Philly Dining Spotlight: THE LITTLE LION RESTAURANT

Upscale Comfort Food with a Taste of History

By Tinsel & Tine Editor Le Anne Lindsay

I truly welcomed the quiet week between Christmas & New Years, because starting January 3rd I went from The Barnes Museum Free First Sunday, my first visit after all this time, so I stayed all day. Hosted a giveaway for subscribers to see preview of Jennifer Lopez in her new cop drama “Shades of Blue” on the big screen. Attended Reelblack’s screening of Kerry Washington’s first major film role – Lift, written and directed by DeMane Davis and Khari Streeter, who Skyped in after the screening to talk about developing the film as part Sundance Labs, and its premiere at Sundance Film Festival 2001 – recommend you add Lift to your streaming/rental list. I attended the press opening for Revolution Taco (20th & Walnut), stay tuned for them to be featured next in the Philly Spotlight. And last, but certainly not least, I also attend the press opening for a new Olde City Restaurant THE LITTLE LION.

Owners Chris Younge, a former manager of Devil’s Alley, and entrepreneur Jason Dills are old friends who decided to start a venture together – The Little Lion (241 Chestnut Street Phila., PA 19106) sits right on the corner of 3rd & Chestnut and boasts killer Southern Comfort Cuisine by Executive Chef Sean Ciccarone (formerly of Pennsylvania 6).

We got to sample: BBQ Chicken Thigh Sliders Sour Slaw, Bread & Butter Pickles, Potato Rolls, Macaroni & Cheese Stewed Tomatoes w/ Buttered Bread Crumbs, Farmer’s Cheese w/Peach Preserves, Honey, Olive Oil on Grilled Bread, Country Fried Chicken with Clover Honey Batter, Charred Brussel Sprouts Bacon Lardon, Sherry Vinegar, Shallots – Here’s The Little Lion complete Menu

Needless to say, I was more than happy! I pretty much live for this type of comfort food, but surprisingly, the stand out for me was that Farmer’s cheese. It’s made in house – creamy deliciousness.

History buffs Chris and Jason felt when naming their restaurant, a nod to historic Philadelphia was in order – “The Little Lion” was the nickname for Alexander Hamilton, the nation’s first Treasury secretary; not a bad idea to connect the name of any business to money! You can READ MORE about the duel Hamilton had with politician Aaron Burr, which took the founding father’s life.

Let’s talk spirits! I had two Lions Tea (bourbon, African nectar tea, brown sugar syrup, egg whites). Really smooth, closer to an Egg Nog than a Long Island Ice Tea. The restaurant will also offer 16 taps: 14 for beer, and one each for cider, cold press coffee and housemade sangria.

I got a chance to talk to Chris Younge for a couple of minutes, who filled me in on the significance of the beverages on tap and the process. His comments narrate the below slideshow of more images from the Little Lion Restaurant Opening:

(Note Slideshow will not be visible to those receiving Tinsel & Tine via RSS feed Click HERE to view)

You can follow on Instagram @thelittlelion and Twitter @LittleLionPHL
Sunday Brunch Coming Soon!

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