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

Daddy O LBI Rooftop Bar Review

This is for a series of posts including Tucker's Tavern, Daddy O Rooftop Bar, and
Plantation Restaurant.

If you're looking for a boutique hotel experience coupled with a relaxed beach vibe, Daddy O LBI has got you covered. Sleek, well-designed, and with only 22 rooms, they clearly subscribe to the quality over quantity mentality. It's certainly not your typical sleepy overnight Long Beach Island spot. It houses a restaurant, outdoor dining, and a rooftop bar. All located just five doors down from Brant Beach! And for our first night on LBI, the GF and I stopped by to check out the rooftop bar. 

There was a great crowd when we arrived around 9PM, ranging from well-heeled patrons lounging on beach chairs to a bachelorette party enjoying a few shots by the bar. At most places, it's often a fine line between classy and pretentious or active and rowdy. But on the Friday night we stopped by, with the music pumping and friendly bartenders pouring drinks, everyone was clearly enjoying themselves at Daddy O's Rooftop Bar!

Coral Margarita [$16] - Barrel-aged Patron Reposado, Licor 43, Patron Citronage, lemon, lime, simple syrup, Coral Hawaiian sea salt

Dark & Stormy [$12] - Gosling's Black Seal dark rum, Q Tonic spiced ginger beer, lime wedge

Coral Marg on the Left, Dark & Stormy on the Right

The GF enjoyed the Coral marg, with the depth of the barrel-aged reposado balanced nicely by the brightness from the Licor 43, Citronage, and fresh citrus. I went Dark & Stormy - an easy quaffer with the spiciness of the ginger beer tempered by the sweetness from the dark rum.

O Sushi Pizza [$18]

Sticky rice crust, tuna, avocado, jalapeno, spicy aioli, scallions, tobiko, tempura crunch

Noticing quite a few specialty sushi rolls on the menu, we started off with the sushi pizza. What exactly is sushi pizza? Think open-faced spicy tuna roll.

You've got crusty, sticky rice and nori as the base. This is then topped with a nice melange of spicy tuna and aioli, salty sweet tobiko, and creamy avocado, with some bite from the scallions and texture from the tempura. Light, fresh, and easy to enjoy as a late night snack.

Buffalo Wingless [$13]

Spicy Thai chili sauce, candied celery, Maytag blue, scallion

The GF's a sucker for boneless wings so we had to try these. With a tempered hit of spice, the sticky, sweet Thai sauce glazed the crispy chicken wings. The candied celery was a home run and was balanced by the funk of the Maytag Blue. Easy to see these being a bar favorite.

Blistered Shishito Peppers [$11]

White soy, Cape May sea salt

Shishitos aren't the most photogenic, but they're always satisfying. With a bit of salt and white soy, the smokiness of the shishito peppers make for an addictive summer snack. And they say about one in twenty are spicy so that's always a fun game to play, especially with a few good drinks in hand.

So if you've ever wondered what LBI has to offer at night, Daddy O has your answer. Head to their rooftop bar and enjoy the sea breeze with some rum or a few margs. It'll be the perfect nightcap to a long day at the beach.

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to the Fearless Restaurants team and Daddy O for hosting us. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased.

Daddy O Rooftop Bar

4401 Long Beach Blvd.

Brant Beach, NJ 08008

(609) 494-1300

www.daddyohotellbi.com

London Grill Lobster Month Review

London Grill is a stalwart Fairmount staple, having been on the food scene since 1991. But its history as a bar actually dates back to 1843, where it started as the Golden Lager Saloon. The Saloon was opened by a pair of Russian immigrants, whose descendants still return every 10 years for family reunions.  London Grill owners Terry Berch and Chef Michael McNally are pioneers in the city's food and drink scene, being one of the first to source from local farmers and introduce an all-craft beer list. If you want a glimpse into Terry & Chef McNally's dedication, please read this great interview from Danya Henninger.

