*Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC

It’s a new week and that means a new version of Restaurant Yenta! Since you were all so eager to share your thoughts last week on the Not-So-Jolly Latham Situation, we’ve got another corner conundrum we’re considering. This time we’re heading deep into the heart of the Italian Market to consider the mysterious case of the former Butcher’s Cafe at the corner of 9th and Christian Streets. 

Here’s a little history on the spot, courtesy of Rick Nichols. It’s from 1999, so it doesn’t mention the most recent chef-owner Todd Bergman. For commentary on that, you’ll have to delve into the blatherings of the phillyblog crew. Butcher’s closed back in late 2007 and has remained vacant ever since. Which is hard to fathom considering the crowds at Sabrina’s across the street and it’s primo location in the heart of Bella Vista. The people are hungry… what would they want to eat there? Our suggestions, after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

Marisa at Metroblogging Philadelphia shares her surreal meal at Butcher’s Cafe.

We’ve got tables inside and out, no waiting!”
This is what the owner of Butcher’s Cafe screamed at the people waiting in line at Sabrina’s yesterday afternoon in between attempts to convince passersby to eat at his restaurant. I was sitting at an outdoor table with a friend, feeling a little overexposed eating an omlette on the corner of 9th and Christian. After he finished yelling across the street, he turned to us and said, “I was the chef at Sabrina’s for 3 years, I wrote their menu.”