Amada Brunch

If you haven't been to Amada by now, you're missing out on a classic Jose Garces destination restaurant. Beyond being the long-standing bastions of tapas cuisine in the city, the kitchen's ability to execute on classic dishes, with a creative twist, keeps me coming back for more. 

Clockwise from Top Right: Ensalada Verde, Pan con Tomate, Law of Desire Cocktail, Pastry Basket

For brunch, the $27pp prix fixe is the way to go. Coffee or tea, along with a killer pastry basket is included. Think warm, flaky, buttery croissants and olive oil cake, paired with fig jam and whipped butter. I also enjoyed the Law of Desire, featuring Jim Beam Honey Whiskey, Iced Coffee, and Cinnamon - easy drinking. From there, the prix fixe allows you to order 3 items per person off their sectioned brunch menu. My sister was in town for the holidays and to start, she had the ensalada verde and I went with the classic - pan con tomate. First off, I need to order more salads at restaurants, especially if they're at Amada. Here, diced green beans, favas, asparagus, and avocado are perfectly seasoned and dressed, with plenty of shaved manchego on top. And what can I say about the pan con tomate - it's a must. Juicy diced tomato, olive oil, and garlic is atop crusty bread ... if you come to Amada for just Happy Hour, do get this. 

Clockwise from Top Right: Sangria Pancakes, Revuelto, Panceta, Patatas Rosti

For our mains, we went with the Reveulto and sangria pancakes for a savory and sweet combo. Soft-scrambled eggs, shrimp, and truffle-butter toast was on point. And the sangria pancakes? Plenty of texture from apple, pear, figs, and the pancakes themselves, to be drizzled with that sangria syrup. For sides, we paired the Patatas Rosti which were essentially hockey-puck sized fluffy potatoes, crisped on the exterior. And obviously the smoked bacon really hit the spot for me. 

Not that anyone needs a reason to go to brunch, but Amada clearly has plenty to reach those #BrunchGoals for your squad. 

Amada

217-219 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19106

(215) 398-6968

https://philadelphia.amadarestaurant.com/

Davios Philadelphia Brunch

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse goes beyond simple steaks. Regional Italian dishes abound on the menu, with a focus on quality ingredients and unique pasta creations. With ten locations in Massachusetts, Atlanta, Manhattan, and of course, Philadelphia, Davio's emphasizes their well-executed dishes, along with attentive service. They also go beyond lunch and dinner, offering up breakfast and weekend brunch service as well.  

I was able to enjoy a taste of their brunch menu, hosted by Sembat from PhillyFoodLove. Expect your meal to start off with one of my favorite pastries - the popover. A wonderful crust emanates the sharpness of gruyere and reveals soft, warm bread within. Easily enjoyed with a pat of butter. A build-your-own-bloody bar is also on offer. With vodka, gin, or tequila as your base, feel free to pair it up with the spicy kick of their house-made bloody mix, along with stuffed olives, celery, citrus, cucumber, and yes, crisp, thick-cut bacon!

Clockwise from Top Right: Caramel Pecan Waffles | Creme Brulee French Toast | Philly Cheesesteak Rolls | Cannoli Pancakes

Whether it's happy hour or brunch - the must-order at Davio's has to be the Philly cheesesteak rolls. Think cheesy, well-seasoned beef encased within an egg roll. It's then topped with crispy onion strings and a housemade spicy ketchup and mayo. Davio's amps up brunch with the sweetness of creme brulee french toast and caramel pecan waffles. Cannoli pancakes are a stunner - artfully plated with a mini cannoli on top.

For your mains, you have a range of frittatas, including preparations with either lobster or Kennett Square mushrooms. Enjoy a rich pasta carbonara, with an egg yolk ready to be mixed right alongside the pancetta. You'll be hard-pressed not to order the crab cake eggs benedict. But if you want a showstopper, go for the grilled filet mignon - it comes topped with poached eggs and hollandaise, surrounded by a popover shell.

And if you have room for it - Davio's has got your sweet tooth covered with their dessert cart. Enjoy port or limoncello, along with tiramisu, creme brulee, panna cotta, or a chocolate mousse. If you need some caffeine to perk you up, perhaps an affogato to end your meal.

