Photo: J.Smith for GPTMC

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is upon us and if you haven’t made a dinner reservation yet, you better get on it. We did a little research and uncovered a few spots that still have some table space. So don’t delay – forward this post to your special someone and make that reservation today!

Valentine’s Day Restaurant Round-Up:
The juke joint that’s taking South Philly by storm, the Twisted Tail, just might be one of the liveliest places you could take your sweetheart. Enjoy their southern-inspired menu with a 3-course meal for $40/person. Offerings include options like Lobster and Crawfish Bisque, Fennel Dusted Scallops and Southern Style Beingets with Bourbon Honey Ice Cream.

Dine under the watchful eye of Nectar’s resplendent Buddha and give your valentine a romantic experience to remember. Chef Patrick Feury is one of the regional leaders in sustainable dining (think on-site herb garden and grass-fed beef) and his menu reflects an interesting fusion of Asian and French cuisine. Also not to miss are Nectar’s expertly crafted cocktails. We suggest you arrive a little early and have a drink at the bar to kick-off your evening.

Jason Cichonski and Chip Roman’s newest venture, Ela, has resulted in one of the most delightful menus of late. Paired with one of the better wine programs in the city, Ela’s food is all at once innovative, comforting and seasonal. If you can’t score a table, wait your turn at the bar which offers an amazing menu of its own with options like oysters, shaved kale or duck magret with pretzel spaetzle, brussels sprouts and smoked butternut squash.

Midtown Village’s Opa has become a go-to spot for small plate dining. Perfect for sharing a cozy meal, Opa offers a wide variety of Greek eats. It is also a great place for couples who split the line between eating meat and preferring not to. Don’t miss their super addictive zucchini chips or the wine-braised rabbit.

Rather than a traditional sit down meal, head to Tria to feast on all things fermented and an enticing small plates menu. With three locations (Rittenhouse, Washington Square and University City) Tria offers the wine, beer and cheese lover plenty of opportunity to celebrate. And if that wasn’t enough, Tria will be pouring two special Prosecco’s from legendary Italian winemaker Giorgio Rivetti.

The other option you have to making a reservation is to try your luck at a place that takes no reservations. We suggest Zavino, nestled in the middle of busy 13th street, this wine and pizza-focused spot always delivers. They offer a great selection of cheese and cured meats, our current favorite being the Baby Jesus (cured pork, aged 30 days in New York). Also, don’t overlook the Burrata small plate, it’s a deliciously creamy piece of cheese heaven.

Local grapes, like these grown at Galen Glen, will have a new showcase at the Paris Wine Bar, set to open on Feb 9th. Photo: Galen Glen

“I see London, I see France” is what you’ll say when owners Terry and Chef Michael McNally of London Grill open their second restaurant, Paris Wine Bar, on Thursday, February 9 with a reception featuring free hors d’oeuvres and live jazz.

Although “an ode to the winsome storefronts of Paris’ Le Marais neighborhood,” in Terry’s words, the comfortable lounge and cafe will focus on wines produced here in Pennsylvania. Six wines will be offered “on draught,” tapped from kegs direct from PA winemakers. The rotating selections will include two whites, three reds and one dry rose, and will change frequently to showcase the best of local Pennsylvania winemakers such as Allegro, Pinnacle Ridge, Galen Glenn and Manatawny.

Food-wise, Chef McNally’s cafe-inspired menu will include comfort fare like steamed mussels, mustard-crusted calf’s liver and his own take on the classic croque madame served with duck confit.

The 50-seater, adorned with French sconces, chandeliers and draperies from the McNallys’ personal collection, will be open Thursday through Sunday from 4p.m. until midnight.

And, if you can’t visit the City of Lights this Spring, be sure to check out the wine bar’s outdoor cafe which will open with the welcoming of warmer weather.

Paris Wine Bar
2303 Fairmount Avenue
www.londongrill.com/paris

Old school chocolate heart boxes can be specially made for your valentine at Shane Confectionery in Old City. Photo courtesy: Shane Confectionery

You’ve put in your order for a dozen red roses, but one critical element is still missing from your Valentine’s Day gift line-up: chocolate.

Ditch the Whitman’s sampler and capitalize on the incredible bounty of local treats from Philly sweets shop which are guaranteed to make your sweetheart’s tastebuds do a back flip. Whether they’re craving decadent truffles, old-fashioned fudge or chocolate-dipped bacon, there’s something for everyone in Philadelphia.

