208 replies to this topic

[philadining]

I don't want to get too far OT in the Amada thread, but isn't Washington Square an odd choice if you're going to name three restaurants on all of Philly? Wouldn't you pick a BYOB, or at least a restaurant a few blocks further away from Amada?

Anyway, congrats to the Amada armada for more good notices!

[wkl]

yeah, the washington square mention is odd. they can't think samuelsson is still there, could they?

[KatieLoeb]

Sono Motoyama offers her review of Amada in today's Philadelphia Daily News.

Another rave.

[I_call_the_duck]

What a lovely review. Congrats, Katie!

[philadining]

Wow, good review on a couple of levels. It's nice that she liked the place, but also the overview itself certainly benefitted from two visits, which was not the norm for other reviews.

Sadly that was Sono's last review, she's leaving the Daily News. I wonder if they'll replace her...

[KatieLoeb]

Sadly that was Sono's last review, she's leaving the Daily News. I wonder if they'll replace her...

Where do I send my resume?

[rlibkind]

Sadly that was Sono's last review, she's leaving the Daily News. I wonder if they'll replace her...

Where do I send my resume?

Starting new topic: Sono Leaving Phila. Daily News Post in Food Media and News.

[MarketStEl]

Philadelphia was featured in the travel section of yesterday's New York Times.  Amada was one of the three restaurants mentioned, along with Washington Square and Rouge (pretty good for a restaurant that only opened a few months ago). Congrats, Katie and Chef Jose.

Going to Philadelphia

Ever since we moved to the west side of Broad Street, we haven't been to Old City as often, but even before this article was posted, it's certainly on our list of places we need to visit soon.

Pardon me for commenting on the travel piece here, but:

I'm impressed--it touches a lot of bases, including one that I was surprised to see, namely, its quick tour of the Gayborhood. Though why the writer would mention an outdoor deck in December eludes me. (Not to mention that the deck is closed in the winter, though the third-floor indoor bar at 12th Air Command is open year round.)

We used to rent an apartment from the owner of the Alexander Inn. He's a great landlord and a benefactor to lots of gay community institutions--including paying off the mortgage on the William Way Community Center.

(Which leads me to wonder: Is the writer "family"?)

[MarketStEl]

Sadly that was Sono's last review, she's leaving the Daily News. I wonder if they'll replace her...

Where do I send my resume?

If I weren't contributing to the CityPaper's built-environment column while angling to get hired at Widener University, I'd have said, "The line forms at me."

[mattkantor]

I have eaten at Amada twice now. I think both experiences were close to perfect. The first time, there was a little snafu and it was dealt with prompty and professionally, unlike I have encountered in most other establishments.

As for the authenticity...I have been to Spain many times (to the point of having the Parte Viejo in Donosita memorized) and the food at Amada is so close to what I had there in the bars. It is, however, much more expensive here, but the reasons for that should be obvious and have to some extent already been discussed here. For instance, if the wine costs $9 by the glass at Amada and $7 by the bottle in NJ, what do you think the price of the same bottle of Rioja is in San Sebastian? I think I was paying 1 Euro a glass when I was there for 3 oz.

I can't wait to go back. I still haven't had half the menu.

[Diann]

What comes after Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's? Why, Porkapalooza, of course!

If you're interested in trying that whole roasted suckling pig at Amada sometime in the next few weeks, PM me. I am vague on dates at the moment, but almost any day between January 12th and 27th will work.

Edited: Here's a link to the pig's press release.

Edited by Diann, 04 January 2006 - 03:16 PM.

[etalanian]

I ate at Amada with my hubby and 4 friends a little over a week ago. They lost our reservation, which was disconcerting, but they made everything right, and we enjoyed the dinner immensely. Fortunately, one guy in our party was intimately familiar with Spanish foods, and he did the ordering for us. Everything was exceptional. We enjoyed 10 different dishes, all shared, plus the sous vide beef (also shared), and four desserts (yes, of course, shared). Lots of wines by the glass and a few beers. Came to 140 per couple. Worth every cent.

On the cheese plate they paired the goat cheese with a deep dark chocolate ganache enhanced with ground hazelnuts. It was a match made in heaven.

[CherieV]

My husband and I have had the pleasure of dining at Amada recently as well. I lived in Valencia, Spain for a year during college and have been DYING for some great Spanish food in Philly. It took 12 years but my prayers were finally answered! When I saw a tortilla espanola on the tapas menu I may have actually became teary eyed. Yes, I am passionate about my Spanish food. We had a bunch of tapas too many to name and I was in bliss. Then we had the paella valenciana because I had too....we ate a good portion of it to our waiters surprise. Our server was great, for the life of me I can't remember his name but I hope to see him again. We had a nice bottle of Tempranillo and a very enjoyable evening. Can't wait to go back! Would love to drink some Folie a deux there Katy, sorry I had to say it.