So if you're looking to up your brunch game, look beyond Sabrina's or Green Eggs and head over to Davio's. I know I'll have to stop by again to check out more of their pastas and steaks for dinner. 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Davios Restaurant and PhillyFoodLove for inviting me in. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

White Dog Cafe University City Review

Originally opened in 1983, White Dog Cafe in University City is a true pioneer in what we now consider to be the local, sustainable food movement. With that in mind, restaurateur Marty Grims purchased White Dog from Judy Wicks in 2009. And in doing so, he brought sleek, yet welcoming designs while maintaining the environmentally sound model. Consistent with all of his restaurants, he continues to ensure well-executed and creative dishes as well. Having just celebrated the 35th anniversary, the University City cafe recently expanded by adding 82 seats. This includes a bar and a lower-level solarium. Designed by the folks from Rohe Creative, floral fabrics and garden furniture keep it all in theme with White Dog's uniquely whimsical rooms.  

Cocktails: Honey Mule [$13] | McGruff Manhattan [$13]

Local is name for the cocktails as well. Having recently gone on a Philadelphia Distilling Company tour, I was excited to see both Bluecoat Barrel Reserve bourbon and their barrel-finished gin on display in their McGruff Manhattan - boozy, yet smooth, with a bit of sweetness coming through on the finish. The GF enjoyed her Honey Mule, which featured Penn 1681 vodka, along with the sweet spice of the Fruitlab ginger liqueur and Q brands ginger beer. 

Squash Fritters [$12]
Chili curry emulsion, pickled vegetables, micro cilantro

To start, we enjoyed the seasonal squash fritters. Crisp nuggets of hearty squash married well with the chili curry emulsion underneath, with the countervailing bite of the pickled veggies offering up a nice acidic balance. 

Kennett Square Mushroom Soup [$10]
Truffle creme fraiche, snipped chives

I always have to get the mushroom soup here. Not only are the Kennett Square mushrooms local, they doesn't get any better. Poured tableside, the earthy umami punch from the mushrooms hits you along with the faintest scent of truffle from the creme fraiche underneath. Don't forget to mop up the last spoonfuls with the house-baked bread.

Locust Point Chicken Chopped Salad [$22]
Smoked bacon, Birchrun blue cheese, hard boiled egg, red onion, ranch dressing

For the GF's main, she opted for the chopped salad, featuring grilled Locust Point chicken. It's enough for two, with the funk of Birchrun blue offering up hearty savoriness along with the crisp bits of bacon, hard-boiled egg, and ranch-dressed greens. 

Green Meadow Double Cheddar Burger [$19] + Farm Egg [$2] + 1732 Meats Bacon [$2]
Grilled red onion, tomato, smoked bacon mayo, truffle Parmesan fries

Do get the burger here. Green Meadow Farms beef is juicy and well-seasoned with a nicely seared crust. I opted for a farm-fresh egg and 1732 meat bacon - the perfect combo. Each bite is amplified by the fact that there's smoked bacon mayo covering the buttery brioche. And to complement this behemoth? White Dog's killer truffle parm fries. Trust me - if you're at any Fearless Restaurant (think: Autograph, The Deck, Moshulu, White Dog Wayne), you'll be missing out if you don't order the fries. Crispy on the outside with a great chew to the spuds within, the perfume of truffle and the salty hit of parm will have you dreaming for more. 

Kennett Square Mushroom Gratin [$9]

I'd highly recommend ordering the mushroom gratin as well. And why not when they're this tasty, especially when melded with cream and truffled bread crumbs. Delectable.

Apple Pie Bread Pudding [$9]
Croissant bread pudding, brown sugar bourbon ice cream

We ended our meal with the apple pie bread pudding - comforting, sweet, and with a nice juxtaposition between the warm pudding and the house-made bourbon ice cream. The brown sugar notes really came through.

