Craig LaBan’s review of South Street’s Sonam reminds us of a Ryan Howard at bat. When chef Ben Byruch connects he often hit a home run but there were too many whiffs in the ambitious menu. But hey, at least he’s trying for a home run.

Among the most memorable were the “hamachi nachos,” tortilla chips topped with yellowtail sushi and a spicy streak of oil infused with the essence of pico de gallo. There is also a memorable savory trompe l’oeil twist on S’Mores, in which broiled goat-cheese “marshmallows” sit atop the chocolate lookalike of reduced figs and whole meal crackers for a clever campfire twist on the cheese course.

The Asian chicken sliders – three brioche-bun minis topped with a ponzu mayonnaise – are among the best poultry burgers I’ve ever had. Granted, that’s not a high bar, but I’ve actually come to crave these moist and gingery little patties.

One Bell – Hit or Miss

Sonam [Philadelphia Inquirer]
Sonam [Official Site]

Adam Erace checks out Sonam on South Street and finds the simpler dishes the best with the notable exception of the cheesesteak terrine.

Served with creme fraiche and truffled wonton chips, the dynamic wild boar tartare dressed with curry, blood orange juice and chopped black truffles blows my mind, as does the fried butternut-squash-and-chicken wontons alongside a cloud of woodsy sage whipped cream. Fun s’mores made with gooey fig paste, ethereal goat-cheese marshmallows and cardboard- flavored wheat crackers play savory and sweet, while chicharrones make a salty counterpoint for dense chocolate gelato.

A notable exception to the simpler-is-better theory: the cheesesteak terrine. Served with a sideswipe of provolone “wiz,” hot-pepper duxelle and candy-like tomato molasses it’s messy, complicated and hard to eat. But dragged through those clever condiments, each forkful of onion-studded cheesesteak mousse is a beefy wonder that proves playfulness and maturity are not mutually exclusive. Translate that balance to the rest of the menu, and Sonam has a shot at being Philly’s next small-plate paramour.

Dim Sum Like It Hot [Philadelphia Weekly]

Elisa Ludwig samples the small platters of “global dim sum” at Sonam with some mixed results but plenty of potential.

A few were so tasty that they merited a larger portion, like a special of ruby slices of tuna served over tempura-encased white asparagus spears. The wild boar tartare, little translucent bits of meat glistening with blood orange vinaigrette, blended decadently with dabs of crème fraîche on truffle-scented wonton chips. In the hamachi nachos, cool slices of yellowtail on crisp flour tortilla chips were further enlivened by avocado purée, microgreens and a delicate drizzle of pico de gallo oil.

World of Mouth [City Paper]
Sonam [Official Site]

Our favorite Beer Lass tries out Sonam on South Street with her beau, Lance Romance.

We enjoyed everything but still wanted a few more bites of something so we opted to add on the
“Chops and Chips” Lamb chops and Sweet Potato Fries.

I immediately thought about what I wanted to order the next time I came back..
My friend Art agreed with me that that’s the best compliment you can give to a place.

sunday @ SONAM [I'll Have Another Stout]
Sonam [Official Site]

The chicken shawarma sandwich from the Pita Pocket might be the Bite’s current craving but there are serious contenders to that throne on the menus at Sonam and the Ugly American.

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

The Bite: Fried, roasted or on a spit, it’s all delectable [Metro Philadelphia]

Sonam on South Street has opened its doors and is now serving up their “global dim sum” menu.

Check out the menu after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

Sonam officially opens tonight but Drew Lazor got a sneak peek he shares on the Clog. He also gets his hands on a menu.

FIRST LOOK: Sonam BYOB [The Clog]

It seems everyone is talking about Caribbean food. Yesterday Craig LaBan was talking about Brown Sugar at 52nd Street in his online chat yesterday. He follows that up today with a Caribbean feast he prepares and today in Feeding Frenzy we get word that Festivals is now serving Jamaican food at 52nd and Walnut. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Tomorrow is the official grand opening of the area’s first Jimmy John’s sandwich spot at 44 S 17th Street. Jimmy John’s is the latest midwest sandwich chain to come to town following on the heels of Potbelly Sandwich Works.

Look for Arbol Café to bring Paraguayan food to Northern Liberties in the former Ground Floor Coffee, opening expected for September. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

The Wasabi House at 627 South Street has become Gaja Gaja. According to our tipster Gaja Gaja offers Japanese and Korean food as including sushi and “a decent lunch menu.”

Sonam is coming to the defunct Table at 223 South Street. The BYOB “is taking all sorts of influences — American, African, Asian — and crafting fusion-y portions, 24 in all.” [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]