Now Seating: Aldine, Capital Teas, Hippot Shabu Shabu
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.
Just in time for the colder months, Chinatown gets another tabletop-cooking option.
Aldine | After nearly a year of anticipation, Aldine, the first solo venture from chef George Sabatino and his wife, Jennifer, is open. Taking over the airy second floor corner of 19th and Chestnut, the Sabatinos have transformed a former bar space into a gorgeous dining room with fantastic Center City views, pressed tin ceilings and photographs by Neal Santos. For now, Aldine is offering an a la carte menu, but Sabatino has plans for vegetarian and omnivore tasting menus going live in the next few weeks. At the bar, Jennifer has created a short and sweet cocktail program, including a frothy vodka Campari cocktail and a gin drink featuring fennel, Concord grape and sparkling wine. Tue.-Thu., 4-10 p.m; Fri.-Sat., 4-11 p.m.; Sun., 4-9 p.m. 1901 Chestnut St., 215-454-6529, aldinerestaurant.com.
Capital Teas | The first Philadelphia outpost of this Maryland-based mini chain of tea shops has roots deep in the tea biz: The founder’s great-great grandfather set up shop in Ceylon to get in on the tea trade. In addition to loose and brewed teas, Capital Teas is also selling lesser-known leaves like Argentine mate and Tea Lagers, sachets of tea meant to enhance your beer-drinking experience. Mon.-Thu., 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri., 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 1804 Chestnut St., 267-928-2856, capitalteas.com.
Hippot Shabu Shabu | Just in time for the colder months, Chinatown gets another tabletop-cooking option. In Hippot’s space-aged dining room, you can customize your herbal or spicy broth (half and half is available as well) with an array of noodles, vegetables and proteins, plus a rainbow of sauces and condiments. Adding to the futuristic vibes: iPad ordering. A liquor license is in the works. Sun.-Thu., 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. 1002 Arch St., 215-928-8838, hippotpa.com.
