That’s Not Blind Luck At Lucky 13
Posted by Foobooz on April 27th, 2009
Owner Clark Newman has to be pleased with the glowing 2-bells review for his Lucky 13.
It is chef Benjamin Johnson, though, Newman’s fedora-topped compadre in the kitchen, who puts Lucky 13 on the map of gastropubs that are worth heading to for dinner. Like the pub’s smart beer selection (five taps and 20 bottles), his affordable menu is concise but distinctive, with cheeky twists on familiar flavors, from “deconstructed” meatballs to sausage and peppers gone exotic.
“Punk-rock grandma cooking” is how Johnson characterizes his creative take on comfort classics, which may not be a surprising angle from a chef who grew up at a West Philly commune and whose rebellious streak even extends to the conventional white toques he shuns in favor of “nicer lids” such as a bowler or Panama.
Two Bells – Very Good
Related Tags: Craig-LaBan, East-Passyunk, gastropub, Lucky 13, Reviewed, South-Philadelphia
April 27th, 2009 at 9:39 am
The hats are not “rebellious”, just an idiotic attention grab. Someone should slap that thing off his head.
April 27th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Hurray and congrats to Lucky 13, which I consider to be one of the few actual Gastro Pubs in the City.
Pub and Kitchen? Dont get me started, gastro pubs shouldnt have fuckin PR firms and flat screens. “omg I luv Gastro pubs, have you been to the spotted pig? it’s fabulous!!!”
Fuck you man.
Now lucky 13, it’s a pub! with good food! Hurray! It’s refreshing to see a chef cooking honestly for his guests.
April 27th, 2009 at 11:20 am
I agree that Pub and Kitchen is terrible. But, while I LOVE Lucky 13 and go all the time, the food is just okay.
April 28th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
The Staff at Pub and Kitchen are snobby and stuck up, too uptight for a pub.
May 4th, 2009 at 12:40 am
Good for Ben.
And hey, Ridiculous – you misspelled your name. It’s A-S-S-H-O-L-E