Check out our top picks for Valentine’s Day chocolate in Philadelphia, below:

• Marcie Blaine Artisanal Chocolates: Midtown boutique Verde is home to Marcie Blaine Artisinal Chocolates, where Chef Marcie Turney churns out chocolates made from locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Exotic spices make their way into the chef’s popular boxed chocolates, while creamy caramels and barks combine the earthy flavor of cocoa with nuts, dried fruit, granola and the occasional sprinkling of sea salt.

• Shane Confectionery: Old City’s newly reopened Shane Confectionery delivers a taste of the past with house-made, old fashioned confections that continue the American candy-making traditions of the early 20th century. Gift your sweetie with taffies and buttercreams made from century-old recipes, or opt for something more modern, like chocolate dipped bacon.

• Philly Chocolate: At this Walnut Street chocolate shop, your traditional gourmet boxed chocolates and decadent desserts are displayed alongside imaginative delights, like rice cereal treats, Oreos, Twizzlers and Swedish Fish, all drenched in white, milk or dark chocolate.

• John & Kira’s: Whether you choose John & Kira’s best-selling 28-piece Valentine’s Day Chocolate Box, or decide on their hand-painted chocolate bees and lady bugs, your sweetheart’s tastebuds will be tickled by the confections’ sustainably harvested ingredients, some of which are sourced locally. You can also pick up John and Kira’s Chocolate Covered Cherries at Di Bruno Bros.

• Lore’s Chocolates: With more than 100 varieties of chocolate piled high under the glass at Lore’s Chocolates, you may have a hard time deciding on just one. Our advice: Take home a little bit of everything, or ask for a sample, and allow your tastebuds to do the decision-making for you.

• Betty’s Speakeasy: Tucked into Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood, Betty’s has become a must-stop for fudge lovers. Using her grandmother Betty’s original fudge recipe, owner Elizabeth Begosh has crafted over 43 different varieties of fudge (although not all 43 are available everyday). Surprise your valentine with a selection of fudge or one of Betty’s superb cupcakes.

• Chocolate by Mueller: Put a smile on their face with Chocolate by Mueller’s fun molded confections, like anatomically-correct hearts, brains, and noses crafted from yummy, rich chocolate. This Reading Terminal Market vendor also makes more traditional offerings, like fruit and nut clusters, turtles, and a large selection of sugar free treats.

Photo courtesy: Brauhaus Schmitz

Philly’s cast of all-star chefs are gathering at Brauhaus Schmitz on February 2 for a wild game night. And we don’t mean blackjack.

Jen Carroll formerly of 10 Arts, Peter Woolsey of Bistrot La Minette, Osteria’s Jeffrey Michaud and Jeremy and Jessica Nolen of Brauhaus Schmitz will present a standout five course hunter’s dinner featuring the best of wild game in addition to an amuse bouche sampling from each of the chefs.

A $55 seat at this feast nets you mouth-watering dishes like Rohan duck with sea urchin and a cardamom cherry-jus and venison medallions with chanterelle strudel, black garlic streusel with a juniper beer sauce.

Peep the full menu here.

Take your shot before this one gets away, and make a reservation by calling (267) 909-8814.

Hunter’s Night Dinner at Brauhaus Schmitz
Where: Brauhaus Schmitz, 718 South Street
When: Thursday, February 2, seatings from 5-10:30 p.m.
Cost: $55
More info: www.brauhausschmitz.com

Awesome Contest Alert!

Romance abounds in Philadelphia in February and Visit Philly is making it possible for couples to celebrate their love in style thanks to the month-long “29 Nights of Dates” promotion, launching today, February 1.

Our friends over at uwishunu teased the campaign yesterday, when the With Love, Philadelphia XOXO® street team surprised Suburban Station commuters with chocolates and postcards.

Now we can provide the full reveal: Visit Philly is giving away a Vespa.

Plus 28 other great date-themed prizes all month long. From February 1-29 (yes, it’s a leap year… which only adds to the fun), fans of Visit Philly on Facebook will have a chance to win one of 29 fun, romantic and inspired Philly dates.

