Candis R. McLean
Dining at The Barnes
The Garden Restaurant at the Barnes is excited to announce it’s official reopening this Saturday, January 16 with several special menu items. All tastemakers are welcome to stop by for dine in or pickup as the perfect way to end a day of browsing some of the nation’s finest art at The Barnes Foundation. Especially since this is the last weekend to see the Elijah Pierce’s America exhibit.
- Hours of operation: Friday-Monday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- limited seating capacity inside to align with city guidelines + to-go available
Specials for this weekend are:
- Open-face Croissant Breakfast Melt | fluffy scrambled eggs, cheddar, smoked bacon, avocado, breakfast home fries
- Cuban Panini | slow braised pork, ham, pickles, swiss, house fries
- Barnes Burger | lettuce, tomato, avocado, secret sauce, house fries
- Avocado Toast | arugula, goat cheese, tomato, extra virgin olive oil
- Ultimate Bloody Mary | house-made bloody mary, antipasto garnish (italian meats, cheese, olives)
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Two Local Chefs Launch Remi Ricotta
A new pasta-centric concept will be running out of Chef Townsend Wentz’s Oloroso this Monday. The launch event will include an exciting four-course menu (for takeout). A collaboration between Chefs Christopher Godfrey (formerly of Bibou) and Jason Peabody, this inspired concept illustrates how many local chefs have gotten creative during these trying months.
The Remi Ricotta menu includes playful takes on salads, antipasti, pasta and desserts, including the “Five-a-Bean” Salad; Mortadella Toast; Potato Gnocchi; and Dirty Chai Tiramisu, hibiscus cured tilefish; hand-cut pappardelle with mushroom ragu; wood grilled prawns; and dark chocolate mousse, and will feature sandwich selections in the future. The exciting new pop-up is open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Dinner costs $45 and is available for pickup at Oloroso between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. Vegetarian and vegan substitutions are available. Orders can be placed at ouipopup.com.
Learn more about Remi Ricotta and place orders at remiphl.com.
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Indoor Dining Returns in Philly
Philadelphia is lifting the ban on indoor dining by allowing guests to dine indoors at 25% capacity while following strict social distancing and safety protocols, effective Saturday January 16. There are several restaurants that will be partaking in indoor dining as well as continue with take away as of this Saturday, and here are a few.
• Assembly Rooftop Lounge: Assembly Rooftop Lounge, Center City’s rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, will re-open on Saturday January 16 at 4 p.m. with an ample supply of fire pits and brand new heat lamps to keep guests warm amidst the winter weather.
• The Bourse: The Bourse is set to open for indoor dining seven days a week. Guests are invited to browse the food hall and indulge in a variety of food options from multiple vendors including Prescription Chicken, Marino Brothers, Scoop DeVille Ice Cream, The Original Hot Dog Factory, and Grubhouse while practicing social distancing. Due to big open spaces in the large food hall, operators are able to comfortably spread out all tables for guests dining indoors. Additionally, the food hall staff has installed sneeze guards at all vendors, floor markers distanced at six feet apart, and hand sanitizer stations at each entrance. No reservations needed.
• East Passyunk Avenue: East Passyunk Ave has several restaurants opening for indoor dining at 25% capacity while adhering to safety protocol and CDC guidelines. Eateries such as Barcelona Wine Bar, River Twice, La Scala’s Birra, and Flannel are set to open for service with masks and face shields worn by employees, increased cleaning, timed reservations, and even contactless payment and QR codes at various restaurants.
• Forsythia: Forsythia, Old City’s French bar and restaurant helmed by Chef Christopher Kearse, is set to re-open its doors for socially-distanced indoor dining on Friday, January 29. The restaurant will only take on 18 guests at a time to guarantee a safe and intimate dining experience with French cuisine boasting Charcuterie, Mussels, Shiitake Mushroom Tartine, Rohan Duck, Seared Scallops, and more. Forsythia provides hand sanitizer at each table, paper menus, and currently accepts contactless payment only. Masks and face shields will be worn by all employees throughout service, and any high traffic as well as food and beverage preparation areas are covered by plexiglass shields. Reservations via the website or Resy are highly recommended.
• MilkBoy, The Philadelphia-born brand that includes a legendary recording studio in Northern Liberties and bar-and-restaurant concepts MilkBoy Philly and MilkBoy South Street, will open its South Street location for indoor dining while adhering to social distancing guidelines. Diners can look forward to a stellar menu featuring tasty bites and libations including burger variations, fried chicken, cocktails, canned beers, and a unique selection of house-made seltzers. Contact-less menus via scannable QR codes are available.
