Pat's Pizza & Pasta South Street

If you've been as invested in the pizza landscape as I've been over the years (trust: many Friday & Saturday's spent ordering delivery), you've naturally seen some iteration of Pat's on the East Coast. And interestingly enough, the majority of these shops are family enterprises! The history extends back to the 1970s in Jersey, when three enterprising cousins began Pat's Pizza. As the family itself expanded, siblings and cousins became owners of separate branches, with each individual making it their own. 

South Street was graced with a Pat's a little over a year ago and it's already becoming popular with folks popping in to grab a few slices or ordering in. I recently had the opportunity to check out their menu, and it definitely features more than just pizza. 

Boneless Wings | Buffalo Chicken Calzone | Tortelloni Alfredo | Mozzarella Sticks

A standard order for me includes boneless wings (boneless to cater to the wife!). Pat's did not disappoint. I appreciated the crispness of the batter, encasing juicy morsels of fresh chicken. Loved the vinegar emanating from the mild buffalo sauce - perfect to dunk in sauce studded with chunks of blue cheese. A guilty pleasure of mine? Buffalo chicken calzones. The medium-sized calzone at Pat's will easily service 3 or more, oozing plenty of cheese and chunks of buffalo chicken. The sleeper hit at Pat's and an absolute must? The pastas. Do check out the tortelloni or the fettucine alfredo. That sauce is pure decadence, redolent with plenty of cheese and begging for you to mop it all up with bread. And yes, mozzarella sticks are solid here at Pat's ... gooey, crispy, and served with the requisite marinara. 

Pat's Special Burger

Pat's special burger is housed in a Le Bus bun, airy and light. The burger itself is char-grilled and juicy, topped with onion rings, crisp bacon, and plenty of American cheese. Tasty! 

Large Pepperoni Pizza

Circular and square slices are both available at Pat's. A crisp crust offers a vessel to house sweet marinara and cheese. Studded with plenty of pepperoni, this hit the spot. 

So if you get a chance, be sure to check out Pat's on South Street. The appetizers are on point (no freezer burn here) and in addition to wings & pizza, you'd be remiss if you didn't check out some of the pastas on the menu! 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Pat's South Street for inviting us in. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased.

Pat's Pizza & Pasta
1410 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 790-7287
https://www.patspizzapasta.com/

P.J. Clarke's Philadelphia Review

It took two and a half year's for P.J. Clarke's to open its doors in Philly, but based on the design and popularity when we stopped by, it was well worth the wait. Housed in the Curtis Center on 6th and Walnut, it's surprisingly sprawling, with plenty of dark wood throughout. Whether you want to dine in or simply grab a seat at the raw bar, P.J Clarke's has got you covered, especially with Chef Ned Maddock in as Executive Chef (Brigantessa, XIX). 

Aperol Spritz [Top Right] | Negroni [Bottom Left]

Our drinks were made well, with the GF's aperol spritz providing that slight bitter essence, with the floral orange notes really coming through. I was all about the Negroni, made with The Botanist, an Islay gin. There's a real emphasis on G+T's & whiskey at P.J. Clarke's, which is certainly on trend. 

Sea Bass Ceviche

Tart 3 Spring Apples, Radish, Jalapeno

We started off our meal with the ceviche, which featured fresh and snappy sea bass, tart apples, and radish. Mix away as you'll want all of the seasoning to immerse each bite. 

Maine Lobster Cocktail

Firecracker sauce

The lobster cocktail is a showstopper and a must. Perfectly cooked, meaty, and completely dispatched for you, lobster doesn't get easier (or tastier). Add in some of theTabasco to the Firecracker sauce - it's a bit sweet, with the faint hint of horseradish coming through.

The "Cadillac" Burger

Double-smoked country bacon, onion, American cheese, bread & butter pickles

A bit of miscommunication as my burger came unadorned, but nothing the kitchen couldn't fix in no time flat. The fries were on point - salty, crisp on the exterior and creamy within. 

Seared Sea Scallops

Toasted farro, celery root puree, lemon

Scallops were plump, sweet, and with a light sear. I appreciated the texture on the farro, with a creamy celery root puree and fennel rounding things out. The spritz of lemon really brightened out each bite. 

