Sky Café: Philadelphia’s Destination for Indonesian Cuisine

If you’ve never had Indonesian food before, you’re in for a treat. The cuisine of the island nation is remarkably diverse and exciting, drawing inspiration from other Asian cultures while maintaining a style of its own. Philadelphians know that  the place to go is Sky Café. The menu is extensive and can be a little overwhelming to newbies, so here are some must-try dishes. Regulars rave about the toothsome kari bhun, a chicken curry made with the thin rice vermicelli noodles known as bee hyun. The flavor is remarkably rich and complex, with a subtle milkiness unlike other curries. Other favorites include the nasi goring, fried rice with slivers of sausage, pork, and pickled vegetables spiced to perfection, as well as the mie BBQ pork noodle soup, which is served with the broth in a separate bowl so you can add as much or as little as you like. Portion sizes are very generous and prices are low. Sky Café is a real jewel of a restaurant.

Sky Café
1540 Ritner Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145
(215) 271-1983
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sky-cafe-philadelphia

Vedge: One of Philadelphia’s Best Vegetarian Restaurants

If you think vegetarian food is bland and tasteless, you’re about to change your mind. Philadelphia’s Vedge is widely considered to be one of the best meat-free restaurants in the United States. Chefs Richard Landau and Kate Jacoby have both been involved in the vegetarian movement since the 1990s. Vedge, which opened in 2011 in the historic Tiger Building, takes inspiration from a swath of global cuisines and combines it with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the verdant farmlands of the Northeast. The results are tasty, inspiring, and even healthy. Landau’s philosophy has always been to make vegetarian dishes work for a carnivore’s palate, and some of the standouts at Vedge include the grilled gochujang tofu with smoked miso dashi and edamame puree, as well as the popular “Dirt List,” today’s market vegetables prepared in a way that brings out their awesome essential flavors. Vegetarian or carnivore, you should try Vedge!

Vedge
1221 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 320-7500
http://www.yelp.com/biz/vedge-philadelphia

Bibou: Fresh French

This charming little bistro has won a sizable fan following among Philadelphians for its incredible food and spectacular service. Bibou isn’t large and tables are at a premium, so make sure to make a reservation. You won’t get seated without one. Once you’ve arrived, pretty much everything on the menu is worth your attention. The offerings change seasonally, but some of the best include the exceptional bergamot-infused foie gras crème brulee, which is a house specialty, as well as the astounding pork rillettes with pickled sunchokes. If the bone marrow is on offer, you absolutely need to order it. For entrees, the duck confit is a French specialty executed to perfection, and while the braised pig’s foot may sound gross, it’s filled with foie gras and French lentils and it's delectable. Bibou is BYOB and cash only, and people bring some truly spectacular wines to pair with this food.

Bibou
1009 S. 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 965-8290
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bibou-philadelphia

Cochon: Pork Paradise

Pork has undergone a remarkable transformation in American cuisine over the last decade. Instead of being positioned as “the other white meat” and served in tasteless chops, the entirety of the pig has been embraced by innovative chefs. If you’re looking for French-inspired cuisine that embraces that trend, book a table at Philadelphia's Cochon. Winner of accolades from press and diners alike, Cochon’s menu features a spectacular Berkshire pork loin served with Israeli couscous, bacon, apples, pine nuts, and arugula in a delectable apple cider reduction. They do serve other offerings, such as a fantastic braised monkfish with lobster butter, as well. If the braised pork belly is on the menu, you’re required to order it. It’s a succulent treatment of this amazing cut and one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. In warm weather, it’s a treat to enjoy your meal on the tables outside. Cochon's prices are a little steep, but the quality is well worth it.

Cochon
801 E. Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-7675
http://www.yelp.com/biz/cochon-philadelphia

Green Eggs: A Friend of the Earth

No, Dr. Seuss doesn't live here. But Green Eggs means a tasty, eco-conscious dining experience. With locations in South Philly and Northern Liberties, this cozy little cafe creates a warm atmosphere with its friendly waitstaff. The morning fare will appeal to vegetarians and breakfast buffs alike: dishes like Philly Style Eggs Benedict, served on a toasted pretzel roll with cream cheese, and the Creme Brulee French Toast run from $8 – $10. Perhaps best of all, the menu is stuffed with local vegetables and sprinkled with herbs grown on the cafe’s rooftop garden. The lunch menu is also reasonably priced and is full of comforting sandwiches and fresh salads. They don't take reservations, so come early and bring your wallet – cash only!

