A New Year, A New Critic, A New Beginning

Recently I have been on a dining out binge. Almost 4 days out of the week I have either been dining out or have ordered takeout.

Below are some of the places where I have been.

My favorite will always be close to my heart and that is Chinese and Malay Cuisine. My favorite spots right now are in Philly Chinatown. Shao Lan Kung and Penang which always sates my appetite. Shao Lan Kung has the most divine hot and sour soup. It's spicy with a nice hint of Chinese vinegar and the heat from the broth will definitely warm your soul on a cold winter day. Penang is my other favorite because of the interpretation of Malaysian cuisine is very clean and modern.

My other go to dining option is Vietnamese food. My dining partner and I frequent Cafe Diem near the South Philly Italian Market. I love their Bun Bo Hue, Vietnamese style spicy beef soup with noodles that are similar to spaghetti noodles.

For my Mexican you can't go wrong with Tacqueria Verracruzana in South Philly. Their tacos are a treat for me. I usually order the Chorizo, Al Pastor, & Bistec with a side of Guacamole.

For my sandwich fix I make my trek to South Philly again to John's Roast Pork. In my opinion they have the best overall Cheesesteak and Pork Sandwich in the city. They use freshly baked Carangi Rolls that are seeded. The grill people know had to assemble an out of this world cheesesteak. The Pork Sandwich has so much flavor you have to try to it .

Chickie's Deli by the Italian Market makes a mean hoagie. I usually get the vegetarian hoagie with hot sausage. Yup that is 2 hoagies in one it's insane.


For pizza I do Rustica in Northern Liberties. Their crust is dense and the toppings make this a place definitely to visit. It should be the best of Philly Pizza in my book.

My future visits are to Village Whiskey Jose Garces new burger joint. They offer a burger with foie gras can we say tastebud overload. Osteria Marc Vetri Italian bistro on Broad Street is a must on my list. Michael Shulson's place called Sampan which is an tapas asian eatery in town. Table 31 George Perrier is on my radar for steakhouse to visit. I look forward to dining at Lacroix for their brunch. Matyson Cafe and Percy Street BBQ on south street. Bibou Pierre Calmels place in Bella Vista. Snackbar is on my hit list too. Pub and Kitchen, Kanella, and Talula's Table in Kennet Square.

The dynamic of dining has changed tremendously in the last year. Gone are the lavish dining out options. BYOB's have been the norm for me this year. I am in the process of transforming my blog to a TV pilot. I am planning on launching a pilot in the upcoming months.

I'm also plan on traveling more this year. I am looking to hit up Washington, D.C. (Jose Andres restaurants Mini Bar, Cafe Atlantico and Michael Mina Steakhouse), New York City (Corton, Little Owl, Spotted Pig, DBGB Kitchen, Le Bernadin, and MomoFuku) and Boston (Langham Hotel). So lots of good things happening this year and hope you can join me in finding all the good eats around town and beyond.