Craig LaBan looks back at the year in restaurants in Philadelphia bumping up the ratings for three restaurants, Rae to 3 bells and Brandywine Prime and L’Oca were both bumped up to 2 bells. Jose Garces was named chef of the year and Osteria got the nod for restaurant of the year.

The bells: One more time [Philadelphia Inquirer]

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

The Field House at the former Independence Brew Pub is looking at an early December opening. 40 high-def TVs sound good, 10 draught selections and 25 bottle selections sound paltry. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Kaizan Modern Japanese Cuisine says early December for an opening and “plans are afoot for an all-weather outdoor seating area.” [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Gayot names Jose Garces’ Tinto to its list of top newcomers and Daniel Stern’s Rae makes Esquire’s similar list. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

In other year end accolades James gets a top dish nod for their prosciutto and oyster risotto in the Decmeber Food & Wine.

This week The Bite focuses on a few spots that are serving up delicious Thanksgiving Dinners.

This Thanksgiving, if you can’t make it home, there are plenty of places to get a turkey dinner as good as — or better than — the one grandma makes. However, don’t expect any can-shaped cranberry sauce.

The Bite appears every Wednesday in the Metro and is written by Foobooz editor Arthur Etchells

The Bite: Philaturkia

It looks like the former Anastasia’s between Pat’s and Geno’s is going to be reborn this December as South Philly Bar & Grille. Craigslist has a couple posts looking for staff. The chef position adds gives this glimmer of what’s to come, “similar too, but better than: Chickies, Champps or PJ’s.” We couldn’t find their MySpace page and we’re usually so good at SpySpacing. [Wanted! Head Chef with Great Resume and Start-up Experience!!!, Craigslist]

Urban Saloon has opened in Fairmount. 12 taps and “inventive pub grub.” Maybe most interesting, the peanut butter bacon burger. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Rae gets named one of the best new restaurants in America by Esquire Magazine. Check it out for yourself when the November Esquire hits newsstands next week. [Inqlings, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Back when Manayunk was really happening (you remember those halcyon days don’t you?) we dreamed of renting a roach coach and selling steak sandwiches at 2am on Main Street. A license to print money in our minds. We never followed through and now finally Manayunk has a cheesesteak spot. Duff’s Steaks has opened on Levering Street and is serving some spiced up steaks and more. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Rae Restaurant at the Cira Centre (the Amtrak building) will begin serving breakfast today so take advantage as you commute through 30th Street Station.

Breakfast at Rae will be served weekdays from 7 to 11 AM and feature a café-style buffet and an a la carte menu for eat-in or take out. The buffet will feature select breads, muffins, pastries and bagels, assorted juices and specialty coffees including both hot and cold Vietnamese coffee. The a la carte items will include eggs any style, french toast, omelets and breakfast sandwiches.

Full Menu after the jump:

Read the rest of this entry »

Tomorrow evening Rae will be hosting a five-course dinner featuring lesser known but outstanding wines from around the world, from Argentina to Spain. The dinner costs $75 per person and reservations are recommended.

Menu after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

Miami Cafe is set to open around June 11th in the spot that once housed Abilene on South Street. Cuban Sadwiches will be featured heavily as well as fried plantains served with shrimp, chicken or chorizo. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Almaz Cafe isn’t just about coffee. There are also affordable Ethiopian dishes at this 20th Street coffee shop. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Go North, at least that’s what the owners of L’Angolo are thinking as they plan to open a Salento, an Italian BYO where Fellini Cafe once resided. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Byblos owner Diaa Sawan is bringing Vango Lounge and Skybar to South 18th Street this August. It’ll be a 120-seat bi-level spot with Japanese fusion cuisine. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Silk City should be back in business next Thursday and the yet to be open Stephens Green already has a new name, St. Stephens Green. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Seats are still available for Rae’s wine dinner on June 19th. [Foobooz.com]

Well the first edition of The Bite has made the Metro. Check it out for some fine dining tips at the shore, how to avoid being called a shoobee and find out what popular Mexican joint is celebrating a birthday.

The Bite: The first course [Metro Philadelphia]

Rae will be hosting the “wine wizard of the Rhǒne” on Tuesday, June 19th at 6:30 PM. The special wine dinner will feature five courses with wine pairings. French wine producer Jean-Luc Columbo will be there to educate and excite you about the wines of the Rhǒne Valley in France.

$100 per person and reservations are limited.

Rae Restaurant [Official Site]