The Wall Street Journal comes to town and they like us. America’s second most read paper has good things to say about our “restaurant renaissance” in general and our Cuban cuisine in particular.

Philadelphia’s Upscale Cuban Cuisine [Wall Street Journal]

In what has to be one of the more bizarre promotions to come across our desks in recent time Cuba Libre is celebrating Fidel Castro’s resignation. Through February 28th they are offering a complimentary “Cuba Libre” cocktail with purchase of lunch or dinner.

So drink up and celebrate the end of Fidel Castro’s times.

Brochure after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

Phillyist checks out Cuba Libre’s “15 Tastes of Cuba” tasting menu and they break down all 15 courses, including the bread basket.

The tasting menu will run through October 26, and overall, we give it our endorsement. It won’t be perfect, but it will absolutely satisfy.

Foodsday Tuesday: Phillyist Tastes the Forbidden Island [Phillyist]

If you got shut out on reservations to Cuba Libre for Restaurant Week why not consider lunch.

From September, 24th to 28th Cuba Libre is offering a couple lunchtime deals. $15 for a two course lunch or chow down on three courses for $20.

Cuba Libre [Official Site]

PhilaFoodie lands an exclusive interview with Chef Guillermo Perot and discusses his role at Cuba Libre and what happened at ¡Pasión!.

Exclusive Interview: Chef Guillermo Pernot Pours His ¡Pasión! Into Cuba Libre [PhilaFoodie]
Cuba Libre [Official Site]

Grab a copy of today’s Metro to check out The Bite. Several cool events mentioned.

• On the second Sunday of each month, Ansill is bringing back favorites from Pif.
• The Museum Restaurant at the Philadelphia Museum of Art is hosting the first of its wine series this Friday.
• Experience Cuban food in 15 ways with Cuba Libre’s huge tasting menu.
• James and Sly Fox are doing a beer dinner Monday, September, 17th.
• And Manayunk’s most well known live music spot is on the block for a cool $5 million.

Adam Erace highlights some of the best drinks around town that feature muddled fruit, vegetables or herbs.

• Cuba Libre
• Rum Bar
• Tinto
• Alfa
• El Vez

Muddle Up [aroundphilly.com]

Millie’s on East Girard Avenue open for under two months, gives you a menu with two choices, roast beef and roast pork. Sounds simple but plan your trip around the weekday only hours, open Monday to Friday from 11 to 6. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Stephen Starr is heading south to FLA. Starr will be opening a steakhouse in the lobby of the W Hotel and Residences that’s going up on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Perhaps it’s his chance to get an inside look at the hotel business, he’s long mentioned a boutique hotel as a future project. The restaurant concept will be based on Barclay Prime but no mention if he’s taking the Barclay name with it. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Dock Street Brew Pub has a brewer and is expecting to begin brewing beer by the end of June. [Jack Curtin]

Beauty Shop Cafe is set to open at 2001 Fitzwater Street in G-Ho. The simple menu will be served out of a former hairdresser’s shop a couple of blocks from the hustle of South Street and the much of the rest of the neighborhood’s commercial endeavors. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Lamenting not getting your last supper at ¡Pasion!? Then check out Cuba Libre’s new menu that where Guillermo Pernot is the concept chef. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

It’s early July for the second location of Tria, this one at 1137 Spruce Street. Expect room for 45 inside and another 15 outdoors. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Michael Klein reports today in his Inqlings column that Philadelphia’s origninal nuevo-Latin restaurant, ¡Pasion! has closed.

Last call after 8 1/2 years at 211 S. 15th St. was Saturday. Co-owner Michael Dombkoski, who said business was off, is cleaning up and working the phones to cancel reservations.

Guillermo Pernot, Dombkoski’s partner is working with Cuba Libre where he has been overhauling their menu.

The fires are out at ¡Pasion! [Philadelphia Inquirer]

What makes the crepes at Beau Monde so good? Imported cast-iron griddles! [blogalicious]

Konak delivers excellent humus, Sigara Borek and lamb chops but given the price, is it all worth it? [Foodaphilia]

With ingredients imported straight from Belgium Bonté waffles are a little piece of heaven. [Girls Guide to City Life]

Luscious dines at Alma de Cuba three times in five days, gas•tron•o•my details one trip. [gas•tron•o•my]

As if three trips to Alma weren’t enough, gas•tron•o•my tries Cuba Libre the next day. [gas•tron•o•my]

You are missing out if you haven’t tried the pan-fried scallops at Dmitri’s. [Metroblogging Philadelphia]

Phillyfoodguy Bill tries a Vietnamese hoagie at Café Cuong and leaves us craving our own. [Phillyfoodguys]