Zagat Buzz: Philadelphia

Outtake of the Week

BuzzEditor — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:38:00 GMT

Why the attitude? No one else is eating here.

Going Grey (Social)

BuzzEditor — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:55:00 GMT

Though it’s in a very old edifice rumored to have been once owned by Benjamin Franklin’s mistress, Old City gathering spot Grey Social embraces the speakeasy/teahouse era of its long history; the Prohibition-era cocktails include many made with tea (available for a moderate fee), and the light fixtures, tables, numerous votives and art all look appropriately vintage.

132 Chestnut St.; 215-923-4159

Dining News Elsewhere: Obese Americans, Ramsay Loses His Number Two

BuzzEditor — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:21:00 GMT

– By 2018, 43% of Americans are expected to be obese. [NYDN]
– Gordon Ramsay has lost his right-hand man. [Bloomberg]
– The Senate is considering requiring beef to be tested for E. coli. [NYT]

– Top Chef contestants aren't being paid for the TV dinners that feature their faces (and recipes). [Time]
– First canned pumpkins, now an Eggo shortage looms. [NYDN]
– The art of complaining to a restaurant. [Guardian]
– A modest proposal for fixing restaurant and bar smoking bans. [Eater]
– Related: the science behind banning smoking outside. [Time]
– Ever wonder what it would be like to cook dinner for Thomas Keller? [Esquire]
– Talking cooking with Coolio. [Fork in the Road]
– NBC's newest cooking show, United Plates of America, will give away a four-restaurant chain. [Reuters]
– Hey, so, while you eat that sushi, this guy here is going to swallow a sword. [WSJ]
– Starbucks continues to roll out its unbranded coffee shops. [Diner's Journal]
– If New York loses its lawsuit, Tavern on the Green will become Tavern in the Park. [Crain's]
– Restaurants embrace Twilight. [NRN]
– Martha Stewart is not a fan of Rachael Ray. [ABC News, via EMD and GS]
– The Rolling Stones, the wine. [Examiner]
– Pork belly and other over-served dishes. [Between Meals]
– Students arrested for not paying their tip. [Philly]
– Plastic wishbones: what will the kids fight over? [SE]

Tiffin Taps Elkins Park

BuzzEditor — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:50:00 GMT

The highly regarded Indian Tiffin is at it again. The growing chain has just opened a new BYOB location at 8080 Old York Road in Elkins Park (215-635-9205). There is one difference between the newest Tiffin and its older siblings, though: you can't yet rent Bollywood DVDs from the restaurant to watch at home when you order online.

Coming Soon: 500°, Shank's

BuzzEditor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:23:00 GMT

Love a good sequel? Here are two upcoming spots to look out for:

Rouge, the Rittenhouse Square bistro known for its burgers, is branching out with a nearby stand called 500° at 15th and Sansom Streets; it’s scheduled for a late-winter or early-spring opening.

Shank’s Original plans to open a South Philly location at Pier 40 on Columbus Boulevard in mid-December.

Dining News Elsewhere: Koodies, Samuelsson Goes to Washington

BuzzEditor — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:24:00 GMT

– Marcus Samuelsson will be working the kitchen at Obama's first state dinner. [Obama Foodorama]
– The fight for Cadbury intensifies. [WSJ]
– Chipotle sets its sights on London, Europe. [NRN]

– Costco drops Coke. [AP]
– Related: Coke bottles, 1899–1986. [Pixdaus]
– Milk producers wish they could sell their product "raw." [NYT]
– Hooters is having trouble in Vegas. [Eater]
– A canned pumpkin shortage looms. [Diner's Journal]
– Putting things in perspective with the Fat Map. [HP]
– Jamie Oliver wants to help you find a date. [Marketing]
– A Shake Shack in Boston looks increasingly possible. [GS:B]
– What a $20 Thanksgiving feast from Walmart gets you. [The Awl]
– A word we'd like to quickly forget? "Koodie." [SE]
– Foods named after people. [Mental Floss and Cakespy, via SE]
– They found water on the moon...can you drink it? [Slate]
– Making mushrooms with coffee grinds. [Chronicle, via Coldmud]
– Making art with meat, some wires, a videocamera and a stove. [EMD]

The Newest Pie Hole in Town

BuzzEditor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:03:00 GMT

At the retro-looking Sweetie's Pie Diner near Community College of Philadelphia and Logan Square, the affordable menu offers everything from quickie breakfasts to sweet snacks to savory lunch and dinner selections; it’s all vegetarian and organic too, right down to the homemade desserts.

