IrisPennsylvania’s Main Line, the line of communities that extend northwest of Philadelphia, is a cradle of great affluence and home to scores of restaurants. Unfortunately, many of those eateries present safe, pedestrian fare–often times lacking the excitement of their Center City counterparts.
Up until 2009, Main Liners had to venture into the city to places like José Garces’ Amada to seek out authentic Spanish tapas but along came Verdad (Spanish for ‘truth’) with a true committment to crafting authentic small plates. A peek behind the well-stocked bar (30 brands of tequila alone) reveals jamón dangling from a hook and wedges of soft Spanish cheeses destined for charcuterie and cheese plates. The menu offers a variety of small plates, tacos, and land and sea options.
Some of the menu highlights include:
- Fish taco – Flash-fried mahi mahi in a soy ginger sauce with carrot slaw, crisp cabbage in a flour tortilla
- Apple cider scallops – Seared sweet day boat scallops with crushed pistachio, arugula and apple cider jus
- Braised short rib – Meltingly tender short rib with smashed Yukon gold potatoes with a port wine reduction
- Braised rabbit – With sautéed artichokes, wild mushrooms and Muscadet
Tequila aficionados rejoice–the bar, which tends to get crowded on weekends, boasts 30 brands of tequila and offers 10 combinations of tequila flights. Chances are, if it’s made from blue agave, Verdad carries it. A limited, but intriguing selection of Spanish and South American wines are available as are specialty cocktails (the margaritas are standouts) and sangria. With so many libations on hand, it might be a good idea to draw straws and designate a driver prior to your arrival.
