East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) cooks up the first-ever East Passyunk Restaurant Week on Sunday, February 24 through Saturday, March 2, 2013. Twenty-one award-winning restaurants along Philadelphia’s “Food Neighborhood of the Year” (Zagat) will serve up three course, value priced brunch, lunch and dinner menus for $15, $25 and $35. From low key BYOBs to elegant candlelight dining to Italian “red gravy” joints to Mexican street food, East Passyunk Restaurant Week boasts a diversity of dining experiences and cuisines that offers something for everyone. East Passyunk’s top chefs will offer special off-menu items in addition to their standard signature dishes. Select restaurants will further personalize the experience with drink pairings, add-on specials, dessert debuts, extended hours and other rewards to delight foodies from around the region.
For menus and reviews visit www.eastpassyunkrestaurantweek.com. Menus go live starting at Noon on January 31, 2013. Additional menu updates will appear on this website, Facebook (East Passyunk Avenue) and Twitter (@epassyunkave #passyunk). Reservations are now open. Call TODAY and remember to come hungry!
“East Passyunk Restaurant Week celebrates the amazing talent that makes our dining scene so unique,” said EPABID Executive Director Renee Gilinger. “Our award-winning chefs will wow diners with seasonal cuisines, experimental dishes, neighborhood favorites and signature specialties. Guests are already starting to call for reservations so my personal advice is to call early and, without a doubt, come hungry!”
For full menus and additional details, visit www.eastpassyunkrestaurantweek.com starting at Noon on January 31, 2013. Lunch and $15 menus will debut between 12:00pm and 1:00pm; $25 menus will debut between 7:00pm and 8:00pm; and $35 menus will debut on Friday, February 1, 2013 between 9:00am and 10:00am. Menu and restaurant summaries are listed below.
* $15 MENU HIGHLIGHTS *
Adobe Café (1919 EPA) – This Southwestern retreat will serve brunch on Sunday, and lunch Thursday through Saturday, with choice of soup or salad, entrée, and cheesecake or key lime pie.
El Zarape (1648 EPA) – ‘Best of Philly’ winner for best tacos will serve lunch Sunday through Saturday with highlights such as Mango Salad (Mango, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onions, achiote vinaigrette) and Grilled Salmon (with spinach and black bean salsa). BYOB
Fuel (1917 EPA) – Recharge with a full menu of paninis, wraps and salads made fresh with 100% organic ingredients and all under 500 calories. Lunch and dinner will run Sunday through Saturday, with any soup or salad; any panini, wrap or salad; and regular smoothies, cappuccino or dessert. For $25, enjoy the bonus of an appetizer and regular smoothie, or a cappuccino and dessert. BYOB
Marra's (1734 EPA) – Everyone’s favorite “red gravy” joint sticks to the basics with lunch Sunday through Saturday with favorites such as Chicken Cacciatore, Ravioli Sorrento and Penne Campagnola. Add a glass of wine for only $3.00. Reservations are available by calling (215) 463-9249.
Plenty (1710 EPA) – This gourmet quick-serve café will offer brunch, lunch and dinner, Sunday through Saturday, with choice of one of six specialty sandwiches, including new Provencal (grilled Ahi Tuna, olive tempanade, caramelized fennel, bibb lettuce, lemon zest crumb and cibatta). BYOB
Stogie Joe's (1801 EPA) – Your go-to place for friendly folks, cold beer and a relaxing atmosphere offers their famous meatball sandwich with choice of soup or salad, and a glass of wine all day and night for lunch, Sunday through Saturday.
South Philly Bar & Grill (1235 EPA) – America’s favorite sports bar offers brunch, lunch and dinner, Sunday through Saturday, with their famous mussels and pasta (White wine and garlic, marinara or Fra Diavolo) and the debut of Rocky Road Bread Pudding (Shorty's homemade bread pudding with chocolate, marshmallow and almonds). Add a South Philly Tap Water or Mummer’s Strut Cocktail for only $5.00. Special menu is eat-in only. Reservations are available by calling (215) 334-3300.
* $25 MENU HIGHLIGHTS *
Adobe Café (1919 EPA) – Diners will enjoy flexibility as they dine Sunday through Saturday, with choice of soup or salad, any entrée and any dessert. Their full service bar offers one of the best margaritas in Philadelphia. Reservations are available by calling (215) 551-2243.
Birra (1700 EPA) – This warm and cozy restaurant and full service bar offers five new off-menu specials during dinner service, Sunday through Saturday, including Shrimp and Grits (Seared jumbo shrimp, stone ground polenta, garlic and shallots, chilis, fontina and fresh chives), Seared Octopus (with tomato compote, 12 bean medley, shaved fennel, Hungarian paprika, fresh lemon and oregano and extra virgin olive oil) and Truffle Pizza (Taleggio, mozzarella, local mushrooms, infused extra virgin olive oil, shaved black truffle, toppied with a fried egg). Reservations accepted for parties of six or more by calling (267) 324-3127.
