The idea that Philadelphia is a force on the New York restaurant scene is funny to me. Then again, not so much.
I mean, Friday Saturday Sunday just captured the Best Restaurant in America nod from The James Beard Awards.
And, recently hitting Chef Michael Solomonov's Brooklyn outpost of Kfar, I was easily convinced that hyper-critical New York diners would fall in love with his modern Israeli menus.
Just look at that gorgeous bowl of creamy Hummus topped with a cascade of Crispy Mushrooms. Take a gander at that fresh-out-of-the-oven pita.
Thinking about making a reservation?
Take a long look at the snapshot below and you'll think no longer.
That's a Flintstone-sized Bone-In Short Rib with Amba and Passionfruit, served up with Braised Cabbage in a Tomato Amba.
Need to apologize to my pescatarian and vegetarian friends for that photo. Suggest that they don't scroll further, lest they see...
That.
In Philly now and paid call on Solomonov's Laser Wolf restaurant in the Fishtown neighborhood. It is impossible to get into the Williamsburg branch, unless you want a 10:30pm table. I felt triumphant scoring a 7:45pm res on a Monday night at the original location.
Yes, that Bone-In Short Rib should look familiar. Yes, it was large enough to be served at Fred Flintstone's table. And, just to make sure that there was enough meat on hand, we had two skewers of Koobideh, made of ground lamb and chicken.
By the way, did I mention the platter of 10 Salatim that landed on table before the meat even arrived? Cucumbers with Harissa, Moroccan Carrots, Babaganoush, Lebanese Potato Salad - need I go on?
Yeah. I can see why this is a hot ticket spot in New York.
What will be imported from Philadelphia next? I look forward to finding out.