So if you're in University City, I'd highly recommend stopping by White Dog Cafe for any meal. Judging by the crowds at the bar and dining in on a Saturday at 6PM, I'd say the neighborhood agrees. Pro-tip: for brunch, I'd definitely ask to be seated in the solarium - it's a visual treat that will complement the tasty dishes that are sure to come out. 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to White Dog Cafe Philly & Fearless Restaurants for hosting us. Regardless, my opinions is mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Autograph Brasserie: Brunch

Regular readers know I'm a fan of Autograph Brasserie in Wayne, PA. As one of the Fearless Restaurants, expect creative decor and local ingredients on top of well-executed dishes. Before a recent KoP shopping trip, the GF and I decided to stop by Autograph to try their brunch. 

Bread Service

We started off with a few mocktails. The GF enjoyed the Peaches & Tea - light, with the honey and lime balancing out any bitterness from the tea. I loved my Off the Daisy Chain - lemonade, pear, and honey amped up with the kick of cayenne and a bit of effervescence from soda water.  Bread service came in the form of foccacia - lightly seasoned with salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Perfect little bite for our first starter ...

Lobster Bisque 

Lobster bisque was rich, decadent, and creamy-dreamy. Close-your-eyes comforting, there were plenty of chunks of lobster and an enjoyable hit of acid from some tomato.  Glad we saved some of the foccacia which made for the perfect dippers. Brunch allows for no judgement, right?

Breakfast BLT [$15]
Fried egg, avocado spread, applewood smoked bacon, tomato, chipotle aioli 

For her main, the GF opted for the breakfast BLT. Buttered toast housed plenty of smoky, crisp bacon, fresh tomato, and crisp lettuce. The heft of the fried egg and avocado brought each bite over the top. As a side, she decided to go with the house-made chips - nicely fried and lightly seasoned. 

Open Face Crab Melt [$18]
Super lump crabmeat, beefsteak tomatoes, gruyere, grilled sourdough

I appreciated that the sourdough was nicely toasted, allowing for a juxtaposition in texture, especially with the creamy gruyere and the sweet crab meat. The tomato allowed for a subtle acidity that broke through the richness of each bite. I went with the side of fries which are just the way I like them. Crisp, but with a bit of chew upon mastication. And seasoned to boot! 

Chicken Fried Bacon [$8]
Honey, thyme, hot sauce

Bacon lovers unite at Autograph. Wait for it. Chicken. Fried. Bacon. How could you say no? Thick-cut pieces of bacon are deftly fried. Both the bacon and batter are crisp, but yield to a satisfying chew. On top of the execution, the combination of honey, thyme, and hot sauce really makes each bite. Get this! 

Autograph Signature Sundae [$12]
Dule de Leche & Vanilla ice cream, chocolate brownie, peanut butter cookie, milk chocolate pretzel bark, salted peanuts

There's nothing wrong with ending brunch on a sweet note. And there's nothing sweeter than Autograph's signature sundae. It boasts two scoops of rich dulce de leche and vanilla ice cream. Pair a bit with some chocolate brownie, peanut butter cookie, or a sweet-and-salty chocolate pretzel bark. Or do what I did and get a bit of each, along with some of the whipped cream and chopped peanuts. 

So if you're coming from the city to shop at King of Prussia, don't relegate yourself to the confines of the mall. Head over to nearby Autograph. In addition to the great food, it's located in the East Village Shops area, which has plenty of cute boutiques if you're looking for the perfect after-meal stroll.  

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Autograph Brasserie and the Fearless Restaurant Group for hosting us. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Autograph Brasserie
503 W. Lancaster Ave.
Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 964-2588
www.autographbrasserie.com

Common Wealth Old City

Located in Old City, Common Wealth brings forth the tastes of Carolina low country cuisine. Chef Joe Battista highlights seafood, heirloom grains, and fresh produce in an effort to provide flavors that you don't often find in Philly.

Sazerac [Bottom Left] | The Black Fedora [Bottom Right]

Common Wealth's interior is charming, with indoor street lights and murals creating a convivial atmosphere. In addition to a full bar featuring whiskies and craft beers, they offer a variety of specialty cocktails. The GF enjoyed a seasonal take on the Moscow Mule and I indulged in a sazerac, with the spice of the rye whiskey nicely balanced by the sweetness of the absinthe rinse and the herbal notes from the bitters. 

