#35 Parc

Overview: You’re not coming here for the food – although it’s perfectly respectable. You’re coming here for the people-watching, the ambiance, the drama...in other words, all the reasons you usually go to a great Stephen Starr restaurant.

Recommendations:  The basilicum cocktail (vodka over muddled cucumber and basil). It’s a salad and a drink, so it’s practically health food.  Anything from the pastry department – baguettes, the buttery tomato tarte, profiteroles.

http://www.parc-restaurant.com/

Beth's thoughts:  Parc is the Disneyland of French Restaurants, right here on our own Rittenhouse Square.  The decor is all that you would hope from a small French Cafe, but large, impersonal, and overdone.  I half expected an oversized French mouse to greet us at the door, show us to our table, and give us complimentary berets to wear for the duration of our meal.  And the crowd - Ah! The Crowd.  Philly's finest (not the police) were out in classic Rittenhouse form, scantily clad and braying up and down the sidewalk in between the ourdoor tables and chairs. 

I am constantly amazed at how the tres chic can eat at some of the most fattening restaurants on a daily basis and remain rail thin.  Well, I guess if I were born with a silver spoon in my mouth I too could dedicate 8 hours a day to working out.  Unfortunately, I have to work for a living.  Oh well, next life!

Having been to Parc before, I arrived excited for the bread.  I was especially looking forward to the sweet nutty fruity bread on which I was planning to slather more than my fair share of butter.  As always, the bread did not disappoint.

Next, as is our way, David and I opted to split the Charcuterie platter. 

Did it disappoint?  Well, kind of.  My favorite part of the platter was the chicken liver mousse mound of goodness which you see on the far right front end of the wooden slab.  We debated ordering just the chicken liver mousse as an appetizer, but decided to maximize our choices by ordering the whole platter rather than a single element of the platter.  Was this the best platter we have ordered so far on our 50 Food Dates journey?  Not even close.  Would I come here specifically for this dish?  Absolutely not. 

I will say this - the Charcuterie Platter was filling.  Or maybe it was all that bread I ate before it arrived ;)

My final disappointment at Parc was the Warm Shrimp Salad.  On my previous visit to Parc, which was for brunch, the waiter had insisted that I try the Warm Shrimp Salad on my next visit.  He swore that it would be the best salad I ever ate and even said it had been voted one of the best salads in Philadelphia by some prestigious publication.

I am not really sure what I was expecting.  It was a salad.  If I had no preconceived idea about the quality of this salad experience prior to ordering it, I probably would have enjoyed it just fine.  I think the waiter talked it up too much and heightened my expectations unnecessarily.

Well, really.  What else was he going to say?  That's his job.

David's Thoughts: "Philly's Finest?" "Silver Spoon?" Is it just me... or does our beloved Beth sound just a teeeeeny bit jealous when she reflects on the diners at Parc? Well... she is right. Living southwest of Rittenhouse Square, I walk past the "it crowd" of outdoor diners- many of whom seem more interested in being seen than eating food. Alas, this is Parc. To be honest- I was dreading our visit here. I detest restaurants that prioritize showmanship over service and fancy over food. I was anticipating an awful experience... and surprisingly, I didn't dislike our visit here.

Beth commented nicely on the complimentary bread service- which is definitely a notch above average. The baked goods lived up to their billing, and I can't imagine anything more satisfying than a warm baguette slathered in butter. To our credit- Beth and I had a plan for this trip (we're becoming seasoned veterans, it seems). The menu is overwhelming- you can take a look online- and the prices add up quickly. A quality drink, simple appetizer/salad, and modest entree could easily end up costing $50/person, and that is before you consider dessert, coffee, or anything else that entices. We kept things simple- one good drink apiece (I went with a nice cold beer), the charcuterie platter (mentioned above), and a second starter as our entree. While Beth was appropriately disappointed by her salad- I opted for the classic French Onion Soup, which was delicious. Warm, gooey, and decadent- it is everything you want in a crock of soup. The richness borders on overwhelming, and I struggled to finish the course- a nice alternative to ending our meal hungry.

Would I recommend Parc as a restaurant? No, not really. It is a fascinating dining experience, and dealing with the crowd requires a certain fortitude. Still- I enjoyed our meal, and with a bit of planning, this doesn't have to be a splurge. In fact, I would consider a return visit to Parc- maybe on a cold winter day, when a warm crock of soup would be truly perfect. A little bread... a nice strong drink... and everything in moderation- that is the way to go.

