I just came back from a few weeks in Philadelphia and in addition to grabbing a coveted table at the OG location of Laser Wolf, I was lucky enough to snag a reservation with friends at South Philly's River Twice during their weeklong "Christmas in July" dinner series.
Christmas in July?
Does that mean Egg Nog, Roasted Goose and Fruitcake in 90 degree weather? Thankfully, not.
It is a series of evenings in which River Twice's celebrated Chef and Owner Randy Rucker pairs up with other local Philly-area chefs to create incredible one-night-only dinners. The evening I attended, he teamed up with Chef Alex Kemp of one of the city's newest hot spots, My Loup.
The 7-course dinner was nothing less than stupendous. (Yes, I said stupendous. I could have said un-freakin-believable, but this was an elegant repast. I felt the use of a thesaurus was in order!)
First up was a sweet Raw Scallop with Tomato Water, Finger Lime, Verbena Oil, Preserved Ground Cherries and Currants. Snapshot of the glorious crudo is above.
Below, is a photo of the wholly moan-worthy second course - Beef Tartare with Fried Oysters and Romano Beans...
It took "surf and turf" to another level.
Next up was Heirloom Corn Grits with Miso-Mustard Smoked Maine Unagi and Summer Truffle...
Yaaaassssss!
And, because good, fresh corn is plentiful, that dish was followed by Skate Cheeks with Corn, Tomato and Basil...
That sauce!
Maine returned to East Passyunk with a piece of seared Wild Maine Halibut with Lightly Dried Tomatoes, Sea Beans, Kombu Butter and Golden Ossetra Caviar...
A little caviar is always a fine idea. Yup!
And, for the final savory course, the twosome of Chefs Rucker and Kemp delivered big time...
Braised Rabbit with Foie Gras, Carrots and Egg Noodles.
Simply using my words will never do this dish justice. Instead, imagine a wide smile and my eyes rolling back into my head.
Mmmmmmmmmm...
But then there was one more course before we set course back home to dream of sugarplums (or in my case, that Braised Rabbit).
Corn took the stage again with a Blueberry and Corn Tart...
A few bites in and that dinner was tied up with an ever-so-tasty bow.
Needless to say, I am ready to book a res for next year's "Christmas in July." It might just be my new favorite holiday season!
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