Lunching in Philly

Having spent the majority of my time in Philly these past few weeks, I've accumulated quite a collection of photos from various lunch spots around the area. Enjoy!

Zavino in University City

Top: Short rib ravioli (daily special), Tonarelli with ricotta veal meatballs
Bottom: Side of brussels sprouts with sherry vinaigrette

My avocado salad! The sad life of trying to be healthy... this made that life a little easier

Diavolo pizza - sopressata, mozzarella, crushed tomato, chili flakes, oregano, parmesan

The newly opened Zavino in University City (closer to Drexel than Penn, lucky people) was a game-time decision made during lunch one weekend when we wanted something close but were sick of our own on-campus options. What a great find! It's affordable, filling, and the pizzas are amazing. The place was pretty empty when we went, but I'm assuming it was because everyone usually ends up choosing brunch places instead during the weekend. I can see the place getting pretty crowded during dinner time and late night drinks (much like Tap House Grill), but definitely worth a visit!

Starr-struck

It's been awhile... I had the great opportunity over the past few weeks to try not one, but two Steven Starr establishments in Philly. Both definitely exceeded my expectations and reminded me of the greatness that is Steven Starr. They're slightly less well-known than some of his other restaurants (Alma de Cuba, Buddakan, Morimoto, Pod... the list goes on), but that didn't hinder the experience at all.

Il Pittore

I love pasta. I think it's one of those dishes that can undergo so many creative/innovative adaptations and yet still remain such a comfort food. I was super excited to finally visit Il Pittore because their pasta menu looked so amazing and unique - how many places offer braised goat on the menu? And even better, paired with mint??

Bread basket to start - fennel breadsticks, rolls, and amazing olive foccaccia
Left: Corzetti, pasta coins with braised goat, mint, and chili oil
Right: Fusilli, corkscrew pasta with blue crab and uni crema 

Slow-Cooked Suckling Pig, pear mostardo, roasted baby carrots, cavalo nero

Roasted Venison Loin, spaghetti squash with chestnut sugar, green peppercorn sauce

Wine menu, french press coffee
Orange-Ricotta Cheesecake, orange caramel sauce

If I could go back to this place everyday and just eat their pasta, I would. It was that good. The corzetti was perfectly al dente and the goat was braised to the point that it basically melted in our mouths, while the chili oil spiced the whole dish up a bit. The fusilli was slightly less chewy, but the uni sauce was so creamy and cheesy, it was like eating the world's greatest mac and cheese.

Serpico

Next was a very entertaining and slightly embarrassing night over shared plates and good laughs. To dinner with friends at Serpico!

Tasting Matyson

Finally had the opportunity to try Matyson's tasting menu! It's actually a really great deal - five courses (including dessert) for $45, and it's a BYOB so you can save a bit on wine expenses. The unfortunate part of this is that it is only available Mondays-Thursdays, which never ends up working out for me, because who has time to go to Center City during the week for a long, five-course meal? The GOOD PART of this is that I found three friends that were willing to do just that this past Thursday! Another great thing about Matyson is that their tasting menu changes every week and the items offered are usually not on the a la carte menu, so it keeps things new. The week we went, their menu theme was: Smoke.

Disclaimer: Sorry for the crappy quality - the restaurant always has extremely dim lighting, even during lunch hours

Course 1: Vichyssoise, diver scallop, salmon roe, olive salt, spring onion
Course 2: Seared Baby Gem, braised shallot, boquerones, brioche, quail egg
Course 3: Long Island Duck Breast, wild mushroom, duck confit, pinto bean

Course 4: Short Rib, polenta, goat cheese, guajillo, smoked tomato

Dessert: Blood orange hazelnut crepe (substituted dessert from the original smoked bacon ice cream for a $2 supplement)

Hoping to go back soon! New week, new menu :D

Photo Dump: B&B + Bibou Pt. 2

Forgot to upload photos from the bed and breakfast we stayed at over spring break! Super lovely place called Nest, and the breakfast our hosts cooked for us each morning as well as the dinner they served one of our nights there was amazing. Also, two words: steam showers. 

So I'll just leave these here...

Kitchen (not that we needed to use it), living room area

Snapshot of our breakfast each morning! Always started with fresh fruit and greek yogurt, followed by a plate of hot goodness - bacon and french toast on day one, omelet + bagel + sausage + risotto cake on day two

Home-cooked dinner! Shrimp cocktail, salad from garden vegetables, steak with caramelized onions

Ate until we food coma'd right at the dinner table