The Garden on the Square

Vibrant colors attracting, playful sounds of water splashing, music faintly looming in the background, small/magical/twinkling lights floating all around - there are so many ways to describe my experience at Talula's Garden on Washington Square.  Stephen Starr continues to amaze me with his ever changing/always amusing concepts.  Stepping off the street/out of the heat/into the earthy, eclectic garden was truly transforming.  I had escaped the city if only for a few hours, and it was one of my favorite dining memories to count.

If you're not so lucky to score a rocking/wooden/metal/garden chair at one of the many large or small tables outside, the dining room and bar inside are by no means disappointing, but honestly dining outside versus inside is a completely different experience.  In the garden that Starr has created for us, somehow I think the food and drink just automatically taste better because the space is so special.  During my visit, I can say that I have tasted the best rabbit dish in the city.  The Braised Rabbit with Handkerchief Pasta, Percorino, Green Olives, and Fava Beans was simply divine/tender/savory/mouth-watering.  The plentiful options of cheese plates to amuse yourself with is quite impressive and a challenge to pick just one.  With the 'In Kind' cheese plate, I enjoyed the most nutty/creamy/delectable Gouda paired with slightly sweet, almost candy-like, peanuts.  Ahhh-mazing!  Even the bread that's brought to the table, brioche with spring ramp butter, is so light/flavorful/heavenly, and the servers are more than happy to continue refilling your basket.

My night at Talula's Garden couldn't have been any better.  The service was excellent, the staff was friendly/helpful/charming in every way possible, there was nothing negative to report about the food/drink, and to top it all off I got to experience this all at one of the city's most serene/uplifting/sparkling gems.  Make a reservation.  Immediately.

Prost!

Stephen Starr's latest buzz-worthy spot, Frankford Hall, officially opens tomorrow (pics here).  Located on Frankford Ave, in Fishtown, just up the street from local fav Johnny Brenda's and newbie Fathom, the open-air, industrial outdoor space can accommodate up to 240 with it's picnic-style tables.  Similar to the Piazza (but without the hassle from security regarding open containers), Frankford Hall will host live music and project Phillies games during the week/end in the gravel garten filled with string lights and newly planted trees.  The space includes additional indoor seating, three bars, ping-pong tables, assorted German beer on tap, and snacks such as Bavarian bread dumplings and all of the many varieties of sausage (bratwurst/weisswurst/kasekraner) those Germans are so famous for.  An official menu has not been released, but Frankford Hall does open at noon on the weekends, so the possibility of the Nolibs/Fishtown area gaining a new brunch spot as well, looks pretty good.  See you there!  Prost!

Fine and Dandy

My new favorite place in the city, The Dandelion, is highly recommended and worth checking out.  Stephen Starr has hit this one out of the ballpark and across the pond.  Having been three times already for drinks/dinner/snacks, I have yet to be disappointed with any selection, and I am continuously surprised by my findings.  The two-story, double wide restaurant and bar is handsomely sexy and yet still cozy and inviting at the same time.  The stately staircase, tin ceilings, dark wood fireplaces (that actually work), and wallpapered walls all play a major role in the old English charm that The Dandelion exudes.  Whether, I am sitting at the crowded bar and laughing with great company, snuggled up in a corner next to the fireplace with another, or gathered around a large farmhouse table that seats 20, it is a completely different experience each time and keeps me coming back for more. 

The beer and cocktail list is inspired/original/mighty delicious, and although I wouldn’t call myself a very big beer drinker, the Raison D’etre could easily convince me to become one.  The dinner menu is classic/warming/magnificent, and the Duck Bolognese is something to be marveled.  Other dishes like the Fish and Chips (the most incredible I have ever tasted) or the Rabbit Pie are certainly worth licking your lips over.  Smaller dishes like the Salmon and Trout Pate and The Cheeseboard leave no room for complaints either.  The portions are all a great size and can easily be shared.

In addition to the great fare, the crowd is a mix of old and young/very good looking/ oh-so Rittenhouse.  This is the perfect spot for a date or a night out with your favorite guys and gals.  I am anxious to go back and check out their brunch menu or even sit down for a spot of tea, which is served daily between 3pm and 5pm.  A true ace!

Franklin vs. Ranstead

Franklin Mortgage and Ranstead Room are two bars that have very similar concepts.  Both play on the 1920s prohibition/speak easy era, neither serve vodka, and the drinks are marvelously inventive and delicious.  I’ve been to both recently adding to the handful of visits in the past, and while I am never disappointed with what my bartender is serving, I have come to the conclusion that I do prefer one bar over the other.  So, let’s break it down.

  

Franklin Mortgage                                                                                          

The entrance is off the street, down a set of stairs, and guarded by a man dressed in black.  With no windows or visible sign, it is easy to pass up or probably never notice; true speakeasy qualities!  The décor is handsome/cozy/true to the 1920s, and the lighting is perfectly balanced, providing a subtle and appealing sexiness to the environment making everyone around seem mysterious and intriguing.  The wait staff is attractive/witty/charismatic wearing stylish attire that has hints of that old world glam while still being modern.  While there is not a food menu, the cocktails more than make up for any appetite that would be cured with a fork and knife.  The little black book of drinks can be overwhelming with its ingredients and combinations, but you can easily rely on the fact that any selection made will be divinely pleasing.  Whether I am gathering with one or five friends, I have never been disappointed by Franklin Mortgage, and honestly there isn’t one bad quality I could find there.  The concept and its offerings are quite a success! 

