Posts for June 22, 2012

Graffiti Bar Is One of ‘America’s Best Outdoor Bars’

Unless owner Michael Schulson has some kiddie pools iced down for folks to wade in out behind Sampan, this news will go over today like a tall glass of boiling beer: Travel + Leisure listed his Graffiti Bar as one “America's Best Outdoor Bars.” The magazine takes note of the bar’s urban scheme, saying the “look is a little rough,” but vouches for the cocktails and the $2 happy hour satays. With any luck rain in tonight’s forecast will not only put the bar’s clear ceiling to good use, but provide a little relief from this heat. [T+L]

With Growlers and the Garage On the Way, Jason Evenchik Suddenly Has a Small Empire

Hey, remember Vesuvio?

Little Bar briefly followed in the footsteps of Vesuvio at Eighth and Fitzwater streets, but just as quickly as it came, it went without so much as a whimper. Now there's word that Vintage and Time owner Jason Evenchik is working with Starr alum Jay Willard to give rise to Growlers at the busy Bella Vista intersection. The M.O. is a gastropub with a cozy living room vibe, according to Foobooz. They plan to up the number of taps, and get things off the ground by August. Meanwhile, the Garage, which we mentioned back in February, is still happening, but coming along at a very slow pace. [Foobooz]

Earlier: South Philly’s Forthcoming Garage Will Bring the Food Truck Experience Indoors

Magpie Artisan Pie Bakery and Boutique Looking at a July Opening

Magpie's ham and leek pie.

Back in February we told you that the city would finally get its piece of the proverbial pie with the arrival of Holly Ricciardi’s Magpie Artisan Pie Bakery & Boutique on the South Street. Though originally slated for June, it’s looking now like the sweet and savory pie hole will be ready to start slinging its wares in late July, according to rep for the operation. Some of the pies on order when the opening finally comes include such summery inspired sweets as orange blossom raspberry peach, blueberry cardamom with polenta streusel, and what looks like a pretty sick shoofly pie. The savory side of the menu looks like its going to be equally appetizing, with things like cheddar corn tomato and basil, chicken tarragon with white wine sauce, and ham leek with grainy mustard.

Earlier: At Long Last, We Finally Get a Piece of the Pie

Romney Staffers, More Fun Than Their Boss, Frolic at Bathroom Bar

Did not get busy in a nightclub bathroom.Photo: AP

Mitt Romney might be stone-cold sober, but that doesn't mean his staffers can't have a little bit of fun! HuffPo says Mitt's minions spent $400 wining and dining at Arizona's Mint Restaurant and Ultra Lounge. And here's a fun little detail: The nightspot is known for its tempting coed Champagne bathroom, which according to one review takes "socializing in the bathroom to a new level."

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Heat Beater: Federal Donuts Chills With Cold Brew Coffee

Federal Donuts' Japanese syphon tower.Photo: Michael Persico

Despite temperatures today hovering between sweaty absurdity and balls-hot oblivion, we’re guessing Federal Donuts won’t see a dip in their foot traffic. The flocks who descend on the Second Street hot spot may forgo the the piping hot and fried-to-order donuts, and crispy twice-fried chicken, but they surely won’t be passing on the totally chill cold brew coffee. Poured over ice, the six-hour steeped black gold, which is extracted very slowly from a custom blend of beans from Topeka, Kansas-based PT’s Coffee Roasting Company via a Japanese-style siphon tower, provides a much needed glacial sense of relief, while putting a pep in your step. And don’t worry about shortages, FedNuts is equipped with two siphon tower rigs.

Earlier: Federal Donuts Passes on Stumptown Coffee

Give Jah Praise: David Ansill Back From Jamaica

The Upsetters: Lee "Scratch" Perry and David Ansill

Not so long ago, several members of the Philly fooderati and a couple restaurateurs hatched a plan — over drinks, of course — to organize a field trip to Negril, Jamaica and check in on Chef David Ansill. You’ll recall the former chef and owner behind dearly departed dining spots Pif and Ansill Food + Wine relocated there last winter to start anew, taking on the culinary operations at Wild Parrot Guest Cottages, and to tap into that, you know, irie vibe the island nation is so famous for enthusiastically embracing. Save for a smattering of status updates on Facebook — one of which was a totally awesome picture of the chef sitting side-by-side with Godfather of Dub, Lee “Scratch” Perry — Ansill was mostly awol since departing Philly. Now those plans have been scrapped, because Ansill’s back home, and it looks like he’s sticking around for a while.

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