[KatieLoeb]

Cherie and Eileen:

I'm so glad you both enjoyed your Amada experiences. This post also gives me the opportunity to let everyone know that Amada is now open for LUNCH! Yes folks, you can come and have some great Amada grub for lunch now Monday-Friday. We serve from 11:30AM-2:30PM and I will be cheerfully tending bar and would be happy to pair up some wine for you if you'd like. There's the $12.50 "Catalan Express Lunch" which is your choice of one of two soups (Caldo Gallego or Zarzuela de Mariscos) and your choice of one of four salads (Tuna, Chicken & Romaine, Ensalda Verde or Serrano Ham & Fig) or one of four Sandwiches (Vegetarian, Steak, Chicken or Serrano Ham and Chorizo). All these items are also available a la carte as well as an a la carte selection of many of our most popular tapas and charcuterie items.

It's been pretty quiet this week so I'm looking forward to seeing some of you stopping in to keep me company!

[rlibkind]

Lunch! Great!

[KitchenMom]

Hooray! I've been dying to check out Amada, and we've been having a real babysitter problem, so haven't been able to get out at all in ages (ack! how did I become a stuck-in-the-burbs mom in a mini-van ). Our next free day, hubby and I will definitely be there. Katie, you just made my night!

[KatieLoeb]

Hooray!  I've been dying to check out Amada, and we've been having a real babysitter problem, so haven't been able to get out at all in ages (ack! how did I become a stuck-in-the-burbs mom in a mini-van   ).  Our next free day, hubby and I will definitely be there.  Katie, you just made my night!    

Come on in!

Would love to drink some Folie a deux there Katy, sorry I had to say it. 

Cherie:

I am but a lowly bartender these days. There is a manager taking care of the wine list (which has pretty much stayed the same since I put it together prior to opening). Since the list is primarily Spanish there was little room for anything but one or two California wines. I'd be happy to put in a good word for you with the appropriate parties though, for the next time that slot is available on the list. And I wouldn't expect you NOT to mention the Folie a Deux!

Were you drinking the La Bastida Reserva 1998 Tempranillo by any chance? That one is quite popular with the staff so it's always my first suspect when I hear that the waiter recommended a Tempranillo. It's very tasty stuff that pairs quite well with many of the menu items. If it isn't what you ordered last time, try it next time you're in.

[CherieV]

Would love to drink some Folie a deux there Katy, sorry I had to say it. 

Cherie:

I am but a lowly bartender these days.  There is a manager taking care of the wine list (which has pretty much stayed the same since I put it together prior to opening).  Since the list is primarily Spanish there was little room for anything but one or two California wines.  I'd be happy to put in a good word for you with the appropriate parties though, for the next time that slot is available on the list.  And I wouldn't expect you NOT to mention the Folie a Deux! 
Katie,
Believe me I totally get it!  It's a Spanish Restaurant with Spanish wine which it should be of course.  You did a really great job on the list!  Actually the La Bastida was sold out at the time.  We had a new Tempranillo that was just brought in, the name escapes me.  I had to mention the Folie, I can fantasize about bringing my bosses there for dinner and be a rock star. 
Were you drinking the La Bastida Reserva 1998 Tempranillo by any chance?  That one is quite popular with the staff so it's always my first suspect when I hear that the waiter recommended a Tempranillo.  It's very tasty stuff that pairs quite well with many of the menu items.  If it isn't what you ordered last time, try it next time you're in.

I will totally come in a have a bite at the bar now that I know you are there. I am always lurking around peddeling my wares looking for a place to grab a bite! In all sincerity, it will be nice to see you and chat.

[Meanderer]

Cherie and Eileen:

I'm so glad you both enjoyed your Amada experiences.  This post also gives me the opportunity to let everyone know that Amada is now open for LUNCH!  Yes folks, you can come and have some great Amada grub for lunch now Monday-Friday.  We serve from 11:30AM-2:30PM and I will be cheerfully tending bar and would be happy to pair up some wine for you if you'd like.  There's the $12.50 "Catalan Express Lunch" which is your choice of one of two soups (Caldo Gallego or Zarzuela de Mariscos) and your choice of one of four salads (Tuna, Chicken & Romaine, Ensalda Verde or Serrano Ham & Fig) or one of four Sandwiches (Vegetarian, Steak, Chicken or Serrano Ham and Chorizo).  All these items are also available a la carte as well as an a la carte selection of many of our most popular tapas and charcuterie items.

It's been pretty quiet this week so I'm looking forward to seeing some of you stopping in to keep me company!

I stopped in Wednesday afternoon and the bartender didn't look like a Katie to me.

[KatieLoeb]

Cherie and Eileen:

I'm so glad you both enjoyed your Amada experiences.  This post also gives me the opportunity to let everyone know that Amada is now open for LUNCH!  Yes folks, you can come and have some great Amada grub for lunch now Monday-Friday.  We serve from 11:30AM-2:30PM and I will be cheerfully tending bar and would be happy to pair up some wine for you if you'd like.  There's the $12.50 "Catalan Express Lunch" which is your choice of one of two soups (Caldo Gallego or Zarzuela de Mariscos) and your choice of one of four salads (Tuna, Chicken & Romaine, Ensalda Verde or Serrano Ham & Fig) or one of four Sandwiches (Vegetarian, Steak, Chicken or Serrano Ham and Chorizo).  All these items are also available a la carte as well as an a la carte selection of many of our most popular tapas and charcuterie items.