1822 Spring Garden St.; 215-988-0230

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The Blue Bell Tolls for Alison

BuzzEditor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:52:00 GMT

Alison at Blue Bell has closed after its six-year anniversary. According to her website, Alison Barshak is now focusing on Alison two in Fort Washington (which will be honoring all Blue Bell gift certificates).

Ota-Ya has given up the ghost in Warrington, PA., though its Newtown location remains open.

After just over a year, H.I. Rib & Co. in Conshohocken has closed.

Also recently departed is Bonte, the waffle shop at 1315 Walnut Street, and Sushikazu in Blue Bell. The latter will be replaced next month by Yama, a sushi specialist from Horsham.

Square Squared

BuzzEditor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:35:00 GMT

Square 1682

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Organic, locavore fare served in a high-style, polished art deco setting is the hook at Square 1682, a bi-level New American in Rittenhouse Square’s eco-friendly Hotel Palomar, where chef Guillermo Tellez (ex Charlie Trotter’s) presents imaginative, pricey small and large plates; the chic first-floor bar, whose bottles are fed by a two-story wine tower, is a prime happy-hour destination.

121 S. 17th St.; 215-563-5008

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Come to Firecreek's Table

BuzzEditor — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:23:00 GMT

Firecreek

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Downingtown's New American Firecreek would like to let you and yours into its open kitchen, or at least right next to it. On Tuesday nights the restaurant now offers seating at a 16-person communal chef’s table for a three-course dinner, with a weekly changing menu. N.B. budget-conscious diners, take heart – your party doesn't need to be 16 strong to partake ($35 per person, $50 with wine; 610-269-6000).

Dining News Elsewhere: Buzzy Booze, Subway in the Sky

BuzzEditor — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:50:00 GMT

– The FDA is targeting caffeinated booze. [WSJ]
– Meanwhile, its efforts to ban eating raw oysters didn't work out so well. [NYT]
– Burger King franchisees lose 10¢ for every $1 double cheeseburger sold. [NRN]

– A special Subway franchise is set to rise up with the Freedom Tower in New York. [NYP]
– U.S. chicken production is set to fall for the first time in 36 years. [Reuters]
– Champagne sales are a bit flat these days. [NYT]
– Musicians do covers of other bands' hits, why shouldn't chefs cover other toques' recipes? [Guardian]
– Pinkberry's further expansion plans include Boston, DC, New Orleans and Mexico. [Eater]
– Why we read cookbooks. [The New Yorker]
– Want a new drug? Synthetic alcohol isn't out of the question. [Scotsman, via ColdMud]
– Just when we've gotten used to twist-off tops, get ready for wine in a plastic bottle. [Stuff]
– Things a restaurant patron should never do. [Applesauce]
– Related, 10 dirty restaurant tricks. [Slashfood]
– Peace through hummus. [Economist]
– Hard to turn down a "love dessert" made with passion fruit and...Viagra. [NYDN]

Outtake of the Week

BuzzEditor — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:51:00 GMT

Authenticity has never been more perfectly faked.

Salty and Sweet

BuzzEditor — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:35:00 GMT

Golosa

Photo: Ryan Charles

South Philly's Golosa is getting salty. On November 19, the dessertery hosts a chocolate tasting called “Take It With a Grain of Salt,” which includes offerings like bittersweet chocolate with pieces of burnt caramel toffee, topped with gray sea salt and paired with Wynona's Big Brown Ale from Voodoo Brewery. Multiple menus are available that evening, from two three-course tasting menus to one five-courser. Each concludes with one or two hot chocolate shots, like a 70% dark chocolate infused with shiraz and clove reduction (6–11 PM; the two three-course menus are $12.50, while a five-course menu is $22 and serves two; 215-925-1003).