#36 Restaurant Alba

Overview: The candlelit tables of this five-year-old Malvern bistro are full of diners who, having tucked into slow-cooked lamb with plum mostarda, murmur to themselves: Who needs Philadelphia restaurants, anyway?

Recommendations: The Gnocci, especially if it is made with Chestnut and Potatoes.

http://www.restaurantalba.com/

Beth's Thoughts: Restaurant Alba was fine, but quite honestly, I will never go there again.

The food was very good.  The ambiance was, well, ok.  The place is just too damn far away!

Now, this is the second time that we have traveled to a 50 Food Dates restaurant.  The first - #39, Sovana Bistro, was totally worth the journey.  Additionally, it is in an area in close proximity to other attractions...and my parents' house.  I find myself "in the area" spontaneously and have since returned to Sovana. 

I don't know a soul in Malvern.  To top it off, the town just looked, well, depressing.  It amazes me that an area I know to be so wealthy takes such little pride in their downtown area.  In my opinion, your towns are supposed to be the showcase of your area.  You should care for these areas and encourage out-of-towners to visit your Main St. as a destination.  

David's Thoughts: I'm in agreement with Beth: Restaurant Alba is a perfectly enjoyable restaurant, with a terribly inconvenient location. Malvern feels like an eternity from Center City Philadelphia. We anticipated an hour of driving (early evening on a weekday). For this excursion, we spent as much time in the car as we did in the restaurant.

Restaurant Alba, itself, is unassuming and pleasant. Indeed- it reminded me of our earlier visit to Sovana Bistro- classy but casual with an enticing menu. Nothing here was quite as satisfying as Sovana, unfortunately, and I wouldn't consider returning (Sovana, on the other hand, I've been back to several times). We started our dinner with an appetizer sampling, which was delicious but too small to share.

We moved on to the Grilled Octopus- something of a theme for us. We had a nice discussion with our waitress concerning the dish, before it was ordered. Her assessment was accurate; the dish is neither large nor small, and not particularly memorable. It was tastier and more substantial than several of the octopus plates we've ordered elsewhere- but as I've said many times, when it comes to octopus I want to be impressed. I wasn't this time, unfortunately.

We moved on to entrees: Beth tried the fish and I went with a ragu pasta dish. The pasta was quite tasty, and I find that made-from-scratch pasta is appearing on a lot of upscale menu's nowadays. It was perfectly satisfying- not particularly special, but a good dish. And I think that is an excellent way to describe Restaurant Alba. If it were in the city, I would probably go again. If I lived in Malvern, I'd be there twice a month (limited options will do that to you). But when the distance is part of the equation, things just don't add up- and I doubt that I'll make a return visit here.

#37 Pumpkin

Overview: You can’t step in the same river twice, and the same is true of the ever-shifting menu at this trim neighborhood spot, where Ian Moroney’s cooking is as agile as the small-combo jazz albums playing in the background.

Recommendations: The deconstructed bouillabaisse...Seafood is Moroney’s strong suit...One of the better warm chocolate cakes around.

http://pumpkinphilly.com/

David's Thoughts: Pumpkin is one of those restaurants that I've seen a million times, but never visited. Their culinary approach is simple and appealing: a menu in constant flux catering to the chef's innovations, seasonal freshness, and locally-grown ingredients. Sounds dynamite, right?

There are a few things to know before you arrive at Pumpkin. Don't make the mistake of stepping into Pumpkin Market (located a block down the street). The owner is the same, and the signage is similar, so without an exact address this can be confusing. Also, Pumpkin is really small. There are probably only 8 or 9 tables in the space, and only one large enough for an over-sized group. They are cash only (I HATE this) and there are no machines in the immediate vicinity, which is inconvenient. The restaurant is a BYOB, so that is a fiscal advantage.

Stepping into the restaurant, I was the first patron of the evening to arrive (which felt akin to being the first guest at a party). Our very sweet hostess showed me to our table (Beth was late... go figure) and made polite small talk. She was very thoughtful- which is important in such a small restaurant. You can't really get away from people here, so it is good that the servers are great company.

The menu at Pumpkin is sparse: expect about 10 menu items (appetizers and entrees, total). With the constantly-changing menu, it is difficult to find a "go-to" dish. That is a complaint that I have with seasonal menus, generally. If the chef wants to switch things up, sounds good to me, but have a few powerhouse options that never go away- just for the sake of stability.

