Archive for September 2012

Lunch Links (The “Small Burgers, Big Hoagies” Edition)

Photo Courtesy of Row Home Eats

Jerk Wings and Fried Chicken Lunch Patters are Winners at Rio Cobre

My friend who used to live on South Street recommended I go with him to try his favorite local restaurant, Rio Cobre, for Jamaican food. I had previously checked out the spot and liked it when it was called Mango Bush, which also served Jamaican food.

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A Trip to Honest Tom’s

Today Luncher Rachel heads to Honest Tom’s brick and mortar restaurant.

It’s hard to walk west down Locust without stopping at Koch’s for lunch—but the extra block is worth it for Honest Tom’s. Previously a food truck, Honest Tom’s new store front sits on 44th street between Locust and Spruce. Although the block is newly built up, boasting Local 44, Tampopo and the Lil’ Pop Shop alongside Honest Tom’s, the food at this funky, laid- back Mexican restaurant is as delicious as it was in the food truck days.

The bright, welcoming façade leads into an equally exciting interior—bustling kitchen in the back contrasts with the relaxed, no-fuss feel of the staff and waiting area. Offering a few tables to sit and chalkboards for menus, this place is hassle-free. The only focus is good food.

Although the menu is slightly limited (tacos, burritos, guacamole and salsa), there is
something for everyone. From chicken and steak to fish and sweet potato, the array of options eliminates the veto vote (unless someone doesn’t like Mexican food, but who doesn’t like Mexican…)

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Lunch Links (The “Pizza with a side of Meat” Edition)

Photo Courtesy of Hungry For More Eats
  • GrubStreet has a slideshow of off the menu dishes at local restaurants, I like the sound of McGillins’ corned beef cheesesteak [GrubStreet]
  • A side of cured meat makes the pizza at Osteria even better [HungryForMoreEats]
  • Hinge Cafe in Port Richmond has a decadent bananas foster french toast [Phoodie]
  • Blue Belly BBQ korean beef sandwich is sweet and savory [Phily Weekly]

Lil Dan’s Newest and Most Bizarre Creation Debuts This Week: Vanilla Oreo Crusted Chicken Breast

I got to sample it last night, thinking Dan from Lil Dan was crazy and I would have to politely tell him he has had better ideas. But somehow it was delicious. The oreo breading was not cloyingly sweet and the hot sauce was the key to balancing it all out. You are gonna want to try this.

Lil Dan’s Gourmet Truck, LOVE Park (Monday, Friday) and 33rd and Arch (Thursday), 215-252-1677 follow on twitter @LilDansFood

Tortas from Mole Poblano in the Italian Market

A friend took me shooting for the first time ever at a range in the Italian Market and I worked up an appetite. I noticed that Mole Poblano had taken over the space formally occupied by Acapulco. Mexican sounded perfect, so I went in and washed the lead off my hands.

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Huge Middle Eastern Sandwich Platters at Aya’s Café

Today Luncher John tries Aya’s kebabs

On the quiet 2100 block of Arch Street is Aya’s Café, a restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine. While the primary focus for this Zagat-rated spot is undoubtedly its BYO dinner service, Aya’s also serves up some lunch options for those craving some good Middle Eastern food.

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