Was walking by Swallow on Saturday night and saw this handwritten note in the window.

I am sorry we are closed today. We lost our dog in an accident. To some this may seem petty, but it has <illegible> deeply we are having a hard time
trying to go on. The past year has been difficult, we have had to <illegible> far too many tragedies and don’t think we are going to reopen until after the new year.

Jason and Cindy

Swallow [Official Site]

Starting Saturday, December 20th the Northern Liberties location of Tiffin will be serving an all-you-can-eat brunch featuring Indian specialty entrees, appetizers, tandoori grilled kebabs, chutneys, rice and fresh breads served table side along with desserts for only $8.50. If you’re a Tiffin Card members you ca knock off an extra 10%.

Tiffin [Official Site]

Meal Ticket has some pics of the interior of El Camino Real which is set to open next week.

Interior pics of El Camino Real! [Meal Ticket]
El Camino Real [Official Site Coming Soon] 

 

Foodaphilia tries out the much buzzed about mac and cheese menu at Swallow.

Overall, Swallow’s new menu is less appealing for the old crowd it used to draw, but is more appealing for those who want a reasonably priced comfort food meal with a serious level of customizability. The new menu is likely to keep Swallow afloat in these trying economic times, but I for one am going to miss the seared tuna over white bean puree and the perfectly grilled flank steak from their earlier incarnation. The mac & cheese debate will likely continue to roar in Northern Libs, but the newest venue for serving up this classic dish has some unique things to offer at an affordable price.

Swallow: Mac & Cheese Bistro [Foodaphilia]
Swallow [Official Site]

We admit we started to worry when we saw the El Camino Real ads drop off the back of City Paper. We thought, could El Camino be a credit crunch victim? So we were relieved when we saw that December 16th is the official opening for Owen Kamihira’s border bar.

The Kleinsider has the details including the Texas BBQ and Northern Mexican menus.

The Skinny on El Camino Real [The Insider]

In today’s Metro, The Bite focuses on some tiny new spots that are providing big bites.

The one that has Fries with that Shake most obsessed is Modo Mio’s new sandwich shop, Paesano’s who have graciously scanned the menu.

A little obsessed? [Fries with that Shake?]

Read the rest of this entry »

This week, Craig LaBan’s Sunday Drink column focuses on “tequila’s wild and rustic cousin: mezcal.”.

Sip one of the rare “single village mezcals” from Del Maguey, an importer that has collected artisan, clay-pot-distilled brews from remote outposts around Oaxaca, and you’ll know why these are among the most intense and interesting spirits out there. Chichicapa ($15), my favorite, is like a fiery, fruit-tinged, liquid bacon. Some liken Minero to watermelon-flavored bubble gum.

Sample mezcal at Cantina Dos Segundos where you can get a flight of three for $20.

Drink [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Cantina Dos Segundos [Official Site]

Northern Liberties is getting another quality spot in which to fill your belly, a reader tips us off that Modo Mio is opening Paesano’s, a sandwich shop right across the street.

A quick phone call confirms that Paesano’s will feature Philly-style Italian roast pork sandwiches as well as beef and lamb sandwiches. There will also be a red hot of spicy smoked sausage with potatoes.

Best of all the opening is within a week or so.

The Daily Pennsylvanian’s 34th Street discovers North 3rd Street’s Modo Mio.

Our meal had incredible variety in taste. We tried everything from a morning “bruschetta” topped with a potato puree and smoked salmon, to a braised veal cheek accompanied by an over-easy egg, asparagus and truffled taleggio fonduta. We enjoyed a perfectly cooked scallop perched atop a flan-inspired patty, as well as the winter-ready spaghetti with lamb ragu. While the pepper skirt steak was not our favorite, the dessert that followed was a delicious tiramisu that complemented our espresso.

Have It Your Way [34th Street]
Modo Mio [Official Site]

City Paper’s A.D. Amorosi interviews Jen Zavala, the chef at the soon to open El Camino Real. Zavala gets excited about Mexican tripitas and big Texas barbecue, both of which are planned for the Northern Liberties spot. Zavala also shares what it was like cooking for Ozzfest.

Steer Genius [City Paper]