The flavor pairings at Pumpkin are fresh and exciting; you won't taste anything predictable here. This makes it a bit challenging to order with confidence- you have to trust the chef. Our dishes, to be honest, were "hit-or-miss." Some were delicious, and others were not my favorite. Nothing blew me away. Here are the details:

Green Gazpacho Soup: This is an appetizer I would never have thought to order. Our waitress (who, as previously mentioned, was delightful) described the soup for us: a deconstructed soup, chilled until ice cold. We opted for a different appetizer, but she sensed our curiosity and was thoughtful enough to bring us a sample. This soup was a delight; the flavor and texture highlights were as invigorating as the soup's electric green hue. Chilled and joined with fresh cream, exclamations of mint, and a subtle crunch of finely-chopped almonds- words don't do this soup justice. If you go to Pumpkin, order this- you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Foie Gras: Foie seems to be one of our "go-to" orders on this adventure. Beth is a fan (maybe she'll have her own take on the dish) and while Foie Gras isn't my favorite dish, it is sophisticated and fancy- which is part of what this experience is about. For me, this was a disappointing dish. The foie had a texture that was solid but uber-creamy... something akin to refrigerated toothpaste. The pistachio and fennel undertones were enticing, but the richness of the dish was a bit too much for my palate.

Grilled Calamari: This was not my favorite dish. When it comes to squid (calamari, octopus, etc.) I look for both quality and quantity. I have a few Philly favorites that my palate simply won't forget (Dmitri's mound of lemony, char-grilled octopus) and this dish didn't compete. The calamari was a bit on the over-cooked end, and the serving size was simply insubstantial.

Long Island Duck: My entree for the evening was the roasted duck, an atypical order for me. Honestly, nothing on the menu really jumped off the page, and I'm hesitant to order the easy option (steak). Plus, I wanted to try something different and honestly the duck was delicious. It was probably my favorite dish of the meal, and certainly the most substantial.

Beth's Thoughts:  Yes, I arrived late.  Sue me.  But guess what.  Pumpkin is a BYO, and I brought the wine. 

Prior to my arrival, David called me and warned me "not to go in where I thought I should."  Of course, where I thought I should was the grocer of the same name.  If you are walking from East to West, David is correct:"Pumpkin" the restaurant is not the first "Pumpkin" sign that you encounter.

By the time I arrived, David already had an established rapport with the waitress.  She giggled and smiled at me as if I were David's date.  This annoyed me, not because I wouldn't be proud to be David's date, but because she assumed this.  One should never assume.  It is bad form, especially in the service industry, where one's wife may be easily replaced with one's girlfriend on any particular evening.

But as I am neither a wife nor a girlfriend, this may seem irrelevant.

But it's not.

So anyway, the food.

Green Gazpacho Soup: What David said.  Unexpected, yet excellent.

Foie: NOT what David said.  I thought this was a delightful dish, though different from the foie I was expecting when I ordered it.  I guess I was expecting a typical warm slice of liver - if foie could EVER be described as typical - with some type or garnish that would become part of the taste experience.  I must have missed the part on the menu that described the foie as a mousse, but then again, maybe the menu just poorly described the dish. Either way, I liked it.  I enjoyed the creamy texture, and the sweet and salty inclinations danced over my tongue were a perfect match.  Bravo foie.

For my entree, I selected the scallop dish.  I was going to call it the scallop special, but at Pumpkin, with its menu changing daily, I do believe they consider all of their dishes special.    

There was nothing special about these scallops.  In fact, I found them disturbingly forgettable.  Even the foam.  I hate to say it, but I was really expecting more from you, Pumpkin, especially after two fabulous appetizers.  For shame.

Pumpkin.  I'd go back.  With a menu that changes everyday, how could I not?  Even if I do stumble upon a dish that doesn't thrill me, I'll probably never see it again.  Besides, I'll be too interested in the new selections to choose from that I probably wouldn't think to order the same thing twice.  I'm not sure that the prices align with what we actually received...it is a little pricey...but it wasn't obscene and I wasn't bothered by it.  The cost would not deter me from dining here again.

#38 Bar Ferdinand

Overview: At this rosy NoLibs tapas bar, the sangria flows freely and patrons gamely feast on the enormous array of (mostly) Spanish small plates.

