The Gayborhood’s fabulous food

I realize that I’ll get considerable flack from my readers for dedicating a column to food so early in 2009. I’m the first to admit that it’s awfully ballsy to tout my favorite Gayborhood eateries, dishes and restaurant events while the ink is still drying on everyone’s New Year’s resolutions. So, though the timing is questionable, the subject is one of my absolute favorites, and this column is long overdue.

Philly, and the Gayborhood in particular, has one of the best restaurant scenes in the country. From magnificent bar/restaurants to intimate BYOBs, we’re fortunate to have a huge number of amazing options conveniently situated in our social stomping ground. Thus, I respectfully offer you some of my recommendations for your reading, and dining, pleasure.

As any Philly restaurant lover will tell you, Valanni, 1229 Spruce St., is one of the city’s most innovative and consistent upscale spots. Known for exceptional “Medi-Latin” cuisine, its menu is dynamite from top to bottom. As if you need more incentive to make a reservation, Valanni is debuting “Forks and Corks,” a new dinner series, on Jan. 20. The kick-off event features a four-course dinner, highlighted by chef R. Evan Turney’s signature paella. Specially selected wine pairings will also be provided with each course. Even at $55 per person, it’s a pretty good deal for the quantity, quality and experience. Reservations are required in advance for the 6 and 8:30 p.m. seatings. Secure your spot at www.valanni.com or by calling (215) 790-9494.

My next two recommendations are known as much for their bar scenes as they are for the food, but I’d be remiss to exclude Bump, 1234 Locust St., and the Underground at Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St., from this list. Both places feature relatively new menus and some of my favorite dishes. At Bump, you must try the Spanish fries for a delectable indulgence. Also, stop by for a cost-effective brunch on Saturdays and Sundays that runs $9.95 a person. Bump also offers half-price small plates and half-price large plates on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, respectively.

Tavern, on the other hand, boasts the city’s best mac ’n’cheese — a delicious combination of radiatore pasta and grilled chicken in a roasted pepper and cheddar sauce. If you’re sticking to a “new year, new you” diet, dig into Tavern’s warm flank-steak salad. A relatively simple dish of lettuce, mushrooms, tomatoes and cucumbers gets taken to the next level with the addition of premium flank steak and a light ranch and horseradish dressing. After taking a holiday break in January, I’m hosting my next Nightlifegay.com First Thursday Happy Hour at Tavern on from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 5. Stop by for drinks and hors d’oeuvres, then head downstairs for dinner.

Also, don’t forget Gayborhood staples More Than Just Ice Cream, 1119 Locust St., and 13th Street Pizza, 209 S. 13th St. The former is under new ownership and the menu is getting rave reviews. The latter is quite possibly the best pizza this side of the Mississippi — and it’s equally tasty whether you’re stone-cold sober on a Wednesday afternoon or heading from Woody’s to Pure at 2 a.m. on the weekend.

That’s it for my restaurant highlights this time around. No matter what your diet resolution, the Gayborhood has a restaurant guaranteed to fit the bill. ’Til next time, get offline and see what your community has to offer!

If you have comments or information on upcoming events, [email protected], reference Offline.

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