Dining News Elsewhere: Drink Preferences, Raw Oyster Brouhahah

BuzzEditor — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:09:00 GMT

– A whole lot of info on what diners like to drink. [R&I]
– Should the FDA try to prevent you from eating raw oysters? [NYT, Slate]
– Burger King franchisees are suing over $1 double cheeseburgers. [Miami Herald]

– Meanwhile, McDonald's plans for the future. [CNN]
– The backlash to the list of waiter no-nos is on. [XX, Server not Servant]
– How to act around a celebrity chef. [Atlantic]
– The U.K. now has its own version of the Food Network. [Eater]
– Related: Emeril Lagasse is planning a prime-time variety show not on the Food Network. [ABC]
– Mario Batali makes his film debut in The Fantastic Mr. Fox. [WSJ]
– Heston Blumenthal plans a wildly expensive Christmas dinner for a TV special featuring ambergris, aka whale vomit. [Sun]
– Jamie Oliver has seen a backlash for the salt content of his pasta sauces. [Guardian]
– Cooking With Coolio, the cookbook, is now on sale. [EMD]
– Remembering New York City's 1935 ban on baby artichokes. [Diner's Journal]
– Don't be embarrassed to dine out alone. [Between Meals]
– Raising a vegetarian child without the conflict. [LAT]
– Can drunken fruit flies help cure alcoholism? [Wired]
– Looking to find free grub for the rug rats? Try here. [Kids Eat For, via SE]
– Deep-fried turkey disasters. On video. [EMD]

Outtakes: Cruise Lines Edition

BuzzEditor — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:28:00 GMT

Each time we perform a survey here at Zagat we inevitably find ourselves with a slew of amusing outtakes that aren't quite fit for print. Which doesn't mean they aren't entertaining. Here are a few of our favorites from our just completed Cruise Lines survey:

A conga line is not conducive to good digestion.

No activities for anyone who isn't an alcoholic seeking random sex.

They cater to the newly wed and nearly dead.

Great if you like hairy chest contests.

A rust bucket filled with rowdy people.

The more you booze, the better you cruise.

Bathrooms so small you have to sit on the toilet sideways.

It does attract a crowd – it's called ‘God's floating waiting room.'

Trattoria San Nicola Gets Artsy

BuzzEditor — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:10:00 GMT

Trattoria San Nicola

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

November 18 at the Paoli Italian Trattoria San Nicola, guests can observe local watercolorist Ardyth Sobyak at work while they dine. The night kicks off with an hors d’oeuvres reception followed by a five-course meal, during which the artist will talk about her craft. Afterward, the completed work will be auctioned to the highest bidder, with the proceeds going to charity (6 PM; $43.50 per person, wine flights for $15; 610-695-8990).

Beccofino and Ulysses Voyage Approach

BuzzEditor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:57:00 GMT

Beccofino is the name of a farmhouse-style Italian under construction in Blue Bell's Village Square shopping center. It's to be run by the same management as Moonstruck in Northeast Philly, who plan to have it open by February 2010 (722 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell).

Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ Greek restaurant Ulysses Voyage expects to open a Washington Square West outpost this winter at 1221-23 Locust St.

Dining News Elsewhere: Arby's Troubles, Food-Fight Arrests

BuzzEditor — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:02:00 GMT

– Trying to save New Orleans' po' boys. [NYT]
– 25 children were recently arrested in Chicago for...a food fight. [NYT]
– The recession has been especially hard on Arby's. [Slate]

– Meanwhile, Uno Express has opened 160 locations in the past 15 months. [BG]
– Consumers expect to spend less on dining out next year. [NRN]
– Starbucks tries a new look out in London. [BrandRepublic, via Eater]
– Obama's pastry chef, the "Crustmaster." [AP]
– Top Chef contestant Dale Levitski takes over Chicago newcomer Sprout. [GS: C]
– Despite being an international restaurateur himself, Gordon Ramsay blasts international restaurant chains. [Daily Record]
– The Food Network seeks America's worst cooks. [Variety]
– Related: What Would Brian Boitano Make? gets picked up for a second season. [EMD]
– Health-wise, is chocolate milk the new red wine? [NYT]
– Related: finally, a scientific reason why red wines (mostly) don't go well with fish. [Economist]
– Actually? French women do get fat. [Reuters]
– Why must restaurant websites be so terrible? [Between Meals]
– An undrinkable beer from the Hindenburg disaster is up for sale. [NYP]
– A tofurky-flavored soda? [SE]

Turkey Time: Thanksgiving '09

BuzzEditor — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:42:00 GMT

Photo: Ion Sokhos

A Thanksgiving dinner where you don't have to clean up afterward is truly something to be thankful about. The following restaurants are offering meals for gobbling on November 26.

