Crunchik'n

For those in the know, Korean Fried Chicken wings are all the rage these days. Typically twice fried, these wings don't seep out grease at first touch, the meat stays incredibly juicy, and there are often a variety of glazes. Relative newcomer to the Jefferson East area is Crunchik'n and I'm here to tell you that they've got the bomb "KFCs."

What's the story behind co-owners Jon & Jen? Jon was a retiring theology professor and Jen had recently finished grad school. Jon convinced Jen to open up Crunchik'n and now they're providing that homemade touch, while executing to high-quality perfection on all fronts. I recently had the chance to meet up with Jen and try some of their menu offerings.

Clockwise from Top Right: Korean Fried Chicken Wings | Crunch Ball! | Oven Baked Galbi or Spicy Wings | Crunchik'n Spread

Do start with their wings and the whole or half chicken. The batter is light & crunchy and the meat is marinated for 24 hours. The glazes range from mild to spicy and are all tasty. They've even got an oven-baked version for those that are attempting to be health-conscious and thankfully, they're just as tasty. The galbi version of the oven-baked ring was sticky, sweet, and delicious - all thanks to Jen's dad's homemade marinade. Looking for a fried ball of goodness? Check out the Crunch Balls which have bits of veggie or beef. Top that jawn with some spicy mayo and you're set.

Co-Owner Jen of Crunchikn | Spicy Tuna Rice Bowl | Homemade Dumplings | Kimchi Cheese Fries

The ricebowls are beautifully presented with everything you could ever want. We loved the spicy tuna version, which came with a bed of rice, Korean japchae noodles (sweet potato glass noodles), a fried veggie dumpling, salsa, crisp veggie, and guac. Definitely filling and you'll probably have leftovers. Be sure to try some of the homemade veggie, meat, or kale & spinach dumplings, made by a family friend! Looking for that next level comfort food? The kimchi cheese fries provide that fusion-level goodness with the spicy funk of the kimchi and the cheese sauce all over the batter-fried fries.

Be sure to stop by and say hi! The staff is so warm, welcoming, and you can clearly get a sense of the pride and homemade touch to what they do. Most important, the food is delicious and clearly Crunchik'n has plans to be a mainstay in Philly.

Crunchik'n

212 S. 11th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107

(267) 886-9373

www.crunchikn.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/

Louie Louie Review

Located at the Hilton Inn at Penn, Louie Louie is the Fearless Restaurant Group's latest offering. And while it's only been a week since their opening, it's clearly a hit. Because what's not to love? Sleek, with a gorgeous interior courtesy of Rohe Creative, Louie Louie offers American bistro fare with French inspirations. And the bar? Retro and gorgeous. 

Dual Old Fashioned [$13] 

White Dog Cafe's Jefferson's & Buffalo Trace Bourbons, Caramelized Sugar, Angostura

White Cosmopolitan [$12]

Faber Citrus vodka, Combier, lime, agave, white cranberry, sparkling wine

I enjoyed the dual old fashioned, which featured both their Jefferson Barrel select and Buffalo Trace bourbons, with the sweetness of the caramelized sugar really coming through. The GF's white cosmo was refreshingly sweet, with the triple sec and white cranberry offering up light notes that went well with the effervescence of the sparkling wine. And the etched rose made of ice? Instagram-worthy for sure! 

Yellowfin Tuna Tartare [$16]

Accompanied by buttered toast points, the tartare was well-seasoned and delicious. Easily enjoyed! 

Goat Cheese Arancini [$11]

Shaved manchego, almonds, Romesco

The GF was raving over the arancini - deftly fried with al dente rice and the creamy, yet tangy goat cheese coming through. The Romesco sauce offered a nicely acidic counterpoint to each bite. 

Warm Onion Tart [$12]

Puff Pastry, caramelized onions, taleggio, black olives, arugula

Sweet and rich caramelized onions sat atop puff pastry, with the brininess of the olives and the bitter arugula providing some balance. 

Comte Ravioli [$20]

Corn, favas, shiitakes, peas, basil

For her main, the GF enjoyed tiny ravioli, filled with comte cheese. Fresh seasonal peas and corn studded the broth along with favas and shiitakes. This was a nicely light summer dish. 

French Dip [$21]

Demi baguette, gruyere, black truffle mayo, shallot broth, pomme frites

For my money, I'd highly recommend the French dip. In fact, it might be the best sandwich I've had in recent memory (certainly the best French dip in Philly!). Moist, tender beef was draped with melted gruyere. It's all housed within a crisp demi-baguette that was slathered in black truffle mayo. And the shallot broth? Ridiculous rich! And you can never say no to any of the Fearless Restaurant Group's fries - always a standout and Louie Louie doesn't disappoint. 

Lemon Tart [$10]

Fresh berries, meringue kisses

After the French dip, I was glad we went with a palate cleanser of sorts. The lemon tart was, well ... tart with plenty of fresh sweetness coming through from the berries and clouds of meringue kisses to offer up some lightness. 

