Restaurant Week: The Verdict

Today concludes the first half of restaurant week, and boy is my belly tired! The huslte and bustle of making reservations was well worth my experience yet again! Here's the verdict on the two places I went for this season:


Phillip's -- This place is a childhood favorite of mine. Growing up in D.C., my family and I used to go to Phillip's on The Wharf. The Wharf is a seafood market lined with a few unique seafood restaurants, everything from mom-and-pop, to fine dining. Sure its by the water and smells like fish, but the Wharf is one of those places that always mesmerizes you because each time you go you find another gem. Another stand with fresh seafood, another vendor with his own exotic mixture of spices, and for me Phillip's was always the place that brought the experience together.
Their restaurant week menu included, soup, salad, a main course and dessert. Cream of Crab soup had real chunks of crab, which is always a plus, and the salad cleansed my palate just in time for the main course. I went with a couple of friends, so we all got something different to share. I got the steak, one friend got the crab cakes, and another the shrimp linguine. Steak was cooked perfectly, crab cakes were to die for, and the shrimp linguine was decadent. The plump prawns were an awesome compliment to the garlic, buttery pasta. The garlic and oil tossed broccolini was a pleasant surprise, and the mashed potatoes were perfectly creamy. The carrot cake was moist and delicious, and the cheesecake was gone in no time! I've never had a bad experience at Phillip's and the wait staff was just as pleasant. None of these portions were too small and filled us to delight, needless to say, Monday ended very well.

Fogo De Chao -- I've already been to Chima and loved it there, but people have been telling me "go to Fogo, its so much better!" While both have a delicious meats cooked to your liking, Fogo's atmosphere felt more open and bright. Again, the waitstaff at both places were top notch, and the food was amazing, but I think the general consensus last night was; Chima was an overall better experience. Chima's aisles were bigger, the salad bar had more options and the polenta had more flavor. In no way am I knocking Fogo, that place is amazing, but personally I felt my style and personality suited Chima a little better, and the frozen cheesecake at Fogo pushed that message home for me.

I'd love to try some places for the 2nd half of the week, but all of my funds have been reserved for "grown up" things (bills). If you haven't been to Restaurant Week yet, pick a place and go! Your wallet, and palate will thank you.

Also, CONGRATULATIONS to my friend and fellow Greek & Blogger Eric C. for being voted "Professional of the Year" by the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 2010 was a big year for you! Much success in 2011 mi amigo!

Restaurant Week Winter 2011

In a few hours I will be partaking in Philadelphia's Restaurant Week. I've spoken of this week many times; I truly believe its a gift from God. A three course meal at some of the city's finest restaurant's for less than $40?! I've saved up to hit up two places: Phillip's Seafood Restaurant (a sentimental favorite) and Fogo De Chao, which I've been told many times to try. I wanted to aim for a third restaurant, but that's not part of getting "financially fit" this year. I'll be sure to report my experiences like only a true foodie can! Bon Appetit!

THE Burger

There is an urban legend that tells of a monstrous burger. A sandwich so deliciously irresponsible, any sane doctor would highly recommend that you not even enter the same room as it, for fear that your arteries might tighten and close from just a wiff of its sizzling glory. For the past few years, since its original inception, I've been on a mission to grab a hold of this burger. Alas, time, distance, and lack of monatery funds have kept me from purposely sending me body into food induced shock by consuming this burger.

I

The burger is not encase in bread, but rather a toasted donut....yes, a donut. 2 slices of cheese on each 5oz slab of prime ground beef, brought together by chocolate covered bacon...yes bacon...dipped in chocolate (see above diagram). You're drooling aren't you? Its ok. This burger just premiered at my favorite Philly burger joint, PYT, and I can't wait to take a trip to get one this weekend. Happy Holidays!

Grinds My Gears: Food Edition

You know what really Grinds My Gears? Not enough condiments on my sandwich. I get an Italian hoagie from the same spot every week with no mayo, instead I get mustard. And every week I get the thinnest layer of mustard known to man. SERIOUSLY?!?! Usually take out places are more than liberal with the mayo; cured meats practically swimming in the oily mixture, but when it comes to any other condiment all of a sudden it seems as if there's a world shortage. Last I checked there was no horrible famine that ravaged mustard seed crops, or tomato fields for that matter. Sure my sandwich is tasty, but dammit if it isn't dry! If anyone reading this works at a take out place, cut us mayo-haters some slack and make our sandwiches go down a bit easier by giving more than a baby teaspoon size of ketchup and mustard.

No more Happy Hour

Today marked the last day of City Sips in Philadelphia. Last day to partake in special drink specials at some of the city's swankiest spots, some even offered appetizer specials. While I didn't get out as much as I would have liked for the specials (I tried a couple of good places), I am pumped for CCD's next round of promotional fare: Restaurant Week! Restaurant Week exposes new clientele to Philadelphia's finest restaurants. $20 lunch specials and 3 course meals starting at $35 per person. I've already made a reservation for Chima, a Brazillian steakhouse, and look forward to making one for Phillips, a fantastic seafood restaurant, as well. I love Fall time in the city!

Philly Weekends: Spring '10 Edition

There truly is nothing like enjoying a FULL weekend with awesome people. Friday night started off a little slow on South St., but quickly became a night to remember....well most of it anyway. Saturday was mainly business, but fun nonetheless. Had an amazing breakfast at the Waffle House. If you've never been to one, you're missing out. I suggest you take a drive on 95, go south and don't stop till you hit one. The waffles are legendary and the hash brown are heaven. Ended the weekend with shopping which I haven't done in months, definitely broke the bank, lol. Isn't that the purpose of money anyway? Spend, spend spend! Lastly, a free beer and awesome veggie burger at one of the coolest restaurants/bars in Philly, in one of the trendiest hoods. Now that's what I call a weekend. Hope you had a good one too!