Philadelphia restaurant dishes that you dream about

[Hansel]

Are there any local dishes that you just can't get enough of? I'd like to expand my repertoire. My current obsession is the mango tofu (they make their own tofu) at Aqua, the Malaysian restaurant on the 700 block of Chestnut.

[Philly Ray]

Spring rolls at Vietnam (their wrappers are paper thin and so crispy)

Roasted suckling pig at Amada (if you can't get 3 other people to join you for that, then order the pernil asado tapa...I also dream about that).

Pappardelle with wild mushrooms and shallots at Paradiso

My wife dreams about the spinach gnocchi at Vetri. I like them too, but she orders them every time we go there.

Bacio gelato at Capogiro

[Bigley9]

perhaps we are related....
I LOVE the spring rolls at Vietnam - and now usually have to get about 10 orders when I go to pick up lunch because my entire office has become addicted to them.
I haven't had three pig eaters to go with me but the pernil asado tapa is heavenly
I have a hard time NOT ordering the pappardelle at Paradiso
and I dream of most things at Vetri - but I have to say the pastrami foie gras and the hen bolagnese top my list

[Philly Ray]

If you ever need a 4th person to get your pig on, let me know and I will be there (I'm serious...it was THAT good that I would meet up with total strangers to eat it again).

We can discuss family heritage then too.

[pinstripeprincess]

if a 4th could be found, i would gladly share in this pig on august 31st... when i visit from out of town.

[canadianbaconette]

Bigley, Ray and Pinstripe, I would gladly be a 4th for the pig. I am looking for a fun and unusual way to celebrate my recent promotion at work. This sounds like it could be great.

Are you guys seriously interested? I've never had it. If the date doesn't work out, I know my pig-loving boyfriend would gladly fill the place of the out of town Pinstripe.

[bluehensfan]

FYI...Amada will generally do the pig for three and charge for four!

[Delucacheesemonger]

Seems a good place for this post. Did the pig last night. My first time at Amada and will admit expectations were pretty high The place exceeded these expectations by a mile. Everything was perfect, tapas, liquor selections, desserts, service, coffee, and the PIG. Everybody was moaning all night long. l would recommend you minimize the tapas, as after eating like the proverbial pig, had enough to take home to easily duplicate the meal again. Also try the 'Inedit' beer from Spain and Ferran Adria, low alcohol, served in wine glass and very 'champagney'. l would do this as soon as my heart starts beating again.
425/4 tax/tip included.

[pinstripeprincess]

oh you're killing me.... i won't get a chance to do this it seems.

[Philly Ray]

Moaning is the right word. I swear that skin was the like the best Communion wafer I ever had melting on my tongue. And I'm not even a practicing Catholic anymore! I now worship the pig.

We limited ourselves to one tapa each pre-pig, and afterwards I felt like I gave up some valuable stomach real estate.

My favorite part of the night was when the carver placed the plate of pork on the table after we were served. He piled it high like some kind of "Pork Pyramid" and the look of horror on the face of a woman sitting at the table next to us was priceless! She must have been a vegetarian.

We also took home plenty for 2 more meals. I found the best way to reheat the meat was to seal it in a foil pouch and reheat in the oven on low heat.

Unfortunately, I can't sign up for Monday night, but if anyone wants to try again in a few weeks or months post it here and I'll see what I can do.

[Missy]

I'll jump in. I'm going to be in town for a meeting Sept 10, 11, and 12 and I would LOOOVE to kneel at the altar of His Porkiness. Would you be available, Philly Ray?

[MWinston]

This sounds like fun to me.

[Ali]

This sounds like fun. I can't do the Sept. dates, but I think Missy mentioned some October dates down-thread?

[Missy]

HI!
Yes, I'll be in town Sept 10,11, and 12. (The October dates were booboos, juggling too many meetings at once) I live in the northern Shenadoah Valley in Va., in a really teeny town next to a small city (24,000) where the best restaurant is the Golden Corral. So I'm definitely up for some good food when I visit ya'll. At this point all I have is a 7 p.m. reservation at James for Sept. 10, but I can change to whatever fits your sked.
Wow, I really hope this works out!!!!! After seeing a re-run of Anthony Bourdain's Malaysia show (the one where he enjoys the roast suckling pig skin basted with coconut water), I'm up for some porky fun.