Bistro St. Tropez

2400 Market St.; 215-569-9269

This French by the Schuylkill serves a buffet for the holiday, including free-range roast turkey, pork short ribs and Alaskan crab legs (seatings at 1, 3 and 5 PM; $45 per adult, $20 per child).

Drexelbrook

4700 Drexelbrook Dr., Drexel Hill; 610-259-7000)

A T-day buffet, including carving stations, will be on offer at this Delaware County caterer (2–6 PM; $27.95 per adult; $12.95 per child 12 and under).

Fountain Restaurant

1 Logan Sq.; 215-963-1500

This tony New French–Continental in the Four Seasons will be serving brunch (11 AM–2 PM) and dinner (3:30–7 PM) for $98 per person or $49 per child aged six–12.

Joseph Ambler Inn

1005 Horsham Rd., North Wales; 215-362-7500

Diners can expect a buffet-style feast at this Horsham New American (1–6:30 PM; $39 per adult; $12.95 per child).

La Campagne

312 Kresson Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ; 856-429-7647

This French BYO in Cherry Hill is serving a choice of turkey ($45), salmon Provençal ($45) or prime rib ($55), accompanied by all the fixings (1–8 PM).

Lacroix at the Rittenhouse

210 W. Rittenhouse Sq.; 215-790-2533

Rittenhouse Square's ever-popular French serves its brunch buffet, supplemented with traditional turkey, for $75 per person from 11 AM–7 PM.

London Grill

2301 Fairmount Ave.; 215-978-4545

There will be a holiday buffet at this Fairmount New American (2–7 PM; $35 per adult; $20 per child under 11).

Maggiano’s Little Italy

multiple locations

This Italian chain is serving a traditional Thanksgiving feast for the holiday (11 AM–7 PM; $29.95 per adult, $14.95 for children ages five–12).

McCormick & Schmick’s

multiple locations

The seafood empire gets bird-brained on November 26, with traditional Thanksgiving fare available all day (noon–9 PM; $19.95 per adult; $12.95 per child under 12).

Newtown Grill

191 S. Newtown Street Rd., Newtown Square; 610-356-9700

In Western Main Line this Italian steakhouse is offering a traditional three-course prix fixe with all the fixings (1–8 PM; $26.95 per adult, $13.95 per child).

Nineteen (XIX)

200 S. Broad St., 19th fl.; 215-790-1919

This luxurious New American in the Park Hyatt is serving a buffet from 1–6 PM with all the T-Day fare you're craving ($65 for adults; $32 for children).

The Prime Rib

1701 Locust St.; 215-772-1701

In addition to its regular à la carte menu, this meatery in the Warwick Hotel will serve a turkey dinner (2–8:30 PM; $27.95 per adult, $14.95 per child).

Smith & Wollensky

210 W. Rittenhouse Sq.; 215-545-1700

For the holiday, this Rittenhouse Square steakhouse is offering a three-course turkey prix fixe alongside its regular menu (noon–8 PM; $49 per person).

Supper

926 South St.; 215-592-8180

This South Street New American is serving a three-course, family-style, farmhouse Thanksgiving supper (seatings at 2 and 5 PM; $50 per adult, $25 per child under 12).

A Doozy of a Koo Zee Doo

BuzzEditor — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:56:00 GMT

Koo Zee Doo

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Affordable mom-and-pop BYO Koo Zee Doo in Northern Liberties serves hearty, family-style Portuguese fare accompanied by made-from-scratch bread and served in a rustic setting with exposed brick and terra-cotta tile; N.B. the name is a phonetic reference to the Portuguese word for ‘cooked’ as well as the name of a traditional stew on the menu.

613 N. Second St.; 215-923-8080

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Enter the Baja Room

BuzzEditor — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:56:00 GMT

Graduate Hospital’s Pico de Gallo has extended its lively vibe into the corner storefront across the street with the Baja Room at Pico de Gallo, a BYO (until the liquor license arrives) cafe offering an American pub menu of burgers, mussels and nachos; the funky space is packed with Christmas lights and all manner of garish south-of-the-border bric-a-brac.

