In Blackfish Craig LaBan finds a suburban BYOB that raises its game above the norm. Blackfish really shines from the chicken pot pie at lunch to the signature blackfish and black bass dishes.

The meaty fish comes seared to a crisped-skin snap, served over a silky pumpkin puree and spiced quince and celery root ringed by emulsified apple cider. And it was one of several spectacular seafood inspirations.

Blackfish [Philadelphia Inquirer]

This Sunday’s Inquirer will review Blackfish.

Craig LaBan finds the throwback “Center Cut” sandwich at Spamps in Conshohocken to be a tasty best seller.

The bologna is actually thick-cut Hatfield meat, griddled to a roasty brown and stuffed along with sweet peppers into a long soft roll.

Fried Bologna Sandwich [Philadelphia Inquirer]

As some Philadelphians look for places to smoke, some suburbanites are looking for places where they can enjoy a meal and a drink without smoking.

Just last week all of the Iron Hill Brewery locations went smoke free. And this week they are joined by West Conshohocken’s Gypsy Saloon and Stella Blue.

Gypsy Saloon first Non-Smoking Bar in Conshohocken [The Latest Dish]

We here at Foobooz have been hearing a great deal of buzz regarding Blackfish in Conshohocken. In fact it has toppled Bar Ferdinand from the top spot of search phrase that brings people to Foobooz, a title Bar Ferdinand has held, since the NoLibs restaurant opened.

So here’s what we know, Blackfish takes over the Maya Bella space at 119 Fayette Street in Conshohocken. Chip Roman is behind Blackfish, he has an excellent pedigree, previously working at Vetri and Le Bec-Fin. Craig LaBan dropped some nice words for Blackfish at the bottom of his Alphabet Soup review, saying, “Ex-Vetri hand Chip Roman has brought a polished bistro menu, from puff pastry-crowned pot pies to salmon with lentils, to the clean white confines of the simple BYO that was Maya Bella. It’s still new, but full of promise.”

Sounds pretty good, check it out and let us know what you think.

From 5 to 7 PM on weekdays the Gypsy Saloon in Conshohocken is offering a $5 bar cocktail menu.

Among the highlights are mini crab cakes, mini burgers and chicken grilled corn and cream cheese eggrolls. On the drink side sample the Baggataway Bomber or the Stella Express.

Gypsy Saloon�s $5 Menu & Cocktails
Gypsy Saloon [Official Site]

Is their a type of pizza that Philadelphia can call its own? Of course there is, the Philadelphia area is home to the tomato pie. For much of the region a tomato pie is a large rectangular sheet of crust topped with thick, chunky tomato sauce and often a sprinkling of grated cheese on top. Served at room temperature the tomato pie is a staple of tailgaters and party throwers around the region.

Among the top purveyors of the tomato pie are Marchiano’s Italian Bakery, in Manayunk, Conshohocken Italian Bakery on Jones Street in Conshohocken and Norristown’s Corropolese Bakery.

In the Northeast along a sliver of Frankford Avenue another tomato pie has become famous. This one, served at Tony’s Place is a round crust topped with first cheese and then sauce. Across the street the esteemed Grey Lodge has paid hommage to this classic with their own version.

Trenton’s tomato pies get great praise from Craig LaBan to the common man. De Lorenzo’s Tomato Pies have been an institution since opening in 1936 and is considered by many to be the best pizza in the area.

The Pizza Place [Daily News]
Photo via Slice.

The only thing that might go better with beer than wings would be FREE wings. And that’s what they offer every Wednesday at Flanigan’s Boathouse in Conshohocken.

Swim On In [Philly Edge]
Flanigan’s Boathouse [Official Site]

Chef Christopher Hora of Coyote Crossing in Conshohocken is unveiling his new summer lunch menu. In honor of the chef’s new menu, get 10% off of the food portion of your bill.

New entrees include:

• Shrimp and Chipotle Taco
• Carne Asada and Nopales Burrito
• Gallina en Mole

Just make sure to mention this promotion to your server to receive this special offer.

*** Get a $25 gift certificate at Coyote Crossing for just $10 ***

Photo courtesy of Phanatic