Recommendations: Pixin con pancetta – a small skewer of fabulously fatty pork belly paired with salty monkfish and seasoned with rosemary.

http://www.barferdinand.com/

David's Thoughts: Bar Ferdinand is an undeniable establishment in Philadelphia. Nestled in the heart of NoLibs, it is ideally situated for a young and vibrant audience. The menu is truly expansive; you could visit 10 times and never repeat an order. The layout caters to the aforementioned visitors: an active bar buttressed by cozy seating and a decibel level that rises as you eat. Personally, this was my first visit to BF (a crime in the eyes of my peers) and I was very excited to "experience" the place. More uniquely, I was very eager to see the paintings and prints of Ben Kamihira, a great Philadelphia painter who spent much of his career teaching at my alma mater, The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. Truly folks, don't miss these artworks. They are unassisted by the dim lighting and raucous atmosphere, but take a "moment of zen" with the large painting along the entrance, and small prints/landscapes near the restrooms. They are gorgeous, and if BF took greater inspiration from these simultaneously sensuous and monumental works, it would be a much better restaurant. 

Alright, so we've got that covered. Now, lets dive into the belly of the beast. For me, BF is a restaurant thriving on potential and reputation, but certainly not substance. As I mentioned, the menu is overwhelming. Even with a group, it would be difficult to "sample" the wide variety of culinary categories presented. This is exciting and ambitious if backed by quality; unfortunately BF is not. While our waitress suggested that "2-3 tapas orders, per person, compare to a hearty meal", I would argue to the contrary. The menu, in my opinion, is carefully crafted to overspend. Everything on the menu costs just a tad more than it should- drinks, minor apps (see the marinated olives, below) and heartier, more daring tapas (I'm looking at you, Monkfish/Pork Belly skewers). 

On paper, the selection is absolutely mouth-watering. Here, let me lay it out for you. This was our order for the evening:

House Marinated Spanish Olives

Skewered Monkfish with Pork Belly

Squid-Ink Calamari with Chorizo and Lemon-Saffron Aioli  

A Shrimp/Clam/Mussel Seafood Stew

Grilled Skirt Steak with fried egg and truffle

Baked Goat Cheese with roasted garlic, honey, pine nuts and sage

Seriously, folks... HOW DO YOU MAKE THAT BAD??? Well, Bar Ferdinand pulled it off. Even the most decadent ingredients tasted poor... the skirt steak was over-charred, the squid ink overpowered the calamari, etc.  Our bill was unforgiving, and our stomachs were far from full. While I suppose the greatest appeal of a Tapas restaurant is the opportunity to try many things, most of our orders were insubstantial and far-from-shareable. With a party of 3 or more, sampling is unrealistic for BF's portion sizes (notice: 2 skewers of monkfish ( price: $4.50/skewer)). 

I saw a lot of people at Bar Ferdinand during our evening there. Most of them seemed happy. There were solo patrons on their laptops, couples chatting feverishly, and larger groups enjoying after work drinks/apps. I felt really strange sitting in the middle of all this and having such a thoroughly negative experience. What kool-aid was I not drinking? Sadly, our experience was resoundingly terrible; there was nothing redeeming about our meal. I would never recommend or revisit Bar Ferdinand. Sorry, Folks.



Beth's thoughts:  I am embarassed by how good these pictures make the food look. 

When I saw Bar Ferdinand on the list, I thought to myself, "Seriously?"  I had been here once before and decided that, based upon that one experience, I did not need to return. 

In my opinion, Bar Ferdinand is like a poor man's Tinto.  No.  Let me rephrase that.  There is nothing inexpensive about this place.  It is Tinto for those with a less refined palate.  It is like tapas for folks who frequent Applebees, or tapas for beginners.

The food had no taste.  The olives were fine, but really.  Bad marinated olives?  That's like messing up cold breakfast cereal.

The porkbelly and monkfish skewers were all about texture.  In fact, I'm not sure I even tasted...well...anything.  Should have asked for some salt...

The squid ink calamari was gimmicky and flavorless.  In fact, we didn't even finish it.

I almost liked the baked brie, but it was too shiny and buttery for my taste.  How can we imrpove upon cheese?  Let's put butter on it!  Yes.  A cardiologist's dream.  No thanks.

The wine list was extensive, yet bland.  It was a bunch of stuff I have seen before.  And the wines by the glass were unimaginative and wrote.