Bacon & Peas Mac n Cheese

The mac n cheese was everything I could have wanted in a side. Crisp, smoky bacon and sweet peas were interspersed throughout, with a substantive richness clinging to each bite of the cavatappi noodles.  

Dottie's Blondie Sundae

Magic Shell & whipped cream

Dottie's Blondie Sundae is a stunner. The blondie itself was hefty in its own right, perhaps to withstand the vanilla ice cream hidden within the chocolate shell. Decadent, rich, and a great sweet treat to end the meal. 

Beyond lunch and dinner, be on the look out for Happy Hour & Game Day specials. I can definitely see the raw bar being the ideal spot to grab a stool and slurp back a few dozen oysters. 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to P.J Clarke's for inviting us in. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and therefore, unbiased.

P.J. Clarke's Philadelphia
601 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
http://pjclarkes.com/location/philadelphia/

Iron Hill Brewery Center City is Open!

Iron Hill Brewery just expanded to bring craft brews to Market East! And with this, they maintain the stance that nothing's more local than beer that's brewed ten feet from your table. 

Owners Kevin Finn, Mark Edelson, and Kevin Davies note that Iron Hill is more than just a craft brewery and a scratch kitchen. In fact, their motto is "Craft Kitchen, Scratch Brewery." 

Flight of Iron Hill Craft Beers | First Pour with the Founders, Brew Master, Chef, & Management | Cheesesteak Eggrolls

After popping in for a media event, we were invited to stop by for a soft-open dinner. 

Hot Chicken Sliders | Bourbon King Stout 

I knew I had to start off with the bourbon king stout. This was definitely right up my alley - great chocolate and bourbon notes here. Paired up with the hot chicken sliders - I was very happy. The chicken was Crispy, with spicy cayenne notes. But the sweet bread & butter pickles really made it each bite. 

Gold Medal Baby Back Ribs

With a sweet Bedotter Ale BBQ glaze, I appreciated that these ribs weren't overly sauced and the spice rub came through. Fall apart tender, these were easily enjoyed. Fries were well-seasoned and had just enough crisp to enjoy the texture. 

Drunk Monk Burger

The Drunk Monk Burger was right up my alley, especially with the addition of the fried egg. Perfectly medium rare and with a well-seasoned crust, the burger was amped up by the rosemary truffle aioli and creamy brie. The Wee Heavy Ale caramelized onions provided additional depth along with the mushrooms. Pro-tip: ask for extra napkins! 

Bourbon Pecan Ice Cream

So if you're looking for craft brews and good eats, be sure to stop by Iron Hill Brewery. I'd highly recommend popping in for Happy Hour as well - especially if those hot chicken sliders are on the menu! 

Iron Hill Center City

1150 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107 

https://www.ironhillbrewery.com/center-city-pa

Long Beach Island Excursion

This past week, the GF & I took a quick, mid-week mini-vaca and returned to Long Beach Island. Situated near the heart of Long Beach Township is Daddy O, the premier boutique hotel in LBI. With only 22 rooms, Daddy O's achieves a nice balance between sophistication and comfort. To start - think homemade chocolate chip cookies all day, valets that deliver picnic lunches to you on the beach, and a partnership with PRIV to offer on-site beauty & spa amenities.

And the rooms? Frette bathrobes, C.O. Bigelow bathroom products, flat-screen TVs, wireless internet, ultra-plush mattresses, and rain showers in the marble and natural wood decorated baths are what you can expect!

GM & Director of Operations Pete Palladino holding court at Daddy O

After checking in and getting ourselves situated, the GF and I came downstairs to Daddy O's outdoor garden area to enjoy cocktails. Riffs on standards like an Old-Fashioned were easily enjoyed. And what a rum selection! The bartenders here know their stuff and take their time to shake up a proper cocktail to suit everyone's needs. Try some of the tiki drinks - set ablaze before service, they're the perfect balance between booze and easy sipping. 

