Big Big News: Morgan's Pier Opens Today!
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
Leaving work a little early is probably a good idea.
Have you been suffering from a lack of Watermelon Rickys in your life? Well, relax, the wait is over! Morgan's Pier (221 N. Columbus Blvd.) is opening its doors this afternoon at 4 p.m. and we're more than a little excited. Here's what you need to know:
Food: David Gilberg and his wife Carla Goncalves, formerly of NoLibs BYO Koo Zee Doo are taking over the kitchen. While many folks were expecting a reprisal of the Portuguese fare the pair were known for at Koo Zee Doo, they are going the backyard barbecue route for this year's menu. As per usual at the Pier, the menu includes a little something for everyone, vegan, vegetarian plus plenty of good lookin' meat and seafood options. Starters include a watermelon salad with mint, lime and honey and little neck clams with white wine, cilantro and garlic bread. There's a lobster roll and a spinach and kale salad with farro and strawberries and plenty of sandwiches including an American cheese-topped burger on a potato roll, a mushroom banh mi and grilled fish sandwich with yogurt sauce in a pita. Oh, and if you're looking for some Portuguese flavor, Gilberg is going to be serving backyard barbecue-style piri-piri chicken. Goncalves is on dessert duty with a rotating roster of seasonal fruit pies.
Drinks: Ben Robling is heading up the beverage program for the second year in a row. He's lined up a serious list of summery craft cans like Shiner Ruby Redbird and Long Traill Blackbeary Wheat. The wine list is full of easy drinking deck wines like a rose from Gascony and a lightly effervescent vinho verde from Portugal. And the bar is going to be teaming up with Art in the Age for warm weather specialty cocktails starring Sage and Rhuby.
Entertainment: Morgan's Pier's summer lineup is already packed with all sorts of can't miss appearances from the likes of Holy Ghost!, Matthew Dear and Juan McLean brought in by Dave P. plus R5 booked free shows (tickets through RSVP) from Fucked Up and Merchandise.