1500 South St.; 215-772-3003

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Zagat To Go, Now On Android

BuzzEditor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:28:00 GMT

Finally, something that both the iPhone and the Droid does: Zagat To Go, our popular smartphone application for finding ratings and reviews of over 40,000 restaurants, hotels, nightlife and shopping worldwide, has come to Google's Android phone OS. And not only can you search for your favorite spots, the home-screen widget will offer you a randomly selected nearby restaurant for you to try. To get the app, which costs just $9.99, point your finger to the Android Marketplace.

Chefs Place Their Bets at the Borgata

BuzzEditor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:24:00 GMT

Photos: Hernan F. Rodriguez

Celeb chefs and 700 food fans gathered at The Water Club in Atlantic City this weekend for the second-annual Savor Borgata event. Wolfgang Puck worked his station for over four hours straight, serving up pad Thai, grilled shrimp, steak and scallop skewers, and Chinese chicken salad. When the Buzz asked the super chef if he was a gambling man, he responded that he used to be but since opening restaurants, he rarely gambles: “Opening a restaurant is a gamble in itself because of the investment of time and money. But unlike blackjack, if people sit at our table at least they get something for their money!” Puck also responded to rumors of opening an NYC spot, “It hasn’t happened yet, because I am very difficult, but it may finally happen.”

Bobby Flay took some time between assembling surf ‘n’ turf skewers to tell the Buzz about his recent visit to the White House to film an episode of Iron Chef America. “No matter what your politics are, I just found the Obamas so impressive as people. And the White House seemed to be a house in every sense of the word. The first lady can go from being as professional as she could possibly be as first lady, then spin on her heels and become mom two seconds later. The President made me feel so comfortable, he made me feel like I knew him 30 seconds into it.” When Olympic gold medalist Peggy Fleming came by to introduce herself, Flay was so awestruck he asked the Buzz to take a picture of him with the famous figure skater-turned-winemaker (her label Fleming-Jenkins provided wine for the event).

Geoffrey Zakarian, who is the culinary consultant for the hotel, served beef tartare with mostarda and pickled chanterelles. The chef said even though he’s not by nature a gambling man, his biggest gamble in life was leaving business school for cooking school. He confided to the Buzz about being a Chopped judge, saying, “There is certainly a lot of nonsense in reality TV because everyone wants to be a star, and everyone wants to think they are a chef. But in the real world, in a restaurant, we have to find competent people who understand what's on TV is not real. You can cook in 30 minutes but can you run a kitchen day after day? Can you make your money back to investors? The people who can't cut it get ground to the dust very quickly.” Zakarian also confirmed that his new NYC spot, The Lamb’s Club, his “luxury bar and grill” in Midtown’s Chatwal Hotel, is on target for a spring opening.

Other chefs in the house: Fornelletto's Stephen Kalt, who said that his recent opening in Atlantic City foreshadows a return to NYC; izakaya’s Michael Schulson; and SeaBlue’s Michael Mina.

– Kathleen Squires

Dining News Elsewhere: Kraft Goes Hostile, Food Cart Love

BuzzEditor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:56:00 GMT

– Cadbury has rejected Kraft's hostile £9.8 billion bid. [WSJ]
– McDonald's is set to launch a $1 breakfast menu. [WSJ]
– How did food carts become media darlings? [BlackBook]

– Related: a clever Pratt student comes up with a way to eat street food on the street. [Midtown Lunch]
– Ruby Tuesday has spent upwards of $100 million to upgrade its brand. [NYT]
– The birth of Subway's $5 foot-long. [Bussiness Week]
– Celebrating Veteran's Day with restaurant deals. [NRN]
– It had to happen: a Twitter-based reservation service launches in SF. [GS:SF]
– Frank Bruni's Born Round, the TV show?. [GS:NY]
– David Chang blogs his book tour for GQ. [GQ]
– Did Gossip Girl stop the "speakeasy" trend in its tracks? [The Atlantic]
– Foods that can cause headaches. [Divine Caroline]
– One angry diner. [NYP]
– American fast food you can't get in the U.S. [SquidInk, via Eater]

Outtake of the Week

BuzzEditor — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:53:00 GMT

It was good, but not nearly as good as the employees kept telling me.

