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

Philly Classic Cook Off presented by Budweiser

On August 23rd, Budweiser is presenting the inaugural Philly Classic Cook Off, in coordination with Philadelphia Magazine. Think plenty of ice-cold Bud, live music, and most importantly, Philly's favorite dishes re-invented by some of your favorite restaurants. And guess who's judging? This guy! Along with Philly Food Girl & Philly Grub! 

From 5:30PM - 8PM on the 23rd, the Philly Classic Cook Off will be at the Piazza at Schmidt's (1001 N. 2nd Street). Six restaurants will battle it out live in front of guests to compete to see who can put their best twist on a Philly classic! Two winners will be crowned in the form of a Judge's & People's choice. Competitors include Milkboy, Molly Malloy's, the Union Tap, Mad Rex, Revolution Taco, and Slice! Be sure to grab tix as they're going fast! Pro-tip: Use code BELLYOFTHEPIG to get 20% off your tickets! 

Philly Classic Cook Off

Piazza at Schmidt's 

1001 N. 2nd Street

August 23rd, 5:30PM - 8PM

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/

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. 

Chima Philadelphia Review

Located at 20th and JFK, Chima Philadelphia offers up a meaty respite from the business district. With a sleek happy hour and a classic churrascaria experience, expect gauchos slicing huge skewers of meat tableside. It's all with a twist of course - Philly cheesesteak or cinnamon-spiced pineapple anyone? Chima is clearly the place to be if you're seeking to indulge in a meat feast great or a gourmet salad bar that is sure to satisfy.

Yes, please means start slicing away! No, thank you means I need a break.

Recently, Chima partnered with Hop Sing Laundromat owner, Le, to come up with signature cocktails for their drink menu. Everyone knows that Brazil's national drink is the caiprinha, with cachaca being the main ingredient. With that as the base, do try the Gaucho which features fresh muddled blackberry and lemon juice or the Gaucha with fresh raspberry. Sweet and with an underlying booziness, this is easy to enjoy. The GF was enamored with the Rio Cha, which has fresh muddled mint coupled with depth of oolong black tea, sweetness from agave nectar, lemon juice, and cachaca. Mojito flavors abound. 

Fresh salad bar including charcuterie, cheeses, salads, and soups. New Hop Sing Laundromat cocktails [$10]

Before you start the onslaught of meat, do stop by the salad bar. Freshly blanched asparagus and an assortment of greens await, along with beets, a variety of cheeses and charcuterie. Fresh mozzarella balls, hunks of Parm, prosciutto, and even a unique gorgonzola mousse are on offer.

Clockwise from Top Right: Beef Croquettes, Vegetable Soup, Turkey Salad, and of course, delectable Brazilian cheese bread

Starters also include addictive Brazilian cheese bread (I could easily down 8 of these alone!), crisp beef croquettes, and a well-seasoned turkey salad spread. We also enjoyed a root vegetable soup from the salad bar.

Clockwise from Top Right: Rodizio include Fried Bananas, Polenta Fries, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and over 15 cuts of meats sliced tableside by your churrascos

Not to be outdone, paired with all of the meats are polenta fries, garlic mashed potatoes, and fried bananas for a bit of sweetness to cut through all of the impending meat. But really, it is all about the meat. Just flip your disc over from 'No, thank you' to 'Yes, please' and the gauchos will descend. 

Clockwise: Grilled Salmon, Beef Rib, Sliced Sirloin tableisde

We are talking about over 15 cuts of meat, including top sirloin, sausage, lamb, and bacon-wrapped filet. My favorites had to be the picanha, ribeye, and a mammoth beef rib that was so tender, it was reminiscent of pot roast off the bone. They also offer a grilled salmon that's paired with a duo of sauces. Quite a delicious glut of options here at Chima!