Plantation Restaurant

Clockwise from Top Right: Tuna Nachos | Lobster Quesadilla | Cheese Curds | Thai Chili Panko Shrimp | Crab Bruschetta

For dinner that night, we were excited to return to Plantation Restaurant in nearby Harvey Cedars. A few miles north on LBI, the restaurant underwent a full renovation last summer. The new interior is bright, inviting, and hints at Miami Beach. To start, we enjoyed a slew of starters, including a lobster quesadilla, the always standout tuna nachos, and who can say no to fried cheese curds? The special of crispy Thai chili panko shrimp were spot on and the crab bruschetta were perfect beach eats.

Clockwise from Top Right: Truffle Halibut | Viking Bay Scallops & Bacon-Pea Risotto | Grouper | Beet Salad

Plantation also had a special of truffle-crusted halibut with an accompanying Parmesan broth and gnocchi - clearly a hit. The grouper was well-cooked, with the light, lemon tartar really making each bite. We always enjoy the local scallops - perfectly seared, with a smoky risotto that was studded with plenty of bacon and peas.

Bottom Left: Bread Pudding | Bottom Right: Key Lime Pie

For all the sweet tooth's out there - Plantation has got you covered. Bread pudding with a salted caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream? Yum! And my favorite dessert of all-time - key. lime. pie. Nicely tart, with a graham cracker crust - this hit the spot. Needless to say, the GF and I went to bed happy (and satiated!) that night.

Daddy O Restaurant & Bar

Clockwise from Top Right: Shishito Peppers | Baby Kale Salad with Jumbo Lump Crab | Tuna Tartare

The next morning, I went for a run along the beach to prep for another day of eats. And eat we did (after a few homemade cookies for breakfast!). With beautiful weather upon us, we ate lunch at Daddy O's outdoor patio. The tuna tartare was nicely dressed and seasoned - but what really blew us away was the care in which the tartare was constructed. Check out those crisps! And yes, we are at the Shore. 

Clockwise from Top Right: Shrimp Tacos | Fish & Chips | P.E.I Mussels with White Wine | Kobe Beef Dog

You can't get more "Shore" than the mussels in a white-wine sauce or shrimp tacos. The standout for me though? The fish & chips - a perfect fry, with just the right amount of batter and a nice firmness to the fish, these really hit the spot. And the sesame dressing on the coleslaw was a home run for me. It's also accompanied by housemade Old Bay chips with a kick! And if you really want to do it up big? Check out that Kobe beef dog. Makes all other dogs feel inadequate and insecure, that's for sure!

Tucker's Tavern

Drinks at Daddy O Rooftop Bar | Shrimp Cocktail & a Dozen Oysters at Tucker's Tavern

After a few hours luxuriating at the beach, we enjoyed drinks on Daddy O's rooftop bar (the place to be after the sun sets in LBI!). We then went to Tucker's Tavern for our final meal before returning to the city. Beautiful hardwood throughout, Tucker's has plenty of space to host parties and celebrations. Fresh seafood abound, with oysters, shrimp cocktail, and tuna tartare to be enjoyed.

Clockwise from Top  Right: 8 oz. Burger with Short Rib & Cheddar | Tuna Poke | Onion Rings | Flounder Francaise

Tuna poke was fun, well-dressed, and nicely light. On the other hand, the burger was all heft - cooked mid-rare, with plenty of cheese and additional richness from the braised-short rib. Do order the onion rings - clearly homemade, with a beer batter that will hit the spot. Old-school flounder francaise was rich, with plenty of butter and lemon. 

And with a bit of a tan (burn?) and our bellies full, we went back home to Philly, albeit wishing we were staying through the weekend. I still can't believe I only recently discovered "the Shore" and certainly, LBI. Definitely consider it the next time you need to get away from the hectic nature of the city. You won't be without any of the dining or hotel options you're used to in Philly either!

FTC Disclaimer: Special thanks to the Fearless Restaurants Group for inviting us out to LBI and the Fearless properties. 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. 

Shoo Fry: Breakfast Menu Review

After traveling through Canada, Matt and Rachel Baida decided to share their passion for poutine with Philly. After a 6 month stint as King of Prussia pop-up, they decided to take over the previous Underdogs space with a permanent location in Rittenhouse. The craze for poutine has clearly taken off, so they've recently expanded with a second location in Fishtown.

