Philly and Food

[phillyandfood]

Restaurant 10 out of 100: Amada

Restaurant: Amada

Cuisine: Spanish Tapas 

Location: 217 Chestnut Street

Ambiance: Semi Formal 

Overall Experience: 3.9/5 Stars : Can get pricey

Now Listening: Good Days 

Life has been hellish, maybe it’s because I am young, maybe it’s because of some personal home  situations? Maybe its cuz of Corporate America overworking me and actually firing me like none of my skills or abilities matter. None the less I am behind, jobless and just working as a musician at the moment. Here is a story about my time at Amada with my two friends named Ashley. 

Dining at Amada was pretty great, I don’t know if I will always frequent tapas restaurants because you are tempted to order more than you can eat and end up spending a pretty penny, but maybe that’s the point. 

We opened up with this dish, I don’t quite recall the name however it had Foi Groi in it and just no . 

There were too many dishes for me to remember, but that also has more to do with the fact I am way behind schedule, none the less this was a great time. 

[phillyandfood]

Restaurant 9 out of 100: V Street

Restaurant: V Street 

Cuisine: Vegan

Location: 126 S 19th Street 

Ambiance: Bright, Hangout, Casual 

Overall Experience: 4/1/5 Stars : Affordable

Now Listening: Kendrick Lamar : To Pimp a Butterfly 

I am very behind on writing and visiting restaurants, but like I said this is a journey this may take longer than a year and I will remain consistent. Last week, I went on a mini tour to Pittsburgh and before that I met with my friends Elissa and Stephanie to V Street. Here are some of the eats :). Some of them I tried others, I did not, but enjoy :). 

Korean Fried Tempeh Tacos and Carrot Asado

BBQ Seitan Tacos, these were the first set of vegan tacos I had. This literally shits on a lot of tacos I have had at other local philly food trucks. (Excuse my language PC people).

Chilled Kung Pao Noodles- I don’t typically enjoy cold noodles, but these noodles had a very nice kick to them and a rich thick taste. 

Halo Halo Ice Cream

Waffle with ganache, banana , caramel, and peanuts. For the first waffle of 2015, this was pretty freaking awesome.

Next resturant visit will be next week :) Enjoy yourselves!

Brian

[phillyandfood]

Restaurant 8 out of 100:Buddakan

Restaurant: Buddakan

Cuisine: Asian Fusion 

Location: 325 Chestnut Street 

Ambiance: Dimly Lit, and Upbeat Music 

Overall Experience: 5/5 Stars : Affordable, Excellent Service 

Now Listening: Hotel Books, Run Wild Young Beauty

On my spreadsheet this restaurant was supposed to be restaurant 96 out of 100, however my coworker wanted to go to dinner today and honestly who doesn’t want to go to a restaurant with a giant badass Buddha on a rainyThursday evening? 

Unlike POD, my first restaurant, I was given chopsticks and forks which was a total bonus :) 

We decided between General Tso’s Chicken Dumplings and Ginger Chicken Dumplings. We choose the Ginger, but it would have been nice to try General Tso’s.... 

Korean Beef Fried Rice- This was everything I expected, and the egg ( featured on the right) made it 100x better.

Wok Cashew Chicken- a stir fry flavored chicken which complimented the Korean Beef Fried Rice. Definitely the bigger winner between the Korean Beef. 

White Chocolate Cheesecake- Although it may look like a soap bar, it was the sweetest and softest cheesecake I have had yet to date. 

Buddakan is definitely somewhere I would take anyone friends,family, a date, a perfect 5 for sure. 

[phillyandfood]

Restaurant 7 out of 100: Luna Cafe

Restaurant: Luna Cafe

Cuisine: Organic/Vegan

Location: 317 Market Street 

Ambiance: Relaxed and Calm 

Overall Experience: 4.5/5 Stars : Relaxed, affordable

Now Listening: https://soundcloud.com/cruisr

I’ve been slightly broke due to coming from SXSW so this journey has been on a brief hold, however my friend from Chicago stopped by and I got to try one of Philly’s newest restaurants Luna Cafe. 

