Midtown Lunch

Last month Pennsylvania 6 took over the bi-level space on 12th street left vacant for quite some time, but formerly occupied by Tweed.  I was recently invited to try their  lunch menu, which just launched. Its an upscale menu that looks the part for a modern power lunch. Expect a raw bar and seafood, sandwiches, and a few classic American plates.

Currently, the cocktail menu showcases summer friendly ingredients like grapefruit and melon.

Lunch time appetizers are taken as seriously as if it were dinner.  The beef carpaccio appetizer is a stunner. Topped with shaved radish, celery, micro green, shallots, parmesan, and violet mustard, the contrast of colors, and of course flavors, is lovely.

Almost as lovely to look at, a charred octopus appetizer featured blackened tentacles and black olive vinaigrette accompanied by a few slivers of potatoes. The octopus was perfectly tender, exhibiting neither the rubberyness nor mushiness that can happen with less careful preparation.

The burger is massive and was cooked precisely to the medium rare requested. Pickled red onion and chopped lettuce were thoughtful additions. Bacon is a few dollars extra, but worth it, as the thick cut slices are no joke. The soft brioche bun collapsed a bit into the patty, which is necessary because otherwise you couldn’t fit the burger in your mouth. Crispy duck fat fries and a secret mayo sauce complete the plate.

If there is a lobster roll on the menu, I am ordering it. Theirs has poached lobster on a buttered, toasted roll.  Not all lobster rolls are created equal; stringy, wimpy pieces that don’t taste fresh are a bad time.  Here, the lobster pieces have a light mayo coating and are large and sweet, making me very happy.

“Dark chocolate pot de creme” ended the meal. A bowl of thick chocolate custard came topped with white chocolate gelato, macadamia nuts, and caramelized bananas. The chocolate tasted more like an in between milk and dark rather than dark, which was fine by me because it could have been too rich. Instead, it was luxurious without being heavy.

Inside, Pennsylvania 6 lucked out nabbing a space with a classy staircase at its center. It is matched with tasteful furnishings, highlighted by red chairs and booths.  Service is attentive but not uncomfortably formal. Whether on a business meeting or out with the parents, Pennsylvania 6 can easily become the new spot for the power lunch in Center City.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

• Well prepared seafood and meat
• Enjoyable service and decor

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

• Not even close to an under $10 lunch

Pennsylvania 6, 114 S. 12th St, 267 639 5606