Fried Green Tomatoes [$12]
Pickled shrimp, remoulade, dressed greens

I loved the cornmeal crust on the fried green tomatoes - great texture and held up well to the stewed onions and the snappy pickled shrimp on top. The kick from the remoulade really made each bite. 

Pork Belly [$9]
Citrus salad, cider-jus reduction

How could I say no to the pork belly. The heft of the crispy, yet unctuous pork was balanced by  sweet peaches and a cider reduction, 

Oyster Mushroom Ravioli [$16]
Parmesan creamed leeks, field peas, Syrah-Grenache reduction

The ravioli are a sleeper hit. The al dente pasta housed an oyster mushroom filling laden with an earthy umami. The Parmesan creamed leek sauce had a great burst of flavor, with a punch of acid coming from the wine reduction. 

Shellfish & Grits [$22]
Seared shrimp and scallops, lobster etouffee, poblano-cheddar grits

I'm a sucker for shrimp and grits and I'll vouch for Common Wealth's iteration. Grits were spot on, with the poblano and cheddar really coming through. I could easily eat a pot of these alone. But with the depth of the lobster etouffee? Even better - especially with the kick from the cayenne and black pepper. Seared shrimp and scallops were simply an added bonus to round out the dish. 

So if you're in Old City, I'd definitely recommend stopping by Common Wealth. In addition to their regular weekday happy hour from 5-7PM, they have specials on Fridays and Saturdays from 9-11PM. On the weekends, they also offer up brunch - pork belly hash, croque madames, and lobster benedicts are calling your name!

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Common Wealth Old City for inviting us in to try their dishes. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Common Wealth Old City
319 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 372-7581
www.commonwealthphila.com

Destination Dogs: Philadelphia

There are some that say a traditional American hot dog shouldn't be adulterated or a simple brat with mustard and kraut can't be improved. I heartily disagree. But it's not as simple as piling on a myriad of toppings that don't make sense. It's all about creating that perfect marriage of flavors to ensure a flavor bomb. Jimmy Cronk and Sean Hosty of Destination Dogs may have deciphered the road map to the perfect haute dog.

Owners and Co-Creators Jimmy Cronk & Sean Hosty

Jimmy & Sean clearly have a passion for both food and travel. Whether it's the drinks or dogs, everything has an airport symbol tagged to it. Looking for flavor from Spain? Head to Barcelona (BCN) for a taste of their Conquistadog, featuring chorizo and patatas brava. Francophiles will delight by arriving at Charles dog Gaulle (CDG), with duck confit, shaved foie gras, and cornichons. The bar and restaurant space is a destination in itself, with plenty of folks coming in for happy hour and easily staying late into the night. A retro game room is ever expanding (think pool, foosball, and 90's arcade games) and it's a bi-level establishment with plenty of room for private events and a good HH group. 

Clockwise from Top Right: La Zona Rosa [Mex] | Town & Country [DFW] | Brazillionaire [GIG] | Cucumber Gimlet [LHR]

And while you can expect great HH deals at the bar, the great thing about Destination Dogs is that they've definitely gone beyond any of the typical haute dog joints we've seen come and go in Philly. Case in point - expect hand-crafted cocktails. I was a big fan of the Town & Country hailing from Texas. A subtly sweet take on a Manhattan, the maple syrup and Carpano Antica brought forth the undertones of the bourbon nicely. Check out the large format ice cubes - clearly not your typical HH joint. GF's taken to gimlets lately and was enamored with their cucumber iteration. Properly emanating Heathrow, this was light with pressed cucumber, mint, and elderflower, there's a bit of citrus kick from the lime. They're constantly trying out new concoctions as well so be on the look out for the La Zona Rosa & Brazillionaire. La Zona Rosa features the depth of reposado tequila, matching up with the smokiness of mezcal. Bitter citrus notes from the aperol and the angosutra, orange, and spanish bitters really come through, further mellowed out by the sweet caramel notes from the Amaro Meletti. The GF was a fan of the Brazillionaire, a creative take on Brazil's Caiprinha, with the requisite cachaca showcased, along with Soursop, brazil nut, and lime. 

Deviled Eggs [$3]

Again - not just about the dogs here. Deviled eggs were some of the best I've had in recent memory. The whites trembling with the yolk custard really made by the hit of mustard. 

