Caution: do not look at Philadining’s photos of Chick’s mini beignets with Nutella and raspberry dipping sauces on an empty stomach. [Philadining]

Uncle Jimmy weighs the “Yays” and “Neys” of dinner at Kanella. [Uncle Jimmy Eats]

Dish & Bitch is pretty cool. They have a brunch club and invite a guest along each Sunday whom they interview. Most recently they were at the Royal Tavern. [Dish & Bitch]

PhilaFoodie tips us off that Wine Spectator’s Sam Gugino is in love with Daniel Stern’s (Gayle and Rae) apple pie. [PhilaFoodie]

Collin Flatt dines on the “All Pork Menu” at Cochon with mixed results. [Phoodie.info]

Blogalicious is partial to the flagship in the Primo Hoagies chain and rarely varies from ordering the Chicken Suprimo on a seeded Sarcone’s roll. [Blogalicious]

Mac & Cheese gets some Egyptian and Mediterranean bites at Mazag Cafe in South Philly. [Mac & Cheese]

Our beer runs are much shorter (from wherever we are to the Foodery or Food & Friends) than the one Bryan Kolesar and Chris Leonard are preparing for this Saturday. They’re doing 13.1 miles from the General Lafayette to the new Tiedhouse. [Brew Lounge]

Foodzings has only a mediocre time at Mantra. [Foodzings]

Every Tuesday the Asian inspired Mantra offers a $20 wine tasting. three courses (small plates) and 6 wine tastings for just $20. The tasting is available from 6 to 8 pm.

Mantra [Official Site]

While surfing Craigslist postings will found this amazing help wanted ad for Mantra.

Good Morning Loves!

Mantra Asian Pub is currently seeking an absolutely stunning Expo/Runner. By stunning I mean outgoing, efficient, pardon the phrase but ‘can do’ attitude, and vi-fucking-vacious. All are welcome to apply, but i am looking for someone who fits into our little super star fam.. bring some personality, check your attitude at the door We have a blast here so don’t be a drag!
Address all inquiries to Kenya, resumes accepted via e-mail or drop by in person, include a brief description of yourself in your response and a photo if possible (sorry kids, i just can’t keep y’all straight).
Thanks for the read, good luck!

*ROCKSTAR* Expo/Runner.. Raise Your Hand! (Center City) [Craigslist]

Mac & Cheese braves restaurant week as a vegetarian choosing to dine at Mantra.

The food at Mantra is nothing extraordinary, and it will not blow your mind, but there was something endearing about Mantra – maybe the inventive use of electrical plates, or the upside down Chinese characters. I walked away really not wanting to dis Mantra. She felt like a crafty sister that I don’t have trying to make it in the big city. I’d definitely go hang out in front of the glowing orange bar and have a drink and an appetizer, but not a full meal. The quality of the food at Mantra just doesn’t warrant the upscale prices.

Mantra [Mac & Cheese]
Mantra [Official Site]

Taste Daily reveals some more details about Jose Pistolas, the burrito and beer bar that is taking over the old Copa Too spot at 15th and Spruce Streets. Expect 3 tacos for $7 and beer running the gamut from PBR to Chimay. [Tasty Daily, Philadelphia Magazine]

Mantra’s Al Paris is looking to open a new Italian BYOB near the Italian Market in the former Mezza location on 9th Street. The as yet unnamed restaurant will specialize in the cuisine of Paris’ Sicily and Naples heritage. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

City Grange is in soft opening at the Westin. The local food restaurant is bringing a farmhouse feel to the hotel. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Ida Mae’s Bruncherie is going to be serving dinner starting on August 22nd. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

The Center City District is offering a complimentary Spirit (dessert) when you order a Body (appetizer) and Mind (entree) off the menu at Mantra.

(IN) Center City Coupon [Center City District]
Mantra [Official Site]

Foodzings visits Mantra after a year away and enjoys the Baby Bombay Burgers, wasabi crusted filet and softshell crabs. They also got to meet and even do some shots with owner Al Paris.

Repeat after me… Mantra… [foodzings]
Mantra [Official Site]

Grab a Metro and read the Bite.
This Saturday and Sunday Welcome America presents Taste of Philadelphia this Saturday and Sunday.

Miami Cafe has opened on South Street where they feature plantain flat breads topped with chorizo finished with chipotle crema.

Mantra at 122 S 19th Street has a deal this summer, 3 courses for just $29.

Eat, drink and be centered [Philadelphia Metro]

Mark and Audrey are out to prove they can even have a cheap date in Philadelphia’s most to-do section, Rittenhouse.

Lunch from DiBruno gets them started. Coffee at La Colombe keeps them going and drinks at Mantra finish them off.

Cheap Dates – Rittenhouse Square [Philebrity.TV]

Expect huddling hipsters to descend on 18th and Callowhill awaiting brunch at the second Sabrina’s Cafe. Opening is about four weeks out. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney of Lolita/Grocery/Open House fame are considering an Indian restaurant. And not just for dinner but to own! [Food and Wine via TheIlladelph]

The paperwork is squared away for Tavern on Green to become Tom Peter’s second Monk’s. But don’t expect it to be just Monk’s when it opens, expect the name “to tie in the nearby Art Museum and avoid confusion with Monk’s on 16th Street.” [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

The Misconduct Tavern on Locust has re-opened. the new Misconduct will feature more plasma TVs and some interesting dishes from chef Christopher Lee. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

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