American | Citybuzz - A Vidicom and Christy Ferer Guide to Travel

Eat/Drink

Read More
+ Flay brings the flavor to University City- Bobby’s Burger Palace

Food Network stars are no stranger to the Philadelphia food scene. Inspired by chef and TV personality Bobby Flay’s boyhood summers at the Jersey Shore, Bobby's Burger Palace offers a gourmet spin on a fast-food favorite. A burger with fresh goat chesse and lemon meyer honey mustard runs for a reasonable price of $7.50, cheapier than most fancy burgers you would find in an upscale restaurant. You can also get the standard burger sides like fries at $2.50 or a thick creamy milkshakes for $5 a pop. With hip leather barstools, this 71-seat David Rockwell designed eatery resembles a back-to-the-future burger joint. I am sure Marty McFly would approve! Insider's Tip: If they ask you if you would like your burger "crunchified", don't be concerned. No they are not offering to burn it to a crispy black- they simply want to know if you would like to add chips on your burger for that extra bite!

Read More
+ Kristen Celins reports on The Reading Terminal: Food for the Brain

Since the early 1990s, the Reading Terminal Market has become one of Philadelphia's most popular tourist destinations. With so many vendors and tasty treats to try- the market can be a bit overwhelming for a new comer or even a Philadelphia veteran. The "Taste of Philadelphia" food tour rolls everything into one tour around the market that is sure to enlighten and make your taste buds water. Carolyn Wyman, author of the ultimate "Great Philly Cheesesteak" book, leaves from the market information desk at 12th and Filbert every Wednesday and Saturday at 10am to reveal Philly's favorite sandwiches, breakfast foods and snacks in the city. Wyman's wealth of information about Philadelphia food history leaves no stone unturned and you even get to try a few of the Philadelphia staples along the way! At an affordable rate of $15.95 per adult and $8.95 for children this 75-minute tour won't eat away at your wallet or your time- only your appetite! Insider's Tip: Plan to eat before or after the tour. Although there will be sampling, it is more of a talking than tasting tour!

Read More
+ Posh and Indulgent at Barclay Prime

When you order a cut of beef at most steakhouses, the server just asks, “baked potato or mashed?” but when the server at Barclay Prime also gives you a selection of German and Japanese knives in order to cut your prime beef, you know you’re getting a unique and glamorous twist on the traditional steakhouse. Set inside the chic 1929 Barclay building in Rittenhouse Square, this new Stephen Starr masterpiece is as aged and rich as the top quality NY strip being served. Before diving in to your meal, have a martini- Mad Men style- in the mahogany, 1960’s boutique-inspired bar. After, indulge with traditional steakhouse favorites, from every cut of beef imaginable to decadent a la carte sides such as truffle mac & cheese. Yummy seafood is offered for the less carnivorous ones, along with some contemporary American treats- the Kobe Beef Sliders being a favorite. If indulgence and luxury is what you're seeking for the evening, you will find this posh spot completely worth the trip!

Read More
+ Another Starr: Butcher & Singer

Channeling a time when martinis at lunch were the norm and no self-respecting woman left the home without her coif in full pompadour, Butcher & Singer serves steak and seafood in high fashion. If you are one of those that agree there can never be too much Mad Men in our lives, Butcher & Singer is your opportunity to walk right onto that set and light up a cigarette. The stars at this Starr restaurant are steaks and seafood, just as any classic steakhouse should. Prime steaks are prepared a la carte from the beautiful open kitchen. Seafood highlights are cold-water lobster, classic surf and turf, freshly caught fish and Lobster Newberg. And for lunch, the Butcher Burger has won Philadelphia battles with its grilled onions, English cheddar, and homemade Russian dressing serving the knockout punch.

Read More
+ Oyster House: A Philly Tradition for Aphrodisiacs

The Sansom Street Oyster House, now known as just the Oyster House, is a classic staple of the food scene and has been serving Philadelphians fresh seafood at reasonable prices since 1947. Oyster Hour is the House’s version of happy hour, serving “Buck-A-Shuck” $1 Oysters of the Day and drink specials during weekday happy hour and late-night on Saturdays. These mouth-watering little aphrodisiacs are a wonderful start to a night out on the town, chased down with the House's quality cocktails. The Oyster House is also home to Philadelphia’s odd, but delicious pairing, fried oysters and chicken salad – an old 19th century tradition that started at The Union League and stayed in the city’s heart. After being renovated a little over a year ago, the Oyster House now boasts high ceilings and industrial-chic flair; with the family’s dynamic collection of ceramic oyster plates speckling the walls, you’ll find just the right hint of personality that will make you want to come back for more.

Read More
+ Brunching Paradise at Sabrina’s Cafe

When you wake up on the weekend and know that the only cure to your wretched margarita-beer-kamikaze-everything-but-the-kitchen-sink hangover is a belly-bursting brunch, Sabrina’s Café will be calling your name. Sabrina’s is located just outside of the Italian Market and offers all the classic comfort food of an all-star brunch menu. The weekly specials are always themed (recently it featured Jersey Shore selections like the “Self Tanner” Mexi Special and the “Situation” burger), which makes it even harder to choose from the already stellar menu. Tried and true favorites, like the caramelized Challah french toast, stuffed with cream cheese and bananas topped with vanilla bean maple syrup (say what?!), and the “Barking Chihuahua Breakfast Burrito” rolled up with scrambled eggs, black beans, red peppers, and pepper jack cheese (yo quiero!), will send you full and happy to your post-brunch coma…I mean nap. Shuffle on into Sabrina’s in your Sunday sweatpants and that sweater you swore you’d never step out of the house in, because it's time to hit that sweet, salty, greasy breakfast goodness. Insider's Tip: The lines get long and the wait can be too, so be on the safe side and call ahead, they'll add your name to the list before you get there!

