Loco Pez!

This review was written by Stefany Stuber - best friend, beach-lover, veteran bartender (in the industry for 15+ years)

Yum

I've had my 3rd date with Loco Pez last night, and I have to say we are off to a great start.  This little Mexi pub located at the intersection of East Norris, Susquehanna, and Cedar is the former Crazy Fish, which in jest was translated perfectly. The place itself has a 70's decor, wallpaper featuring collages of Mexican comics, a vintage sign over the bar's fish tank, and a "Family Guy" pinball machine. Beware though, the sign does happen to say, "cash only bitches." 

Margaritas!

That brings me to my first concern, I had a feeling I was about to walk into a "hipster haven."  Alas, I was only quasi-correct. I've been there on a Friday night which was a bit on the hipster side, and I've been there twice on Sundays. There I fell for the bartender Rasheed, he is a super friendly guy who has been in the industry for quite some time. He takes a lot of pride in freshly squeezing the lime juice and cracking jokes at my expense. Last night I had a Regal Margarita, it was Milagro blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and grapefruit soda, with a salted rim. My friend Dave had a Monte Carlo, it was a chipotle infused tequila, hibiscus water, fresh lime juice, and a sugar rim. Trust me he did not skimp on the tequila, Rasheed and Dave started looking better by the hour. Onto the food, the tacos range from $1.75-2.50. They are sold individually, which is great for exploring a variety of flavors. I've had the al pastor, potato and chorizo, fish, beef, and chicken tacos. I will say the tacos are small, but heavier on the meat. In my opinion I'd rather have a smaller shell, and more meat, then vice versa anyway. The burritos range from $9-10 and were a decent, delicious size.

The buzz about this place is that the food is about authentic to west coast Mexican as it comes. If that's true, then I'd love to live on the west coast and know this was the standard. Last night we had the sweetest server, she was on the ball when it came to service. She was quick on filling our glasses, I think she heard tequila makes my clothes come off. She was also knowledgeable about the menu and was happy to offer suggestions. Gracious Loco Pez, I will be frequenting your cute little restaurant , especially on Sundays. 


Loco Pez
2401 E. Norris St.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
267-886-8061
http://www.locopez.com/

Reviewed & Written by Stefany Stuber

Manhattan, Brooklyn & Goat Cheese

Manhattan

Southwark is at the corner of 4th & Bainbridge, smack in the middle of my favorite neighborhood in Philly - Queen Village.  From Nov. 2010-Sept. 2011, I lived about 15 steps from Southwark and although didn't frequent it when I lived there - I should have.  I went in a few times, met the owner and bartender, Kip, and would enjoy a cocktail and always get the Goat Cheese appetizer - so, so good.  Baked Shellbark farms goat cheese topped with an herb and parmesan crust, accompanied by pepper-rosemary lavash (flatbread crackers), buckwheat honey and poached apple slices. So you take a piece of lavash, spread some honey on it, top that with a poached apple slice, top that with the oozing, warm goat cheese and insert into your mouth.  Amazing.  I would probably spend $15 on this dish, but it's only $8, and a fabulous snack.

Meeting my great friend Emily (yep, two Emily's) at Southwark for a drink and a nibble last week was cozy, elegant and unpretentious.  The beautiful dark wooden bar dotted with candles and mirrored back wall made me feel like I was back in time and should be smoking a cigarette with a long holder like Cruella DeVille. But I don't smoke.  So that was random.  Anyway.  We were greeted happily by Kip and snagged the last two seats at the packed bar.

Shaking Our Drinks

While Southwark has a fully stocked bar, they specialize in classic cocktails and have a vast selection of rye whiskey and gin.  They have eight draft beers, twenty-six in bottles and a great wine selection.  Their food menu isn't massive, but their ingredients are locally sourced and each plate is carefully crafted. Emily ordered a Manhattan and my first choice was the Pisco Sour - made with Pisco (a South American grape brandy), lime juice, egg whites and bitters.  It was, well, sour and deliciously refreshing.  Em was in love with her Manhattan and of course we shared the Goat Cheese app. I asked Kip's recommendation for my next cocktail and he suggested the Brooklyn, similar to a Manhattan yet made with dry vermouth (as opposed to sweet), rye whiskey of course, Torani Amer (an orange-flavored aperitif) and maraschino liqueur.  As I consider myself a "vodka girl," I don't usually drink cocktails like this but it was outstanding.  The kind of drink you crave and go back for.  It was pouring rain outside but inside was warm and buzzing.  Emily and I enjoyed much needed catching-up time while sipping on our Manhattan's and Brooklyn's in Philadelphia.

Southwark Restaurant
701 S. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-238-1888
http://www.southwarkrestaurant.com/

Pisco Sour