Cantina Los Caballitos (1651 EPA) – This “Best of Philly” winner boasts a specially created menu with an optional tequila pairing ($10 more) for dinner Sunday through Thursday. Highlights will include Grilled Squid Steak (with Chimichurri, Mexican greens, roasted corn salsa, white rice, with optional pairing of Don Julio Blanco) and Roasted Pork Loin (with Peanut Mole, refried beans, vegetable rice, paired with optional Cazadores Reposado). Vegan options are available. Reservations are available at (215) 755-3550.
El Zarape (1648 EPA) – Dinner is available at this “Best of Philly” winner, Sunday through Saturday, including Lobster Tail Al Pastor (served with pinapple salsa and assorted vegetables) and New York Strip Steak Fajita (10 ounce steak with tortillas, guacamole, crema, pica de gallo). BYOB
Mamma Maria (1637 EPA) – Mamma’s lunch menu includes a creamy pasta course and choice of main like chicken in white wine sauce or tilapia in lemon sauce. Enjoy lunch Monday through Friday. Price includes complimentary red or white wine, homemade limoncello, cake and espresso, cappuccino or coffee. Call (215) 463-6884 for reservations.
Marra's (1734 EPA) – Enjoy authentic Italian cooking with dinner Sunday through Saturday, with signature dishes, such as Clams Casino or Mussels (in red or white sauce), and Veal Alaska (topped with crabmeat, asparagus and mozzarella in a cream sauce) or Chicken Florentine (topped with prosciutto, spinach and mozzarella in a Marsala wine sauce). Add a salad for $2.00 and a glass of wine for only $3.00. Reservations are available by calling (215) 463-9249.
Noir (1909 EPA) – This alluring dining destination offers dinner Sunday and Tuesday through Saturday. Their Montreal influenced Italian cuisine includes Moules Frites (Mussels, spinach, tomato, roasted garlic, house fries), Risotto Balls (with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto) and Creamy Chicken Pot Pie (with roasted vegetables and puff pastry).
Stogie Joe's (1801 EPA) – Dinner is available Sunday through Saturday, and features house-made soup (including Escarole and Bean) or salad, choice of any pasta dish (except ravioli), garlic bread, a meatball and a glass of wine. Menu is available all day and night.
* $35 MENU HIGHLIGHTS *
Chiarella's (1600 S. 11th St.) – Classic Italian meets contemporary creativity with dinner service on Sunday Monday, Wednesday through Saturday, with favorites like Rigatoni Bolognese (Beef and sausage braised in Burgandy wine, with classic red "gravy" with rigatoni), Veal Saltimbocca (Medallions of veal topped with prosciutto and mozzarella cheese sauteed in Marsala wine with mushrooms) and Stuffed Pork Rollatini (Spinach and sharp Provolone cheese served with a white wine sauce with sweet peppers, onions and mushrooms over a bed of roasted garlic mashed potatoes). Reservations available on Open Table or by calling (215) 334-6404. BYOB
Da Vinci (1533 S. 11th St.) – Enjoy an authentic taste of Italy with dinner service Sunday, and Tuesday through Friday, with tempting selections like house-made Gnocchi Di Ricotta (with fresh ricotta in truffle cream sauce) and Rock Fish (with shallots, lemon and white wine sauce). Don’t miss the complimentary glass of homemade wine and homemade after-dinner cordials (including cellos in lemon to basil to chocolate). Add a dessert course for only $5.00. BYOB
Fond (1537 S. 11th St.) – Nothing says winter like Roasted Mushroom Risotto and Beef Short Ribs with Carmelized Onion Spaetzle, Brussels Sprouts and Bordelaise. Save room for Belle Cakery's Malted Milk Chocolate Ice Cream and Peanut Brittle. Before and after dinner, don’t miss the hottest barstool in town at Fond’s new custom-made bar. Full dinner menu with other seasonal offerings and table availability will be coming soon.
Izumi (1601 EPA) – Izumi offers high-end Japanese cuisine at neighborhood prices and their special menu stays true to this. Guest will have a choice of decadent appetizers like Duck and Foie Gras Dumplings followed by a chef’s selections of their award-winning sushi. They’ve even thrown in a complimentary dessert, Un Donut with Red Bean Dipping Sauce. Special dinner menu is offered Sunday and Tuesday through Friday, call (215) 271-1222 for reservations. BYOB
Kris (1100 Federal St.) – The former Kristian’s modern Italian menu will offer diners choices of appetizers like Crispy Calamari and Hand-Made Swiss Chard-Ricotta Ravioli; main dishes like their popular risotto, for their special menu presented with Seared Wild Sea Scallops, Mushroom and Brussels Sprouts; and decadent desserts including Tiramisu and Ricotta Donuts. Reservations are available on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday through Saturday by calling (215) 468-0104 or on Open Table.