Read More
+ Fresh Fish with a Philly Twist at McCormick & Schmick’s

Next to the towering City Hall at the top of South Broad Street, the self-proclaimed “fresh fish authority,” McCormick & Schmick's stands proud in the heart of Philadelphia. Over 30 varieties of fresh seafood is flown in daily from around the globe, and although these restaurants are located across the nation each one offers local specialties. In Philly, it's the classic fried oysters and chicken salad for lunch as well as a selection of microbrews from Philadelphia’s own Yards Brewing Company that make this seafood joint unique. M&S has grown a reputation over the years for their famous Happy Hour - offering bar food six nights a week for only $1.95. And it's hard not to be curious about this clever take on the classic Philly cheesesteak - The Philly Tuna Cheesesteak features Ahi Tuna, Onions, Peppers and Melted Provolone. This downtown hot spot is a great place to eat before a show (since it's located on the Avenue of the Arts) or meet with friends for a drink. The dark mahogany walls, handcrafted stained glass ceilings and mosaic tiled floors will have you sitting back and relaxed in no time.

Read More
+ Wine and Dine on a Grand Ship at Moshulu

This four-diamond restaurant and Philly favorite transformed a huge pre-war ship into a beautiful dining room and restaurant. Multi-level, open air decks give Moshulu diners an unparalleled experience of Philadelphia's gorgeous skylines and some of the city's most delicious dishes. Chef Ralph Fernandez, who worked at the ultra-luxurious Pierre Hotel in New York City, is one of the most talented chefs in Philadelphia. Using South Seas flair and cooking up entrees like Thai Filet Mignon & Shrimp and Moshulu Chicken Cobb Salad, Chef Fernandez creates a delicious new American menu with French, Southwestern, and American influences. Pair the entrees with a glass of wine from the 180 strong wine list that has won many awards.

Read More
+ Pub and Kitchen: Where Food Dreams Begin!

Pub & Kitchen has figured out the formula for restaurant success and it's absolutely taking Philadelphia by storm. From music- fantastic classic rock playing at just the right level for conversation, but conducive enough for sing-alongs- to seating -you're welcome to chit-chat with your neighboring table, or cozy up in a booth with friends- to the bar -gorgeous, and they’re making their own wine now, Pub & Kitchen is doing gastro pub in style without even acknowledging food yet. And the FOOD! Dreams will be had of the hand-cut skinny french fries with truffle dijonnaise sauce. Their entrees cover the spectrum of comfort food featuring a citywide known burger (if you’re smart, you'll put the truffle dijonnaise on that too), fish & chips with mushy peas, and fantastic gnocchi. The menu changes often and continues to delight its patrons with fresh approaches to classic dishes, like the English version of French onion soup that sneaks some pulled pork and bacon into the dish. You will not be disappointed with your visit to this hip, yet classic joint.

Read More
+ Authentic Philly Favorites from Campo’s Deli

Located conveniently in Old City, Campo's Deli is one of the best places for all those infamous, gut-busting Philly food favorites. Specializing in authentic cheesesteaks and hoagies (don't you even try and order a hero or a sub in this joint), Campo's has been serving the city since 1947 when it was opened by Ambrose and Rose Campo as a grocery store and luncheonette. For Campo-virgins, go with the classics: Campo's Italian Special Hoagie with Dilusso Salami, Ham Capacollo, Peppered Ham, Pepperoni, Prosciutto, Provolone; and a Classic Cheesesteak (wiz wit' if you like onions). Other menu all-stars are the Caprese Sandwich with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Prosciutto, Sweet Roasted Peppers and Basil Vinaigrette Drizzle, or the Heater - a spicy cheesesteak with Jalapeno Cheddar and Buffalo Hot Sauce (you can get this killer sandwich at Phillies games, too). If when you return home and your heart still aches for some beefy-cheesy delight, have no fear - just go on their website and order up from the shipping menu.

Read More
+ North Third is First in NoLibs

Northern Liberties is filled with quirky bars with attitude, and North Third is no different. The menu features bar food favorites that have a wonderful reputation around town. If you’re friendly with a football team (or, just a cute blonde with an empty stomach), order “Pound your Wings” with North Third’s Famous Sauce or Asian Style – 1 pound of wings for $7 and 2 pounds for $11 can accommodate any budget. N3 is still known for its burger after all these years, too – 8 ounces of Black Angus with your choice of cheese.

The beer list is long and will put any fermentation-lover swooning. The margaritas and sangria also come in pitchers or carafes, which is perfect for the outdoor seating with friends in the summer. And we are slowly learning that in Philly you’re nothing if you’re not serving up a stellar belly-bombing brunch. N3 can check that one off the list too – omelets for the masses and pseudo breakfasts of champions like eggs and chili over cornbread with sides of potatoes and pico de gallo.

Read More
+ Find The Ultimate Cheesesteak at Tony Luke’s

The cheese fries are great, the rib eye is superb, and the cheesesteak is out of this world. Home to the The Ultimate Cheesesteak, there’s always a line at Tony Luke’s, where sandwiches are the specialty. If you manage to eat the intimidating five pounder cheesesteak, your legendary status will be cemented with a picture on the Tony Luke Wall of Fame. The food is prepared with the freshest of ingredients and will have you dining in cheesy delight!

Next →
Prev →