[pinstripeprincess]

you are all completely killing me...

[canadianbaconette]

So what's the verdict? Let's go.

[dugger]

capogiro's gelato has gotten so bad. Their ice cream freezer doesn't work properly and all the gelato tasted icy and not in a good way. Also, I had the nociola gelato, it was made with stale hazelnuts. The avocado gelato tasted only like lime. No good, these people don't care about the quality of their gelato anymore. Philadelphia needs an amazing ice cream shop with ice cream that has great flavor and sexy texture.

[Bob Loblaw]

i was there a few days ago. the grape sorbetto was as good as ever.
only had the sorbets, not the gelato - so maybe that was the difference... have you tried any of their other locations?

[jandrewmanne]

Octopus and Tomato/Mozz Salad at Dmitri's
Branzino at Raddichio
Calamari a la plancha and Serrano wrapped figs at Amada
Stracciatella Gelato from Capogiro
ok... now I am drooling

[hollyd]

Roast chicken at James.
Scallops at Little Fish.

[Hungryin theBurbs]

Spring ginger salad at Rangoon.
Salt baked seafood combo at Shiao Lan Kung
All of the ceviches at Distrito
Octopus at Amada
Lombarda pizza at Osteria

[joluvscards]

Great topic

Banana nut pancakes at Figs

Sauteed plantains with cheese at Sazon

TROFIE CON FUNGHI E PATATE at L'Oca (OMG)
Artisenal Trofie pasta with braised potatoes, arugula, exotic mushrooms and tossed with Asiago cheese at L'oca (OMG)

Manchego frito and duck confit salad at Bar Ferdinand

Roast chicken and coconut creme pie at Matyson

Slider trio at Kite and Key

anything at Capagiro

[barryg]

I used to live a few blocks from Pat's and Geno's, and during the summer the smell of the cooking steak would waft in through my windows. When I would sleep in on weekends, I would literally dream about cheesesteaks due to the aroma. There were a couple days where I rolled out of bed and immediately walked over to get a cheesesteak.

[Ali]

Truffle egg toast at Tria - it's just spiffed up toad in the hole, but YUM!

Hummus and baba ghanouj from Saad's

Thousand layer bread at Rangoon

Halloumi at Zahav

Pandan tofu from Saigon Tofu

Capogiro - absolutely everything, and cold gelato on warm brioche is so, so good

[Hansel]

Wow! I'm going to print this out and plan some future meals.

But no question about where to go for dessert. I wonder if Capogiro has any idea how often their gelato figures in people's dreams.

[user928]

Great thread, Hansel! I love the consistent mention of Rangoon and Capogiro!

Carne Asada at Lolita
Ghent Mussels and Pommes Frites at Monk's Cafe
Oyster Shooters, Tuna Bruschetta, and the Godzilla Roll at Umai Umai
Summer Chicken Salad and Jungle Shrimp at Rangoon
Escargot at Spasso Italian Grill
Penne Vodka at Il Cantuccio
and of course, all of the gelato from Capogiro

[GreaseFire]

Sweet onion crepe @ Vetri.

Shortrib "pizza" (or whatever they're calling it) @ Amada.

Tony Luke's roast pork.

[gina]

Oh boy, I've got a pretty long list here...a few of these aren't on current menus, so I can only dream about them until they return.

Foie Gras Milkshake at Time. I almost want to faint just thinking about it.
Mac 'n' Cheese at Black Sheep Pub
Chicken Rendang with coconut rice at Banana Leaf
Steak Frites at Bistro 7
Curry turnovers at Harmony Bakery
Foie Gras Tart and Skirt steak at Mémé
Burgers at Vintage, Black Sheep, and Pub & Kitchen
Mushroom "cheesesteak" at Dark Horse Pub
Organic field green salad at Du Jour
Large selection of cheeses at Tria, all by myself

[Bob Loblaw]

Good question...
for me, some of the items:

Toro Tartare from Morimoto
Grape sorbet from capogiro
Chocolate cherry rolls from metropolitan (ok, the last two aren't really restaurants)
Lemongrass stringbean chicken from the vietnamese truck at Temple
Salt baked squid from Shia Lan Kung (sp?)
Scallops from Amada
Italian hoagie from Salumeria or Primos (very different, though)

[Hansel]

And I thought I was the only chocolate cherry roll freak...