Le Virtu (1927 EPA) – This homage to Abruzzo was just named one of the top 10 hottest Italian restaurants in the nation by Zagat and their special menu is designed to give diners a taste of what makes this region of Italy so unique. Highlights include their house-made charcuterie, Palott cac' e ove (braised egg & cheese croquettes in tomato sauce), and Maccheroni alla mugnaia (hand-pulled single-strand pasta), some of their most typical Abruzzese and signature dishes. Special menu is available Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, call (215) 271-1222 for reservations. Please specify “Restaurant Week,” entire table must order Restaurant Week menu.
Mamma Maria (1637 EPA) –Sample Mamma's signature dishes from Mamma’s famous prix-fixe dinner menu such as Chicken alla Mamma (chicken breast sautéed in vodka, garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in cream sauce) and Flounder Francese (flounder dipped in delicate egg-batter dipped and sautéed in fresh lemon sauce) without the commitment to a 7-course experiment in gluttony! Dinner is available Sunday through Friday and includes complimentary red or white wine, homemade limoncello, dessert and espresso, cappuccino or coffee. Call (215) 463-6884 for reservations.
Paradiso (1627 EPA) – Restaurant Week highlights from this modern Italian neighborhood favorite include their House-Made Ricotta and Roasted Beet salad served with blood oranges and honey from bees raised right on the restaurant’s roof and special for the week will be a Semolina Gnocchi with Veal Sausage and Tallegio Crema. Add an optional pasta course for an $8 supplement. Menu is offered Sunday, and Tuesday through Friday. Reservations available on Open Table or by calling (215) 271-2066. Menu is subject to change.
Stateside (1536 EPA) – Between their recent feature on Anthony Bourdain’s The Layover and winning Philadelphia Magazine’s highly coveted number one spot on the Top 50 Restaurants in the City, this restaurant has gone from a small place to enjoy an American-distilled beverage to a dining destination.
Tre Scalini (1915 EPA) – Tre Scalini has stood the test of time as an East Passyunk favorite and their special menu offers authentic traditional Italian menu items, with a mix of regular menu favorites and specials for the week. Their daily-changing special polenta dish, a favorite of diners, will be presented as Grilled Polenta with Broccoli Rabe. And if you want to totally lose your mind, opt for the Branzino "Aqua Pazza," (literally translated Mad Water) an authentic Italian dish of fish poached in aromatic broth. All regular menu items are available a la carte. Price does not include soft beverages. Menu is offered Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday, call (215) 551-3870 for reservations. BYOB
Will BYOB (1911 EPA) – Dinner at Will BYOB is part meal, part art museum visit thanks to artfully presented plates meant to delight all of the senses. Chef Christopher Kearse is offering highlights from his new seasonal winter menu, including favorites like Whole Roasted Miatake Mushroom with Ricotta, Madeira and Petit Herbs and Barnegat Light Scallops with Jerusalem Artichoke, Celery and Nasturtium. Add 3 Oysters with Yuzu and Saffron Sorbet for a $10 supplement. Special dinner menu is only available Wednesday and Thursday, so don’t wait to visit Open Table or call (215) 271-7683 for reservations. BYOB
For additional information please contact the restaurants directly or call EPABID at (215) 336-1455. Follow East Passyunk’s dining journey on Twitter at @epassyunkave and #passyunk.
About EPABID
East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District is home to 150 independently owned shops and markets that perfectly balances the best of the old and the new, mixing old world shopping, authentic Italian restaurants, world famous cheese steaks, with trendy boutiques, handmade arts, world-class cuisine and record-breaking events.
Chef-driven restaurants have pushed this once-faded community into the national spotlight. East Passyunk Avenue boasts more than 30 eateries, from authentic traditional Italian restaurants to gastropubs, including four of Philadelphia magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants: Stateside, Le Virtu, Fond and Will. Capogiro Gelato Artisans scoops up National Geographic’s “best ice cream in the world” just down the block from cheese steak global headquarters, where Pat’s and Geno’s still vie to be called the best of this Philly staple.
Anchored by the beautifully restored Singing Fountain, a communal gathering place on Tasker Street, this store-lined commercial corridor hosts events of all shapes and sizes. Annual outdoor favorites include foodie-festival Flavors of the Avenue, the Car Show & Street Festival, Farmers’ Markets and East Passyunk Craft Beer Day.
For more information and directions, like East Passyunk Avenue on Facebook, follow @epassyunkave on Twitter, pin East Passyunk Avenue on Pinterest or visit www.visiteastpassyunk.com.
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