Luna Cafe is a cute restaurant located in Old City that serves local food , once you enter the restaurant they show you the farms that they get their food from :) 

For an appetizer my friend and I ordered the Rustic Crostini which was a vegetarian appetizer. It had Italian Bruschetta with tomatoes, parmesan cheese,garlic and basil. It was very good, and I would suggest would probably go very well with a sweet wine. 

 Our main course was a maple glazed Salmon. This is the first fish dish I have reviewed. The salmon had one of the most memorable tastes I have had in a grilled Salmon in a while. The maple was very flavorful and was my favorite part of my time at Luna Cafe. 

Maple Glazed Salmon with quinoa and dandelion root ( which was awesome by the way , who knew you could eat from a dandelion?). 

Desert, was typical, however delicious, my friend and I shared a brownie, which was very very rich in flavor , however the maple from the Salmon still lasted ( at least I held on to the memory). 

This was my first journey to a new restaurant from Philly and I hope this restaurant never leaves. Stay here in Old City, you are welcome :) . 

[phillyandfood]

Philly and Food SXSW Edition

 Last week, I went to SXSW, here is summary of some of the crazy Tex Mex eats I had there. It’s safe to say everything really is bigger in Texas. It was a pleasure to share these food experiences with the people I met at SXSW. I find it rather enjoyable to eat with strangers , it gives them time to share their story and by the end of the meal they become friends. 

  Ps check out this song Purple by Yeah, No https://yeahno.bandcamp.com/ .

Chicken Tortilla Soup at Iron Cactus with Guacamole. I tend to not go for Guac, but I was converted. 

My new friends Anna and Kelly shared this nacho plate from the Iron Cactus, it was an epic win :) . However I avoided the Guacamole this time.

Chicken Enchilada at Iron Cactus. As if the nachos, and soup weren’t enough, I decided to do it big and live up to the stereotype “Everything is Bigger in Texas.”

Anna and Kelly decided to share these tacos, which seemed awesome because they didnt do any of that double tortilla mess that they do in Philly. 

After few days of tacos, bbq and more bbq I had to try something different and I went to a restaurant called Hot Dogs Cold Beer. I don’t think it gets any more American than that. 

Hot Dog Cold Beer - The Southern Boy Hot Dog- Blackened, split Vienna Beef Hot Polish link dressed with caramelized onions, pulled pork, pepper jack cheese and our Dr. Doppelgänger BBQ sauce. You can’t tell but the bun is actually elevated. It was extremely filling. One of the guys at my table got two chilli dogs which were just as large. He would give Sonic the Hedgehog a run for his money. 

Prior to the dogs, we shared a Waffle Fry, Sauerkraut,Cheese and Roast Beef plate. I tried my best to avoid all of the additives. I just wanted the Waffle fries in honor of Chik Fil A. 

I also got some BBQ because well, quite frankly it would be a sin not to get BBQ if you are in Texas. 

Buzz Mill BBQ- Brisket, Mac and Cheese with Brisket bites and a Mexican Coca Cola ( vintage bottle). I went to this place three times, twice for BBQ and three times for excellent iced coffee. 

I wish there were more things I could show everyone,many of my adventures in food involved BBQ and Tacos. I even introduced a British friend to Chipotle. In the end of the day it was great. 

Before I left, I bought an overly expensive Chicken Quesadilla all while ignoring the sour cream and guacamole. I did it for the memories and Austin will always be a place of American Gluttony, BBQ and Epic Tacos. 

Thank You Austin, and thank you great friends for sharing these great times with me. 

[phillyandfood]

Restaurant 6 out of 100: Pub and Kitchen

Restaurant: Pub and Kitchen

Cuisine: European

Location: 1946 Lombard Street 

Ambiance: Dimly Lit and Quiet 

Overall Experience: 4/5 Stars : Great Entrees, alright desert and close seating. Still good to go out to with a friend or a date. 