Clockwise: NY Cheesecake [$10], Molten Chocolate Coconut Lava Cake & Vanilla Ice Cream 

Try and leave room for dessert as well. Served with fresh berries, the NY cheesecake is smooth, creamy, and will hit all the notes you're looking for in a proper cheesecake. The lava cake will take 15 minutes to prepare, but well worth the molten deluge of chocolate and coconut ganache cascading down your plate. Served with vanilla ice cream on the side, this is definitely a sweet ending your meal. Look out for the Brazilian Trio, which also features Brazilian fudge, coconut-condensed milk, and Walnut cream served in martini glasses!

The complete rodizio experience includes the gourmet salad bar, over 15 cuts of meat, sides, and grilled salmon for $56.90 pp. Check back for the occasional special offer, especially during Restaurant Week! Kids from 7 to 11 are half off and those under 7 eat free! 

FTC Disclaimer: Thanks to Chima Philadelphia for hosting us. Regardless, my opinions are 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. 

Common Wealth Old City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ariana Restaurant Media Event

This past Wednesday, I was invited to Ariana Restaurant for a media night. The ignorance clearly lies with me as this restaurant is an Old City stalwart with almost 20 years of service under its belt. 'Ariana' is the old name of Afghanistan and the Hashmi family along with owner Beheshta have been serving Afghan cuisine to Philadelphia since 1999.

Bottom Right: Belly Dancer Ewelina | Bottom Left: Owner Beheshta & the always lovely Kate of Philly PR Girl

A big part of Afghan culture is hospitality and it clearly shows though Beheshta's passion and cooking. A melting pot of eastern European influences impart flavor and soul into the dishes, with Persian, Indian, Asian, and Mediterranean cultures all playing their part. Think less spicy then Indian, but with the familiar flavors of the Mediterranean. 

Clockwise from Top Left: Aashak Dumplings | Sambosa Pastries | Bulanee Gandana Turnovers

Along with wine (Ariana is BYO!!!) to start, we enjoyed several Afghani appetizers. Aashak are steamed scallion-filled dumplings topped with a spicy yogurt and mint sauce, with fresh mint sprinkled on top. Delicious and a definite must order. Sambosa were deftly fried and stuffed with chickpeas, ground beef, and a tempered hit of spices, served alongside a cilantro sauce. Bulanee were crisp turnovers filled with scallions and herbs - perfect to top with the accompanying yogurt sauce. I'd definitely recommend starting off your meal with a few of these bites. 

Clockwise from Top Left: Chalow Sabzi, Kadu, & Palow | Bread | Chicken Kabob | Kabuli Palow 

With our mains came fresh bread that had a nice crisp texture on the exterior, yielding to a light, fluffiness within. Slightly sweet, it was perfect to sop up the vegetarian sides that accompanied our entrees. These sides included spinach sauteed with sun-dried lemon and garlic (sabzi), pumpkin cooked down and topped with yogurt (kadu), and seasoned eggplant with tomatoes (palow). For my main, I opted for Afghanistan's flagship dish - the Kabuli Palow. Lightly seasoned chunks of lamb were interspersed throughout a lovely mix of brown basmati and topped with almonds, pistachios, carrots, and raisins. A delightful mix of savory and sweet. 

Firnee - Afghan pudding with ground pistachios, almonds, and rose water

To end our meal, we were treated to two desserts. I've never had firnee before, but I enjoyed the texture that was slightly firmer than flan but just as enjoyable. The rose water permeated throughout with some texture coming from the ground nuts. 

Baklava

And who can say no to baklava, with the thin layers of pastry dough housing plenty of syrup and walnuts. 

In addition to being a BYO, Ariana also offers late-night hookah and they're able to hook(ah?) you up for private events, including entertainment. On this particular night, we were treated to a performance by Ewelina, a local belly dancer. She had most of the patrons up and dancing by the end of the night, including yours truly (I'll spare you shots of that). And while I'm sure we all have a favorite spot in Old City, if you've never had Afghan cuisine or are looking for great food beyond your typical haunt, be sure to hit up Ariana. 

FTC Disclaimer: Special thanks to Beheshta of Ariana Restaurant & the Philly PR Girl team for hosting me. Regardless, my opinions are mine alone and, therefore, unbiased.