Fans are encouraged to check the Visit Philly Facebook page each day to see what prize is up for grabs on that day. Because each day will feature a different bonus-packed date for one person to win. Think a Mural Arts Program Love Letter Mural Tour along with lunch at Table 31 and a one-night stay at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia Downtown; or a class at Cook and drinks at Twenty Manning Grill; or a gift card to Reading Terminal Market, tickets to the Flower Show and a 2-night stay at the Loews Hotel.

Entrants are permitted one contest entry per day. And each day you enter, you’ll get another entry into the grand prize drawing for the Vespa scooter.

Meanwhile here on Philly Homegrown, at the start of each week in February, we’ll be giving you a sneak peek of that week’s prizes. Itching for details on what you can win? (Besides that Vespa; we know you’re still thinking about it.)

A few highlights:

• Headed North: A romantic setting since it was founded in 1805, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ is currently showing the Henry Ossawa Tanner: Modern Spirit exhibit. After ogling this artist’s works, continue your walk on North Broad to Route 6, Stephen Starr’s newest restaurant. Then unwind for the night at the striking Le Meridien Philadelphia.

• That’s Amore: During a two-hour Urban Adventures tour at the Italian Market, you’ll meet store owners, learn the history of the market and get your share of tasty samples. Then enjoy supper at Supper, upscale, modern American cuisine in a rustic, urban farmhouse setting.

• Up, Up & Away: Enjoy your choice of a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride over Southeastern PA and the post-flight champagne toast that comes along with it. Continue your scenic day with dinner at the 18th-century Black Bass Hotel, complete with expansive picture windows that overlook the water, and a stay at the B&B Bridgeton House.

That’s all we’re revealing for now. Be sure to head straight to Visit Philly’s Facebook page daily throughout February (ahem, that means today) to enter to win unforgettable dates like the ones detailed above, and plenty more where those came from.

29 Nights of Dates Contest [Visit Philly Facebook]

S.Viggano for GPTMC

Federal Donuts, the smash hit fried chicken and donuts shop from Steven Cook, Michael Solomonov, BODHi Coffee owners Thomas Henneman and Bob Logue, and local food-and-drink expert Felicia D’Ambrosio, has officially hit the big leagues.

In today’s New York Times Dining Section, there is a big feature on the newcomer to South Philadelphia’s Pennsport neighborhood, slinging the uncommon but undeniably delicious combination of fried chicken and donuts.

The article tells of the now-legendary 10 a.m. donut sell-outs in the shop’s early months (it first opened its doors in October), concluding “There are almost never enough.” The interestingly flavored, perfectly crisped donuts are just that good.

The writer calls the mood of the shop “festive,” the donuts “world-class,” and the chicken “extraordinary.”

We would add to those flattering adjectives “freaking delicious” and “insanely addictive.”

And if you really want to test your will power, be sure to check out the great slideshow the Times did to accompany the article. Fair warning: it will make you hungry.

FYI, Federal Donuts recently launched fried chicken dinner service on weekends starting at 5 p.m., so you can now get your fix in the evenings on Saturdays and Sundays. If you get there early enough, of course.

Till the Last Doughnut and Drumstick [New York Times]

A giant Tibetan Buddha overlooks the stylish and modern bar at Nectar in Berwyn, PA. Photo courtesy: Nectar Restaurant

Chef Patrick Feury, of Nectar Restaurant in Berwyn, PA, presides over a kitchen that produces some of the most intriguing Asian-fusion cuisine in the Philadelphia area.

Chef Feury has a strong commitment to all things local, sustainable and seasonal. Growing up in New Jersey, he participated in his local 4-H chapter and developed a strong appreciation for the work that goes into growing food; an understanding that he has carried with him throughout his cooking career and onto the menu at Nectar.

Chef Feury has forged strong partnerships with nearby farms, organic growers, and ecologically-responsible fisheries. Nectar also houses an on-site herb garden where Chef Feury cultivates the rosemary utilized in some many of Nectar’s dishes. Rosemary is also a prominent flavor in Fists of Feury, the beer specially created for him and his brother, Terence (chef at Fork Restaurant), by Victory Brewing.

Highlights on Nectar’s menu include their famous Crispy Chicken with serrano chilies, black beans, thai basil and Chinese broccoli tips, an assortment of well crafted sushi, and fusion noodle dishes like the Nectar Lo Mein with smoked wild boar, chinese sausage and baby greens. Nectar is also a great spot for a locavore lunch and offers a variety of bento boxes and a sushi bar.

