“Eat” listings
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MÉMÉ RESTAURANT
Melograno's move opened the door for Mémé, named for owner David Katz's Moroccan grandmother. The menu includes tapas-style dishes as well as larger entrées and plates for two. Try the fettuccine with spicy wild boar ragu. $$$$ (03/2009)
2201 Spruce St
215-735-4900
www.memerestaurant.com -
KANELLA
Greek for "cinnamon," Kanella has a Greek Cypriot menu loaded with organic, free-range meats, fresh cheeses and breads. Vegetarians can dig into dishes like bureki, phyllo with feta drizzled with honey. $$ (02/2009)
1001 Spruce St
215-922-1773
www.kanellarestaurant.com -
JOE'S PEKING DUCK
The latest effort of celebrity chef and Hong Kong native Joseph Poon is bound to impress. Try one of the Chinese/Italian fusion dishes or a clay pot paella offering, and take advantage of the thoughtful tea list. $$$ (02/2009)
108 Chestnut St
215-922-0880
www.josephpoon.com -
ROOT
Minimal processing, maximum impact is the philosophy behind this BYO, where you might find quail stuffed with short ribs; sauerkraut, beer and pork soup; and monkfish poached in coffee and rum on the menu. $$$$ (02/2009)
1033 Spring Garden St
215-765-0904
www.rootrestaurant.com -
BISTROT LA MINETTE
La Minette features the talents of Frenchtrained chef Peter Woolsey, formerly of Striped Bass. Expect classic fare, including leek and goat cheese tart and mustard-braised rabbit. $$$$ (02/2009)
623 S Sixth St
215-925-8000
www.bistrotlaminette.com -
JIM'S STEAKS
Forget Pat's or Geno's; for many, Jim's has the best cheesesteaks in town. Watch the cooks fry the paper-thin steaks, flip the translucent onions and pile it all on a realdeal Italian roll. Then, grab a table at the second-floor dining hall overlooking busy South Street. $ (01/2009)
400 South St
215-928-1911 -
SAM'S MORNING GLORY DINER
According to Sam's, life is too short to drink bad coffee. No wonder this diner is packed for breakfast, brunch and lunch-its only meals. Order a smoked salmon frittata or challah French toast with your cup of joe, and forget the credit cards: It's cash only. $ (01/2009)
735 S 10th St
215-413-3999
www.themorn...rydiner.com -
PARC
Yet another Stephen Starr project, Parc has patrons saying "Bonjour" to classic French bistro fare such as steak frites and roast chicken. The brasserie look might be Old World, but the crowd is totally trendy. $$$$ (01/2009)
227 S 18th St
215-545-2262
www.parc-restaurant.com -
ROSE TATTOO CAFÉ
Like the menu, the copious amount of flowers and plants in the dining rooms change with the seasons. The dishes are a tribute to fresh, regional fare; if they're available, try the maple-glazed duck or the Atlantic salmon in chardonnay sauce. $$$$ (01/2009)
1847 Callowhill St
215-569-8939
www.rosetattoocafe.com -
THE DINING CAR & MARKET
This 24-hour diner is the real deal. Chef Lawrence Thum-who started here in 1975- serves classic diner dishes, fresh baked goods and fun blackboard specials. He even makes maple syrup from scratch. $$ (11/2008)
8826 Frankford Ave
215-338-5113
www.thediningcar.com -
MARRA'S
A South Philly favorite, Marra's has used the same recipe for thin-crust pizza since 1927. Legend says founder Salvatore Marra built the oven with bricks from Mt. Vesuvius. Now his grandchildren stoke the flames. $$ (11/2008)
1734 E Passyunk Ave
215-463-9249
www.marras1.com -
COCHON
Cochon, which means "pig" in French, will certainly make you forget about your diet. Dishes include smoked pork shoulder, mustard-crusted lamb and crispy chicken livers. $$$ (11/2008)
801 E Passyunk Ave
215-923-7675
www.cochonbyob.com