Scotch Egg [$5]
Pickled red onion, cornichon, Dijon honey mustard

Scotch egg was beautifully presented, with a fried breakfast sausage encasing a perfectly set soft-boiled egg. Nicely paired with pickled red onions and cornichon for acid and Dijon honey mustard if you're destined for a sweeter route.

Pretzel [$3.50]
Cheese sauce, spicy mustard

Their large-format pretzel is perfect at the bar and comes with both cheese sauce and some spicy mustard. 

Half-Dozen Wings [$6]

Their buffalo wings are also right up HH's alley. Crispy on the outside and juicy within, you'll be happy with half a dozen of these. 

Patatas Ridiculas [$9.50]
Fried potatoes, duck confit, pork belly, bacon, two cheeses, brown gravy, jalapeno, sour cream, scallion

For obvious reasons, I'd recommend going ridiculas with their patatas. You can't go wrong when you have fried potatoes topped with rich duck confit, unctuous pork belly, and crisp bacon. This is all topped with brown gravy and two cheese to create a gustatory bomb that will pair with a beer nicely. 

Of course in the end ... it's all about their haute dogs. Delineated as domestic and international dogs on the menu, it's easy to get lost, but it's delicious delightful where you'll end up. 

The Oscar - LAX [$7.50]
Chicken sausage, avocado, cabbage, tomato, chipotle mayo, scallion

Cali health nuts won't be lacking any flavor with the Oscar. Definitely a winner with the GF with the chicken sausage, with heft coming from the avocado and chipotle mayo. The bread housing their dogs is a winner - light, fluffy, and nicely toasted. Pto-tip: Surprisingly holds up well as next day leftovers too! 

One Bite in Bangkok - BKK
Python sausage, cucumber salad, pepper jelly, crushed peanuts, cilantro

Destination Dogs also feature a bevy of unique sausages as well. Python sausage wasn't gamey at all and clearly lean. Pepper jelly provided a hit of flavor, with freshness from the crisp cucumbers and cilantro.

Kansas City Beefs - MCI [$9]
All beef dog, BBQ beef short ribs, coleslaw, scallion

Few carnivores will be unhappy with the Kansas City Beefs. Tender, sweet BBQ beef short ribs are piled high with coleslaw on top of a grilled all-beef dog with good snap. I'll easily order this again.

Achilles Meal - ATH [$11]
Lamb sausage, tzatziki, red onion, tomatoes

Achilles Meal does Greece proud with the sweet, fragrant lamb coming through on the sausage. Tzatziki, tomatoes, and red onion provide freshness. 

Andouille Armstrong - MSY [$12.50]
Alligator and shrimp sausage, cabbage, tomatoes, jalapeno remoulade, scallions, lemon wedge

Cajun bites can be had with the Andouille Armstrong's gator and shrimp sausage. But it's the jalapeno remoulade that really kicked it up a notch. 

The Cleo McDowell - LGA [$7.50]
All beef dog, cheese sauce, secret sauce, cabbage, onions, pickle, sesame seed

Looking for Bic Mac flavors coming at you from Queens, NY? Cleo McDowell's got you covered with the cheese and secret sauce nostalgically melding together with a pickle spear.  

Charles Dog Gaulle - CDG [$12.50]
Duck sausage, duck confit, shaved foie gras, red onion, cornichon, Dijon mustard

French tastes abound with the foie and duck coming together for rich melange of richness. Red onion and cornichon provide that needed counterbalance. Pinkies up for this dog! 

The Conquistadog - BCN [$7.50]
Chorizo, fried potatoes, brava sauce, scallion

The Consquistadog will easily be a favorite, with the spicy chorizo buttressed with fried potato cubes and a killer brava sauce. 

Pig Trouble in China 
Cantonese sausage, pork belly, hoisin sauce, scallion, sesame seeds

Jimmy & Sean are rolling out a few new dogs as well. I was clearly a fan of the Pig Trouble in China. Cantonese sausage is topped with a nicely lacquered and crisp pork belly. Scallions and some texture from the sesame seeds bring each bite together. 

