Art Etchells? (Photo: Meme)
There is something about an old favorite. Just like a song, t-shirt, movie, or book; familiarity and comfort can contribute to a dining experience as much as surprise and discovery. We have our favorite restaurants around town that we go to for everything ( Looking at you, Meme) and it’s sometimes hard to break from tradition, so in the ever popular food blogging tradition of making arbitrary lists, here is the list of places we are determined to check out next. Sizzling Mussel withdrawal be damned.
Tashan’s Naga Beef Sumi (GQ)
1) Tashan-The lavish Indian temple only blocks from our high school(CAPA!!!) has some of the most exciting and refined food in the city coming from its tandoor. We also are really big fans of Tashan executive chef Sylva Senat for various reasons. One of our city’s most talented chefs, Senat made our favorite dish at this year’s Philly Cooks, he has put time in under Jean Georges, at Aquavit, and at Buddakan NYC (a feat alone worth a medal of honor due to the number of nightly covers), and he follows us on Twitter. An awesome dude. We like to think of what Senat is doing with Indian food to be similar to what Sean Brock is doing with the cuisine of the American South. Modern interpretations of classic flavors and techniques, they both never fall victim to bardardization of their respective cuisine for hauteness’ sake. Some really cool stuff.
Russet Tortellini and Salumi (russetphilly.com)
2) Russet– Our next date night (Or as we like to say: Mondate, Tuesdate, Wednesdate, Thursdate…..you get it) hopefully is set in the charming townhouse location of Andrew and Kristen Wood’s new farm to table ( hate that term) BYO on Spruce Street. Because there is really nothing more romantic than last chance Chairman’s Selections and house cured meats if you ask me.
Pickled Heron ( City Paper/Neil Santos)
3) The Pickled Heron– Another husband and wife BYO, but this time in the dining mecca of Fishtown. The menu is straightforward, yet interesting; seemlingly a perfect spot for a mid week , low key dinner in a part of town we only frequent to go to the physician.
Albondigas (philly.com/David Swanson)
4) La Calaca Feliz-One other place you can never find us? Fairmount. If there is anything we will travel for ,though, it’s Mexican food. Especially Mexican food from Tim Spinner (former Chef de Cuisine at Distrito), Lucio Palazzo ( last exec of Xochitl), and Jim Kenngott (last CdC at Lolita). Likely birthday spot. Think Chef Spinner would accept a special request for the bone marrow tacos from the opening Distrito menu?
Duck and Pork Service for 5 . How do we get this?! (Jonny Mac)
5) Pub and Kitchen– Yea, P&K. We’ve been here a lot. We’ve even staged here once. But each and every time we’ve had Chef Jonny Mac’s food, it’s been between a bun. The new menu is one of the best yet and the pork belly is calling our name. As is the foie, terrine, cod, octopus, and all the specials that come down those steep ass steps. One night:Pub and Kitchen with no fries on the side. It will be done!!!
Starving, Artist 
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