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CONTACT: |
Donna Schorr |
GPTMC |
(215) 599-0782 |
donna@gptmc.com |
PHILADELPHIA RESTAURANT NEWS
June 2004
Restaurant Trends – It’s Hip To Be A Classic
Ask any foodie what Philadelphia’s most popular restaurant was in the 1950s and ’60s and the answer is sure to be unanimous: Old Original Bookbinder’s. In its heyday, this dining landmark, located in historic Old City Philadelphia, played host to countless presidents, politicians, international dignitaries and celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra. A few years ago, the restaurant closed to undergo multimillion dollar renovations, and will reopen this fall with the goal of reclaiming its spot as one of Philadelphia’s classic dining destinations.
There are plenty of regional restaurants that have thrived for decades (no small feat in the restaurant business). Here are some of the most noteworthy:
In the City
Astral Plane – This 31-year-old restaurant in an historic townhouse was chosen as the spot for Bette Midler’s 30th birthday party. The dramatic setting includes flowing fabric on the ceilings, mismatched china and silverware and pictures of film stars on the walls. Executive Chef Rodolfo Ramirez uses the freshest locally grown ingredients in his contemporary American cuisine. 1708 Lombard Street, (215) 546-6230, www.theastralplane.com
Deux Cheminées – Chef/owner Fritz Blank has created one of the most highly regarded classic French restaurants in the country. Opened in 1979, Deux Cheminées, which translates into “two fireplaces,” is in an historic townhouse that was designed by Frank Furness in the 1880s. Menu highlights include crab soup Marguerite, a rack of lamb and venison with spaetzle. 1221 Locust Street, (215) 790-0200, www.deuxchem.com
Fountain Restaurant – This award-winning restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia has been a favorite for special occasion meals for decades. Rated as the best restaurant in Philadelphia by Zagat’s, the award-winning Fountain overlooks the exquisite Swann Fountain on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Some favorite items on the global cuisine menu include veal medallions with lobster ravioli and asparagus soufflé. One Logan Square, (215) 963-1500, www.fourseasons.com/philadelphia/dining
Friday Saturday Sunday – This romantic, cozy restaurant, serving classic American dishes, has been a favorite date spot since it opened more than 30 years ago, when it was launched on a dare. The restaurant has a very popular second floor wine bar with an extensive wine list, and is committed to a meager $10 mark up on all bottles. 261 S. 21st Street, (215) 546-4232, www.frisatsun.com
Judy’s Cafe – This casual gay-owned Queen Village restaurant specializes in “comfort” food. Some of the favorite menu items include chicken breasts coated in pulverized cheddar sticks and Judy’s famous meatloaf. No restaurant birthday celebration can compare to the one found here, in which the waitstaff dresses the celebrant in a blonde wig as lights flash and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” plays. 627 S. 3rd Street, (215) 928-1968
Le Bec-Fin – Famed restaurateur Georges Perrier introduced Philadelphians to fine French cuisine when he opened this upscale restaurant in the 1970s. Although the dining room has undergone a major renovation, the food and atmosphere remain formal. Long a favorite of critics, the restaurant recently earned back its fifth star from Mobil Travel Guide. Reservations and proper attire are a must. 1523 Walnut Street, (215) 567-1000, www.lebecfin.com
Philadelphia Fish & Company – Owners Janet and Kevin Meeker have operated this popular seafood restaurant for more than 20 years in Old City. Executive chef Kevin Cliggett dishes up entrees such as grilled ahi tuna mignon and seared sea scallops. The restaurant’s best bargain is its $6 bar menu, which changes daily. 207 Chestnut Street, (215) 625-8606, www.philadelphiafish.com
Rose Tattoo Cafe – The garden party atmosphere of this Fairmount restaurant has made it a popular date spot since the 1980s. Contemporary cuisine is the specialty, and some classics include the cream of mushroom soup, crab cakes, lobster quesadillas and ribs with barbequed peanut jalapeno sauce. 1847 Callowhill Street, (215) 569-8939, www.rosetattoocafe.com
Sansom Street Oyster House – This Center City restaurant has been a favorite hangout since it opened in 1947 for diners seeking simple, freshly prepared seafood dishes. Patrons are drawn here for the snapper soup, the traditional crab imperial and fried oysters and chicken salad, a restaurant special. 1516 Sansom Street, (215) 567-7683, www.sansomoysters.com
In the Countryside
Black Bass Hotel – This romantic inn/restaurant in Bucks County dates back to the 1740s. The restaurant continues to serve new American cuisine, including coffee-lacquered duck with fresh ginger pear chutney and wild mushroom ravioli, in a charming setting along a riverbank. 3774 River Road, Lumberville, (215) 297-5770, www.blackbasshotel.com
Crier in the Country – If the rumors are true, the ghosts of the original owners of this Victorian mansion in Delaware County watch over diners as they indulge in dinner at this French-Continental restaurant. 1 Crier in the Country Lane, Glen Mills, (610) 358-2411, www.crierinthecountry.com
New Restaurant Openings
Lolita – Owner Valerie Safran and her
partner/chef Marcie Turney serve up Mexican cuisine with a twist, including
chipotle grilled beef tenderloin and soft corn tortillas with orange glazed
pork, at this new 56-seat, cash-only BYOB restaurant in the rejuvenated B3
(Blocks Below Broad) neighborhood. 106 S. 13th
Street, (215) 546-7100
Meritage Philadelphia – James Colabelli
and partner Taylor Barnebey plan to be both owners and waitstaff at this
12-table, 34-seat restaurant serving classic regional cuisine (French, Italian
and American). The food selections will be accompanied by a serious wine list,
and the tasting menu will change weekly. 20th
& Lombard Streets, (215)
985-1922,
www.meritagephiladelphia.com
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), Philadelphia’s regional tourism marketing agency, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to building the region’s economy and positive image through tourism and destination marketing. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, call the new Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676, or visit www.gophila.com.
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Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit the photo gallery of www.gophila.com/pressroom