Throughout the month of August, London Grill will be hosting their annual Lobster Month, bringing forth the coast of Maine to the heart of Fairmount. They're serving a special menu of lobster dishes, alongside beers from Maine's Allagash Brewing, on tap and in bottles. I stopped by to try a few of their offerings.

 Lobster Bisque [$8]

Their lobster bisque was a classic French preparation. Clearly a true stock of lobster, shells, and crustaceans, it emanated the briny depth of lobster, with a light bitterness I enjoyed. Pro-tip: Do get the off-menu lobster ice cream, which sets off a nice contrast in temps to make each spoonful even more interesting.

Lobster Roll [$24]

Hand-cut fries

You can't go wrong with their lobster roll, lightly dressed in mayo, celery, and green onion, allowing the lobster to shine through. It's all housed within a buttered bun. The fries at London Grill are excellent - well-seasoned, crisp on the outside, with just enough chew within to provide a textural contrast.

Lobster Mac n Cheese [$15]

If you're into creamy mac and cheese, London Grill's iteration is a must. Al dente noodles are coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. For Lobster Month, the mac had large chunks of perfectly-cooked lobster interspersed throughout.

Other items on the menu include the Lobster Gnocchi with Chanterelles & Corn [$23] as well as a Whole Maine Lobster with drawn butter, red bliss potatoes, and corn on the cob [$28]. Pair your meal with Allagash White and you're set!

So be sure to stop by the London Grill. It's an exceptional Philly restaurant story with great food to boot. Terry & Chef McNalley also own next-door Paris Wine Bar, which features wine on draft, including many from local PA wineries! 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to London Grill & Profile PR for hosting me. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased.

Roy Pitz Barrel House Philadelphia Media Event

With an emphasis on crafting great beer while supporting its local communities and arists, Roy Pitz has expanded to the Arts & Crafts Holdings space at 990 Spring Garden. "A space for optimists" is Arts & Crafts' vision and Roy Pitz is emblematic of that mantra. I'd expect an instant revitalization to the area, with a gorgeously designed space where everyone can come to enjoy Brewing Company's "liquid art" as well as their kitchen's creative takes on bar food.

 Roy Pitz started off in 2008 as a small brewery in an underground back alley tap room. Their Liquid Art concept is an expression of craftsmanship, whether it's with their interesting beers or local artists creating murals for the walls at Roy Pitz Philly or their original location in Chambersburg, PA. 

From Top Left: Stubborn Irish Prig Porter | Best Blonde Lager | Bourbon Barrel Aged Barleywine | Rye Ginger Old Fashioned

The GF and I stopped by for a media preview event and were impressed by the eclectic selection of brews. The GF enjoyed the light, crispness of the blonde lager while I couldn't help but kick back with the chocolatey prig porter. I was especially impressed with the bourbon barrel-aged barley wine which had an initial levity that lent itself to a smooth and intense bourbon-barrel mouthfeel. Their cocktails are on point too, with the whiskey old-fashioned rounding things out for me, with a subtle ginger kick.

From Top Left: Bavarian Soft Pretzel | Prig Porter BBQ Pulled Chicken Egg Roll | Roasted Carrot Hummus | Meat & Cheese Board | Shrimp Ceviche

Not to be outdone, the kitchen has plenty on offer, from small bites like carrot hummus to more substantial beer-infused chicken egg rolls.

From Top Left: Stuffed Eggplant | House Cut Fries | Buffalo & BBQ Wings | French Onion Soup

I can see the stuffed eggplant being a hit, with its veritable garden of mushrooms, peppers, onions, and tomatoes, along with pecorino and bread crumbs. And who can say no to wings, crisp fries, and french onion soup!

From Top Left: Barrel House Burger | Chickpea Salad Sandwich | Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich | Mojo Pork Panini | Prosciutto Panini

Their barrel house burger is a blend of short rib and brisket, topped with porter caramelized onions, sharp cheddar, and "Liquid Art" sauce. Pretty much a must order in my mind.

