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Better Than Best: Food
Best Bone
It’s a testament to how far Philly has come that there are actually two notables in this category. And the fact that both of their uses of marrow are so different is yet another indication of how creative and technically proficient our city’s chefs are. At Bibou, it’s about the bone itself: Sliced lengthwise and looking for all the world like the tastiest, most unctuous canoe you’ve ever seen. Pub & Kitchen, on the other hand, incorporates it into their burger with a generous stroke of marrow-butter, lending each bite a familiar yet difficult-to-pin-down decadence that, frankly, puts most other burgers to shame. At both Bibou and P&K, the results are scary delicious-—so good they almost hurt.
Bibou, 1009 S. Eighth St. 215.965.8290. biboubyob.com; Pub & Kitchen, 1946 Lombard St. 215.545.0350. thepubandkitchen.com
Best Place to Get Your Pink Fix
With its bright pink and green walls decorated with cupcake pictures and figurines, Pamcakes: a Philly Cupcakery looks like a young girl’s paradise. The cupcakes they sell, however, are exciting enough to please an adult pallet. They have the traditional flavors you’ve come to know and love, of course. The Triple Chocolate Threat dotted with huge chocolate chips will thrill chocoholics. The Southern Red Velvet is a best seller. Then there are the gourmet flavors, like Key Lime Pie and PB&J. Fall flavors like Pumpkin Chip are popular right now. Try one today and bring out the kid in you.
Pamcakes: A Philly Cupcakery, 404 S. 20th St. 215.546.2860. pamcakes.net
Best Beer-Soaked Food
You can’t walk a block in Philly without stumbling into a serious craft beer. We’re kind of obsessed. It’s clear the city’s chefs know their way around a pint as well, expertly deglazing, marinating and battering their entrees with beer. Sure we like beer for the squiff, but it can also be used to elevate a brat or add some depth to soup. One of the most surprising beer additions is the tomato lager soup at the South Philly Tap Room, where Chef Scott Schroeder’s brew of choice is none other than good ol’ Yuengling Lager.
South Philly Tap Room, 1509 Mifflin St. southphiladelphiataproom.com
Best Place to Get a Hangover Destroying Gyro at 2 a.m. in West Philly
The most important decisions are made between 1 and 2 a.m., in that one hour right as the pub closes. Chug another one? Or eat something dangerously greasy that’ll destroy tomorrow’s hangover? The latter has been a difficult option for a very long time in West Philly—because nothing’s open—but not anymore. Open until 2 a.m., New York Gyro Place pushes Pakistani, Indian and American foods. The lamb and chicken gyros are extra-boss, super-juicy, and for $6, you also score fries and a soda popinski. Not even Mike Tyson could beat a hangover outta you like this combo.
New York Gyro Place, 4407 Chestnut St. newyorkgyroplace.com
Best All-Black Food
Black is the new black when it comes to some of the deepest, darkest, most soul-stirring eats out there. Not only does the ebony hue mean you’re about to eat something delicious, but studies have been telling us for years that the dark stuff is chock full of antioxidants. The pumpernickel bread at the home-grown Metropolitan bakery chain is a dense, dusky loaf with so many complex flavors, it can rival your favorite wine. The traditional European black rye is infused with caramelized onions, coffee, cocoa powder and molasses, and will turn your next turkey sandwich into a downright refined affair.
Metropolitan Bakery, various locations. metropolitanbakery.com
Best All-White Food
Atkins and The 4-Hour Body be damned, we will always love the white stuff. Because, sometimes, white is just right. Hence the delectable fried cauliflower at Zahav, where the oft-overlooked member of the cabbage family is taken to sweetened heights, thanks to a slow carmelization, labeneh yogurt, herbs and garlic. The candylike delight will set you back seven bucks and have you singing the praises of pasty foods everywhere.
Zahav, 237 St. James Place. zahavrestaurant.com
Most Difficult Sandwich to Eat with Dignity
It’s not the most polished thing in the world to admit, but we love food that ends up running down our arms, staining our shoes and leaving a well-earned ring around our lips. It’s just satisfying on some level. Which is why whenever we get the craving for a no-frills, hot meat sandwich (no, not that kind of hot meat sandwich), we go to Nick’s for the Old Original. It’s just a buttery bun and slow-cooked, perfectly seasoned roast beef on a plate, smothered in a peppery, onion-y gravy. Forget self-respect and dig in.
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1. Phillydave said... on Oct 19, 2011 at 01:32PM
“Is this the Staph Meal on meds site for the bomb throwing anarchist crowd that has a perverse interest in food? You bet it is!”
2. joshua said... on Oct 19, 2011 at 05:17PM
“@phillydave This is Joshua from staphmeal, what does that even mean?”
3. Thom said... on Oct 20, 2011 at 08:44AM
“Oh, Joshua. Go away already. Your 15 minutes is up”
4. Anonymous said... on Oct 20, 2011 at 09:01PM
“Those adjective descriptions are facinating. I had to read each entry to see what comes next. : )”
5. barryg said... on Oct 21, 2011 at 04:52AM
“Where is the Japanese restaurant on Washington Ave?
What's the ayce eat deal at Nam Phuong?”
6. lil said... on Oct 22, 2011 at 02:24AM
“Best brunch, lunch, dinner place u can ever go to!!”
7. Anonymous said... on Oct 22, 2011 at 07:42PM
“Most people think they can just starve themselves to lose weight but you can't do that because your body will go into something called starvation mode. What happens is your body will slowly eat itself. If you want to know why you can't starve yourself to lose weight, this article gives a great explanation on it.
explainlikeakid.blogspot.com/2011/10/why-you-cant-starve-yourself-to-lose.html”
8. Anonymous said... on Jan 5, 2012 at 01:51PM
“1 for mentioning Slayer.
-1000 for saying Buffalo Wild Wings is the best of the Northeast. Granted, there's not much to choose from in the Northeast, but BWW is garbage.
Fail.”