She-Brew Studies

BuzzEditor — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:37:00 GMT

The Naked Pint

Photo: courtesy of Perigree Trade

Christina Perozzi and Hallie Beaune, authors of the female-oriented craft-beer book, The Naked Pint, are organizing a book launch/beer dinner at Fork in Old City. The November 16 event features brews made by women in Philly's beer community accompanied by American tapas. For the full menu, click here (exact time TBD; $55 per person, including beer; call to reserve 215-625-9425).

Dining News Elsewhere: Obesity and Cancer, Bacon-Wrapped Matzoh Balls

BuzzEditor — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:56:00 GMT

– A baguette dropped by a bird stopped the Large Hadron Collider. [Times]
– Linking obesity and cancer. [MSNBC]
– Scripps (which owns the Food Network) sets its sights on the Travel Channel. [EMD]

– Jamie Oliver, upholder of justice. [Telegraph]
– How wine became a "fast food." [Daily Beast]
– Daniel Boulud sets his sights on London. [Bloomberg]
– LA's Orso prepares for a final bow. [NYT]
– A long chat with Gordon Ramsay. [Telegraph]
– Not kosher: Ilan Hall's bacon-wrapped matzoh balls. [Jewish Journal]
– 7-Eleven gets ready to roll out its own wine. [MSNBC]
– Why Guinness can taste different in Ireland (and elsewhere). [Accidental Hedonist]
– Will laser etchings replace fruit and vegetable stickers? [Gizmodo]
– Portion sizes, then and now. [DivineCaroline]
– How exactly does Jell-O work? [BG]
– Meat, the fabric. [EMD]
– Cookie monster cupcakes love cookies. [Leila Cohan]

The Fixe Is In at Bellini Grill

BuzzEditor — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:19:00 GMT

Bellini Grill

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

At Bellini Grill, it's like Restaurant Week year round. The Rittenhouse Square Italian is now offering a three-course dinner, including a glass of red or white wine, nightly for $25.95. More of a lunch feaster? You're covered too, with a three-course lunch, sans vino, for $15.95 (215-545-119; reserve online).

Catelli Turns Quindici

BuzzEditor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:15:00 GMT

Catelli

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Cherry Hill Italian Catelli marks its 15th anniversary this month with a slew of deals. In addition to various $15 entrees, there will also be: “Wine Down Wednesdays,” when a bottle of wine is included with dinner for two; "Frugal Fridays," which feature a special small-plates menu with nothing over $10; and "Sunday Suppers," a three-course family-style dinner for $25 per person. If you are one of the first 100 to make a reservation for the actual anniversary, November 12, you'll receive a free entree. Want more? From now until November 7, each diner receives a $15 gift certificate for a future visit, and from November 15–21, there will be a special 15-course tasting menu for $50 (856-751-6069; reserve online).

Dining News Elsewhere: An Illy Invasion, Iron Chef in the White House

BuzzEditor — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:11:00 GMT

– Illy is making inroads into U.S. coffee shops. [WSJ]
– Gordon Ramsay is planning to bring the popular MasterChef to the U.S. [THR]
– Sam Kass: assistant White House chef, policy wonk. [NYT]

– Related: Iron Chef America heads to the White House. [NYT]
– After 17 years, Jean-Georges is shutting down Vong. Though maybe not for long? [Eater]
– Learning to compost in Chicago's public schools. [Chicago Tribune]
– More on the affect of calorie counts on menus. [NYT]
– The Kogi Truck folks in LA have their own custom car now. [Mouthing Off]
– Kids menus should grow up. [BG]
– What does your beer choice say about you? [AdAge]
– Yellow Tail isn't the only Aussie wine, y'know. [WSJ]
– One 225,000-ton ship, more than 24 dining options. [EMD]
– Grant Achatz stands sternly in front of an airplane. [GS:C]
– Is it a steak house or a gay bar? [SteakHouseorGayBar]

Celeb Chefs Cover the Market

BuzzEditor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:17:00 GMT

Amada

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Though fine dining may have cooled off a little as a result of the past year’s economic turmoil, celeb chefs remain as popular as ever. Fortunately, many of them have opened more casual concepts, allowing diners with tighter budgets to get a taste of their culinary vision. But how do these budget-minded sibs stack up against their high-end counterparts? Read up, and then add your own votes and opinions.