Now Listening: https://stevevannelli.bandcamp.com/releases 

As of now, I will add a “Now Listening” section to all of my blog entries, it’s a way to support other musicians that I know. 

Among the streets of South Philly are many hidden gems, and Pub and Kitchen is one of them. I booked this restaurant last minute while hanging with my friend Jen during a rainy evening. 

The seating was very tight, and did not provide as much privacy as one would be used to, however the ambiance was still pretty relaxing and the service was pretty good, however not as classy as I have been used to. None the less the servers at Pub and Kitchen did treat me and my friend very well. 

For an appetizer I ordered a Fulper Farm Ricotta Gnocchi 

I never had a gnocchi , but it was very similiar to a dumbling with a hint of a rabe flavor. I would definitely recommend this again. 

For our second course, I ordered a Roasted Lancaster Chicken with smoked roasted barley and dandelion greens. 

The Roasted Barley was very complimentary to the gnocchi flavor , granted I have usually not been a fan of collard greens, the dandelion greens packed a punch with the chicken which had a very lean flavor. 

My friend Jen ordered the Artic Char which would have been my second option. 

Desert here was anti climactic. The desert did not compare to the entrees and I believe the restaurant showed their strengths in their main course dishes. I ordered an apple pie and Jen ordered a chocolate brownie pudding. 

I dig apple pie, but I don’t dig foods covered in white creams/sauces/ garnishes, so I sacrificed the journey, but if you are a fan of white garnishes this is the pie for you. 

Chocolate Brownie Pudding 

Pub and Kitchen rocked, definitely an affordable and fun place to go out with friends. 

Now read about my out of Philadelphia experience at SXSW :) ! 

[phillyandfood]

Restaurant 5 out of 100: Vedge

Restaurant: Vedge

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Location: 1221 Locust Street 

Ambiance: Imagine a Starbucks with a double hipster twist and vegetables and you have Vedge. 

Overall Experience: 4.5/5 Stars : As a former vegetarian this was pretty cool,and I had fun :) . 

When I was in grad school I gave vegetarianism a chance to impress a girl, lose weight and I epically failed. I felt drained, emotionally unstable and just quite frankly empty. I learned, I love to eat organically, I dig animal based protein and I will occaisionally go vegetarian.

On March 12th, I gave vegetarianism a chance with my friend, and it was absolutely awesome.

As per usual, we started our meal with bread and oil. and then had a fondue platter. 

Vedge tends to have a series of small plates that are meant to be shared. We ordered five plates to make up for a two course meal. Our first plate was the Rutabega Fondue which was had soft pretzel,rutabega salad,onion , pretzel and a cheese fondue.The pretzel and fondue had a very rich and health taste. 

Shockingly enough, between two people this got me pretty full, however we already ordered four other plates, which all came at once. 

Grilled Seitan- I have not had seitan in ages, and as silly as it sounds, this tasted very tender like chicken. 

Fresh Hearts of Palm- buckwheat crepe,vindaloo, and tomato chutney. This tasted wonderful. 

 Fingerling Fries with creamy Worcestershire sauce- I tend not to be a fan of foods that are creamy or with white sauces, however this was an exception. The fries tasted very hearty, and were very filling. 

 Crispy and Creamy Sunchokes- although they look like carrots, these “sunchokes” or also known as a jerusalem artichoke was a first for me. If anything I may learn how to prepare these at barbecues. They were very tangy and tasty. 

Although extremely full, I decided to take on desert and ordered the Meyer lemon cheesecake. I jokingly ordered it as the John Mayer Lemon Cheesecake and we received Chocolate Uber Chunks for free. 

Meyer Lemon Cheesecake-Unlike most cheesecakes, this had a very citrus based flavors. If you are a fan of clementines and cakes this item is for you. 

Free Chocolate Uber Chunks- We received 3, they were so good, I almost forgot to take a picture of them. Very rich taste.

