A Second Look at Craig LaBan's "Best of the Rest"

Craig LaBan's "Best of the Rest" were revealed in today's Inquirer, listing 25 more of his favorite restaurants in several categories. As promised, here's our run down of reviews and thoughts on the places we've visited. Yesterday we tackled his list of favorite BYOBs.

We have to second LaBan that the "stunning diversity and depth" of Philadelphia's dining scene makes our home worthy of being coined a restaurant town, and we'll defend that position to any doubter. There's also a noticeable number of suburban restaurants on his list, perhaps a sign that we need to gas up the car more often and explore. 

Best Distinctive Italian

Love the mural behind Le Virtu's bar

Amis - Loved it, The menu has changed a bit since our two visits but we have full confidence it will still be amazing. Smaller plates enable sharing but do add up on price. It's also a great spot to just swing in for a glass of wine and a bite at the bar.

Le Virtu - In haste I threw Le Virtu into a weekend roundup post in early 2011, but don't let that diminish your impression. Its "Best of Philly" pasta and goat meatball appetizer were delicious. Eating at the bar was a perfectly enjoyable experience when all the tables were full. I want to go back and sit on the patio during summer.

Melograno - Solid Italian BYOB that has never disappointed. They don't take reservations so sometimes there is a wait, but it's worth it, especially for the wild boar ragu.

Best New American Full Service

a.kitchen egg sandwich

a.kitchen - We've only been here for brunch because, despite a rave review from LaBan, literally everyone we know that's eaten dinner there gives it a waivering, "eh, it was ok." Brunch was great for us though, so at least there's that.

Barbuzzo - We went opening week and have been back since, both times to a unique and memorable meal. Smaller plates means more things to try, and sitting at the bar means fast, friendly service (and possibly more elbow room; the dining tables are tight).

Fork - I never wrote about it but visited Fork about a year ago for a birthday. Everything we ate was very good; I recall a seasonal risotto that did approach mouthwatering status. Except for that dish, most entrees are $28 so with appetizers and drinks, a full meal at Fork is an investment.

[Update, I missed this one before] Supper - We've been several times for both dinner and foodie blogger events, and walk away content with a solid meal each time. The Supper Burger is one of Bradd's all-time fav burgers and may be at near the top of my parents' list, too, after a recent visit.

Surprising omission: Sbraga - Despite a few bumps in service (that others complain about too, including LaBan) the culinary adventure of Top Chef Kevin Sbraga's menu is really impressive. Flavors and combinations you've never experienced before, beautiful presentation and just-right portion sizes make the $45 fixe price menu absolutely worth the trip.

Best Updated International
Koo Zee Doo - Hooray! One of our absolute favorites in Philadelphia. We recommend it frequently to people looking for something delicious but different, which Koo Zee Doo's Portuguese dishes consistently deliver. Go on a Friday for the suckling pig special, or else aim for the Picanha steak and baked duck rice on any night.

Kanella - Been once for dinner and sat outside on an uncomfortably hot summer night, so it tainted our experience a little, though I don't recall disliking anything. I do want to get back there asap for both dinner and brunch. The bright white/blue simplistic design reminds me distinctly of a honeymoon day in Santorini.

Best Gastropubs
Khyber Pass Pub - Yes on all accounts re: the bacon grease popcorn. The po-boys haven't totally wow'd us  but the extensive craft beer list and juke box can definitely occupy us for hours.

Shocking omission: McCrossens Tavern - We could not be more thankful to have finally eaten here just a week ago because it simply was delicious. Food-wise, we are quite surprised it missed the LaBan's list. Our review to follow this week. If you can't wait, just go and order clams, short rib and cavatelli if it's on special. Trust us.

Meritage roasted duck breast

Great Restaurants Deserving More Buzz
Meritage - Our thoughts exactly! It's been literally around the corner from us for years but we never felt drawn to go until this Fall. And good thing we did, because the food was really good and menu made me want to come back for more.

Meme - We had such an off-putting experience with the host and service here that we honestly can't even remember what we ate. Granted, that was 3 years ago but we haven't gotten over it enough to go back.

Meme not for me

Bradd said it best to me this weekend. Sometimes one bad (really bad) thing about your service can make you completely forget what you even ate.

And now our review of Meme.

I don't remember what I ate. Granted it was a little while ago but I just looked at the menu online and *think* I had the scallops but I'm still not sure. Anyway let me rewind and be my normal positive self first... I love the style of little restaurants like Meme that sit on a neighborhood corner, have tiny tables close together, lots of floor-to-ceiling windows so you can feel like you're a part of the hustle of Philadelphia, and outdoor tables. It's why we'd been anxious to hit up Meme, and I still really want try Audrey Claire. Only thing holding me back from both was that we are not super huge fans of these tiny 5 "small plates", 5 "large plates" menus. I often think about going to Audrey Claire but then look at the menu online and am not sure what I would eat. Sure once I got there, I'd get inspired. Anyway....

It was a Friday night about 6:30. We walk up to Meme, seeing ONE table occupied by four old ladies (on giant chair pads, it was too funny), and figure no problem, plenty of room for us. So we walk in and innocently ask for a table for two when the host (it was a guy but didn't get a name) proceeds to huff, puff, look around, sigh and respond with, "well, if you can be done by 8, I guess I can seat you."

Excuuuuuuuuse me? Dude. There is NO ONE IN YOUR RESTAURANT save for some little ol' ladies already almost finished with their really expensive early bird special! Sorry to be SUCH an inconvenience for you, but just freakin' sit us down. We eat fast, I promise.

We sat at the table and debated walking out for a while, but then just stayed. Again, not sure what I ate but I do know it was two "small plates" because none of the "large plates" looked very appetizing. And I remember that the bill was way more expensive than it really should have been considering how much we actually ate.

A little wine helped the situation, but it didn't mask the fact that every time our waitress came over, I had a straight view into her white shirt to see her lovely undergarments. (Ladies, please take note. Space often forms between the buttons of our button-down shirts, through which innocent people, especially those sitting at eye-level to your boobs such as restaurant patrons, can see straight through to your bra. The solution is called a camisole. They have every color at H&M for like $7.)

Bradd immediately jumped on Twitter to explain our dissatisfaction with the host's attitude, in 140 characters or less. To date, we have not recommended it to anyone, actually citing the price more than the way we were treated. I think the food is probably pretty good, but for people like us you can get just as good a taste, in bigger portions, for cheaper prices, at many other Philly restaurants.

We took the high road, didn't complain about a thing, signed the overly-expensive bill and left. But at least we were out long before 8pm. Oh and by then? The place was still half empty.