BTW, it's dark chocolate covered blueberry season at Lore's Chocolates, 7th Street, between Chestnut and Market. Only on Wednesdays, only in June (and sometimes July).

[bluehensfan]

Pancakes from the Dutch Eating Place
Bacio gelato from Capogiro
Peanut butter chocolate covered pretzels from Mueller's
A slice of raspberry pound cake from Termini's
Octopus and grilled fish from Estia
The ribs, brisket, and sweet potato fries from the Smoked Joint (OK...so I'm SOL on that one...)
Soft shell crabs from Under the C (freshly sauteed)
That lamb on a spit that they cook up at St. George's Greek Festival
A porchetta sandwich at the Italian Market Festival (must be the actual pig...previously cooked roast pork will not do as they tried this year on one occasion)
Either a soft pretzel without butter or cinnamon pretzel sticks from Miller's
A roast pork sandwich from DiNic's (with provolone and either rabe or greens)
A pink strawberry cream filled donut from Beiler's

[MWinston]

Never knew of Under The C. Definitely going to need to hop on septa and check that out. Sounds wonderful (and not that expensive either!)

[barthocg]

I have travel extensively and eat in absolutely the best places. However, the most memorable and fabulous flavors in the world are found at Rangoon, 9th and Arch. Each of the following will be remembered forever: Stringbean and peanut salad, Spinach salad, Thousand Layer Bread with Barbecued Beef, and Rangoon Night Market Noodles. Nobu's black cod and the pork belly at a Michelin 2 Star Restaurant on the Costa Brava are close, but Rangoon is the best.

[KatChow]

Vegan chicken cheesesteak from Govinda's Gourment to Go
Mint Stracciatella gelato from Capogiro
Seafood Ravioli from Radicchio
Vegetarian Chili from Le Bus
I still dream about the Thai Seafood stew from Matayson (seasonal) and the Mini Baked Alaska from Washington Square (not so much a restaurant anymore)

[LPhila]

duck ragout papparedelle with shaved chocolate at James

[lawgirl3278]

Rouge's burger and fries
Nutella gelato at Capogiro
soba noodle carbonara and rock shrimp tempura at Morimoto
pork belly at Distrito
short rib flatbread at Tinto
baklava at Estia
cheesesteak spring rolls at Continental

[bluehensfan]

I have to add the lamb sandwich at Argan. An unusual treat!

[Buckethead]

Lamb osso bucco at Ansill, since I can't eat it now, only dream about it. *sob*

[LaurCar]

same here. :-(

This is my favorite dish I have in a very long time.

[feklar42]

The Frozen Ginger Parfait with honeycomb sponge at 10 Arts. It's so delicate you could easily eat 2...which I have seriously considered.

Nodding Head's Cajun Steak Sandwich with spanish fries; if I'm in the mood for less pepper and more flavorful steak, the rib-eye sandwich at Capital Grill calls my name.

[Delucacheesemonger]

While there are many dishes that are wonderful, and will be trying the pig at Amada this week; my current favorite is so over the top wonderful, l order it for appetizer and dessert. The Tripe at Bibou, a perfect plate of tripe.

[sockii]

Stuffed Grape Leaves at Vietnam Palace.
Fried Calamari with Hot Peppers and Balsamic Reduction at Novita Bistro
Vitello Milanese at Roberto Cafe
Sweet Potato Fries from Ants Pants Cafe

I could die happy with that as my last meal.

[nomadchowwoman]

Anything from Vetri, but especially the roasted capretto . . . and the duck ragu . . . the spinach gnocchi.

[bemycake]

I'm with you on that....spinach gnocchi from vetri...yumm

[The Yummer]

We are heading (from Florida) was saddened to find out that Vetri is closed during our visit ! what would you suggest as an alternate Italian? - we only have next Sat or Sunday as an option thanks - i so need some good Italian - locals know best!

[linguafood]

Go to Osteria, the slightly 'cheaper' place, same owner. Great food.