From Top Left: Mac & Cheese | Crispy Trout | Flat-Iron Steak | Roast Chicken

And when your mac and cheese is topped with bourbon barrel barleywine house-smoked brisket, you know folks are going to be happy.

So what are you waiting for? Head over to Roy Pitz on Spring Garden to check them out and support the local community. If you need more incentive, head over to my Instagram and enter to win a $15 gift card!

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Roy Pitz Barrel House and Gloss PR for inviting us to the preview. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Kimmel Center Balcony Pop Up Happy Hour

Philly is definitely place to be during the summer. You have PHS Pop Ups, traveling beer gardens, and of course, Spruce Street Harbor Park. Now, the Kimmel Center and Garces Events have partnered up to provide you with the Balcony Pop Up Happy Hour - the perfect perch to view Broad Street's cultural hub. 

The GF and I stopped by to preview the Happy Hour and appreciated that there was plenty of seating throughout the balcony. Easy to post up with a drink and sample some small bites before heading off to dinner, a show at Academy of Music, or perhaps the most obvious, a Kimmel Center concert. 

They had two drinks on offer at the preview event. The pictured Terrace cocktail was easy drinking, featuring Effen green apple vodka, with the citrus being more pronounced from lemonade and a smooth undertone from almond liqueur. They also have The Balcony, which highlights Effen's blood orange vodka, with the addition of pink peppercorn for a subtle kick and enhanced spice from the ginger beer. Both are perfectly refreshing for a summer happy hour. During HH (5-7PM), house specialty cocktails are priced at $7, house wines are $6, and draft beers are $5. 

And you know you're going to be indulging in some great bites because after all, this is a Garces Events production. If you're like me and simply adore heat, you'll need to try the Iron Chef's take on hot chicken. The Nashville hot chicken slider is crisp, juicy, and with a lingering burn that is somewhat tempered by the sweet bread and butter pickle. The meatball sliders were just as juicy, with a sweetness from the red sauce and a gooey provolone fondue. Vegetarians rejoice for there are black bean burger sliders - hefty in their own right, with pickled red cabbage, avocado, and thousand island dressing. And you can opt for all three for a reasonable $10! The pierogies will satiate - deftly fried, featuring potato-cheddar within and accompanied by fried pickles and ranch. Other available bites include seasonal pickles, a margherita pizza, and shoestring fries! 

So if you're looking for the new spot to bring your HH crowd, look no further. The Balcony will be open on Wednesdays to Fridays, from 5-9PM. Pro-tip: They'll also be participating in SIPS! 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Gloss PR and Garces Events for inviting us. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Khyber Pass Review [3]

Previous reviews can be found at Khyber Pass [1] and Kyber Pass [2].

One of my favorite spots to grab food in Old City is Khyber Pass. They've got a mix of BBQ and Southern-inspired dishes on the menu. So in effect, perfect foods to pair with their curated beer list.

One thing I didn't realize though. They offer bunch everyday! So while walking through Old City Festival and being fairly disappointed in the food-related offerings, the GF's family and I decided to pop into Khyber Pass for some brunch-time fare.

Founders Oatmeal Stout [$6]

I went with the nitro Founders Oatmeal Stout. Creamy with great notes of chocolate and coffee, this was easily quaffable.

Large Nachos [$11]

Jack cheese, green tomato salsa, sour cream

The large nachos were plentiful indeed, with an abundance of cheese, sour cream, and green tomato salsa interspersed throughout.

Mac n Cheese [$5]

The mac is always a must order. Buttery and cheesy with a wonderfully crisp upper crust, this is the mac that brunch dreams of.

Praline Bacon [$5]

Another must order? The praline bacon. I don't know how I've missed this goodie. Crisp, candied bacon doesn't better than this. Nutty, crunchy, sweet, salty, and savory, it's the perfect food.

