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!

Top: Paper thin rice crisps
Middle: Hamachi & Cobia Tartare, ginger, scallion, duck fat, toasted bread
Bottom: Deep Fried Duck Leg, hoisin, scallion, pickles, Martin's potato roll
We briefly contemplated each ordering the tasting menu for $85, but ended up ordering almost the entire menu a la carte to share between four people - this ended up being the much better option as it was cheaper, we experienced greater variety, and still left extremely full

Top: Cope's Corn Ravioli, chorizo, white cheese, sour cream, lime, cilantro; Cavatelli, bacon, brussel sprouts, bread crumbs
Bottom: Seasonal Vegetables, lemon puree, stewed onions

(Clockwise from top left): Caper Brined Trout, smoked potato salad, pepperoncini, crab, trout roe, chive oil
Duck Breast, honey, coriander, malt vinegar, sweet potato, shallot, red wine
Beef Short Rib, whole grain mustard, grilled broccoli, fried potatoes
Elysian Fields Farm Lamb Ribs, Japanese eggplant, scallion, mint, yogurt, black olive oil

Toasted Apple Cake, burnt apple sauce, brown butter, vanilla ice cream, caramel

I honestly did not expect this meal to be as amazing as it was. The fried duck leg was life changing - extremely flavorful with the pickles perfectly cutting the richness of the fatty duck meat. The potato bun was a nice American touch to an otherwise very Asian-inspired dish (sort of a cross between a peking duck bun and a banh mi). The corn ravioli was also another table favorite, especially with the chorizo, though my personal favorite for the night (aside from the duck leg) would probably have to be the trout. I usually don't enjoy fish as much as red meat, but this dish was wonderfully light and full of flavor. The trout was cooked perfectly with a crispy skin and tender meat, and the potato "salad" seemed to be another tribute to Asian comfort food (a mix between egg drop soup and congee). Dessert was also a highlight - the apple cake was served steaming hot with dehydrated apple pieces... definitely a restaurant that didn't fall flat when it came to the sweet offerings at the end.

Can't believe that in a few week's time, I will be saying goodbye to the food-rich city that is Philadelphia!