• Red Owl Tavern: Red Owl Tavern strictly enhanced all its health and cleaning protocols to offer a safe and welcoming space for indoor diners. For example, the restaurant is following all city and statewide safety protocols, is using EPA-registered cleaning products and is conducting daily health screenings of all employees. Red Owl Tavern’s winter menu includes old favorites and new creations such as Roasted Chicken, Salmon with tomato, avocado, corn, meyer lemon and a Cheesesteak with cheddar and fried onions
• Square 1682: Square 1682 is excited to welcome back indoor diners for dinner service with offerings such as a Crab Cake Sandwich, Cauliflower Curry, Gnocchi, Jerk Chicken and more. Weekend brunch will also be available. To guarantee each diner’s safety and well-being, Square 1682 is following all city and statewide safety protocols.
• Urban Farmer: Urban Farmer is all set for indoor dining. Guests can look forward to a locally sourced menu offering grass-fed steaks, skuna bay salmon, pork chop, sandwiches and more, available for indoor and outdoor dining. Urban Farmer is working closely with the PA Department of Health to keep all diners safe. Reservations are strongly encouraged, and credit card transactions preferred.
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Jet Wine Bar Celebrates Biden-Harris Win with Inauguration Wine Package
Jet Wine Bar is celebrating the incoming administration with an Inauguration Wine Package comprising two wines paying homage to President-Elect Joe Biden and two paying homage to Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris, PLUS a “Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia” ornament and a Jet Wine Bar logo tote bag. The amazing package is available for purchase and pickup now through Wednesday, January 20.
The Inauguration Wine Package was carefully curated by Jet Wine Bar Owner and Wining Archaeologist, Jill Weber. Weber also partnered with local Philadelphia company, Resting Gift Face, for a custom “Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia” ornament with an illustration of a Gritty graffiti adorned dancing USPS mailbox.
“Joe Biden hails from Scranton, PA and his wife, Jill, was born down the interstate in Willow Grove. So, we stopped halfway between the two for some wine from Galen Glen Winery,” said Weber. “Biden also happens to be only the second Catholic president. He has visited the Vatican, and the Pope was among the earliest to call with congratulations on his 2020 win. So, we think a wine from Lazio – the location of Rome and the Vatican – is fitting.”
Paying homage to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, the Inauguration Wine Package includes:
- Galen Glen Red German Bastards 2019, PA
- Casale Marchese Frascati, Italy
- Land of Saints Grenache + Syrah 2017, CA
- McBride Sisters Brut Rosé, New Zealand
“This inauguration isn’t just about the President,” said Weber. “This historic incoming administration features the first woman Vice-President, Kamala Harris. Harris was born in California into a family that melds Jamaican, Indian, and American roots. We think Land of Saints reflects that blend of cultures as it is a collaboration between owners of Kiwi, Cornish, and Mexican-American descent – based in California. Harris is not just the first female VP, she is also a Black woman. So, we’re breaking out the bubbles from the McBride Sisters – the largest Black-owned winery – whose Brut Rosé is sure to get the party started!”
The wine package, perfect for a last minute gift or a toast on Inauguration Day, is available for purchase and pickup now through Wednesday, January 20, 2021 for $140 here.
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Philly Tap & Tavern Opens at Harrah’s
Harrah’s Philadelphia in Chester just opened a new restaurant! The new look is a reimagining of Philly Tap & Tavern. The restaurant offers a new spin on a fan favorite, featuring fantastic food and drink only steps from the casino action.
Open for lunch and dinner, this casual fare eatery brings an exciting take on bold Philly flavors. Enjoy mouthwatering shareables, small bites, handheld classics, and featured Tavern Favorites. Tap into our diverse beverage selection of local and craft beers, Ferrari-Carano wines, and signature cocktails. Unwind in Philly Tap’s laid-back atmosphere and catch the game on our large flat screen TVs – all while taking in the views of the racetrack and Delaware River.
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Snow and Rain Day Deals
When the flurries or rain begins a few restaurants and bars in the city are offering amazing food and booze discounts. With warm cocktails and tasty dishes on the menu, each spot makes venturing out into the winter wonderland worth it.
• Red Owl Tavern, the neighborly yet sophisticated tavern located by Independence Mall, is offering a Snow Day Special of a piping hot cup of Mulled Wine for just $1 with any food purchase! This deal will be available all season long, anytime it snows. In addition, Red Owl Tavern will adapt its Rainy Day Special into a Snow Day Special – On snowy days, guests can take 15% off pickup or delivery orders using the promo code RAIN. Red Owl Tavern has an array of items perfect for a wintry day, including creamy Tomato Bisque, a chef’s choice of Pasta of the Day, or a hearty Grilled Chicken Club with chipotle ranch and hickory bacon, served with fries. To order, guests can call the restaurant or order online here.
• Philadelphia Brewing Company, the city’s largest and oldest brewery located in Kensington, is offering a wintry take on a Philly favorite: the Snow Day Citywide Special. Anytime it snows, guests can stop by the brewery to enjoy a Philadelphia classic revered year-round: A pint of choice and a well shot for just $7. This offer is only available to sit-in at Philadelphia Brewing Company’s covered and heated courtyard patio – beats being in the house!
You can follow Candis McLean on Twitter (@CandisRMcLean) and e-mail her at [email protected].
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