I don't know, maybe I'm just too old for this place.  In fact, I may not be young enough or hip enough for Liberties Walk, period. 

If I had the option between going here again or staying home, I'd stay home.

#39 Sovana Bistro

Overview: You won’t see anything on the menu at this bustling Kennett Square bistro that you haven’t seen before – you’ll just see it done right. The pasta’s homemade, the pizza’s brick-oven-blistered, and even a simple hanger steak is memorable.

Recommendations: The potato rosti (basically, the best hashed brown you’ve ever had).

http://www.sovanabistro.com/

Beth's thoughts: There is absolutely no good reason for someone who lives in South Philly to drive almost an hour to eat at an italian restaurant. Unless the restaurant is Sovana Bistro in Kennett Square.

Now, let's set the scene.  I live in Philly but work in the suburbs.  Ok, New Jersey.  Some may find that to be even worse.  (An aside: anyone who was offended by my poking fun at NJ, check out http://jerseydoesntstink.com/) The last thing I want to do after my commute home is get back in the car and drive AWAY from Philly proper.  I don't even like going to the Northeast.  So, after much hemming and hawing about when to visit our next stop on our culinary journey and deciding who would be the designated driver - I drew the short straw - David and I piled into my little girlie truck and began our pilgrimage out to mushroom country. 

Almost an hour into our trek, and after passing such notable stops as the Chadds Ford Winery (http://www.chaddsford.com/) and The Brandywine River Museum (http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/) our GPS finally announced "Your destination is on the left".  Looking to the left, we only saw a strip mall with shops and a dentist's office.  David and I looked at each other and wondered, "#39 couldn't possibly be in a suburban strip mall, could it?"

It was.  But that's where any preconceived notions of a suburban restaurant ended.  Well, not quite, there was one other thing...

The first thing that we noticed when we walked in was the swanky decor.  The inside of this restaurant could have been in any building in Rittenhouse or Wash West.  Immediatly, my expectations changed. 

We were early.  I did not expect our table to be ready for us.  I figured we would have to order a drink and stand at the bar until a table became available.  Instead, our table was ready and waiting...and the bar was empty.  Completely empty.  If this place had been in the city limits, the bar would have been packed.  That was the only other evidence of our journey to the 'burbs.

Once we were seated, we were introduced to our waiter Matt.  Now ladies, if you do venture out to Kennett for this dining experience, pray you are seated in Matt's section.  His serving skills were just fine, but his personal presentation was quite remarkable.  I walked out with a full belly and a newly developed crush. 

While we browsed the menus, we asked Matt for a drink suggestion.  After telling him what types of drinks we generally prefer, he selected a Sazerac for me.  Not too sweet, not too dry, all I can say is yum!

After considering the regular menu and Philly Mag's suggestions, we opted for the prix fixe offering.

After making our selections, Matt brought our pre-appetizer amuse bouche - a single serving of lentil salad.

Next, our appetizer arrived.  We both ordered Tuna Tartar with homemade potato crisps. 

Following our appetizer, we were offered a small intermezzo to cleanse our palates before our entrees arrived.  It was a mini grilled cheese.  The bread was amazing and the cheese was tasty.  The combination was crispy and gooey in all the right places at the same time.

For my main course, I selected one of their house made pastas - the Papardelle Wild Boar Bolognese. 

I am proud to report, it was an excellent choice.  I cleared my plate.

...BUT.  And you know there is always a "but" with me.  Sorry, it's just how I roll.


While I did thoroughly enjoy this dish, I have to rate it as the SECOND best Wild Boar Papardelle that I have ever had.  THE ABSOLUTE BEST Wild Boar Papardelle can be found a Paradiso on Passyunk Ave in South Philadelphia http://paradisophilly.com/.  Pardon me as I ascend to my soapbox, but for the life of me I can't figure out why Paradiso is not on the Philly Mag Top 50 list.  So far, we have sampled various Italian fare at restaurants near and far, but none compare to Paradiso.  I know, I know, Sovana is only #39.  I know, we have many more dishes to devour.  But c'mon Philly Mag.  Paradiso?  Omitted?  Completely????  WTF, man?

Sovana.  Overall, I had a great experience at this restaurant.  The food was excellent, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was top-notch.  I will most certainly return and encourage you to visit as well.