From time to time, Chef Feury also hosts special dinners that highlight some of the region’s bounty. Most recently he hosted four local cheese makers in partnership with the Chester County Cheese Artisans and paired local artisanal cheeses with each dish. Be sure to join Nectar’s mailing list or follow them on Facebook to learn more about these unique dining opportunities.

Photo R.Kennedy for GPTMC

Beer and food lovers, if you haven’t gotten your tickets for the Brewer’s Plate yet, make sure to grab them before they sell out (and they will sell out). This annual fundraiser for Fair Food brings together more than 50 restaurants, breweries and distilleries and is an all-you-can-eat-and-drink event. As far as we’re concerned, it’s one of the best ways to explore new restaurants and discover your next favorite brew while at the same time supporting Fair Food Philadelphia.

Taking place at the National Constitution Center, the Brewer’s Plate allows you three to four hours (depending on your ticket level) of unlimited access to food and drink. And, aside from beer there will also be a speakeasy showcasing local spirits, a variety of sweets and chocolates and a VIP area with special cooking demonstrations by Jose Garces.

Early-bird tickets are $65 for general admission which will rise to $75 after February 10th. VIP tickets are available for $125 (which gets you early entry to the event and access to the VIP area and Garces cooking demos) or if you can pool 10 VIPs together you can get a 10% discount. Please note that this is a 21+ only event and that parents are asked to leave their little ones at home with a babysitter.

Visit the Fair Food website for additional information on the event and to see the list of confirmed brewers, restaurants and other vendors. Tickets are available online…until they sell out!

Brewer’s Plate – A Fair Food Fundraiser
When: Sunday, March 11th
Where: National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street
Cost: $65/early bird general admission; $75 after 2/10; $125/VIP

photo courtsey: Dock Street Brewery

Here’s some seriously exciting news for lovers of the local microbrew: on Monday, January 30, Dock Street Brewing Co. and Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia will be debuting their first of four seasonal beer collaborations with their Winter 2012 installment, the Truffled Old Ale.

The event marks the launch of “A Beer Four All Seasons,” a year-long collaboration that’s set to feature new seasonal brews in April, June and late September to early October.

As part of the January 30 debut, Executive Chef Rafael Gonzalez of the Hotel’s Swann Lounge will also be featuring two new mouth-watering additions to the Hotel’s Bar menu: a truffle burger with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms and sottocenere truffle cheese, and truffle French fries with truffle salt and truffle aioli.

And while Dock Street and Four Seasons might seem like a world apart, the two are building upon a years-long relationship that started when Dock Street originally opened in 1985 at Two Logan Square, right next door to Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia.

So mark your calendar and come out for the first taste. With great beer, great food and one of the best views of the Swann Fountain that this city has to offer, it’ll be a night to remember.

Debut Event: Dock Street Brewing Co. and Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia present “A Beer Four All Seasons”
When: Monday, January 30, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Swann Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia, One Logan Square
Cost: Pay as you go
More info: www.fourseasons.com/Philadelphia

Photo: R.Kennedy for GPTMC

We would like to extend our congratulations to Mary Seton Corboy, Founder and Chief Farm Hand at Greensgrow Farm, on the recent announcement that she will receive the coveted Sustainable Ag Leadership Award from the PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA). This is Pennsylvania’s highest honor in the sustainable farming sector.

“This award, bestowed upon Greensgrow as we begin our 15th year as an urban farm, is further indication that the farming community has come to recognize urban agriculture as an increasingly important part of the regional food system,” said Corboy. “This recognition is especially meaningful coming from PASA, an organization that has contributed so much to the success and sustainability of Pennsylvania’s farms.”

Corboy and fellow 2012 Award Winner Frankferd Farms Foods will accept their awards at PASA’s 21st annual Farming for the Future Conference, held February 1-4 in State College, PA. More than 2,000 farmers, chefs, students and business leaders from across the country are expected to attend.

We have long admired the work of Mary and her amazing team at Greensgrow, a nationally recognized leader in sustainable, small-scale urban farming. Greensgrow is a pillar of Philadelphia’s local food community and Mary has been a leader in urban farming and a driving force for change in our food system.

So, congratulations Mary! This award is well-deserved.