Green Eggs
www.greeneggscafe.net

1306 Dickinson Street
215.226.EGGS (3447)

719 North 2nd Street
215.922.EGGS (3447)

Jamaican Jerk Hut: Island Style

Jamaican Jerk Hut is a spectacular Caribbean restaurant that has been delivering the intensely flavored food of the islands to Rittenhouse Square locals for years. Regulars rave about the unique menu. Jerk cooking is a traditional method of cooking meat over an open fire using a spice blend of ginger, allspice, thyme, onions, and soy sauce. The uniquely tangy flavor is instantly addictive. The Jamaican Jerk Hut has a charcoal pit located in the middle of the kitchen for that authentic smoky taste and regulars appreciate that attention to detail. The menu is solid from top to bottom, with diners praising the beef and vegetable patties – flaky pastries stuffed with perfectly-spiced ingredients.  Rotis are also excellent – a delicious flatbread wrapped around tender and toothsome goat curry is highly recommended. In the warmer months, take a seat on the Jamaican Jerk Hut's beautiful outdoor patio and enjoy your meal to the strains of reggae music. Some complain that the service can be inconsistent, so be aware.

Jamaican Jerk Hut
1436 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-8644
www.jajerkhut.com

Pub & Kitchen: Your New Secret Spot

This cozy, off-the-beaten track spot feels like visiting a friend's house for dinner. Except for the price, that is. Pub & Kitchen is fairly expensive: appetizers run $7 – $14 and entrees run  $11 – $22. The menu changes slightly from month-to-month, featuring seasonal specialties, but reliable standbys include slow-roasted pulled pork sandwiches and grilled hanger steak. Many locals swear the Churchill Burger ($18) is the best in town. And the kitchen stays open late to satisfy late-night cravings. Along with food, Pub & Kitchen offers a well-curated beer list, wine, and inventive cocktails.

Pub & Kitchen
1946 Lombard Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
(215) 545-0350
www.thepubandkitchen.com

Albert’s Cafe: A Local Favorite

Albert’s Café is an all-around destination business. Serving a menu full of Italian, American, and seafood entrees and appetizers, there’s something to please every palate—from mozzarella sticks to buffalo chicken steaks, roast pork, and linguini with mussels—as well as a jovial atmosphere that attracts faithful locals and newcomers alike. The sports bar boasts four flat screen TVs and three additional viewing spots in the newly refurbished dining room bar. Daily drink and food specials keep up the enlivened atmosphere every night, while weekend music and dancing comes courtesy of DJs and a faithfully returning crowd.

Albert’s Café
3180 Grant Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114
www.albertscafe.com

Modo Mio: A Gustatory Ride

Great Italian food isn’t hard to find in Philadelphia – the City of Brotherly Love has long embraced the cuisine, and locals argue ferociously about the best in town. One serious contender would have to be Modo Mio. Step in the door and you’ll be transported to a family dining room in Sicily. Modo Mio's dining room is small and homey and you won’t be able to avoid overhearing the conversations at adjoining tables. It’s a testament to the stellar quality of the food that you won’t mind – this place gets it all right. The menu is extensive and easy to browse, with a number of standout entrees garnering raves from diners. The bucatini Amatrician with pancetta in a spicy tomato sauce is excellent, the veal Parmigiano elevates the Italian standard to a new level, and the veal ravioli in sage butter melts in your mouth. Modo Mio is a real find that any eater would be pleased to check out.

Modo Mio
161 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19123
(215) 203-8707
www.modomiorestaurant.com/home

Rib Rack: A Hearty BBQ Treat

Rib Rack boasts some of the best BBQ in all of Philadelphia. With a special house-made sauce that keeps customers coming back and meat that’s cooked to perfection, it’s easy to see why the restaurant has earned citywide accolades for its food. The wings and baby back ribs are particular favorites, but sides like corn on the cob, mountain-high stuffed potatoes, baked beans, cole slaw, and steak fries are great assets to an already hearty meal. The lighting is dark, but the atmosphere works to keep the focus on the food. And with every BBQ meal topped off with a watermelon wedge, it hits the southern spirit too. If eating ribs in public isn’t your thing, order them to go and enjoy your meal in the privacy of your own home—either way, you'll want to try these.

Rib Rack
2100 Tyson Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19149
(215) 338-9399

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