I'd definitely recommend stopping by Louie Louie. Beyond the Penn & Drexel students and families stopping by, I know it'll be a hit with the food and vibe that Louie Louie has to offer. Check it out and let me know what you think about that French dip! 

Louie Louie 

3611 Walnut Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

(267) 805-8585

http://fearlessrestaurants.com/sites/louielouie/

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. 

The Good King Tavern Review

Looking for modern takes on French comfort fare from Provence to Alsace? Look no further than The Good King Tavern. The Bella Vista tavern is cozy, personable, and inviting. There's no pretense here. Indulge in the wine list or explore French house wines ranging from "good" to "better" to "best." On this particular night, we indulged in some of their best - Burgundy Chardonnay and a Cote de Rhone Syrah-Grench blend. 

Sazerac [$12]
Rye whiskey, Demerera, bitters, absinthe

Properly made cocktails abound here as well. I enjoyed my sazerac, with the sweet demerera and absinthe balancing out the hit of rye.

Cheese Board [$16]

Fresh baguette, grapes, crisp apple slices, and quince paste were paired with a wide array of delectable cheeses, from the funk of earthy blues to semi-soft cow's milk cheeses. 

Red Endive Salad [$12]
Pistachio-pepper pesto, Parmesan

The endive salad provided the perfect bitter notes to whet our appetites. Plenty of shaved Parmesan and a creamy pistachio pepper pesto provided a burst of flavor for each bite. 

Escargot Anchoiade [$11]
Butter, lemon, capers

The earthy gastropods were deliciously doused in butter, garlic, and parsley, with the salty hit of capers offering a counterpoint. Believe you me, the crusty baguettes were a welcome vessel to mop up any remaining sauce.

Steak Tartare [$15]
Salad, pomme frites

TGK's steak tartare was a standout. Beautiful texture on the beef, with chopped red onion, mustard, and capers interspersed throughout. I appreciated the citrus zest for a burst of freshness. Added bonus? Some of the best pommes frites in the city. Well-seasoned, crispy, but with plenty of chew within.Who needs crostini for your tartare when you have fries?

Socca [$12]
Chickpea pancake, ratatouille

If there's a must-order at TGK, it's the socca. These chickpea pancakes are crisp, yet pliant and are an obvious vessel for the frisee and ratatouille. The latter was nicely stewed, with an enjoyable hit of acid from the tomatoes.  

Duck of the Day - Duck Wings

TGK sources the majority of their ingredients from local farms. And with the ducks they receive, they creatively execute a "duck of the day" dish. Whether it's confit, breasts, or wings - look out for their daily special. We were able to enjoy the crispy wings, with a delectable sauce that you may be licking off your fingers. 

Steak Frites [$21]
Bordelaise, maitre d'butter

Classic steak frites are well-executed, with a house butter offering up richness alongside the bordelaise sauce. 

Brussels Sprouts [$8]
Pumpkin seed aioli, black currants

Do get the crispy, roasted brussels here - seasonality from the pumpkin seed aioli and a bit of sweetness from the black currants.

Creme Brulee

Creme brulee hit all the sweet notes you'd be looking for from the vanilla custard, with sweet and bitter flavors and texture from the bruleed sugar top. 

Almond Cake
Chocolate sauce, hazelnuts

The almond cake was moist and rustic, with a decadent chocolate sauce that deserves to have every spoonful sopped up.

I'd highly recommend the Good King Tavern as a stop from wherever you are in the city. Expect a convivial atmosphere with wonderful French fare without any of the fussiness.

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to The Good King Tavern and Zipkick for hosting me. Regardless, my opinions are 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

Maison 208 Review

The GF and I have been fans of Chef Sylva Senat since his Tashan days. His impressive resume includes Aquavit and Jean-Georges. Senat also helped to open Buddakan in NYC. Subsequently, Stephen Starr lured him to Philly with the 2nd Buddakan outpost. It was at Tashan though that we truly enjoyed the coupling of Senat's French technique with Asian flavors. Certainly a sad day when he departed the modern Indian restaurant. It closed a few years after, with owner Munish Narula emphasizing a decision to focus on his Tiffin empire. For Senat though, and true of most talents, it was on to bigger and better things. After his deep run on Top Chef Season 14 did Philly proud, Senat partnered up with proprietor Herb Reid and operations director Stephen Yaeger to bring us Maison 208, a bi-level New American restaurant with French influences.

Before our 8 o'clock reservation with friends, The GF and I stopped by the sleek second floor lounge, which features Philly's first-ever retractable roof. How retractable? On the night we stopped by, there were a few rogue rain clouds resulting in trace amounts of rainwater by the bar! 

Tequila Mockingbird [$13]
Hornitos, Boardroom beet, lime, agave, peppercorn

Understandably, the GF couldn't help but be tickled by her drink's name. Better yet was its taste - the tequila was tempered by the sweet undertones of the agave, which really came through. The Boardroom Beet liqueur had grassy notes, with a light, peppery finish that was accented by the peppercorn. Really easy drinking for the summer nights. 

