A guide for oenophiles imbibing around town.
Grape expectations: Philly has some of the best wine bars in the country. (photo by michael persico)
An old Roman wise man once drunkenly proclaimed, "There are five reasons for drinking wine: the arrival of a friend; one's present or future thirst; the excellence of the wine; or any other reason." And Romans had orgies, sex slaves and self-induced vomiting facilities, so we're sure they knew how to party.
To party locally, try these Philly wine bars, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can try the group sex and bile afterward. Preferably in private.
If You're From the Old Neighborhood
The recently restored Chick's Caf� & Wine Bar (614 S. Seventh St. 215.625.3700) was once filled with spilled-over clientele from an Italian social club's spaghetti dinner fundraisers. Now it specializes in food and drink from Italy, Spain and France. With 50 wines offered by the glass, eight cheese choices and seven cured meat selections, you're sure to find a combo that'll meet your noshing needs. F I G C K
If You're Looking for Something Different
Those looking for something to spice up their wine tasting should try the "Unusual and Exciting" section of the menu at Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro (129 S. 13th St. 215.922.3095). Here you'll find an accessibly acidic white Casal Garcia Vinho Verde from Portugal, or if you swing more to the red side, tip back a lush and complicated Heritage Clones Petit Syrah from California. G C O K
If You're From G-Ho, Marian Anderson Heritage Village, SWCC, South of South or Whatever
Word is that the Graduate Hospital section of our fair city won out on the Who Gets the Next Tria (1137 Spruce St. 215.629.9200) competition. Until the construction is completed, G-Ho residents can enjoy what Bon Appetit called one of "The Hot" wine bars in the country at either the Rittenhouse or Midtown Village location. Sample from one of the greatest selections of wine and cheese not just in our city but in the country. G C K
If You Don't Have the Inside Scoop
Props to PW 's resident food critic Adam Erace for giving us the heads up about Paradiso (1627 E. Passyunk Ave. 215.271.2066). Although more of a great Italian restaurant than a wine bar, the place does have 16 by the glass and around 100 by the bottle as well as one of the best dishes we've ever eaten: day boat scallops wrapped in speck over braised marmalade endive. I G C K
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1. Lolaphl said... on Nov 20, 2008 at 06:11AM
“If You're From G-Ho, Marian Anderson Heritage Village, SWCC, South of South or Whatever....try Meritage. They have one of the most impressive wine cellars in the city and one of the most acomplished female sommeliers to help you through it. Plus, the company at the bar is always good.”