Jose Garces

With five restaurants and counting Jose Garces is easily one of Philadelphia's brightest culinary stars, and with spots like the new Chifa, the current Next Iron Chef contestant seems intent on bringing his inventive cooking to the masses with more reasonable price tags.

Amada

217 Chestnut St.
(bet. 2nd & 3rd Sts.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-625-2450; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
28	24	25	$52

“Tapas of the heap” sums up the sentiment on Jose Garces’ “sexy”, “sublime” Spaniard in Old City, where armadas of amigos (“book way in advance”) share small plates of “awesome”, “cutting-edge” comida and “primo” sangria served by an “informative” staff; it may be “pricey”, but the $45–$65 tasting menus help contain costs, and if “noise” is a concern, come early (or for lunch).

Key to Zagat Ratings

Chifa

707 Chestnut St.
(7th St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-5555; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
-	-	-	M

The little-known culinary hybrid of ‘chifa’ – Cantonese-Peruvian fusion – is explored at this glam, yet moderately priced, Wash West arrival from Jose Garces (Amada, Distrito, Tinto); its ceviche bar has 10 varieties daily, a communal table offers a gathering point for friends and who knows what goes on in the opium den–inspired bar downstairs.

Marc Vetri

Marc Vetri was ahead of the curve, following up his top-rated Vetri with the more affordable Osteria way back in the good-old-economy days of 2007.

Vetri

1312 Spruce St.
(bet. Broad & 13th Sts.)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-732-3478; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
27	23	27	$88

Although “you’re not under the real Tuscan sun”, fans swear you’re as good as there at Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin’s “rustic” Italian “legend” in Wash West, which “continues to amaze” with a menu of “sublime” “handmade everything” and “outstanding”, “knowledgeable” service; it’s “tough to get a table” in the “shoebox”-like space, and be prepared “to pay an arm and a leg”; N.B. there’s no à la carte on Friday or Saturday.

Key to Zagat Ratings

Osteria

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Osteria

640 N. Broad St.
(Wallace St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-763-0920; reserve online

Food	Decor	Service	Cost
26	24	24	$56

“Bravo” declare devotees of chef Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin (the Vetri team) who’ve “done it again” with partner-chef Jeff Michaud at this “spectacular”, “industrial”-style North Philly Italian “destination” distinguished for its “cutting-edge” cuisine, including “sublime” brick-oven pizzas, complemented by an “interesting” wine list; though less expensive than its celebrated sibling, many say it’s still a “splurge.”

Key to Zagat Ratings

Tasting Tavolo

BuzzEditor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:21:00 GMT

Hearty portions of housemade pastas and other traditional Italian fare (plus an attractive dessert list) are the main draws at Tavolo, a moderately priced Huntingdon Valley BYO; the mauve-tableclothed environs include a convivial front space and a romantic back room.

2519 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley; 215-938-8401

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Chew, Man, Chu!

BuzzEditor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:15:00 GMT

With sexy graphics and a mod soundtrack, the energetic Pan-Asian Chew Man Chu in the Symphony House on the Avenue of the Arts is positioned as a magnet for theatergoers and late-nighters craving low-cost noodle dishes and dumplings; grab a seat at the counter to chat with the chef, whose résumé includes stops at NYC’s Lutèce and Le Cirque.

400 S. Broad St.; 215-735-8107

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Walking (and Tasting) the Town

BuzzEditor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:30:00 GMT

In cities as foodie-friendly as New York and Philadelphia, sometimes even locals need a guide for eating adventures. Enter City Food Tours, run by Joyce and Robert Weinberg (who owned Beyond Measure in Philly), which leads walking tasting tours seven days a week in both cities. The tours themselves vary dramatically, with everything from a Top Chef tour to an ethnic-food trip around Nolita to a craft beer and artisanal cheese tasting in Philly. All include access to good food, good company and a touch of exercise. Interested? Book now and mention Zagat to get 20% off two or more tickets (prices vary; call 215-360-1996 for Philadelphia tickets; 212-535-8687 for New York tickets; For more information click here).

