Philadining issues an “Awesomeness Alert” for James where they discover a comfortable bar to eat at and a favorite charcuterie plate. [Philadining]

Mac & Cheese may have made some ordering missteps but still comes away impressed with Zahav. [Mac & Cheese]

Sketch on Girard Avenue knows how to make a tasty burger. [Foodaphilia]

Fidel Gastro finds two out of three ain’t bad at Pub & Kitchen. [Fidel Gastro]

Durian juice may not be for everyone but the good and simple Indonesian food at Indonesia on Snyder should have greater appeal. [Drawing for Food]

I’ll Eat You finally visits the South Philadelphia Taproom and gives dinner a split decision but will return. [I'll Eat You]

Philadining concentrates on the Chinese side of the menu at Chinatown’s Sakura. [Philadining]

We recently remarked we never knew anyone who had been to Pagoda Noodle Cafe. But Veggicurious has been there and shares the results. [Veggicurious]

Fries with that Shake makes sure to visit Shank’s & Evelyn’s one more time before the curtain falls. [Fries with that Shake]

Kelly White checks out the new $25 prix fixe Sunday brunch at Tinto. [UWISHUNU]

A new vegetarian food blog, Veggicurious checks out the huevos Mexicanos at Dos Segunodos. And by the way why are so many of Philadelphia’s food blogs vegetarian? [Veggicurious]

See, this is what we mean. Living On The Vedge checks out Carman’s Country Kitchen and finds French toast worth paying attention to. [Living On The Vedge]

And in things that still don’t suck, Philebrity salutes The 700 Club. [Philebrity]

Phillyist’s Angela counts down her top 10 Philadelphia area meals of 2008. [Phillyist]

Congratulate James’ Jim Burke in person tonight on his being named a top new chef for 2008 by Food & Wine magazine and take advantage of the half off draught beer and house infused cocktail specials from 9 to 11.

The deal is available every Tuesday and Thursday.

Jim Burke, chef of James, was named one of Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs of 2008.

F&W editor-in-chief Dana Cowin was impressed with him when she paid a visit here last year, so perhaps it’s no surprise. Burke impressed us with his wonderful pastas back when we reviewed it for PW and we still think it’s one of the–if not the–prettiest restaurants around.

ALERT: Food & Wine Best New Chefs Announced [Eater]

 

Nominees for the 2008 James Beard Awards, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of the food industry’, were announced today. Here are the local connections:

Restaurateur of the Year: Stephen Starr

Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic: Alison Barshak (Alison at Blue Bell), Jim Burke (James), Jose Garces (Amada), Matthew Levin (Lacroix), Daniel Stern (Rae)

Outstanding Pastry Chef: Kate Honeyman (Continental Mid-Town)

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Jeff Michaud (Osteria), Chip Roman (Blackfish), Michael Solomonov (Marigold Kitchen)

Outstanding Chef: Marc Vetri (Vetri)

Outstanding Service: Vetri

Best New Restaurant: Osteria, Tinto, Xochitl

They also give out awards to food writers, which we would undoubtedly win if we could afford the $100 entry fee.

Beard Nominees Sent to Judges [Grub Street]

Gather round the fireplace at James from 10 to 12 tonight and every Tuesday when seasonal cocktails and local beers are half off.

UWISHUNU has kicked off a monthly series named All Up In Their Grills that will take a look at some of Philadelphia’s most interesting chefs. The debut episode features Jim Burke of James.

Speaking of James, they’re doing Anti-Valentine’s day where they are only reserving tables of four or more. Check out the special menu in our Valentine’s Day Guide.

Philly Chefs: All Up In Their Grills [UWISHUNU]
James [Official Site]

David Snyder looks at why we’re such good locavores and how we got that way in his City Paper piece today.

Philadelphia often lags behind with respect to the latest food trends, but it’s long been ahead of the curve when it comes to eating local, so much so that it’s easy to take for granted how advanced our food system is compared to other cities. But how did it get that way? And what did we do — if anything — to make this movement so worthy of attention?

Cult of Seasonality [City Paper]

Every Thursday James pairs three cheeses with three different wines. Prices vary depending on the selections. Check it out!

James [Official Site]

DailyCandy Philadelphia is doing year-end awards and has nominated three notables in their Taste category.

• Jose Garces – Tinto
• Daniel Stern – Rae
• Jim and Kristina Burke – James