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Philly Dining: MERCATO SUMMER TASTING MENU
by Le Anne Lindsay, Editor My sister LeVonne’s birthday (7/7) just happened to fall on a Tuesday this year, which made it perfect for checking out Mercato (1216 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA 19107) Tuesday Tasting Menu – 3 Courses for $33.00 #TastingTuesdays . In terms of the decor, I like the simplicity, intimate size and natural lighting of Mercato, yet it had been over 5 years since the last time I’d dined there. It’s an Italian BYOB, but not how you’d think of a traditional Italian restaurant; it’s really more the type of place I like to go to for small plates, antipasti, inventive appetizers, grilled veggies, artisan cheeses etc……
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Philly Restaurant: Fitler Dining Room
Photo: Foobooz Yes, it’s true, I do love comfort food and diners and Harrahs Casino buffet, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate upscale, trendy dining and I know those two adjectives = $$$. I also know you shouldn’t just walk up on a small, boutique type dining establishment when you’re looking to just catch a bite to eat; these types of restaurants are for a dining experience of at least two courses. However, because we wanted to dine alfresco and happened to be in the vicinity of Filter Dining Room (owned by Pub & Kitchen’s Dan Clark & Ed Hackett) and saw open tables outside, we decided to stop…
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Back to Bahama Breeze: New Rice Bowls!
At the beginning of the year I was invited to a blogger’s event at Bahama Breeze to taste their new Legendary Island Cocktails (click for post). Last week they invited me back to sample items from their Late Night Happy Hour menu and new Rice Bowls! “From Caribbean Creole to an Asian-island inspired sweet chili and ginger sauce, each bowl brings a distinct international island flavor to the table.” I was greeted this time by manager Talia Rivera (Talia, forgive me for forgetting to take your picture). Thanks for being such a great host. As we learned in my last post, Bahama Breeze takes their cocktails seriously, so choosing a…
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Love this Craig LaBan Article on Philly Dining Scene
Image: Philly.com …In the two years he’s been back, Lawler has learned how to keep his guests happy: “People in Philly don’t care if it’s new or never been done before,” Lawler says. “They’re spending their own money [versus expense accounts], and they want the food to taste good. That might sound obvious, but it has nothing to do with the level of refinement or sophistication. They want a pleasant meal and they don’t want fluff. They want substance.” READ MORE Philly Food Blog
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Hotel Monaco Looks Exciting!
While making my way to Ritz East during the 21st Philadelphia Film Festival. (my film fest posts aren’t up yet, but be sure to follow my @phillyfilmfest tweets) I was suddenly struck by the tantalizing sight of a new boutique hotel and dining establishments. I can’t even recall what used to be on the corner of 5th & Chestnut? But now it’s the Hotel Monaco featuring The Red Owl Tavern and Stratus Rooftop, and I can’t wait to be up in both! The line for the rooftop was insane last night! Here’s a rundown tweeted earlier this month from uwishunu: The opening of The Hotel Monaco Philadelphia on Independence Mall is…
