I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m just at a loss for what to make for dinner and I want to break free and have someone else plan the menu, cook the meal to perfection, and then do the dishes while I sit back and enjoy my dessert. So, I am excited that learn that the River Wards are hosting Restaurant and Cafe Week from October 2nd to October 8th, 2011. All restaurants will have special deals and price fix menus ranging from $5 to $30. Not only will someone else be doing all the work, but nine “someones” are on board for the event. I have taken the liberty of doing the leg work for you. All you need to do now is show up and enjoy what these fine establishments are cooking up! You will find a mixture of special event menus and special deals and surprises being whipped up by the culinary geniuses behind the menus of Brindle Café, Byrne’s Tavern, Frankford Hall, Green Rock Cafe, The Hinge, Johnny Brenda’s Tavern, New Wave Café, Soup Kitchen, and Thang Long Noodle. So, head on out to dinner with friends and family. Rediscover an old favorite or make new friends and find a new favorite. And, just think, your dishwasher will be empty all week!
I stopped by to visit with Scott from the Brindle Café who is new to Restaurant and Café Week this year. Scott is a neighborhood guy and is stoked about the opportunity to serve his usual customers something new and also to meet more friends and neighbors during the week-long event. Scott has put a spicy little twist on his regular menu just for the occasion and put together two options for diners. He proudly offers a vegetarian friendly option and you can opt to either take the dishes home to your house or enjoy the atmosphere he has created at Brindle Café — either way, your taste buds will thank you! I, for one, am sold on the limeade; I mean who doesn’t love limeade?
Byrne’s Tavern is a Port Richmond Landmark. If you’ve ever traveled on I-95, the giant crab claw just pulls you in! Who doesn’t love their spicy crabs and potato logs that are legendary to the area in addition to their amazing sandwiches, cold beers, and a friendly atmosphere? Byrne’s wings are the best you will ever taste and once you taste them, you are hooked for life. Stop in to Byrne’s during Restaurant Week and enjoy the cuisine that has kept neighbors coming back since 1978!
Authentic Bavarian Fare…in Fishtown? Yep! If you have not yet had an opportunity to visit Frankford Hall, Stephen Starr’s latest installment, use Restaurant and Café Week as your excuse. Stroll on over to Frankford and Girard and enter the beer garden’s wide open spacing with picnic style seating. Don’t worry about the weather, because there is plenty of indoor seating as well. Bring your appetite–their gigantic pretzels, fantastic fries, and hearty brats will fill your belly. You can always work it off with an exhilarating game of ping-pong and further indulge your inner-child with a game of UNO or Dominos. Bring the family, sit a spell, and enjoy a little bit of Germany right here in Fishtown. Did I mention they have Valet? Yes, valet.
Green Rock …well, rocks! I mean they have Pierogie Week. Who does that? The bartenders were helpful, interesting and friendly. This place is everything you wish for in the bar at your corner. Can’t wait to find to go there for Restaurant and Café Week to see what they’ve cooked up for their patrons. Polish-American cuisine done right.
A participant in last year’s event, Hinge Café is offering a similar layout to last year, a price fixed three-course offering comprised of a hybrid of their October menu items. Bring a friend and come inside and enjoy the artistic sights, tempting scents and mouth-watering flavors for which patrons come to expect from the Hinge.
Ordinarily you will find the menu artistically sketched on the chalkboard on the wall at Johnny Brenda’s Tavern. However, the specials for Restaurant and Café Week are already in the works and being crafted and prepared for your dining pleasure. Be sure to stop in and enjoy the fixed menu offerings. I’ve enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner at Johnny Brenda’s and I’m headed back again to find out what they’ve got going on for this year’s event. Take your friends, grab a booth and enjoy.
Interesting and eclectic corner joint in Port Richmond which is under the radar most times…until someone starts talking about pierogies that is! Then it is all anyone can mention is The New Wave Café. Mom & Pop place or should I say Babci & Dziadzio? Head over to the New Wave Café and enjoy all they have to offer during Restaurant and Café Week. Come hungry and sample homemade soups, entrees and extras. While the place is more of a corner bar than restaurant, there is ample seating and a friendly staff. Although some of the televisions are tuned into Polish stations, the menu is in English, so don’t worry if your Polish is rusty!
Looking for a cozy little place with lots to offer in Fishtown – head over to The Soup Kitchen. Serving huge, hearty portions of homemade goodness with amazing details that are unexpected and delightful, elements of rare ingredients that explode in your mouth come out of a tiny little kitchen. Amazing. They aim to please and Restaurant and Café Week surely will not disappoint. Their webpage is being updated at this time, so take Susquehanna and stop in and taste for yourself! Check them out on facebook!
Thang Long Noodle is the answer for authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in the river wards. Family owned and operated business that is service with a smile and is super easy on the budget. If you are curious and have always wanted to explore the world of Asian Cuisine, THIS is the place to start your adventure. Their website boasts “great taste of home-cooked meal – good food for healthy hearts!”.