[The Yummer]

Wow thanks for the quick reply - will call them asap - do you have a must have?aaaand if they are closed - your next best bet - I love this ablility to get information!
Thanks again!

[linguafood]

I've only been once and really loved it. The pork dish I mention below was a special appetizer on that particular night, so I don't know if they always have it.

But the wood-grilled octopus was fantastic, as were the chicken liver rigatoni.

But looking at the online menu, some things have changed in the meantime. I doubt you can go wrong with any of these.

Other than that (high-end speaking), I've only been to Morimoto which was great, too.

If you like Italian, Porcini near Rittenhouse is great (or was a few years ago, so you might want to find out about more recent experiences), and Paradiso in the south of Philly.

[barryg]

If you're going to go to South Philly, I highly recommend Tre Scalini (BYO) and Le Virtu (full bar + patio). L'Angolo (BYO) gets a lot of love too, but I haven't been there.

[sockii]

I'd say Porcini is ok, but not something I'd consider destination dining in Philly, especially with so many other (better IMHO) Italian BYOBs in the immediate area. The menu on my one visit was pretty limited and not all that exciting, and the decor looks like something out of the 1980s still (at least on my last visit).

I'd go to Caffe Casta Diva, Melograno, or Bronzino before Porcini.

[linguafood]

You're probably right about Porcini. I certainly wouldn't drive to Philly to eat there.

We just happened to stumble upon it one night a few years ago, got a table and had a fabulous, multi-course meal. The owner was also really friendly & excited that we were eating 'the Italian way". Haven't been in at least 5 years, so it may well have changed in the meantime --

[linguafood]

Grilled & sliced saddle of pork at Osteria. The pig had been slaughtered on the previous day, and I don't think I've ever had pork like that. It actually looked like beef, and was done medium-rare. To die for.

[Chinon00]

Pork Belly with green apple at Tinto.

[micreynolds]

- Balsamic Chicken special at Mr. Martino's
- Ricotta and Zucchini Pizza at Osteria
- Romana at Il Cantuccio (fusilli pasta with pink sauce, zucchini and sausage crumbles)
- Turkey Rueben at Ida Mae's Bruncherie (fishtown)
- Franklin Mint Sundae at Franklin Fountain
- Pica's Pizza (Upper Darby)
- Margherita at Una Pizza Napoletano (NYC - sorry, couldn't help but add that in)
- Cheesesteak Hoagie from Cosmi's
- Spinach Gnocci at Vetri
- and the best for last, the Carmelized Onion Tart at Vetri

[tuxedo]

did you know that una pizza napoletano is CLOSED??????????

[micreynolds]

Yes, unfortunately I do. He recently packed it up and moved to San Francisco to open up a shop there. I am originally from the NJ shore where his first shop was located, so I have been a diehard fan for around 8+ years. I am going through withdrawal already! Honestly, nothing in the world is better than the Margherita IMO. sigh....

[jaba]

Zahav's seared halloumi with fig jam and pine nuts

[spyturtle008]

Moussaka at Kanella

Thousand Layer Bread at Rangoon.

The little fried piquillo peppers at Amada -- simple but sooooo delicious.

Burnt sugar and dark chocolate gelato at Capogiro.

Pumpkin ice cream from Bassett's.

Guacamole at Lolita's.

...And I have a friend who I swear only visits me for the BBQ Jerk Seitan at Horizons.

[Chinon00]

I haven't had Thousand Layer Bread at Rangoon in ten years. Gotta go back.

Thanks

[Gorp512]

I want the goat cheese cake from Mandoline. Come back Todd Lean!!!

[lamando]

I am still here...Just on the other side of town. Thanks for the kind words. Mandoline was fun, but family needed to come first

[Gorp512]

I completely understand. I was at Pod for Dining Days and saw you up at the hostess stand, I should have said something.

[littlecmad]

Edaname Gnoochi at Swanky Bubbles and Anything at Restaurant Panorama!

[Missy]

Did the pig-party you all were chatting about ever get settled? Because this lonely out-of-towner will be in Philly and looking for dinner Oct 9 10 and 11 - and I would love to tackle one of these babies, if I could find some willing accompiices.

[ehadleyr]

Ooooooh! My husband and I will be in town that Friday night! Let me know if this Pig-a-thon gets off the ground. We're in if it does.