David's Thoughts: Beth summed Sovana Bistro up nicely. Simply put, this trek (and it is quite a distance) was my favored culinary journey, so far. Sovana Bistro is everything I love in a restaurant. It has a sophistication that is more rustic than stuffy. Great service. Outstanding food. A healthy pace that lets you savor your food, enjoy your company, and still feel like you're part of something that is energized and exciting. Your meal will be delicious, and affordable. The courses are easy to share (they have a great pizza and appetizer selection) and substantial enough to fill your stomach. Incredibly, they also offer the convenience of take-out (for the locals) and very comfortable bar seating (for the cityfolk that didn't make a reservation).

I'll confess that I've been to Sovana twice since our visit, and each experience has been solid. Without a doubt, there are a few superstars on the menu. If you visit this place, you MUST order the Tuna Tartare. It is an elegant display of supremely fresh fish, complimented by a subtle jolt of acidity, nestled atop a sculpted base of avocado. Nothing could be more simple, elegant, or delicious. The accompanying chips are a perfect, salty foil- allowing you to savor every tiny bite of this dynamic appetizer.

The other standout (of my selections) was the Roasted Chicken. I know... I know... who orders the Chicken?!?! Well, that was my initial thought when Matt recommended it. When it comes to entrees- especially on a fixed price menu- I'll often ask the waiter for a suggestion. What is the "can't miss" option? When Matt replied that the steak was solid, but the chicken was better... I almost regretted my inquiry. "Damnit, Matt. This was an amazing meal, and now you're gonna a) ruin it by making me order the chicken, or b) hate me for going against your suggestion." What can I say, I was skeptical, but I'm glad I listened. the bird is cooked perfectly- soft and juicy with a crispy skin that should put KFC out of business. It was served atop a MOUND of buttery potatoes, and succulent greens. This is the meal your mother wishes she could make. It was knock-out good.

After our main courses (and busting at the seams), we decided to split a dessert (it came with the meal) and spend a few dollars extra to sample the Cheese Plate. I have to say, I am super picky when it comes to cheese plates. I want blocks of cheese, not slivers. And don't try to fool me with mustards, chutneys, and honey-apple-mango-apricot-butter. This is about the cheese, folks. Sovana's platter was delicious, and the overall sampling was exceptional. The quantity was not overwhelming, but as a dessert, I'll live with that. Besides, I was stuffed anyway. I suppose my conclusion was: I wouldn't order the cheese plate again. Not because it was bad, but because everything else was so good. It may be a #1 starter on some teams, but at this restaurant, its sittin' on the bench (you're welcome for that sports analogy).

As for my dessert, it was alright. An ice cream sandwich thingy. Not great. Not bad. Wouldn't get it again. But as for Sovana Bistro- I'll be back. Its a great spot; somewhere that nobody should miss. Go alone and sit at the bar. Arrive early and bring a date you want to impress. Stay late and cherish a meal with close friends. Just make sure you get there.

#40 Matyson

Overview: The framed review clippings from its original heyday are beginning to yellow, and founders Matt and Sonjia have gone out West, but the latest incarnation of Matyson injects a global accent into Philly’s classic BYOB vernacular.

Recommendations:  Scallops in lobster “pho” broth. Chocolate brownie bread pudding.

http://www.matyson.com/

David's Thoughts: Matyson is a tiny restaurant situated on the northern limits of Rittenhouse, about a block from the square itself. It is tucked away amidst a variety of boutiques, shops, and more prominent restaurants. Frankly, when Matyson first popped-up on our list, my initial thought was "Why don't I know where that place is???"

I suppose one of the nicer qualities of Matyson is its relative anonymity. There are few places in the city more trendy than Rittenhouse Square (just ask anyone dining outdoors at Parc), and it is a pleasant change of pace to step away from the masses and into Matyson's coziness. Beth and I met up after work, and as I'm always eager to make the most of a BYO, I arrived with a bottle of wine under my arm. (Actually, it was tucked away in my gym bag... but that sounds gross, so I changed the details. These are the little things that make blog-writers feel powerful).


Before arriving at Matyson, we decided to grab a pre-dinner drink. On a whim, I suggested the Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., a bar I'd only known through whispers. Simply put, Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. is a great way to erase the benefits of a BYO. At $13 per drink, I almost couldn't bring myself to order. I ordered something with whiskey in it. I can't remember what; I think I am suffering from uber-trendy prohibition-style PTSD. My brain has blocked out the details. I'm sure it tasted like alcohol- I don't really care to remember- it may as well have been Chloroform (that way, they could strip the money from my collapsed corpse; it would have been less offensive).

