Archive for January 2011

Barbuzzo for Restaurant Week: Do it!

Last week I posted my recommendations for the best value lunches during Restaurant Week. So when a group of my friends decided to go, I consulted the list. As I tweeted on Friday, we went with Barbuzzo, and it was so successful I had to give a full report. Now some people worry about the value of doing the RW menu as opposed to the regular menu, but I calculated it, and what I ordered for $20 would have set me back $27 normally, so its like getting the dessert for free. I think that makes it a good deal, no? Well that and the quality of each of the 3 courses.

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50% off Krispy Kreme Burgers

Groupon is offering $16 for $8 at PYT in Northern Liberties. I have been meaning to check out their crazy burgers, so I had to buy this.

Also, Living Social is doing half off Pizza Rustica in University City.

Lunch Links (The “Everyone Loves a Dosa” Edition)

The lentil fritter I didn’t get to try courtesy of Living on the Vedge
  • Someone else liked yesterday’s reviewed spot, Philadelphia Chutney Co [Living on the Vedge]
  • A look at Zahav’s Restaurant Week lunch [Two Eat Philly]
  • Grace’s Tavern makes a nice classic cheeseburger [A Hamburger Today]
  • Suggestions on how to feed yourself at lunchtime on $2.20. I’d go with the Bread Top House idea. [Yelp]
  • Get your Ethiopian tartare at Kaffa Crossing [Phila Weekly]

Philadelphia Chutney Co is the Place to Take Your Gluten Free, Indian Food Hating Friends

I know there are people out there who simply do not love the flavors of Indian cooking, and that’s their business. And of course, like myself, there are tons of people who seek out Indian food. At Philadelphia Chutney Company both types of diners can share a table. Many of the dosas are filled with atypical ingredients, like ones you would find in a wrap. So, this is a way someone could dip their toe into trying Indian food, with experiencing the dosa wrapper, while remaining in their comfort zone. And, since the 2 menu items -dosas and uttapas- are gluten free, this was the another place to dine with my gluten free, non-Indian food loving friend.

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Some Mid Week Lunch Updates:

  • As we mentioned, today is the grand opening of Freshii
  • Le Pain Quotidien has opened today as well, if $15 salads are your thing... though chicken curry salad tartine w a side of harissa cranberry chutney for $10.50 doesn't sound half bad [Grub Street]
  • Restaurant Week is in full force... have you been?
  • And this Friday, Oyster House (1516 Sansom) will be doing $5 to go orders of clam chowder to celebrate national New England Chowder Day from 11:30 to 2.

Have you Heard of Bossam Bar? Get Ssam Actually Affordable Korean Tacos

Today Morgan is reporting on Bossam bar, a fast, affordable Korean fusion spot on 7th and Sansom.  With the recent love for Korean Tacos, Burritos, and Ssam (Korean Wraps), I am shocked this place has not been publicized at all.

Like many Philadelphians, I imagine, I’ve heard a great deal about the Korean taco trend but have not had a chance to try them. I heard the buzz when they hit Ansill (now closed) and have been meaning to try them since chef David Ansill moved over to Ladder 15. From there the trend has spread, Jamie got an early preview of Giwa’s version, but I had still never had the opportunity to cross paths with a Korean taco myself. So I was super excited to hear about Bossam Bar, a Korean/Japanese fusion restaurant that opened in the Jewelers Row location formerly occupied by Tampopo.

I was a little confused when I walked in, but the guy behind the cash register quickly explained the procedure to us. The menu is projected on the wall near the entrance. You’re meant to tell your selection to the man at the register, pay, then seat yourself. They bring your food out to you on cafeteria trays as it’s prepared. Then you bus your own tray to the racks in the back of the room. The set-up reminded me of my college’s dining hall. Besides this new, relaxed method of service, the interior is wholly unchanged from the Tampopo days.

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Philly Restaurant Week Lunch Recommendations

Philly Restaurant Week is back again (January 16-21 & 23-28) with $20 3 and 4 course lunches.With so many participating restaurants it is hard to know where to get the most bang for your buck. I went through the menus of the restaurants offering lunch during Restaurant Week and picked out the ones that sounded the best and what I would order at each.

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