Top Right: Shoo Fry Proprieters Rachel & Matt Baiada

But that's not all that's been going on. They've also expanded their menu to include breakfast offerings. Think breakfast sliders and diced hash browns covered with all of your typical poutine fixings!

Breakfast Sliders
Original [American Cheese, Pickles], The Blue [Blue Cheese, Bacon, Fried Onions, BBQ], Scrapple [Fried Egg, Cheddar, Ketchup], Pepper Goat [Goat Cheese, Bacon, Pepper Jelly], Poutine in a Cup [Fried Onions, Cheese Curds, Gravy]

With the exception of the Poutine in a Cup slider for $4, the rest are only $3! It doesn't get more Philly than with a scrapple slider. The thin patty was nicely crisp and redolent with porcine flavors. This melded well with the fried egg and cheddar. It's all housed in a soft, pillowy, potato roll. Just the right size and perfect for breakfast. Grab two or three of these to go!

Breakfast Hashbrowns

Looking for something more substantial? You know Shoo Fry's got great poutine. So expect the crisp texture of hash browns to soak up all of Shoo Fry's toppings. I tried a trio of the chipped beef, cheesesteak, and the Sugar Shack.

The latter's a clear ode to Canada. Maple sugar shacks offer up sweet treats by dripping maple syrup into cold shaved ice. Shoo Fry's maple bacon melded sweet and savory flavors nicely, emanating a nice balance for breakfast. And obviously, everything's better with an egg on it.

So stop by Shoo Fry and check out their new offerings. Satisfyingly satiating, Shoo Fry's breakfast menu will get you through the work week.

Shoo Fry 

132 S. 17th Street 

Philadelphia, PA 19103

(267) 639-2104

www.shoofry.com

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. 

The Deck Philly Review

A few weeks back, I stopped by the Moshulu to preview the opening of The Deck. I was blown away by the recent renovations. The topside of Penn's Landing's venerable ship was beautifully done, with plenty of comfortable seating to enjoy Philly's sunsets while sipping some summer cocktails. And what better venue to enjoy brunch, perhaps after working in some on-the-deck Sunday yoga? This past Thursday, the GF and I popped in to try some of The Deck's dishes and indulge in their shakes!

Tuna Tartare [$18]

Citrus lime marinade 

We started off with the tuna tartare, which was spot on. I appreciated that the tuna wasn't so finely diced so that I could appreciate the quality of the fish. The marinade didn't overpower, but imparted a nice citrus-soy bite, all atop a California king-size bed of creamy avocado. Crispy onion strings, radish, and jalapeno added some texture, along with the accompanying buttered crostini.

Spanish Octopus [$17]

Preserved lemon

The octo's a must-order in my mind. Lightly charred on the outside, it cut like butter and was incredibly tender. Clearly a lot of time went into the prep of the cephalopod, not to mention the dish itself. Plated with root vegetables for some heft as well as preserved lemons for some acidity, I especially enjoyed the bite of the black garlic paste, which was tempered by the aioli. Do get this!   

New England Lobster Roll [$27]

Butter poached lobster, cole slaw, Old Bay potato chips 

Summer in the city means it's the perfect time for a lobster roll. And The Deck's got you covered with plenty of sweet lobster piled high atop a pillowy, buttered roll. The Old Pay potato chips were homemade and transported us right to Maine. The surprising standout? The cole slaw! I know I'll be adding dill to all my slaw moving forward. It was so good that the GF had to slap my fork away from her plate.

Prime Burger [$24]

10 oz. patty, bacon onion jam, cheddar, mustard aioli, sesame brioche, fries 

For my main, I went with their burger, which boasted 10 oz. of Prime beef, though I have a feeling mine was a full pound. Along with a beautifully salty crust revealing juicy beef within, the wall of cheese cascading over the patty was unreal. Housemade bacon-onion jam sealed the deal by bringing each bite over the top. Make sure to ask for an extra napkin! The crisp fries were well-seasoned and the mustard aioli was addictive. In fact, if you get a standalone order of fries as a Happy Hour snack, I'd ask for that aioli!  

