Drew Lazor was at South Philadelphia Taproom for the excellent Founders Beer Dinner during beer week. We know it’s true because we were there too. [Meal Ticket]

The PhillyFoodGuys hit Chinatown for dim sum at Ocean Harbor. [PhillyFoodGuys]

A new Philadelphia blog that caters to celiacs lists beer that are gluten free. [Gluten Free Philly]

Tre Scalini does red gravy right. [I'll Eat You]

We admit, the California Chicken Sandwich from Powelton Pizza intrigues us. “Chicken cutlet, spinach, bacon, mozzarella cheese, fresh garlic, and tomato, artfully shoehorned into a hoagie roll.” [Fidel Gastro]

Some observations, some burblings…

Is Patou for sale? Sure looks like it from these pictures, which match their website pictures. We hear lots of Old City is on the market… perhaps because the more moneyed crowds have migrated their nocturnal activities to Rittenhouse? One Fourteen has been for sale for a long time, a tipster tells us that Red Sky is now as well.

So there’s an exodus of nightclubs, but we can’t imagine the residents of Old City are too happy about this. Any ideas of what it might be? We thought Pink Taco, but it’s too horrible to consider.

The ‘for rent’ sign that has been lingering forlornly in the window of the former location of Tre Scalini is down and there are signs of construction. Now we love this spot, despite its hideous Santa Fe-inspired facade. It faces the fountain on East Passyunk Ave. (even though it’s technically on 11th Street), it has great big windows and it’s just screaming to be revived as a restaurant. There are whisperings on the Avenue that it’s going to be a restaurant… an Italian restaurant, possibly called DaVinci’s. Because Passyunk Avenue desperately needs another Italian restaurant. There are also whisperings that a less Italian concept was slated for the space and the building owner wanted strictly Italian. We love this neighborhood, but sheesh!

We also hear that waning Rittenhouse nightclub Denim [insert your own joke about lame Philly nightclubs here] is soon to be the property of the owners of Rite Aid grotto G Lounge [insert second joke about lame Philly nightclubs here].

Craig LaBan visits the new Tre Scalini at 1915 E Passyunk Avenue. and finds the popular homespun flavors of the original of migrated well and even gotten better.

I’ve always loved the food at Tre Scalini, whose straightforward trattoria menu is neither trendy, seasonal, updated, nor frequently changing. It is an authentic repertoire of worthy family recipes passed down as is, and prepared each day with a ritual simplicity that helps fine ingredients shine, be it an Esposito veal chop, or Talluto’s fresh pastas.

But I could actually taste a difference in my recent meals from my visits a few years ago. There’s an extra focus and clarity to the flavors, a certain restrained grace that only comes from the patient care of a nonna’s touch.

Two Bells – Very Good

Tre Scalini [Philadelphia Inquirer]

It’s the Philly Food Blog Wrap Up and check out this new and essential tool to the food blogger, food mode.

Tre Scalini has moved and the atmosphere is a huge upgrade but rest assured the pastas are still “enchanting” and the meat and fish “are still excellent in quality and value.” [blogalicious]

Zocalo doesn’t score as well as the more authentic taquerias of South Philadelphia but it still has a time and a place. [Foodaphilia]

Lunch time at Sang Kee Asian Bistro featured some soups and delicious penang baked seafood fried rice. [foodzings]

The Astronomer and the Gastrometer do it up with brunch at Lacroix. 7 dishes and more than 50 photos of what the Astronomer called the “favorite meal that I have ever eaten at a restaurant.” [gas•tron•o•my]

Café Nhu Y serves a vegetarian Vietnamese hoagie and Mac & Cheese investigates. [Mac & Cheese]

A look at the bigger and fresher is better philosophy of Oceanaire Seafood Room. [PhilaFoodie]

Lari Robling visits Tre Scalini in its new digs at 1915 E. Passyunk Avenue and finds that the hearty dishes of Franca DiRenzo, her daughter Francesca Kauffman and son-in-law Michael still satisfy.

Although the new digs make it feel less like dining in someone’s home and more like a typical restaurant, it is still the kind of South Philly neighborhood place where the owner’s baby is passed from table to table among the regulars. And when things slow down, the Kauffmans will stop by to chat up the newcomers because underneath the “McMansion” newness, it remains a family neighborhood place.

2 1/2 Forks – Good to Fabulous

Old favorite, new location, hearty portions [Philadelphia Daily News]

The last of the Passyunk Avenue’s Piazza celebrations is tonight. Shop at the avenues many excellent shops and why not try Tre Scalini, 11th and Tasker, for dinner.

And guys, trust Foobooz on this one, why not grab a drink at Downey’s tonight, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed.

East Passyunk Avenue is being transformed into DooWop Ave this Sunday. Hundreds of classic cars, free music and dancing plus great food from the Avenue’s restaurants.
Without a doubt there will be plenty of Italian food to sample, from Paradiso to Roselena’s to Tre Scalini you cannot go wrong. Or buck the trend a sip a margarita at Los Caballitos.
The party starts at 11 AM and runs till 4.