[Chinon00]

The "Daddy Wad" Italian hoagie at Paesano's 152 Girard Ave. A masterpiece.

[Decker]

Spit roasted pig "3 ways" and Lombarda pizza at Osteria.

Short rib flatbread at Amada.

Cheesesteak from Jim's Steaks.

Pica's Pizza.

Truffle fries and burger at Rouge.

[micreynolds]

another Pica's fan, nice. have you ever tried getting double cheese and well done? it's killer.

[ericalloyd]

italian tuna & veggie hoagies from chickie's deli

[md_massimino]

Grilled octopus at Water Works
All of the ceviches at Alma de Cuba
Tomato Soup at the Pyramid Club

And of course Pat's and Genos. The best time was when me and my buddy from St Louis went to a Yankees game the night before. Next to last game before they tear the place down. We partied until about 2:30am, then caught the early train down to Philly. My buddy was a wreck, never seen someone so hung over. But he had to have a cheesesteak since it was his first time in town. What a miserable experience, all that grease at 9:30 in the morning was a challenge. Ate one steak from each, I still prefer Geno's.

[littlecmad]

Striped Bass at Plough on the Stars too.

[foodieteen]

squash tasting menu at Matyson

mmm....

[catzuella]

They used to serve this at Amada but not anymore (well actually they kinda do but only to "special" patrons and only on the hush hush) - it's caramelized foie gras. It was part of a steak dish, but I tell you the foie was the grandest thing I ever put in my mouth - crunchy candy coating on the outside, creamy melt-in-your-mouth burst of fatty flavor on the inside.

I've yet to assemble my suckling pig team...

[joluvscards]

New addition - Skate over truffled spaetzle at Fish.

[foodadelphia]

Had this at Little Fish. Absolutely love this dish. It inspired me to make skate at home, and skate is actually pretty cheap.

[Hungryin theBurbs]

I think I'm going to add the baked duck rice from Koo Zee Doo. I've been thinking of it ever since we were there.

[tourmama]

Ginger peach sorbet at Buddakan. Possibly the finest taste ever.

[CarolinePhillyTourism]

The Pho along Washington Avenue
The ceviche at Tequilas
The breakfast with the sugary dough (name??) at Kanella
The chicken/goat cheese/lemon/olive crepe at Beau Monde

[packitinstan]

Saad's: Lamb Kefteh Sandwhich, Cheese Fries, Chicken Burger
Amada: Mushrooms, Lamb Meatballs, Empanada, pretty much everything
capogiro: everything
le bec fin: pretty much everything
Eulogy: Best burger ever, fries, beer
monk's: steamed mussels, beer
New Deck: Curry Fries, not much else
Bubble House: CHai Latte Bubble Tea, not much else
Vietnam: Grape Leaves stuffed with ground beef
Nan Zhou Noodle House: best hand drawn noodles in broth, amazing noodles
Nam Phuong: PHO, fresh sugarcane juice
Estia: Stuffed Squid, Mykonos Mojito
Cuba Libre: Mojito
Desi Chaat House: Papdi Chaat
Soho Pizza: Sausage Pizza
Buddakan: Lamb Chops, Chocolate Pagoda
Goldkrust: Jamaican Patties
Anthony's Coffee House: Frapps, and Coffee
Tinto: Surf and Turf, mushrooms, pretty much everything
Devil's Alley: Rubbed and smoked chicken wings
Geno's: Wiz Wit, the hot sauce
Penang: Roti Canai
Nick's Charcoal pit: steak and spinach on a roll
El Camino Real: brisket Sandwhich/ beef rib sandwhich
Herschel's Deli Reading terminal: reuben and brisket/pastrami sandwhich

[MWinston]

This is a pretty awesome list. I've probably had about half of it, leaving me another half of awesome stuff to try!

[rabidog]

wow, what a great thread i somehow missed out on. i'll have to think about my own list.

desi chaat house: i bike by this place all the time and i'm so intrigued. what's the scoop there? BYO? all chaat, all the time?

[packitinstan]

chaat and things, best chaat i've had stateside. I like it the same if not better than the chaat back in south asia.