On to the next one…

Ranstead Room

The entrance is located in the middle of a dark alley, and the only light provided is shown dimly on the front door that is labeled with an “R”, making its appearance temptingly forbidden.  The décor is straight out of the 70s, complete with questionably themed paintings and photos of pirates/hookers/driver’s licenses/porn stars, and the lighting is dim, so that reading the cocktail list by candlelight is actually necessary.  The wait staff carry tea lit candle holders creating an eerie, glowing orb of light reminiscent to scenes from Are You Afraid of the Dark?.   And the outfits , they remind me more of a 1950s saloon keeper than chic 20s speakeasy.  I am not quite sure what the intention is behind the music.  The volume is usually a little too low creating that weird, awkwardness where your voice is in between a whisper and a normal tone trying not to be the loudest person in the room yet also wanting what you’re saying to be heard by those sitting next to you.  And, there also happened to be one too many disco beats for my liking.  Food can be ordered from El Rey’s menu, since Ranstead Room shares a wall with the kitchen.  And although it’s appealing to be able to order a few small plates while at the bar , I am not quite sure how Mexican cuisine ties into the theme?  The cocktail menu has about a dozen drinks to choose from, and a “bartender’s choice” option for the adventurous.  I have taken the bartender up on their offers numerous times and I have never been disappointed.  Cheers to you, bartender!  But, excellent cocktails aside, overall the appearance(from what I could actually see) and vibe of Ranstead Room can be  quite confusing and sometimes uncomfortable.  It is not a place to gather with more than one or two others without feeling like all eyes are on you (and not in a good way).  However, if you want a smashing drink and pirate hookers are your thing, you might find this spot to be rather appealing.   No judgment!

The Conclusion…

While I’m not one to turn down a good drink, Ranstead Room has a discomforting and crazy, randomness to it that leads me to cast my vote towards Franklin Mortgage.  I enjoy the atmosphere and crowd, and the bar, overall, just seems a bit more sane than its contender.  Franklin Mortgage all around! 

The King

Mexican cuisine; who doesn't love it?  Easy to eat, always tasty, and never breaks the bank, it's perfect for a quick bite or to indulge in with a group of hungry amigos.  And, that is exactly what I had on the brain when I ventured to El Rey, the latest restaurant to occupy the former Midtown Diner (20th and Chestnut) owned by Stephen Starr.  As with most Starr restaurants, the place was crowded/eclectic/lively, but unlike past dining experiences, I was  provided with a foggy memory of eating french fries and grilled cheese sandwiches at 3 am after a night of heavy drinking.  And what I mean by this is that El Rey is basically still the Midtown Diner, same booth seating/counter/flooring/ceiling/fake stone wall, but it has been mildly transformed with some added artwork/mix-matched light fixtures/wallcovering into a grimy, old Mexican shack.  At the counter, where shots of tequila and margaritas of varying flavors were being poured, I thought I could still detect the smell of coffee that brewed for way too long some time ago.  I didn't happen to mind the minimal transformation, however.  If I had never been to that particular Midtown Diner, I probably would not have even picked up on this fact because it somehow works with the overall varied environment.

Besides the atmosphere, the menu was simple yet still playful with it's offerings so that it's not to be perceived as typical or boring.  With prices ranging on average between $7 to $15 for dishes that are large enough to share between two people, my amigos and I sampled quite a bit.  The guacamole which is large enough to order for a group of four or more was by far the best I have had in the city.  Another stand out item was the Steak Chilaquiles.  A few vegetarian options were offered such as Zucchini Blossom and Corn Quesadillas, which happened to be less desirable than anticipated, but still overall the menu was impressive given the appealing prices that I rarely find at Starr's restaurants.  And, the same held true for the drink menu averaging around $7 for mixed drinks and even less for a beer or glass of wine, which is at the complete opposite end of the spectrum compared to Starr's Ranstead Room, where drinks are typically $12.

Overall, El Rey was a great place to get some Mexican food, appealing, tasty drinks, and browse at the assortment of cultural, old newspaper and magazine clippings, as well as odd movie posters.  It took us about an hour to get a table, and the service at the bar was a bit slow (2 bartenders for the whole joint) but if you have yet to go and you've got tacos on the brain, it is worth checking out.

What's Going On?

Restaurant Week is back!  Don't forget to make your reservations for lunch and dinner during the weeks of January 16th - 21st and January 23rd - 28th.  I will be making repeat appearances at 20 Manning, Amada, and Barbuzzo, as well as checking out Stephen Starr's new spot The Dandelion for a bday celebration with the boyfriend.  What new spots or favorite places to dine will you be checking out?

Also, this Saturday The Soup Nazi himself will be serving behind the counter at Doc's Gourmet Soup on Girard in Nolibs.  I have never tried the soup, but this seems like a great time to check it out and hear that all too familiar line, "No soup for you"!