I hate you, pretentious subterranean bar.

We arrived at Matyson, which was not overly crowded (although the tables are squeezed close together- this would be a challenging destination on a Friday/Saturday or anytime with a large group). The service is friendly; the decor is simple and clean. We ordered from the fixed price menu, which sounded affordable ($40/person) and sophisticated. The menu was as follows:


Course 1: Beet Infused Matzo Ball Soup
Not a bad way to start the meal. The soup itself was a horseradish/potato puree. There was not much of a distinct "beet" flavor- which is a criticism I learned on Iron Chef. "Why make the balls beet? Just so they're purple?" Fair enough. Next!

Course 2:Seared Foie Gras
Sounds delicious, right? Not really. It was OK- nothing spectacular. I'm slowly learning that, oftentimes, I'll order the Prix Fixe menu for one or two exciting components (Foie makes that list). If they aren't all that good- or if they're good but insubstantial- I'm usually left wanting, and that is a pretty good description of how I felt after Matyson's Foie experience.

Course 3: Matzo Crusted Skate Wing
I'm not much of a "fish man", but Matyson's seafood course was quite nice. The fish was delicious, exhibiting a variety of textures and subtle flavor contrasts. Served on a bed of fava beans and peppers, I would recommend this above most of the dishes we tried. However- one challenge I always have with fish- I didn't feel particularly "full" at this point in the meal. (Stomach to Brain: "Uh Oh. This might not go so well. We're gonna need ice cream afterward.").

Course 4: Brisket
Here it was, the most-anticipated course of the evening. I love brisket, but almost never have it at a restaurant. I was excited: this could be my last, best chance at a full stomach and a successful dining experience. And it was good. Really- it was tasty. It was small, but savory and successful. (man thought: maybe this is the conundrum women face- with the undersized baby carrots served as a metaphor.)

Final Course: Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp
By this point in the meal, I'd given up all hope of fulfillment. I felt like I'd just had a really great appetizer sampling; 4 relatively dynamite tastings and a sweet little something to follow. Now, as soon as the entree gets here... shit. No entree. I'm gonna be hungry later. (The crisp was fine. Uneventful, but fine. The ice cream was good, too.)

David's Conclusive Haiku:

We went to dinner

At Matyson Restaurant

It was pretty dull

Beth's thoughts:  The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co sucks.  Now, I'm not just saying this because it replaced my favorite 18th St. bar of times past.  For those of you who can remember, when I was a Rittenhouse resident, I pratically lived at Bar Noir.  I even had a short-lived campaign to have a small plaque with my name on it drilled onto my favorite barstool in the corner.  Unfortunately, no one could pronounce -let alone spell - my last name, so the idea was lost.

Franklin Mortgage.  I picked two overly complicated drinks from the menu and asked our trendy little boy server which was less sweet.  He said, quite condescendingly, "Sweet isn't a word I would use to describe either of those drinks."  I did a double take and looked at the ingredients again.  Both included some combination of sweet vermouth or maraschino cherry by-product.  I looked at our child server again and he decided he wanted to continue the conversation.  He said, "It's like asking, which is less sweet-bourbon or rye?"  I looked at him in disbelief and, instead of schooling him on the fact that bourbon, distilled from at least 51% corn, is, in fact, fuller-bodied and sweeter than rye, which is distilled from 51%- you guessed it- rye.. I said, "Bourbon," looked at David, who I knew wanted to deck the kid, and ordered my drink.  David knew.

Dear readers, I do not believe that I am an alcoholic.  I am merely a person who likes to drink and likes to know about what she drinks.  (I don't particularly like to get drunk, but it is a byproduct of recreational drinking.)  Having said that, I have no qualms about paying well above premium prices for food or beverage, but I expect the server and the establishment to care and know more about the product than I do.  Please don't hide a bar or overplay the exclusivity of a bar where the drinks are overpriced and mediocre at best and the condescending little shit server doesn't know what he is talking about.  Maybe this is more a review of the server than of the establishment, but your servers are the faces of your establishments.  

Quick analogy for you:  Server = Fail : Establishment = Fail.

But back to Matyson.

I enjoyed the foie.  The end.