The dining experience was very informal, and definitely leads me to wanting to go here again. I would recommend this to anyone and it was very affordable. Additionally I appreciate the fact that all of their vegetables come from local farms in the Philadelphia area and their menu changes based on the season. 

Next entry, Pub and Kitchen in South Philly! However, I won’t be posting about this until next week when I return from SXSW! 

[phillyandfood]

Restaurant 4 out of 100: Sbraga

Restaurant: Sbraga

Cuisine: Fine Dining

Location: 440 S Broad Street 

Ambiance: If you want to impress someone or are in a serious relationship, take this person here.Also perfect for taking clients and business partners 

Overall Experience: 4.5/5 Stars : Great place and got to try a lot of food I never had. 

I am very behind in my journey, mostly because Philadelphia has been whacked hard with the snow, I live in the burbs, and it's hard to commute back and forth. Last week I worked 3 out 5 days from home just because of how unbearable the roads have been. However I must keep trucking on, and continue this.

Yesterday , March 9th I went to Sbraga. My colleague from work went with me and we were the first ones to arrive. 

After being welcomed by a classy place were dropped off our jackets and were given a four course meal menu. 

Our meal started with a Gruyere Popover and a Foie Gras Soup 

Gruyere Popover- Awesome 

Foie Gras- Not so great.

I never had Foie Gras and it was pretty terrible, I couldn't take it. Turns out it was made by a chef who used to be on Top Chef. Contrary to high quality this was, it's safe to say I will never try this ever again.

For the first course I tried the Cobia Crudo which was italian long hots, uncooked whitefish, olive puree and shallots. 

This was pretty great for a first time, meal 

Second Course I ordered the Duck Bolognese which had duck meat in pastat topped with rye creste di gallo, jalepeno condiment,smoked ricotta and bolognese sauce. 

The Duck Bolognese was perfect. 

For my main course I had a Cornish Hen which has a mole amarillo, ren onions, sesame seeds and fresno chiles. 

I expected the chicken to be a little larger, however the quality was perfect and I never expected to like avocados, but they were amazing.

For desert I had a Jewish Apple Cake, which had sour cream, caramel sauce and a banana chip. 

As you can see, I forgot to take the photo prior to eating . 

Sbraga was a great experience, however very expensive. It was 55.00 and for two people our bill was 124.00. I enjoyed my time, but I definitely think I may have to get promoted with my day job if I think about coming here again. Overall, I was satisfied with the experience. 

Next stop Vedge! :) 

Thank You, 

Brian 

[phillyandfood]

Restaurant 3 of 100: Pumpkin

Restaurant: Pumpkin

Cuisine: Fine Dining 

Location: 1713 South Street 

Ambiance: If you want to impress someone or are in a serious relationship, take this person here. 

Overall Experience: 4/5 Stars : It was bottom of the line great. 

I know I intended to go to a new restaurant every week, but between being a musician, a young professional, and being involved in various organizations this is hard. Does it mean I will stop blogging? Of course not, it's way too early. 

I went to this restaurant on the Friday before Valentine's Day I had a friend who was going to join me, but last minute changes occurred and I went solo. 

One would think on the day before Valentine's day I would end this reservation, but I didn't. I was welcomed with warm arms at this restaurant. 

Like most restaurants I was welcomed with bread and oil. Nothing too special to say here. For an appetizer I ordered a Strozzapreti which was a Lamb Ragout with Pecorino. 

The Strozzapreti was literally amazing, it was my first one, and it tasted great. I would definitely try this if you came around. 

For my main entree, I ordered a Strip Steak. I am not much of a beef eater, but for 30.00 this was every bit worth it. I also ordered a side of potatoes and brocolli rabe, however I was not able to take a photo of this since my phone died :( . 

Overall the expeirence was great. It was a little weird going solo, but that comes along with the experience. I even met someone from Pandora radio which was really cool. Overall my meal cost me a little under 80 bucks which was very expensive, but totally worth the experience. 

