Three new restaurants to try
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.
Tres elegant French fare, a Mexican BYO and more.
Cafe Ynez
via @PhillySOSNA
via @PhillySOSNA
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Morgan’s Pier | Watermelon Ricky season is upon us once again and Morgan’s Pier is open for business. This year, David Gilberg, formerly of Koo Zee Doo, is heading up the kitchen and serving an approachable menu of backyard barbecue-inspired fare. He’s got an American cheese-topped burger on a Martin’s potato bun, pulled pork with Creole slaw, a lobster roll with lemon butter and, as a nod to his Portuguese cooking past, Piri Piri grilled chicken with cole slaw and potato salad. Along with the Pier’s awesome selection of canned craft beers and seasonal drafts, the bar is rolling out a selection of new cocktails — featuring Art in the Age Spirits like Rhuby Lemonade with locally made rhubarb spirit, citron vodka, house-made lemonade and bitters. Oh, and this season’s booking is looking solid with DJ sets from Holy Ghost!, Matthew Dear and Tiga already lined up. Kitchen hours Mon.-Fri., 4 -10 p.m.; Sat., 12 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. 221 N. Columbus Blvd., 215-279-7134, morganspier.com.
Townsend | Taking over the bi-level East Passyunk storefront that was home to Salt and Pepper and the short-lived Sophia’s, owner/chef Townsend Wentz is rolling out a tres elegant menu of French fare with a smart wine list to match. Starters include spring plates like a warm vegetable salad with ramps, fiddlehead ferns, favas and artichokes and sweetbreads with grilled veal tongue, served with white asparagus and frisee. Lauren Harris has hand selected a killer wine list that includes everything from a premier cru white burgundy to a lesser known and entirely lovely Chasselas. Hours Sun.-Mon., 5-10 p.m.; Wed.-Thu., 5-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 5-11 p.m.1623 E. Passyunk Ave., 267-639-3203, townsendrestaurant.com.
Cafe Ynez | Washington Avenue West is getting a little less wild with the opening of Mexican BYO Cafe Ynez. From the crew who brought you JET Wine Bar and Rex 1516, chef JC Pina is doing south-of-the border takes on breakfast — like a revueltos panini with eggs, tomato, bacon and queso fresco, chilaquiles with red tomatillo sauce, plus rotisserie chicken and pineapple-habanero salsa-topped fish tacos. Mixers are available by the pitcher if you care to bring your own tequila. Hours Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 2025 Washington Ave., 215-278-7579, cafeynez.com.