Big Ass Biscuit & Sausage Gravy [$8]

I'm always drawn to Khyber Pass's "big ass biscuit." So for brunch, I got mine dumped with a whole bunch of sausage gravy on top. Buttery and creamy, this melange of savory flavors hit the spot.

So if you're in Old City, don't hesitate to pop on in to Khyber Pass. They've even got you covered for brunch!

Craftsman Row Saloon Fall Feast Event

Located in Philly's Jeweler's Row, Craftsman Row Saloon is nearing its one year anniversary with owners George and Vasiliki Tsiouris at the helm. Yes, the same brother and sister duo that brought you Midtown Village hotspots Opa and Drury Beer Garden! 

I was able to stop by for a media event to try out their bar menu, along with a few seasonal drinks and surprises! 

The drinks were definitely on trend. From Pumpkin White Russians (callin' all my #PSL girls) to caramel apple spiced cocktails to whet and warm your palate, Craftsman Row Saloon has got your Happy Hours covered in seasonal delight! 

With saloon as part of its name, Craftsman Row has plenty of bar bites to keep you satiated. Chili chip nachos will set you right on Game Day. And who doesn't like homemade mozzarella sticks? Be sure to take your pick between their French Onion soup and brisket mac n cheese - either of which will give you a taste of homemade flavors.

There are also a variety of burgers on Craftsman's menu. Rep' South Philly with the "Stallone," which features smashed burger patties, ham, genoa salami, capicola, sharp provolone, and red pepper relish. The Mac Daddy is clearly a crowd pleaser with gooey mac oozing out from the griddled patties. Fried chicken's also on the menu, with a Southern-style biscuit on the side. Speaking of sides - the buffalo cauliflower bites are a sleeper hit! 

So if you're looking for a Game Day bar or Happy Hour spot, make sure to give Craftsman Row Saloon a try! There's plenty of room and the bartenders are friendly. Definitely a bright spot considering Jeweler's Row isn't known for being an oasis of food and drink. 

FTC Disclaimer; I attended a media preview event hosted by Bondfire Media. Thanks to Marie for the invite. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Kite and Key Review [2]

Previous Review: Kite and Key [1]

Kite and Key and Sabrina's are our standard go-to's when we're not looking to cook. And that's no surprise considering they're only a block away. So when some friends stopped by, we all decided to head back to Kite and Key for some eats.

Potato & Cheddar Perogi ($9)
Sauteed onion, sour cream
  

If pierogi's are on the menu. I'm ordering it. Kite and Key had these bad boys on special and they were crisply fried, with a creamy, cheesy mixture within. Sauteed onions and sour cream rounded out each bite.

Calamari ($10)

Spicy tomato sauce, arugula

 

The calamari were expertly fried, yet tender. For $10, they gave you a boat load to boot! Presentation was prototypical of a bar, with spicy marinara hiding underneath, with a field of arugula lightly dressed on top. But again - it's unbelievable how much calamari there was!

Steak Sandwich ($10)
Grilled filet, chimichurri, caramelized onions, pepper jack cheese, french fries

The filet sandwich came out perfectly cooked - medium rare and well-seasoned. The caramelized onions added some acidic depth, with the earthy chimichurri providing herbaceous notes. The pepper bite of the pepper jack cheese was nice. The fries were thin and crispy, nothing wrong there!

Fish and Chips ($15)

Beer-battered fish, french fries, malt vinegar

You can put money on the fact that the GF will usually order the chipper. The beer-battered fish was light and flaky, though the batter wasn't as malty as she normally likes. The pat of malt vinegar helped though!

The only issue we had on this particular night was that the sodas we ordered were completely flat and tasted of Robitussin. The server gave us a weird look, which prompted me to invite her to have a taste. She declined. In all fairness though, that's not typical and the drinks were obviously taken off. In any case, if you're looking for a proper drink (read: alcohol) and good bar eats, Kite and Key is a great bet on Callowhill Street.