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/

Founding Farmers King of Prussia Review

If you've ever been to the King of Prussia Town Center, you know it's a burgeoning enclave, replete with a myriad of dining options beyond your typical mall eats. In fact, I'd venture to say that it's well worth the drive out from Center City because I have yet to be disappointed by any of the restaurants. And after visiting the newly opened Founding Farmers, I'd highly recommend it as one of your first stops on your KoP food tour. 

Clockwise from Top Right: Founding Farmers' hand-crafted liquors | Upstairs Bar Area | Downstairs Cafe 

The first three locations are in D.C. and Virginia and considering the name of the restaurant, it only made sense to come to Philadelphia. The values of the American family farmer are at the core of what they do, with more than 47,000 family farmers owning the majority stake in this restaurant group. Each menu item is made in-house daily. They also work diligently to ensure sustainability and with a focus on scratch cooking. They grind their own meat, press their own juices, bake their own bread, and yes, even churn their own butter. You can definitely taste the difference! Downstairs, they have a to-go cafe and upstairs, they offer a la carte dining all day. On the weekends, you can get a full taste of all of their offerings. Their Farmers Market Buffet Brunch is $29 pp and even includes passed items straight to your table. It's only $14 for children ages 7-12 and free if they're 6 and under!

Clockwise from Top Right: First Bake Blend Drip Coffee from Compass Coffee | Super Premium Tea Time | Breakfast Cocktails | Scratch-made Manhattan Soda [Coffee, Espresso, Jerk Soda, Whipped Cream]

Also included in your meal is tea service and Compass Coffee's First Bake Blend drip coffee (a company started by two former marines!). Of course, you can also indulge in a variety of breakfast cocktails and scratch-made sodas. I really enjoyed the Manhattan soda, which definitely offered up an effervescent caffeine jolt in my step to the buffet. 

Clockwise from Top Right: Bacon Lollies | Spinach & Tomato Eggs Benedict | Fried Shrimp | Pierogi Cart 

But before I even had a chance to do so, the servers came around to our table offering up a variety of dumplings from their pierogi cart, bacon lollies which were reminiscent of candied jerk bacon, spinach & tomato eggs benedict, and fried shrimp with a wonderfully crispy and meaty texture. 

Clockwise from Top Right: French Toast | Breakfast Staples | Bruleed Grapefruit | Carving Table [Maple Black Pepper Bacon, Picnic Ham. Brisket, Turkey]

After the initial foray into what Founding Farmers had to offer, I had to check out what else was available. You'll find everything you'd ever want or need for breakfast, including hash browns, eggs (they have a cacio e pepe iteration!), sausages, fruit, french toast, and pancakes. Head over to the carving station for ham, brisket or turkey. I obviously went back for seconds of the hand-carved maple black pepper bacon - thick-cut, juicy, and unctuous. 

Clockwise from Top Right: Hot Crab & Artichoke Dip | Winter Stew | Seven Cheese Mac | Cheese Ravioli Bolognese

Looking for even heartier fare? Indulge in crab and artichoke dip, a meaty winter stew, indulgent seven cheese mac, or their homemade cheese ravioli with a hearty bolognese sauce. 

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas | Spicy & Regular Southern Fried Chicken

You'd be remiss if you didn't try their chicken enchiladas. But you're a fool if you don't grab the fried chicken. They offer up a spicy and regular version and it was definitely some of the best fried chicken I've had in recent memory. A crisp well-seasoned batter housed tender, moist chicken that was perfect to pair with ... 

Buck's Donuts | Philadelphia Vanilla Bean Cheesecake | Build Your Own Sundae Bar

Donuts! All baked in-house, Founding Farmers offered up a variety of glazed, baked, and filled donuts that are also seasonal (pumpkin spice lovers will be happy!). They also have blondies, vanilla bean cheesecakes, trifles, fruit crisps, and a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar if donuts aren't enough to satiate your sweet tooth!

So what are you waiting for? If you're venturing out to the KoP mall, don't stick to what you know. Head over to the Town Center and check out what Founding Farmers has to offer. You won't be disappointed! 

FTC Disclaimer: I was invited by the Founding Farmers PR team. 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. 

