting joint. Two stages for live music. We happened to be there on a night without a performance – tough luck. Everyone liked the Antipasto Mista. Good Italian style munchies to get started. The burger was spot on. Check out their site to see who is there when. An eclectic mix, but some pretty well known names at the same time. I’ll be back.

McKenzie’s Brew House – Check this place out more for the beverages than the chow. The Unicorn was a party favorite. I also tried a couple other varieties (the Abbey 8 was out of stock unfortunately). The food was average. Calamari is one of those “cook for a minute or cook for an hour” things if you believe the guys on food network. I think mine was in for about 10 minutes - fairly rubbery. The sliders and fries were about what you’d expect. And when they say “spicy,” dem wings is SPICY. It took about 10 minutes for the “eye sweats” to stop. I’d go back and try something different – both liquid and solid.

Mix Brickoven Pizza – Good place for a quick slice and a sandwich. My sandwich needed something – mayo, or more of the balsamic vinaigrette that came with. Was also a little light on the meat for a flank steak sandwich. The Spinach and Mushroom slice with wheat crust was different, but very tasty. Hit the spot.

Upper Crust-ier Type Joints:

These were nicer places. Linen on the table, you feel under-dressed in jeans and/or without a jacket. Probably not places I would try if I couldn’t charge it in after fasting for breakfast and lunch to save up the Per Diems.

Marigold’s Kitchen – Very small place (I believe there’s an upstairs too, I just didn’t see it. They’re located in a college area up at 45th and Larchwood. We were looking for it, had the address and still almost missed it. The food was quite good, if small. I had the Mussels (yeah, that’s right, Matt ordered seafood on purpose) and the Hanger Steak. Another BYOB joint. Expensive for the area and the portion sizes in my opinion. Don’t leave without dessert though, you’d be missing out.

Brasserie Perrier – I have mixed feelings about this place. The Halibut was very well done. But the tuna tartar was a different texture than I was looking for (not good or bad, just different). The vegetable complement (Spinach, seasonal veg gratin) was about average. However the Brussel sprouts were delicious – pan seared with pancetta. As many of my favorite TV chefs say “It’s always better with bacon.” I may even get my wife to eat them like this. Overall, it gets a pass. Not bad, probably not a return to – especially with all of the places I have yet to go.

Pietro’s – Supposed to be a pretty good pizza place. I wasn’t in the mood for a slice though. I can, however, highly recommend everything we had. From the Fried Mozz wrapped (I contend it was more draped in rather than wrapped) with Prosciutto, to the Vitello Scallopino over Linguini al Funghi (My Italian Prof would have a field day redlining this one) – all was delicious. The surprise for me on this one was the Arugula Salad - simple, straight forward, and an exquisite honey vinaigrette dressing. Delish!

Buddakahn – One of the top 3 meals I’ve had in the last year. It’s another one of the Starr Restaurant Empire (Like Alma de Cuba and the Continental, et al). Pricey items, but well worth the money. Everything is served family style to encourage sharing. We did the Tuna Pizza, the Black Cod and the Sea Bass (yes, you read that right… Matt ate a whole mess-a-seafood!). And it was all delectable! Don’t forget to try the Wasabi mashed potatoes, the green been salad or the Japanese Eggplant side dish. If I have the boss’s credit card, I’ll head back here in a second!

Watch for more from Philly!