Chairman of the Board
Boar sausage, marinara, Parmesan, fried cheese curds, parlsey 

Chairman of the Board is their homage to South Philly. Boar sausage is topped with marinara, Parmesan, parsley, and even fried cheese curds. Sweet, rich, acidic - all the flavors are there. 

Whether you're looking for a proper spot to bring a group for Happy Hour or if you're just seeking out a wide range of great flavors, head to Destination Dogs. Also, be on the look out for travel flights of dogs and even a passport card you can stamp once you've tried each of their creations! 

FTC Disclaimer: I was invited by Destination Dogs & Breslow Partners. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Destination Dogs Philadelphia
1111 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(267) 773-7750
www.destinationdogs.com

Sunnyside Farm Coffee & Bakeshop Review

With a population under 1,000, McBain is a small sleepy town in Missaukee County, Michigan. The GF's family regularly spends their summer weekends by Missaukee Lake and luckily for me, I had the pleasure of indulging in some stick-to-your-ribs and down-home eats at the popular McBain breakfast & lunch spot, Sunnyside Farm. 

As you drive up to the picturesque farm, you'll first notice gorgeous red and white barn overlooking the bakeshop itself. Opened in 2015, delightfully quaint does not aptly describe the al fresco seating by the garden and patio. Trust me - it's needed with the overflow they get for their delicious breakfast and lunch fare. 

If you don't have time to dine in, feel free to pop on in to pick up cupcakes, cakes, pies, and of course, Pam's famous cinnamon rolls!

Originally owned by the DeBoer's in 1908, Sunnyside Farm was purchased in 1955 by Pam (Hendricks) Pluger's parents in 1955. And currently, Pam & Mike Pluger own and run the daily operations of the farm itself. Since 2000 (because there wasn't already enough to do), Pam operated a successful baking business which was parlayed into the Coffee & Bake Shop, much to the delight of McBain's residents and guests. 

Breakfast Special [$6.75]

Two eggs your way, hash browns, choice of bacon, ham, or sausage, and choice of pancakes, biscuits, toast, or cinnamon roll

The GF went with the breakfast special which featured a little bit of everything. Eggs were fresh, with the over-easy yolks oozing into each crevice of those delicious hash browns. Shaved thinly, the lightly seasoned spuds were crisped on the griddle to provide nice texture. And the bacon? Unreal! Thick-cut, crisp, and with plenty of heft, I had to steal a slice. I'm sure the bacon gods will forgive me. 

Not to be outdone, Pam's bread program is on point. House sourdough was thickly cut, buttered and toasted, with plenty of pillowiness within. Emanating that mild tang you'd expect, this was perfect to spread with the housemade strawberry jam. 

Breakfast Sandwich [$5.25]

Two eggs, cheese, meat of your choice

I went with the breakfast sandwich which was housed within that spectacular sourdough. Substantial housing indeed because it had to hold eggs, cheese, and more of that bacon. 

Don't worry, there's plenty of bacon in this sandwich to satisfy any porcine palate. 

Biscuits & Gravy [$5]

Not to be outdone, I had to try the biscuits & gravy. Large chunks of well-seasoned sausage studded the thick country gravy. And yes, somewhere underneath it all were the pillowy, buttery biscuits. Stick-to-your-ribs for sure, but I downed it all. Much to the surprise of patrons at a neighboring table who had to let me know they were impressed. I aim to please.

Cinnamon Roll

Pam bakes 600 dozen of her famous cinnamon rolls every year. So if you're keeping count, that'll satisfy the sweet tooth of every McBain resident! And certainly, her cinnamon roll was the sweet ending to my meal at Sunnyside's Coffee & Bakeshop. A nice contrast in textures, this was buttery, sweet, and everything you'd want for your final bite. 

So if you're headed "Up North" as they say in Michigan or if you're simply hankering for some comfort classics, be sure to stop by Sunnyside Farm. Pro-tip: they're only open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7AM to 4PM and 3PM, respectively. For my money, I'd head over on Fridays to beat the crowds. But if you can't make it during those hours, trust me - it's worth the wait! 

Sunnyside Farm Coffee & Bake Shop
6700 W. County Line Road
McBain, MI 49657
(231) 825-2342