White Dog Cafe: Wayne Review

The original White Dog Cafe opened in 1983 in University City, under the founding guidance of Judy Wicks. She was a clear pioneer in the farm-to-table and locally sustainable food movement that's on trend these days. And to that end, the majority of ingredients are sourced no more than 50 miles away. In 2009, restaurateur Marty Grims (think: Moshulu & Autograph Brasserie) bought White Dog Cafe, under the proviso that the same environmentally sound model would be continued. And with Grims' expertise and experience, White Dog Cafe has grown, with a second location opening in Wayne and a third in Haverford. 

Similar to Autograph Brasserie, White Dog Wayne is simply stunning. Whimsical dog decor and artwork abound, with a Library room featuring dark mahogany ceilings and flying books. Looking for a place to host a baby or wedding shower? Book the Garden Room, which has chicken-wired ceilings, floral prints, and antique light fixtures and wooden shutters. 

Amuse Bouche

Dinner started off with an amuse sent out by the Chef. Pickled grapes had sharp acidity to balance the smooth funk of the blue cheese mousse, with the rich Marcona almonds offering a nice textural contrast.

Local Artisan Cheese [$18]
Seasonal jams & accompaniments 

A hefty slab of local creamy goat's milk cheese had a nice tang that was accented by the sweet honey, apples, and jam. 

Kennett Square Mushroom Soup [$10]
White truffle oil, creme fraiche, snipped chives 

The mushroom soup is definitely a must-order for first timers. A heady, umami-laden broth of Kenneth Square mushroom soup is poured tableside, with creme fraiche to provide some levity. I appreciated that the white truffle oil served to accent and not overpower the dish. 

Tuna Tartare [$16]

White Dog's tuna tartare can go head to head with any fine dining establishment in the city - artfully presented and well-executed with a creamy avocado salsa atop freshly chopped tuna and a sesame soy emulsion. 

Scallops & Bacon [$35]
Pan-seared Maine Dayboat scallops, farro risotto, yellow curry butter, braised pork belly, apples 

Without a doubt, scallops and bacon were clearly made for my tastes and porcine sensibilities. The well-seared scallops were sweet and had a beautiful crust. Paired with the roast pork belly and the hearty farro risotto, the richness was undeniable. Balance was offered by the yellow curry butter and the crisp apples, which provided a countervailing element to each bite. 

Baked Mac & Cheese [$8]

Easily one of my favorite mac's in recent memory, this was baked in a cast-iron skillet, with a liquid gold lava of fontina and sharp cheddar interspersed throughout al dente orchiette pasta. I appreciated the shredded sharp cheddar and buttered bread crumbs on top, offering additional layers of texture. 

Caramel Apple Pot de Creme [$9]
Apple confit, pie dough crumble, apple butter

The seasonal dessert menu featured a light caramel pot de creme, with plenty of confited apple chunks and pie dough crumble on top. The tartness of the apple butter dollops helped to provide some slightly acidic balance to tie things together. 

Cookie Jar [$9]
Warm & freshly baked cookies, ice cold milk

And it wouldn't be White Dog Cafe without the doggy cookie jar. Served with a glass of milk, the cookie jar opens up to reveal plenty of freshly baked and warm cookies.

Buttery dog-bone biscuits, hearty oatmeal raisin, and decadent chocolate chip cookies helped to end the meal with a sweet and comforting note. 

White Dog Wayne is clearly a hot spot for Happy Hour. And by prime time, the bar's bustling and the tables are filled with diners enjoying their meals. Chef Zach Grainda is at the helm in the kitchen and has a clear passion for creating an ever-changing menu that speaks to what's locally available, fresh, and seasonal. White Dog Wayne is certainly a driving force behind Main Line's destination-dining boom. I've said it before - suburbanites need not go to Center City to get creative, beautifully presented, and delicious dishes. 

FTC Disclaimer: I was invited by the Fearless Restaurant Group to visit White Dog Wayne. 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!

The Little Lion Review

The GF's folks were in town and we decided to spend the day walking through the boutiques in Old City. A bit famished, we decided to grab brunch at Little Lion.  

It's a beautiful space, with plenty of seating whether you're looking to grab a table for a bite or get a seat at the bar for Happy Hour. The upstairs is especially vibrant and clearly a visual focal point. 