Until next time,

Philly and Food 

[phillyandfood]

Restaurant 2 of 100: Pizzicato

Restaurant: Pizzicato

Cuisine: Italian

Location: 248 Market Street 

Ambiance: Typical American Restaurant , good for a cheap date. 

Overall Experience: 2.5/5 Stars : Even though the heating was off, I am willing to try the pizza, but otherwise I would not go here again. 

Unfortunately I was not able to get to Fork. I was naive enough to believe that going solo I would be able to get a walk in seat. That was not the case, so I will be using Opentable.com in order to make sure that I stay on schedule with restaurants. However I can not make any guarantees. So  I will try. 

After failing at getting into Fork, I noticed that High Street on Market was also at capacity. So I went to the next restaurant on my list... Pizzicato. 

I walked in the restaurant and unlike my experience at Pod, I was absolutely ignored. Two families received assistance with a table before I did and the restaurant was empty. Not to mention I arrived before they did. 

So I spoke up and requested a table, and I was given a table right by the door, where it was very cold and I was freezing. I ended up being able to manage despite the sub zero weather on the last Saturday in January. 

Just as any Italian Restaurant would do, I started off with some Bread and Oil, which was not too shabby. I didn't load up on this, the oil was a little bland. 

For an appetizer, I ordered the Italian Sausage, which was absolutely delicious, despite being in the cold seat, I was very excited and was hoping my entree would be better. I saved this appetizer for left overs since it was very large. 

As an entree, I ordered the Lasagna and it was a huge disappointment. 

I knew I was taking a risk ordering the Lasagna simply because I am lactose intolerant. Secondly it is because I only trust my grandma's lasagna and my Italian friend's mom's lasagna ( sorry if that seemed racist). Either way this Lasagna tasted like a microwaved Stouffer's Lasagna. The aftermath was not a pretty sight to say the least. 

I still finished the meal, but I had to unleash the demons about an hour later after going to a rock show in Philly.

I would not really recommend this place, but if I had to I would bring my Lactaid pills and some friends. 

On my agenda, I have plans of going to Vernick Food and Drink, but let's first see how the reservation goes.

Stay Warm Friends,

Brian

[phillyandfood]

Restaurant 1 out of 100: POD

Restaurant: POD 

Cuisine: Pan Asian

Location: 3636 Sansom Street ( University City) 

Ambiance: Definitely bring a date here, or a group of friends. Also good to drink a beer and eat sushi with a friend or alone. Has a nightclub atmosphere, you will feel like you are in a movie. 

Overall Experience: 4.5/5 Stars . I would definitely go here again and maybe everyday if I could. 

Last Friday ( January 23rd,2015) I came from a house show and trotted right over to Pod to start my food journey. I was welcomed by the hostess and escorted straight to the Sushi Bar. I might also add, I thought it was pretty cool that I was able to drop off my jacket and my laptop bag while being seated. 

After being seated, I looked around the nightclub like atmosphere and noticed that there was sushi was up for grabs at the bar. I don't frequent sushi bars too often, but I started my meal with two sushi rolls at the price of two dollars each. 

  You can grab sushi by the bar and they range in price from 2 to 6 dollars there is quite  a variety. 

   Shortly after getting two rounds of sushi, I nommed on some Pork Dumplings. Granted I don't drink anymore, these dumplings are perfect for any occasion; before drinking, while hungover, or just as a mid day snack. I fell in love. 

  After eating the dumplings and sushi you would think I would be full, but that was not the case. I wanted more. In addition, I am a complete fatass at heart. So I ordered the Macadamia Chicken Stir Fry, which was heaven. 

I was fortunate enough to take some leftovers and definitely plan on bringing a group of friends or bringing a lucky lady out to this place. My tab only came out to 35 bucks and a full stomach. 

My next stop for this week is Fork, stay warm out there in the snow and enjoy your week everyone! 

Brian

Philly and Food.