Dining News Elsewhere: PBR For Sale, Wading Into the Tip Pool

BuzzEditor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:44:00 GMT

– Talking with the troubled Ciprianis. [Vanity Fair]
– The brewery behind PBR and Schlitz is for sale. [NYP]
– Restaurants seek to better manage tip pools. [NRN]

– Western foods are gaining in China. [ABC]
– Where have all the Angostura bitters gone? [Bostonist]
– Who gets all of those 7 PM reservations, anyway? [Between Meals]
– The last days of Gourmet. [Last Days of Gourmet]
– Nation's Restaurant News to go biweekly. [Food Writer's Diary]
– Who needs to tip when you can buy the chef a beer? [GS:C]
– 222.5 pounds? Now that's a big meatball. [MSNBC]
– Could you eat 78 pieces of cutlery? Would you? [Daily Mail, via EMD]
– The manually operated hamburger vending machine. [JapanProbe]

Zagat Buzz: Philadelphia

Outtake of the Week

Going Grey (Social)

Dining News Elsewhere: Obese Americans, Ramsay Loses His Number Two

Tiffin Taps Elkins Park

Coming Soon: 500°, Shank's

Dining News Elsewhere: Koodies, Samuelsson Goes to Washington

The Newest Pie Hole in Town

The Blue Bell Tolls for Alison

Square Squared

Square 1682

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Come to Firecreek's Table

Firecreek

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Dining News Elsewhere: Buzzy Booze, Subway in the Sky

Outtake of the Week

Salty and Sweet

Golosa

Photo: Ryan Charles

Dining News Elsewhere: Drink Preferences, Raw Oyster Brouhahah

Outtakes: Cruise Lines Edition

Trattoria San Nicola Gets Artsy

Trattoria San Nicola

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Beccofino and Ulysses Voyage Approach

Dining News Elsewhere: Arby's Troubles, Food-Fight Arrests

Turkey Time: Thanksgiving '09

Photo: Ion Sokhos

2400 Market St.; 215-569-9269

Drexelbrook

4700 Drexelbrook Dr., Drexel Hill; 610-259-7000)

1 Logan Sq.; 215-963-1500

1005 Horsham Rd., North Wales; 215-362-7500

312 Kresson Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ; 856-429-7647

210 W. Rittenhouse Sq.; 215-790-2533

2301 Fairmount Ave.; 215-978-4545

191 S. Newtown Street Rd., Newtown Square; 610-356-9700

200 S. Broad St., 19th fl.; 215-790-1919

1701 Locust St.; 215-772-1701

210 W. Rittenhouse Sq.; 215-545-1700

926 South St.; 215-592-8180

A Doozy of a Koo Zee Doo

Koo Zee Doo

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Enter the Baja Room

Zagat To Go, Now On Android

Chefs Place Their Bets at the Borgata

Photos: Hernan F. Rodriguez

– Kathleen Squires

Dining News Elsewhere: Kraft Goes Hostile, Food Cart Love

Outtake of the Week

She-Brew Studies

The Naked Pint

Photo: courtesy of Perigree Trade

Dining News Elsewhere: Obesity and Cancer, Bacon-Wrapped Matzoh Balls

The Fixe Is In at Bellini Grill

Bellini Grill

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Catelli Turns Quindici

Catelli

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Dining News Elsewhere: An Illy Invasion, Iron Chef in the White House

Celeb Chefs Cover the Market

Amada

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

Jose Garces

217 Chestnut St. (bet. 2nd & 3rd Sts.) Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-625-2450; reserve online

707 Chestnut St. (7th St.) Philadelphia, PA 19106 215-925-5555; reserve online

Marc Vetri

1312 Spruce St. (bet. Broad & 13th Sts.) Philadelphia, PA 19107 215-732-3478; reserve online

Osteria

Photo: courtesy of the restaurant

640 N. Broad St. (Wallace St.) Philadelphia, PA 19130 215-763-0920; reserve online

Tasting Tavolo

Chew, Man, Chu!

Walking (and Tasting) the Town

Dining News Elsewhere: PBR For Sale, Wading Into the Tip Pool

217 Chestnut St.
(bet. 2nd & 3rd Sts.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-625-2450; reserve online

707 Chestnut St.
(7th St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-5555; reserve online

1312 Spruce St.
(bet. Broad & 13th Sts.)
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-732-3478; reserve online

640 N. Broad St.
(Wallace St.)
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-763-0920; reserve online