   

#41 Bindi

Overview: The inventive Indian cuisine conjures a palpable excitement that makes first-timers wonder what took them so long, and makes repeat customers feel totally in-the-know.

Recommendations: One bite of Bindi’s spongy-soft stuffed bread (try the spinach) and you’ll swear off the tandoor oven forever. The $20 Thali Tuesday prix fixe gives groups a shareable platter of food.

http://bindibyob.com/bindi/

Beth's thoughts:  Thali Tuesday.  I like me some alliteration.  And for $20, this sounded like the perfect day to visit Bindi.

But what is Thali?

According to Wikipedia, a thali is a selection of different dishes, usually served in small bowls on a round tray.  The selection of dishes varies from region to region, but typical dishes include rice, dhal (which is made from split peas or lentils or beans), vegetables, roti (flatbread), curd or yogurt, chutney or a pickle dish.

Looking at the menu prior to our visit, I already knew I would choose the fish Thali option. 

Before our Thali, we received our complimentary Papad, which is the Indian equivalent of bread and butter.

Next, we ordered an appetizer to split.  David and I decided on the Lamb Sliders.  The patties were a little too well-done for me, but the flavor compensated.  I just wish there were more...

Next, we received our main course.

Notice that, thus far, this entry has been more informational than opinion-drive.  Well here it is.  Here is the great reveal.....

My dear readers (otherwise known as Mom) I have failed you!

In an effort to maintain my girlish figure, I have drastically reduced my caloric intake, not only on 50 Food Dates eating days, but in general.  That noted, I have also reduced my "empty calorie" consumption, also known as alcoholic beverages.  Prior to eating this meal, I met up with David for happy hour at a local drinking establishment and had two glasses of wine.  Typically, this would be no cause for alarm; however, these days two glasses of wine makes me quite tipsy indeed.  I wish I could better describe my experience at Bindi, but with booze in my belly and a fuzzy head, I'm afraid the flavors were dulled......and forgotten.

To surmise my meal: tasted like Indian food.  Very fresh Indian food.

David's Thoughts: "WTF-Indian Food???"...

This was my initial response to Bindi's presence on our culinary road map. Don't get me wrong; I like Indian food. Specifically, I like Indian food that costs $9.95, and there is a buffet, and I probably have to travel to the outskirts of a college campus to find it, but it is always delicious when I get there. So that was my initial thought: Why am I paying more than $10 for Indian food, when the poor-man's version is already so good?

Lets set the stage: Its about 5:15 on a Tuesday afternoon, and I'm casually walking from my office toward the Gayborhood, when suddenly the heavens open. Deluge. Downpour. The kind of rain that forces you to walk under every awning, because the splashback from the rain not hitting you is enough to drench your pants. (Yes, curious readers- I used the phrase "drench your pants." Make a joke. Get it out of your system. Moving on...)

Beth was driving, and the rain had literally trapped her, umbrella-less, in her car. Moment of chivalry: I fought through the waters to Beth's car, paid for her parking, then escorted her to our destination. Beth and I aren't a couple, but if we were... I'd be gettin' some.

... that's probably not true.

Ahem. Back to the food. Right... so we started our evening at Vintage, where we sprinted to the alcoholic "finish-line" of Happy Hour, drinking 2 large glasses apiece in about 20 minutes. This allowed for a fun game I like to call "Arrive at the restaurant sober, then get progressively more intoxicated while you're there, even though you aren't drinking anything alcoholic." This is a fun game, readers- particularly if you're a "slightly too self-conscious" lightweight like myself.

Then we had some food. First: bread. Bread is a nice start. Then we ordered the Lamb Sliders, which Beth mentioned previously. They were tasty, but our photos are too kind; the burgers are two, maybe three bites apiece. For $10. So I ate burger for approximately $2.00 a bite. F-you, Bindi. That's just wrong.

Thali Tuesday was, to my surprise, quite tasty. I have no idea what I ate, though. There was a spinach thing. And a potato thing. And some green stuff. And a spicy thing. And some yogurt sauce. And I got the one with meat instead of the one with fish. Which, in short, means that I had a delicious combination of 7 or 8 diverse and delectable foods, all for $20. Well, plus the cost of the sliders, which I'll never have again. Final verdict: I would recommend Bindi as a culinary adventure on an early Tuesday afternoon, with an adventurous friend or a casual date. But really, truly, anything else is going to leave you with an empty wallet and a broken spirit.