Philly Restaurant Week

I used to have almost all my meals at restaurants come restaurant week until I realized a few things about why it's actually better to order a la carte:

1.) Restaurant week caters to those on a budget, which is a good thing, BUT that means they don't expect customers during that week to frequent the restaurant afterwards. In other words, the crowd they attract won't necessarily be their loyal customers, which means their best dishes don't have to be and are not usually featured in their RW menu. This is simply because it is too difficult to reproduce their best dishes in mass quantities if everyone coming in is participating in RW.

2.) That means only a few restaurants are actually worth the price tag. If you can manage more than three plates of various types of meat, then Fogo (typical $50 for dinner) is definitely worth $35. Some restaurants serving more than 3 courses are also typically worth it (like Sampan and Chifa) while those that are usually on the fine dining side (Lacroix) may be worth it, too, unless you've eaten there when it's not restaurant week because then you'll notice that quality is sacrificed.

3.) If you think about it, you could easily spend less than the actual RW price tag in that same restaurant and get even better food. Most of the time, something on the RW menu (whether it be a dessert, main, or appetizer) won't sound too appealing, but you take it anyway because it's part of the 3-course meal. Have you ever thought of ordering just one amazing appetizer to go with an equally delicious main? It'll probably cost the same given the RW price tag is not really $35 (for dinner) and $20 (for lunch) since those prices are not inclusive of tax and tip.

On the other hand, if you have never experienced restaurant week, then it is something that you should try before you make your mind up. I revisited Barbuzzo but this time for lunch:

Sheep's milk ricotta - sherry soaked figs, EVOO, vin cotto, herbs & sea salt 

Strozzapretti - wood oven roasted mushrooms, sautéed arugula, garlic, preserved lemon walnut pesto & whipped ricotta 

Salsiccia Pizza - fior di latte, fennel sausage, basil, olives & pecorino

*Not pictured: The famed budino for dessert! 

Bottom line, I don't think any firsts at a restaurant should be spent during restaurant week, even if  their RW portions are generous. The best items on the menu will still be a la carte and it's always a shame when great restaurants serve up mediocre RW food that become the basis of people's judgment.

The Munchies

I think one of the most irritating situations you can be in is when you know you want some food but you don't know what to eat. You proceed to scour your fridge, pantry, and the stash of food on your desk or in your drawer...but nothing seems to be exceptionally appealing. It's even harder when you're looking for something healthy to munch on.

That's exactly what I felt today, so I picked up some raw cashews on the way home from dinner tonight and roasted them. Cashews are my grandfather's favorite, so our household usually has a stash of cashews because he always sends a few packs our way.

Roasting nuts is incredibly easy, makes for a healthy and delicious snack (sans the salt!), and releases a heavenly smell in the kitchen.

Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 F
Step 2: Place the nuts on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes until they are brown, warmed through, and smell divine.

If you've never roasted nuts before, I urge you to try it. It makes the flavor and smell come out even more.

U-Town

It's funny how the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they hear someone raving about "that delicious new Korean restaurant!!" is "U-turn." That's exactly the reaction I got from most friends when I told them about U-Town.

U-Town recently opened in the beginning of September and although I would pass it a lot, I never took note of its presence because its exterior did not look any different from what the location formerly housed -- MexiCali (which I never went to, anyway). 

Until one day when M asked me to try it with her because "every Korean has been raving about it." It came as a surprise because 1) she's not fond of korean food even if she is korean and 2) when she REALLY wants to try something, you know it has to be THAT good.

Bulgogi bibimbap 

JZ went for the traditional bibimbap order and her reaction to it was along the lines of "meh." It was probably the only dish that was a let down--and probably because it is such a simple korean staple--but everything else was delicious. I've heard that the food here reminds some of their mom's cooking.

Galbi - so tender and juicy. You MUST order.

Soon doo boo -- hot and spicy stew with soft tofu, seafood, vegetables

This soon doo boo reminded me exactly of the stews served in BCD Tofu House in New York. We've been frequenting U-Town (crazy S went for lunch and dinner in one day) since our first try and I always get this. I delight in cracking the egg and watching it cook itself in the heat of the stew.

Fried chicken - special sauce

We finally ordered the fried chicken platter we've been eyeing for a while under the assumption that the $20 price tag meant the serving was good enough to share amongst four people. We were wrong. This was more like a tower of chicken on a plate that occupied almost half of the space on the table. We looked like pigs chowing down on them with our orange fingers on top of our individual orders. Real girls eat. A LOT. Think BonChon or KyoChon. So tasty! We had to take most of them to-go and ended up having enough leftovers to last three more meals.

Buglogi taco

J ordered a more unconventional dish -- the bulgogi taco -- while S and M went for the buckwheat cold noodles. I didn't get a chance to taste it because I was sick but take it from S who dreams about it and looks forward to having it over and over again because it's unlike anything she's ever tasted. 

Although the food is great and comforting, you really have to be extra extra patient with the service. It takes FOREVER during peak hours (around 30 minutes for a table and an hour for food), so I suggest going for late lunch (2-3pm) or early dinner (5.30pm). The servers were very apologetic for the service and are very kind, though. Whatever time you do decide to go, know that the food is well worth the wait.

U-Town
110 S 40th Street

Tacos

When the going gets tough, feed yourself some soft tacos and indulge in their soft, warm, and chewy form bursting with filling. None of those hard, crispy taco shells that crumble in your hands once you take your first bite.  I found photos (forgive the grainy-phone quality) of these random on-campus eats lying around and thought I should share...

Honest Tom's Taco Shop
261 S 44th St (Locust St)

Summer special - Fish tacos with pickled shallots, grilled pineapple, jalapeño aoili, fresh cilantro

...for when you are craving quality but ridiculously affordable comfort food. Honest Tom's is a quaint little taco shop that makes quick, tasty, and satisfying soft tacos. I usually go for the sweet potato tacos (bomb!) but I couldn't resist their summer special. Everything tasted so fresh. Honest Tom's is also conveniently located right next to the Little Pop Shop. Usually, a popsicle right after some tacos would be a no-brainer but time was not on our side that day.

Distrito
3945 Chestnut St.

Tacos de mahi mahi - chipotle remoulade, avocado, red cabbage, lime

...for when you want something a little more upscale but within walking distance. Distrito is an iron chef Jose Garces restaurant (think Amada, Tinto, Graces Trading Co., Village Whiskey etc. for all you Philly dwellers) located on campus. The menu focuses on modern mexican street food and as aforementioned, is on the finer side of dining. I usually go for the tangy, creamy, and crispy mahi-mahi tacos, which comes in the most perfect portion. It will never let you down.