The “new” Food & Cocktail scene of Philadelphia

On the plane yesterday, I reflected on the current food & cocktail scene in Philadelphia, PA, my hometown & place I was returning to for the Thanksgiving holiday week.

It used to be very old-school in the ‘hood.  You’d either drop a dime or two at the high-end restaurants at like Le Bec Fin or Bookbinders.  Or you’d go “local” with a cheesesteak at Gino’s or Pat’s (note: I’m a Pat’s man myself), a slice of pizza at The Philly Pizza Company or a trip to the Redding Terminal for some soul food favorites.

Well, Bookbinders is closed, Le Bec Fin has lost its glitter (and a star or two) & the Philly Pizza Company has been replaced by a Starbucks (of all things!). Dead Milkmen fans, please observe a moment of silence for our dear-beloved PPC.  Pour out a little hot tea on the sidewalk for our fallen brethren.

However, I’m happy to report that the “new” Philly food & cocktail scene is pretty darn exciting.  Here’s my list of the new & interesting places I have tried or will try while I’m here …

• Vetri – simply one of the best meals I’ve had outside of SF & NYC
• Monk’s – a shrine to beer, and a must-stop for any suds loving local or traveler
• Amada’s – Jose Garces flagship restaurant, and a beautiful testiment to all things Spanish
• The Continental (downtown or midtown) – Great place to grab a classic or modern cocktail and snack on a overloaded plate of thinly cut fries
• Village Whiskey – A new burger bar by Chef Garces, that my friend Bizy assures me has the best burger in town, but I’m going for the duck fat fries too
• Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. – Don’t let the name fool you, its a cocktail-lovers mecca, or so I’m told

Cheers!