[rabidog]

one of the top three things i miss about asia! the other two being sugar cane juice and hanging out of open trains (and perusing the local food and drink offerings on the platorm as we rolled into each station!). OK, i've gotta make it to this place. maybe it's the bright-colored festive sign or the nostalgia, or the fact that i'm already partial to anything on baltimore avenue because food-wise, i have a total crush on that street... at any rate, it's calling to me.

[Ali]

Though this has never stopped me from being a pig, be forewarned that the chaat servings are huge. It's more than sufficient for one person's meal, regardless of how much he (or she) can eat in one serving. I recommend the samosa or chicken chaat. Place claims to have a selection of biryani, but I've never been lucky enough to be there at the same time said selection is actually available.

FYI, sugar can juice is available at several places on Washington, rabidog. No need to miss it.

[rabidog]

it is? the fresh stuff? ooooooh!

[Ali]

Yuppers! The fresh stuff. Don't know what you had in Asia, but the Vietnamese style is to add a bit of citrus (kumquats usually) to cut the cloying sweetness. I know Nam Phuong has it since that's my drink of choice there, but I also know I've gotten it elsewhere in the area.

[rabidog]

good to know. i didn't mind it plain, but a few carts would put some ginger in it. mmmmmm.

[wandasue]

Veal stew at Gayle (sigh!)

[barryg]

Don't pout! You'll be able to get it (or something similar) at Stern's new place, R2L:

http://citypaper.net/blogs/mealticket...

[Buckethead]

I wonder who will be cooking it, since R2L's chef de cuisine-to-be is out:

http://philadelphia.grubstreet.com/20...

[barryg]

Yea, can't wait to hear the gossip on this. Anyone got any info?

[pinstripeprincess]

any updates to this list?

the spinach gnocchi and capretto are certainly up there for me...

[bluehensfan]

I must add the freshly sauteed (if you ask nicely and they are not busy) soft shell crabs at Under the C in the Market at Comcast. For $6 a pop how can you beat them?

[linguafood]

I may not dream about it, but the soft shell crab sandwich I had recently at The Standard Tap was delicious -- they make it with a spicy tarragon mayonnaise.

[bluehensfan]

I was wondering about Standard Tap since I hear so many good things about it. Do they fry the soft shells there or are they sauteed?

[linguafood]

They're deep-fried. And huge. Really, it was tasty. And I don't tend to go nuts over soft shell crab. But knowing that I'm headed to Germany where that is not available, I had to get it, and it was so worth it.

They also make excellent salads -- I got to try the simple bibb salad my friend had, and it was perfectly dressed (a rarity IMO).

[bluehensfan]

Thanks...they may be worth a try (as well as those smelts I hear so much about)!

[pinstripeprincess]

i've been needing a fix, this is great to know.

[Bigley9]

Haven't re-read this list, but I do dream about Paesano's raost pork sandwich - and the sicilian chick pea sammy as well!

[phillylunchjamie]

fried pork chops from Empress Garden!

[Nigeltab]

Veal tongue at Bibou... Sublime
Truffle steak pizza at Rustica
Shirred egg at Amada
Rib cap steak at Standard Tap

[FriskLamb]

Grapefruit and Campari gelatto at Carpegio's
Roast Pork Sandwich at the Standard Tap

[jba1216]

Los Hongos huarache at Distrito (closest thing to heaven on earth, i believe)
Gnocchi at Sovalo (oh how I miss you!)
Malai Kofta at Aman's Indian (E. Norriton...sorry, just moved to the burbs!)
red velvet and sweet potato cupcakes at Brown Betty's
Veggie burger and mac and cheese at Misconduct

[jba1216]

oh, and how could i forget...the beef jerky papaya salad at Vietnam!

[cgarner]

Ice cold Cape May Salt and Wianno Oysters at Docks Oyster House in A.C. accompanied by a cucumber martini made by my favorite bartender EVER Dimitri

Roasted Marrow bones with shallot marmalde at Supper

The entire chef's selection tasting menu with wine tasting at Amada (the lamb albondigas maybe if I had to pick one thing out of that experience that I loved the most) as well as the xarel-lo if I had to pick ONE of the wines

[Seeker19104]

Having enjoyed my first meal at Olive on 3rd this past Monday, I can't stop thinking about the creme brulee cheesecake. Divine!