The Deck Shakes [$16 each]

Chocolate Tasty Shake

Chocolate Ganache, Philly Candies, Soft Pretzel, Whipped Cream, Peanut Butter Tasty Cakes 

Wild Thang Strawberry Shake

Vanilla Buttercream, Pastel Candies, B'day Cake, Whipped Cream, Pink Caramel Angel Hair

Of course if there's anything you've got to try at least once, it's The Deck Shakes. When these bad boys came out, I noticed that all the patrons gaped and turned their heads in awe as it came to our table. The Chocolate Tasty Cake hit all the right notes between salty and sweet, featuring a cornucopia of Philly soft pretzels, Tasty Cakes, peanut butter cups, chocolate candies, and plenty of whipped cream. Beneath it all was a cool and creamy chocolaty shake that's perfect for a summer sugar high. The Wild Thang features an entire slice of birthday cake, pink caramel angel hair strands, vanilla KitKats, and a delicious strawberry shake, along with a rainbow of chocolate candies studding the body of the glass.

Beyond their ridiculous shakes, The Deck offers "Deck Jugs," which features their top cocktails mixed and served in a Jug dispenser for parties of two or more! Perfect for an after-work meetup with coworkers and friends. So be sure to stop on by - where else can you enjoy your Philly summer on a ship, by the water, and with great food and drinks! 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to the Fearless Restaurants and The Deck Philly for hosting us. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased. 

Opa Brunch Review

Other related reviews include: Opa [1] 

If you're on Instagram, you've likely seen Chef Bobby Saritsoglou at work, creating his house-made charcuterie and bread for the Greek menu at Opa. In parternship with owners George and Vasiliki Tsiouris, it's been over a year now since Saritsoglou was brought on as Executive Chef. I stopped by for brunch recently and was excited to \taste this home-grown approach to modern Greek food. 

Regulars to the Midtown Village area know that Opa's a hotspot for Happy Hour, with the Drury Beer Garden out back and a sleek Mediterranean bar amidst the main dining area.  

Mimosa [$9]
Fresh-squeezed OJ, sparkling wine

Being brunch, the GF started off with the mimosa, which comes with fresh-squeezed orange juice - right at the bar! 

Greek Sunrise [$8]
Pineapple juice, ouzo 

I enjoyed the look, and more importantly, the taste of the Greek Sunrise. The interplay between the sweet pineapple juice and the smooth anise flavors of the ouzo worked well. Easy drinking here. 

House-Baked Pastry Plate [$6]
Daily selections [Bacon Kaseri Bun, Chestnut Phyllo, Pumpkin Muffin, Cinnamon Date Brioche]

The kitchen sent out a pastry platter that should be a must-order for every brunch. Epitomizing the house-made mentality - you had daily selections that rival any Philly bakery. The savoriness of the bacon kaseri emanated tastes that would delight any carnivore. The light and crisp phyllo housed a creamy chestnut paste that was perfect for the Fall. And the sweetness of the moist pumpkin muffin and the light cinnamon date brioche could not be denied. Do get this! 

Bifteki Burger [$12]
Grass-fed local beef, kaseri, red pepper aioli, tomato, egg, house-cut fries 

Opa's brunch burger was moist, juicy, and not overly seasoned. Nothing wrong with a huge mound of Kaseri melted on top and a fried egg, though admittedly, the yolk was slightly over. The house-cut fries were crisp and well-salted to round out a classic brunch staple. 

Everything Bagel [$10]
Scrambled eggs, ham, house-cured sausage, hash browns, kaseri

Meat lovers rejoice - the Everything Bagel will set you right. Snappy house-cured sausage, griddled, crisp ham, and soft scrambled eggs were laid on top of hearty hash browns and creamy kaseri.

This is all between a house-made everything bagel, studded with poppy and sesame seeds with salt, onion, and garlic. Perfect for the Spartan on the go. 

Lamb Bacon [$5]

And I couldn't leave without trying the lamb bacon - something you don't really see on the Philly food scene. Lamb lovers should definitely try this fatty side, which has the sweet grassy notes you'd expect. 

So whether you're looking to go Greek for brunch or simply want some hearty fare to tide you over on Sundays, stop by Opa. The ingredients will be fresh and, more than likely, all made in-house. 

FTC Disclaimer: This brunch was organized by Opa and Bondfire Media. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased.