(can you tell I am trying to catch up?) Also ate at Pietro's in Center City one night this week when it was really nice outside. Been there a bunch of times before... a little pricey for what you get, but good food and convenient for eating outside if you can get a table. Love to people watch from their 17th and Walnut location. Never ate at the one on South Street but it looks nice too.
Weirdest thing though was our neighboring table. Bradd and I sat down, ordered fairly easily and starting having a reasonably intelligent conversation about the state of the investment market, private equity, and other financial topics that we deal with at work all day. But it was seriously impossible to ignore the couple next to us.
Maybe in their 40s... I assume they were married, but they instantly got in some fight over what food to order (she clearly only wanted spaghetti and meatballs and he thought that was stupid idea) and then proceeded to not say a single word to each other the rest of dinner. I heard something muttered about being rude and that was it. Once they finished eating their spaghetti and meatballs, and giant salad, and left... Bradd and I agreed that we were wondering the whole time if they were listening to our conversation while refusing to talk to each other... a definite shame.... at least they probably know more about private equity now than before.
May 30, 2008
Stephen Starr's Morimoto
We went to Morimoto last Friday night to take advantage of a gift certificate I had been given at Christmas time. I'd been want to go there for several years so I was glad to finally get the "experience." We got the "namakse" (or something like that) which was the chef's tasting of food, and seemed like the best option. Otherwise, if we just picked off the menu, I know I'd end up just eating food I knew I would like, and probably miss out on some great food.
The items we were given from the chef were almost all fish and really tasty, different stuff than I'd ever had, but in the end didn't really fill me up. I felt like I could still eat a piece of pizza by the time we left. I suppose that's kind of the point - not over-stuffing yourself like other restaurants do.
We went with the cheapest tasting option - $80 per person - but you can go up to $100 and $120 per person which means you'll get fancier foods like lobster. Might have been worth it to just fork over the extra $40 total for the next level of namakase, but oh well. Add in a couple drinks each, and it was still a pricey meal, even with the $100 gift certificate.
Definitely a restaurant to try when you are celebrating something or willing to not worry about the price for a night.
The items we were given from the chef were almost all fish and really tasty, different stuff than I'd ever had, but in the end didn't really fill me up. I felt like I could still eat a piece of pizza by the time we left. I suppose that's kind of the point - not over-stuffing yourself like other restaurants do.
We went with the cheapest tasting option - $80 per person - but you can go up to $100 and $120 per person which means you'll get fancier foods like lobster. Might have been worth it to just fork over the extra $40 total for the next level of namakase, but oh well. Add in a couple drinks each, and it was still a pricey meal, even with the $100 gift certificate.
Definitely a restaurant to try when you are celebrating something or willing to not worry about the price for a night.
May 29, 2008
Today's Food Section in Philly Inqy
Today's Inquirer has a profile on Le Virtu. Never been to the place, but looks appealing. Here is a review from Craig Laban. I tend to take his reviews with a grain of salt as he is too focused on presentation and atmosphere and this guy is focused on was the food good or not.
I am mentioning this place mostly because this is the area of the Italy where my grandfather came from. So I am looking to forward to trying Le Virtu at some point. Might bring my father since he might be best for knowledge of food in the Abruzzi region.
peace out. location
I am mentioning this place mostly because this is the area of the Italy where my grandfather came from. So I am looking to forward to trying Le Virtu at some point. Might bring my father since he might be best for knowledge of food in the Abruzzi region.
peace out. location
May 25, 2008
Kudos to Schuylkill River Development Corp.
Short post here. Just want to give some kudos to the Schuylkill River Development Corporation. I'm sure they have critics, but I think they are doing a great job. The development of the Schuylkill Banks is groundbreaking and this group is leading the charge. The difference from a few years ago is dramatic and the continued progress and goals give me a lot of hope about this part of the city that had been neglected for so long.
The plans for 2008 are exciting. It not often that a group like this gets the credit they deserve. Keep up the good work.
Location
The plans for 2008 are exciting. It not often that a group like this gets the credit they deserve. Keep up the good work.
Location
Devil's Alley Bar and Grill - Best Wings
I've been to Devil's Alley Bar and Grill at 19th and Chestnut several times and am always pleasantly surprised. I tend to overlook or downplay this place when I am in the mood for something good, yet simple. It has a nice atmosphere and on a nice night I would recommend trying to find a seat that overlooks the sidewalk (they are able to keep an open the windows to the sidewalk).
I am not a food critic, but I would call this place new age BBQ. They have BBQ, burgers, chicken, pork and other "fancier" items. Devil's Alley has a nice selection of local brews such as yard's, troegs, dogfish, sly fox, etc.
Devil's Alley might have the best wings I've ever had. While they have the typical buffalo style, you have to try the spicy dry rub! Unbelievable. The meat falls off the wing and is simply awesome. I was here with some friends from out of the time and we all loved them and kepy ordering more.
I had a burger and it was ok - just a normal burger. I've also had the buffalo chicken sandwich and that was very good. Unfortunately I've have never had any of the BBQ chicken or ribs. Based on the dry rib wings I would think they are very good.
I give Devil's Alley two thumbs up if you are looking for a simple place to grab a drink and a nice meal. I step above a standard pub. Usually not overly difficult to get a seat either.
One day I will try the brunch.
location
I am not a food critic, but I would call this place new age BBQ. They have BBQ, burgers, chicken, pork and other "fancier" items. Devil's Alley has a nice selection of local brews such as yard's, troegs, dogfish, sly fox, etc.
Devil's Alley might have the best wings I've ever had. While they have the typical buffalo style, you have to try the spicy dry rub! Unbelievable. The meat falls off the wing and is simply awesome. I was here with some friends from out of the time and we all loved them and kepy ordering more.
I had a burger and it was ok - just a normal burger. I've also had the buffalo chicken sandwich and that was very good. Unfortunately I've have never had any of the BBQ chicken or ribs. Based on the dry rib wings I would think they are very good.
I give Devil's Alley two thumbs up if you are looking for a simple place to grab a drink and a nice meal. I step above a standard pub. Usually not overly difficult to get a seat either.
One day I will try the brunch.
location
May 12, 2008
Di Bruno Brothers
Since we did not visit any new places or do anything cityish this weekend I thought I'd talk about my favorite weekend stop. Di Bruno Brothers at 17th and Chestnut. The original location is in the Italian Market, but it is much smaller than the store on Chestnut.
This is probably my favorite place. I can spend all day here eating and trying all the different cheeses and italian meats. They never skimp on the free samples and the staff is helpful. They helped me build the best damn selection of meats and cheese for a stromboli.
Always make sure you pick up at least one piece of the tomato pie, which is some of the best I've ever had. I could eat it all day.
Di Bruno Brothers also has some fantastic classes. I've only been to one and it was a bit pricy, but worth it. I learned a lot and it was quite interesting. Plenty of wine and cheese.
It's an excellent stop at anytime. They Chestnut location as a coffee/espresso counter and the upstairs serves sandwiches, pizza, breakfast, etc.
Check it out sometime. You will not be disappointed.
location
This is probably my favorite place. I can spend all day here eating and trying all the different cheeses and italian meats. They never skimp on the free samples and the staff is helpful. They helped me build the best damn selection of meats and cheese for a stromboli.
Always make sure you pick up at least one piece of the tomato pie, which is some of the best I've ever had. I could eat it all day.
Di Bruno Brothers also has some fantastic classes. I've only been to one and it was a bit pricy, but worth it. I learned a lot and it was quite interesting. Plenty of wine and cheese.
It's an excellent stop at anytime. They Chestnut location as a coffee/espresso counter and the upstairs serves sandwiches, pizza, breakfast, etc.
Check it out sometime. You will not be disappointed.
location
May 3, 2008
La Castagne
Haven't been there to eat yet cause it looks a little fancy from the outside (well, when its not covered by scaffolding) but I just visited the La Castagne booth at the Rittenhouse Row Festival and man was that gnocchi good!
Welcome!
Welcome to 22nd & Philly. Let me give you a quick background on why we started this blog. First, we love living in Phily and want to share our experiences. Second, every week, typically on Friday, we come home from work and spend way too much trying to decide where we want to go for dinner. We use the typical Philly Mag reviews, the internet, but always struggle to find what we want. it's frustrating. I for one am asimple person when it comes to dining and don't care for the Craig Laban and other "fancy" reviewers. I'm all about good food.
So, we will aim to give our review of the places we eat or go to. The simple man's version. We won't get into presentation, be too picky about service, etc. At the end of the day, if I cleaned the plate with a piece of bread you know it was a good meal!
We go to all kinds of places - fancy, bars, byobs, hidden gems, etc. As we go we will give you a simple review. It's a work in progress so enjoy the ride and we hope you learn a thing or two that you can use as you enjoy the great city of Philadelphia.
So, we will aim to give our review of the places we eat or go to. The simple man's version. We won't get into presentation, be too picky about service, etc. At the end of the day, if I cleaned the plate with a piece of bread you know it was a good meal!
We go to all kinds of places - fancy, bars, byobs, hidden gems, etc. As we go we will give you a simple review. It's a work in progress so enjoy the ride and we hope you learn a thing or two that you can use as you enjoy the great city of Philadelphia.
May 2, 2008
Sitting outside at D'Angelo's tonight, eating some of the best bruschetta in the world, Bradd suggested that we should start a blog. Why? We're young, have been living here for 2 years now at 22nd & something, and thought it would fun to chronicle some of the fun stuff we do, restaurants we eat at, etc. And hopefully along the way give some other people ideas of what to do, eat, drink and explore. We're not food critics, wine snobs or anything. Just know what we like.
It helped that D'Angelo's was AWESOME. Tortellini hit the spot for a pre-Broad Street Run carb load. More carbs tomorrow night at my training group's get together.
It helped that D'Angelo's was AWESOME. Tortellini hit the spot for a pre-Broad Street Run carb load. More carbs tomorrow night at my training group's get together.
May 1, 2008
About 22nd & Philly
Welcome to 22nd & Philly! This blog was conceived while sitting outside at D'Angelo's one Spring night in 2008, eating some of the best bruschetta in the world and loading up on carbs before the Broad Street Run. We realized that we go out to eat in Philly nearly every Friday night (sometimes more often) but didn't have any way to keep track of where we go, what we liked, etc. And when friends asked for recommendations, we had to dig deep into our brains to remember what we liked best.
So here you have it - the account of two young professionals living in Center City Philadelphia who like to eat out and find new, fun places to explore. We're not food critics, wine snobs or journalists. We just know what we like.
On this blog, our goal is to share with others the simple man's review of a variety of places, from trendy bars to hidden gems, and BYOBs to beer festivals. And sometimes we'll even travel outside the great state of PA to review our experiences around the country and the world. We won't get into presentation, or be too picky about service. At the end of the day, if Bradd cleans his plate with a piece of bread, you know it was a good meal!
22nd & Philly is still a work in progress so enjoy the ride and we hope you learn a thing or two that you can use as you enjoy the great city of Philadelphia.
Want to reach us? Leave a comment here or on any posts, or email us at 22ndandphilly at gmail.com
And as far as comments go, feel free to share your likes/dislikes, recommendations and reactions, but please don't post anything offensive, obnoxious or to deceitfully advertise your own gig. We will take it down, promise.
- Bradd and Kristy
So here you have it - the account of two young professionals living in Center City Philadelphia who like to eat out and find new, fun places to explore. We're not food critics, wine snobs or journalists. We just know what we like.
On this blog, our goal is to share with others the simple man's review of a variety of places, from trendy bars to hidden gems, and BYOBs to beer festivals. And sometimes we'll even travel outside the great state of PA to review our experiences around the country and the world. We won't get into presentation, or be too picky about service. At the end of the day, if Bradd cleans his plate with a piece of bread, you know it was a good meal!
22nd & Philly is still a work in progress so enjoy the ride and we hope you learn a thing or two that you can use as you enjoy the great city of Philadelphia.
Want to reach us? Leave a comment here or on any posts, or email us at 22ndandphilly at gmail.com
And as far as comments go, feel free to share your likes/dislikes, recommendations and reactions, but please don't post anything offensive, obnoxious or to deceitfully advertise your own gig. We will take it down, promise.
- Bradd and Kristy
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