Mac & Cheese [$10]
Stewed tomatoes, buttered bread crumbs

Regular readers know that I always have to order the mac. And while the temperature was barely luke-warm, the flavors were all there. Reminiscent of a buttery grilled cheese with tomato soup, the stewed tomatoes added a nicely bright acidity to the creamy cheese-drenched cavatappi. 

Fried Green Tomatoes [$8]

Pimento Cheese, bacon tomato jam, buttermilk ranch

The fried green tomatoes were a winner, The tomatoes had wonderful bite, with a crisp fry on the exterior. The pimento cheese had a kick that woke the palate and was tempered by the jam and the cooling buttermilk ranch. 

BBQ Chicken Thigh Sliders [$8]
Sour slaw, potato rolls, bread & butter pickles 

The chicken had a bit of BBQ char and were enjoyable juicy, with the acidity of the sour slaw and the pickles providing some levity. 

Buffalo Chicken & Biscuits [$12]
Sausage gravy, potatoes

Sadly, as I excited as I was for this dish, I was immeasurably disappointed on the execution. Perhaps it was sitting at the pass for awhile, though in the interest of full disclosure, service actually quick and great overall. Not only was the gravy cold, but the chicken wasn't that much warmer either and only had the faintest hint of buffalo sauce. I'm of the school of thought where unless I'm at a fine dining restaurant, I usually don't send things back. And even then, I've only done it once. Yet here, it took everything I had not to send it back to the kitchen - more so to provide feedback. That being said, the concept and the flavors were definitely discernible. The accompanying home fries were on point, with plenty of charred and crisp veggies studding the spuds. 

Lion Burger [$14]
Sharp cheddar, bacon, pickled red onion, pimento cheese, butter lettuce, Heirloom tomato, house-made pickles

The GF's burger didn't fare much better. Granted, it was ordered medium well, but there was also a general lack of seasoning. Worse in my book? The fries were limp, greasy, and devoid of texture. 

Smoked Turkey Sloppy Joe [$9]
Smoked free range turkey, sweet & spicy tomato, chilies, bread & butter pickles, grilled onions, brioche

The last thing I would order on a menu was the surprise of brunch. The ground and smoked turkey was incredibly moist and juicy, with great flavor from the sweet and spicy tomato. And who can say no to sweet potato fries, which surprisingly had more crisp that the aforementioned fries! 

Overall, Little Lion's a great-looking spot with potential. I was excited at the prospects when looking over the menu - so much so that I know I'll be returning to see if it was just a misstep on the back of a kitchen that was on the latter half of a brunch service. Not that that's an excuse ... 

Hunger Burger Philly Review

This is for a series of posts for Reading Terminal Market including: The Rib Stand, Hatville Deli,By George! Pizza, Pasta & Cheesesteaks, Olympic Gyro, Iovine Brothers Produce, DiNic's Pork and Beef, Meltkraft, Wursthaus Schmitz, Beiler's Donuts, and Hunger Burger.    

Over the past few years, we've seen much of what I like to call philanthropic capitalism. Whether it's TOMS, Everything Happy, or Soap Box, the One for One model certainly has an altruistic element - so I'm all for it! Apparently this extends to the food scene as well with Hunger Burger, located in Reading Terminal Market. 

The husband-and-wife team of George and Kim Mickel already own By George and Mezze eatery in RTM. With Hunger Burger, they're griddling up stellar burgers, with the mission of feeding a child in need, with every burger sold! 

Mac n Cheese Specialty Burger [$6.95]
Angus beef burger, Mac n Cheese, Bacon

Hunger Burger usually has a specialty burger on offer and I couldn't resist the Mac attack. The soft potato bun is the perfect vehicle to house the innards - creamy, cheesy mac interspersed between crisp strips of bacon and perfectly crusted and seasoned burger patties. Grease bomb to the Nth degree, but well worth the trip to burger bliss! 

Lobster Mac n Cheese [$10.95]

Who can resist lobster mac? There was nice depth of flavor here, with decent chunks of tender lobster strewn throughout the cavatappi noods. A well-rounded complement to this carb fest of a lunch.

So if you're in RTM, please give Hunger Burger a try. Sure, you can always up your lunch game with Dinic's Roast Pork or Beiler's Donuts, but save some room for a great burger as well!