A First Look at Tria Fitler Square

The Fitler Square neighborhood shed a quick tear last year upon learning that our beloved Dmitri's was leaving the corner of 23rd & Pine. We weren't regulars but that place sure was popular and an anchor of the hyper-local culture.

In a blog post, Bradd and I offered up eight restaurants that should replace Dmitri's - everything from a re-emergence of our favorite Koo Zee Doo to a Philly outpost of Zeppoli - but we didn't expect Tria to jump on the chance to open yet another wine bar. With two other Tria locations already close by, admittedly we were a little disappointed in the news. However... after giving it a first try we have to say we're excited to go back.

What's most appealing about Tria Fitler Square is the sidewalk seating and extra windows along 23rd Street, opening up the restaurant to great natural light, airflow and a view of its lovely namesake Fitler Square. What's going to be frustrating are the crowds. A no reservation policy = wait lists, especially this first summer. Go early or be prepared to wait, even for a bar seat. It was nice to see the hostess willing to track down people waiting across the street in the park.

The new Tria offers a similar wine, beer, cheese and snacks menu to its sister bars, including some recognizable bruschettas. You can't go wrong with any of the bruschetta; our go-to is the comforting pistachio-herbed ricotta with lavender honey ($4½ for two pieces). As for the cheese menu, go with whatever jumps out at you, or ask the knowledgeable staff for recommendations.

Pistachio-herbed ricotta with lavender honey on toast

Montealva Curado, a goat's milk cheese from Spain

What's different at Tria Fitler Square are the 'medium plates." Too cool to be called entrees yet appropriately named for their portion size, the two we had were pretty darn delicious.

Grilled octopus with orzo salad, golden raisins, chili and citrus-mint yogurt ($18) is Tria's homage to the crowd favorite dish at Dmiti's. It's a perfect, lighter plate for summer, drawing us both to pick at every last nibble so none of the flavors would go to waste. Hand-rolled ricotta cavatelli with asparagus and Castelvetrano olives in a hazelnut brown butter ($14) could have used slightly more punch, maybe even just more salt, but was still a really pleasant way to round out our meal.

Grilled octopus over orzo salad and citrus-mint yogurt

Hand-rolled ricotta cavatelli

With some time off this spring/summer to raise a newborn (yikes), I'm hoping to roll the stroller right up to an outside table at happy hour. Contrary to our initial hesitations, Tria Fitler Square will be a nice spot to relax with a glass of wine, grab a good quality bite and enjoy the scene.

Crepes and Small Plates Rock My World

My friend Jen came to visit this weekend so we hit up La Creperie on Sansom St. on Friday night and then Alfa on Walnut St. on Saturday night.

La Creperie was cute but I had hyped it up a lot in my head while passing it for three straight years before going in. Crepes were fine. Not out of this world but not bad. Good times reminiscing because Jen and I met while studying abroad in Paris, so the whole crepe theme brought back lots of memories of grabbing them from the crepe stands on the street. No joke. We do hot dogs, they do crepes.

It was a Friday in Lent so I didn't get anything with meat in it, although I wish I had cause there were a LOT of options on the menu that looked good. We got there abotu 45 mins before the kitchen closed so it was awkwardly quiet but whatever. It's a BYOB too so that's handy and keeps price down. All told a good spot to grab a bite. Maybe better for a cute little lunch on a weekend than dinner, but convenient in Center City. La Creperie Beau Monde is still the best crepe spot in town, but you have to hop a cab all the way to Queen Village for that. If you have time, its well worth the trip.

It was too late for dessert when we finished, though, so we headed half a block to Tria for one last glass of wine and their unbelievably delicious Nutella pannini which made my night.

I probably hadn't been to Alfa in about a year so I was a little thrown off by the changed menu but it was still really good. Best part was that we got the little table for two just insight the front door, so that we could people watch out the window all night. Plus, Alfa does get pretty loud, so it was easier to hear each other there. I've sat at the tables in the back before and you kind of have to shout.

Food was great - we just wanted something small and Alfa has a good selection of apps and "small plates." Would highly recommend the BBQ Shrimp Mac n' Cheese. I have been obsessed with mac n' cheese lately and this one definitely hit the spot, plus it had a couple tasty shrimp on top with a good level of BBQ - not overkill which I don't like. We also got little burger sliders which were good, especially cause the mini rolls were cooked to a perfect crisp around the edge.

Good times! Next up: brunch somewhere, once Bradd gets home from his second weekend away!