Flavors of the Avenue Preview
One of the major perks of being a food writer is the scores of media passes, tickets, and invitations I get on a regular basis. Obviously, I cannot attend all of the culinary events to which I get invited, but every now and then an event so epic comes along that saying no isn’t an option. When I received an invite from Philly PR whiz Kory Aversa (of Aversa PR) to attend the Flavors of the Avenue preview, I jumped at the chance. Flavors of the Avenue is one of East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District’s (EPABID) signature events that highlights the many eateries that...
Read MoreA Burger Worth Traveling For
The MOINK burger, fries, and an old-fashioned Boylan soda Ottsville. Ever heard of it? Probably not, but it’s a town worth plugging into your GPS. Why? Because it’s home of one of the best burgers on the planet. Those of us who have stood in line at the MOO truck on the grounds of the Ottsville Farmers Market know just how delicious the burgers–crafted from local ingredients–are. Now, as seems the fashion, the MOO truck has morphed into a bona-fide 46-seat brick-and-mortar restaurant (don’t fret–the food truck will still be available for private events...
Read MoreHidden Gem Alert: El Tule (Lambertville, NJ)
Trio of traditional Mexican tacos Though postage stamp-sized, Lambertville is one of those tiny towns teeming with curious little shops, narrow alleyways, and a surprising number of eateries. It is separated from its sister city New Hope by the Delaware River and, when coupled together, the quaint duo makes for a fun day trip. When it comes to Lambertville and New Hope, I’m no stranger to “stumble travel”–that means no GPS, no itinerary, no concrete plans–I literally stumble upon interesting spots and almost always discover a gem. I...
Read MoreOn the ‘Mein’ Line: Dining at Nectar
Underneath a crisp sheath of pomegranate-glazed tempura pumpkin, a mélange of roasted pumpkin, avocado, and sushi rice come together in this seasonal roll. Nectar–the Main Line’s French-Asian fusion monolith–is just as much about numbers as it is about food. From the billowy 18-foot silkscreen Buddha tapestry that towers over the cavernous 200-seat dining room to the $5 million David Rockwell-designed interior, the restaurant evokes a sexy, cosmopolitan air sorely missing from the suburban dining landscape–especially that of the Main Line’s. It is...
Read MoreA NoBL Effort: The Reopening
There’s nothing better than the opening of a suburban restaurant whose menu could very well rival those of its city-dwelling counterparts. When NoBL (an acronym that nods to its geographic North of Baltimore & Lansdowne location; pronounced “noble”) arrived on the scene, it signaled a much-needed change for an area known more for its hair and nail salons and takeout joints than anything else. But were Delco diners ready for Mediterranean small plates and a wildly eclectic, offal-heavy ”midnight special” staff meal? Like a suitor trying to win the...
Read MoreWho is The Palate Princess?
Iris McCarthy is a food writer and author of the popular book Food Lovers' Guide to Philadelphia. This website is where she gets to sound off on all things culinary.