R.R. Cigar [$23]
Lagavulin 16, smoked vermouth, tobacco, smoked brandy cherry

Shouldn't be a surprise that I opted for the R.R. Cigar, which features a foundation of Lagavulin 16 year. Not that I needed an excuse, but it was also National Scotch Day (there's a day for everything these ... days)! Even if you're not used to smoky Islay, if you're interested in a drink with a bit of pomp and circumstance, this is the one for you. You'll get quite a few head-turns, what with a dome of smoke immersing your drink before you even have a taste.  

The perfume of tobacco smoke accents the nose from the whiskey, with malt and sherry coming through on the palate and balancing nicely with the smoked vermouth. Really smooth, with a great finish of sweet figs and vanilla. And yes, it comes with a mini-cigar from Cappelli Bros. Cigar Co. across the street. But alas no, you can't smoke it within the confines of Maison 208. 

A testament to how busy the restaurant was, we were more than half an hour past our reservation. But no matter, we were all enjoying Yaeger's creations. Ultimately, the friendly hostess stopped by and escorted us to our four-top on the first level where we met our server, Bryant. Engaging and personable, he didn't hesitate to provide recommendations and let us know that for much of the menu, the intent is to share. Perfect for our night's crew. 

Rimbert Cousin Oscar Cinsauit [$52]

Languedoc, France 2015

Seeking some vino with dinner, we settled upon the Cinsauit upon Bryant's rec. Redolent with red plum and cherries, this was highly reminiscent of Pinot Noir or Grenache. Easy summer quaffing.

Island Kobe Beef Pate Lollipops [$9]
Gold, sweet potato, Haitian beef curry

For the meal proper, we started off with the lollipops, which are sure to be popular in the lounge. Deftly fried, the crispy exterior yielded a blend of Yukon and sweet potato housing a Kobe beef curry center. Feel free to dip into the light, yet heady truffle foam, with "gold" puffed rice offering additional texture. These typically come three to an order, but the kitchen was able to accommodate for four. (Note that actual menu pricing is provided throughout the post). 

Pan-Seared Diver Scallops [$18]
Hush-Beignet, Pancetta, Brown Butter Sauce

Diver scallops were also customized for four, with a light sear providing a salty contrast to emphasize the innate sweetness of the bivalves. Sweet, crispy hush-puppy beignets provided additional substance to the dish, with the bits of crispy pancetta and brown butter sauce offering some savory, nutty richness to tie everything together. 

"Griote & Pikilis" Pork Belly [$13]
12 hr belly, scotch bonnet sea salt, spicy slaw

Pork Griot is a popular Haitian dish, with citrus and Scotch Bonnet-marinated pork simmered until tender, and finally fried. Maison 208's iteration features the belly in a 12 hour braise, expectedly tender and unctuous. The pork itself was more sweet than spicy, with a spoon of Scotch Bonnet sea salt on offer if you're looking to amp up the salt and spice level. The "Pikilis" pickled slaw offered some countervailing relief from the heft of the belly. I will say that I was missing a bit of finesse and texture. Also unsure why four pieces couldn't be accommodated here as well (to be fair, we didn't ask, but wasn't offered).

Whole Frenched Dorade [$36]

Pan-fried, petit vegetables, consomme 

Our table couldn't help but want to order the Chef-recommended sea bream aka dorade. It's beautifully crusted and pan-fried, with a light seasoning on the exterior to emphasize the clean, meaty fish and the light consomee. As you might expect, there will be more than a few bones to pick out here and there, but certainly manageable. A gorgeous kaleidoscope of purple root vegetables, pearl onions, and tomatoes rounded out this beautiful dish. 

Black Hog Pork Shank [$26]
Double cut, Herb de Provence haricot verts, natural pork jus 

The pork shank is a show stopper and a must order in my mind. Porcine flavors and textures are allowed to shine and to stunning effect. I appreciate the dichotomy in textures with the crispy skin yielding to a flavorful, gelatinous layer which further falls away away to tender strands of pork. I did miss the haricot verts, though we did order plenty of sides to complement the shank. 

Corn Pudding [$6]
White sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, aged sherry vinaigrette 

The sweetness of the corn pudding could not be denied, but helped to provide some balance to the pork dish. The sweet acidity from both the fresh heirloom tomatoes and aged sherry vinaigrette helped to round out this dish. 

Maison Pomme Frites [$6]
Gruyere, garlic truffle oil

You need veggies with your meal, right? In my mind, french fries count! And when they're perfectly done, why not? Fries were crisp on the exterior and tender within. The garlic truffle oil was certainly present, but complemented the shaved Gruyere rather than overpowering.

I'll be interested to see how Maison 208 continues to progress as it's only been about a month since opening. Based on his Instagram, I suspect there's constant tweaking and development coming from Chef Senat. In the meantime, a bottle of wine, the pork shank, and an order of fries seems like the perfect meal to me. The lounge is already hopping and will likely continue being a hotspot for drinks and smaller bites. 

Maison 208
208 S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
www.maison208.com