I spent most of last week in Philly on business and decided to survey some of the better-known restaurants. I ate three meals solo at the bar while working, and one with an old friend. Here’s a quick report, from best to worst:
1. Vernick. Very good meal. Interesting New American menu with a focus on simple, fresh, and flavorful combinations executed well. Crab toast was simple but satisfying. The uni scrambled eggs was perhaps the best dish I had on the trip–rich runny scrambled eggs, topped with a tart cream, topped with uni. Decadent and delicious. Then tuna with exceptional snap peas. Reasonably priced too.
2. Zahav. This is a place I’d love to have here in Houston. I showed up at 5 and had no trouble getting a spot at the bar. I ordered the tasting, and it was way too much food (I think because they gave me the same portions as a group gets for the shared items). I love this style of food and restaurant. Saliti and hummus were on point, and the lamb was killer. Very friendly service and fun atmosphere. Very similar food and experience to Shaya in NOLA, although I probably slightly preferred my meal at Shaya. Seems like a concept that could be replicated.
3. High Street on Market. The casual sibling restaurant to Fork, this is what I think of as a typical Philly place. Small, charming, friendly, with solid trattoria type food. Highlights were the pastas. Some dishes were kind of meh. But fun atmosphere and tasty food, if not memorable. Drank a tasty bottle of Channing Daughters Blaufränkisch (from Long Island).
4. Serpico. Disappointing–moreso the more I think about it. It’s really a restaurant of dichotomies. The space is really cool, and I love the large open kitchen and counter. But in contrast to Momo Ko or Atera and other places with this layout, the kitchen seemed a bit quiet and soulless. There was little engagement with the diners. And I found it odd that, on a Wednesday at 7:30, the restaurant was mostly empty. In terms of food, the menu looks great, but the execution is off. I started with the signature raw scallop dish, but the sauce was a bit gloppy (had a weird sour ranch Dorito flavor to it). The confit carrots as a second course were by far the best part of the meal, and were genuinely tasty, if a bit heavy. Then the short rib, which the waiter recommended, was probably the worst dish of the trip. Very gloppy and intense mustard sauce ruined what could have been decent meat. And the fried potatoes tasted just like tater tots. Weird meal. Obviousy there is talent, but it didn’t work. I’d like to try other menu items. Good bread and butter.
5. Pat’s King of Steaks. Because I’d never been. And I won’t go again. But I suppose it’s worth it to do once.