British celbri-chef Jamie Oliver has a magazine Jamie that has just done a big profile on dining in Philadelphia. And yes there are mentions of cheesesteaks but also brag worthy props given to Vetri, Zahav, Bibou and a host of other places. Plus this great quote:

It’s a blend of pride in the old and embrace of the new that seems, curiously, essentially Philadelphian.

Philadelphia (PDF) [Jamie Magazine]

Philadelphia area beers did well in Denver last week but they’re not the only ones getting national attention.

Gourmet’s John T. Edge “falls hard” for Philadelphia street food and names eight great street-food vendors in Philadelphia. [Gourmet via The Illadelph]

It wasn’t just the beer geeks who though that Flying Fish Exit 4 was the bomb. Men’s Journal called it the best Belgian Style beer of 2009. [Liquid Diet]

Zahav and Paesano’s make October’s Gourmet as restaurants “worth the money.” [Gourmet via Grub Street]

Zahav deservedly received lots of praise for its Restaurant Week menu but did you know the modern Israeli restaurant offers a  similar deal on Monday nights for $36. Ta’Yim, Salatim and Hummus, choice of three plates and choice of dessert will set you back just $36.

Little Fish’s Mike Stollenwerk shares some details about his upcoming fish with Drew Lazor. Expect it to be different than the Bella Vista BYOB as there will be a liquor license and the menu will be split into raw, cold, hot and sweet categories. [Meal Ticket]

DiBruno Bros. is aiming to open a wine bar in the Italian Market by mid-August. [Meal Ticket]

Part of the facade of the former Brasserie Perrier crashed down onto Walnut Street Wednesday morning. Sorry, this wasn’t an attention grabbing way of debuting a Center City Apple Store. [Philadelphia Daily News]

Savona in Gulph Mills has been completely refurbished and there’s a sharp new outdoor terrazzo to check out. [Restaurant Club]

Bon Appetit has a spread on Philadelphia in its July issue. Author Andrew Knowlton hits Bella Vista Beer, Distrito, Franklin Fountain, Johnny Brenda’s, Reading Terminal Market and Zahav. Meal Ticket has the scans. [Meal Ticket]

Varga Bar starts daily lunch as of Sunday. [Table Talk, Philadelphia Inquirer]

Copper Bistro in Northern Liberties has called it quits. [The Insider]

Steven Cook and Michael Solomonov of Zahav/ Xochitl/Marigold Kitchen renown are at it again. This time with a Texas-style barbecue space slated for a fall opening.

Follow the link to find out where. Here’s a hint, this Texas spot will have German neighbors.

Zahav crew signs another lease [The Insider]

Do you like to drool? Then check out the menu Zahav is putting together for a chocolate themed dinner on Thursday, June 11th. If chocolate isn’t enough to get your salivary glands pumping, how about foie gras truffle and kobe beef tataki?

Check out the full menu of the $85 per person menu after the jump.

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Zahav and the Society Hill Towers are working together to allow Zahav to add outdoor seating in the Society Hill Towers Shopping Plaza. Zahav is looking to start patio service as soon as possible but has to work out a number of logistical issues first.

For those unfamiliar with the layout of the area, the roof-topped plaza backs up to Zahav along St. James Place and is home to a number of merchants and previously to a small super market.

The New York Times packs a lot of action in its 36 Hours in Philadelphia and they sure don’t skimp on the culinary.

Among the spots mentioned:

• No lemon meringue pie - Silk City.
• Odd Couple – Chinese-Peruvian fusion at Chifa.
• Bowling and Munching – North Bowl.
• Slice of Local Color – The Italian Market and Lorenzo’s Pizza (9th and Christian version) in particular.
• What, No Chicken Soup? – Modern Israeli at Zahav.
• Take a Trip – Upstairs at Time for absinthe.
• No Snooze Button – Waiting for a table at Sabrina’s Cafe.

36 Hours in Philadelphia [New York Times]

Zahav has been piling up the accolades, Food & Wine, Esquire, Bon Appetit and most recently, Philadelphia Magazine named it the top restaurant. All this before turning a year old.

On Wednesday, May 20th the Israeli restaurant is throwing itself an anniversary party. Starting at 8pm there will be live Middle Eastern music, belly dancing and $5 all you can eat hummus and laffa. plus drink deals like $3 Goldstars and $5 Lemonnanas.

Zahav [Official Site]

Plenty happening in Philadelphia Magazines’ Restaurant Club newsletter this week.

• And the Best Restaurant in Philadelphia is… Zahav!
• Tell Philly Mag What You Think of Their List – And Share Your Own!
• Gastro Update: Help the Watkins Drinkery Make South Philly Home

The Philly Mag Restaurant Club Newsletter