It's been pretty quiet this week so I'm looking forward to seeing some of you stopping in to keep me company!

I stopped in Wednesday afternoon and the bartender didn't look like a Katie to me.

My apologies. That was Paul who was bravely filling in for me while I was off judging the Philly Cooks competition down at the Cruise Ship Terminal.

I heard the bar had some action on Wednesday and was sorry I missed it. Sorry I missed you too.

I'll normally be the Monday-Friday lunch time tendress. Stop in again!

[philadining]

Holy Boquerones!!!

Wow! The Amada porkapalooza was quite a success on pretty much every level. Eleven of us got together to try Amada's roast suckling pig, and you didn't really expect us to resist some tapas as well did you?

I'm sure others will chime in, but I honestly thought everything was delicious, there wasn't a single clunker among the many things we tried. The main event, the roast pork, was excellent, but was given some serious competition by the tapas, and even the side dishes.

Details and descriptions to follow, but here are a few things we had. Lighting is pretty dim in the restaurant, making photography a bit of a challenge, and dishes were coming fast and furious, so I didn't get good shots of everything, but I think you can get a sense of the amazing spread we enjoyed...

Red Sangria


White Sangria

I stuck with the red, and loved it, it's really nice and bright and fresh, the best sangria I've ever had. And despite some other whining around the web, at least to my palate there was NOT too much cinnamon, I thought it was a nice ethereal accent, not an overwhelming presence.

complimentary flatbread with dip


Mixed Charcuterie


Cheese


more cheese...


Patatas Bravas


Tortilla Espanola


Chiparones en su Tinta (Squid in its ink)


Piquillos Rellenos (Crab-stuffed Peppers)


and sorry, we got eating so fast I couldn't get pictures of
Pulpo Callego (Spanish Octopus)
Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)
Croquetas de Jamon (Ham Croquettes)
Coca: Pato con Higos (Duck with Figs and Cabrales)

I managed to try most of these, and they really all were delicious. I think I liked the Ham Croquettes and the Octopus the most, but just barely....

Oh, right, we ordered a roasted pig...

The pork was just outrageously good, we were each served a good portion of juicy, tender meat, as well as some crispy skin, and we still had this left over...



and the pork came with excellent side dishes:
Rosemary White Beans


Grilled Green Onions


Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes


Chickpeas with Spinach
sorry...I was busy eating... no pic.

By the time we'd finished with all this, we were seriously stuffed... but we decided to take one for the eGullet team, and in the interest of more complete reportage, we got a couple orders of:
Chocolate Five Ways

All of which was really delicious, but we had some savage spoon-fights over the intense, but appropriately small items. We probably could have ordered 11 of these...

And we finished up with a complimentary almond tuille


I'm sure some more folks will add details and impressions, but I have to say that I was incredibly impressed, it's pretty rare to get this much food and to like all of it...

So I'll have to concur with the the general drift so far in this topic: Amada has quickly made its way into the ranks of the best restaurants in the city, I'm eager to go back.

Big thanks to Diann for getting this together, it was a great culinary evening, and a social one too. It was great seeing many eG folks again, and meeting some for the first time as well. Hope to see you all again soon!

[I_call_the_duck]

I had the pleasure of attending porkapalooza, and I think it was one of the best meals I’ve had, not just because of the company, but the food as well. Thanks, Diann for arranging this fun dinner, and thanks philadining for those great pictures. I’m still full, but am having fun reliving the experience.

Since there were eleven of us, we got a good sampling of the tapas, but there was still more than half the menu that we haven’t tried. Oh well. Next time.

I had the red sangria, and tried some of Mr. Duck’s white. The red was much lighter than most sangrias I’ve had, and I didn’t taste much cinnamon either. I loved both, but I preferred the white.

The tapas were sooo tasty, and I don’t know if I could pick a favorite. If I had to, it may be the duck (of course!) and the squid in its own ink. Oh, I also loved the nutella-like sauce that came with one of the cheese plates.

The roast pig may have been the best I’ve ever had. Most roast pigs I’ve eaten are usually dry and need something to give it some taste, and the skin is so shellacked that it is nearly impossible to consume. Not in this case. This little piggie was very tender, juicy, and packed with flavor—and the skin was crisped to perfection. I was almost done when I was passed a mustard that was to go with the pig. But it didn’t need it. This pig stands alone. The sides were also top-notch.

Hail to the pig!! Hail to Amada!!

[Diann]

I have nothing but praise for this restaurant as well. It's a beautiful space (nicely set up to accommodate large parties and single diners) with a great four or five seat counter where you can sit and watch the chefs making magic.

I AM going to pick out some favorites among the tapas -- the garlic flatbread with tuna dip, the garlic shrimp (can you tell I like garlic?), the squid, the ham croquettes (you MUST try these), and the really lovely cheese plates. The accompaniments (truffled lavender honey, cherry marmalade, balsamic strawberries, etc) really gave all of the cheeses an added dimension. Gives me something to aspire to when I make my own cheese plates.

Let's not forget the pigs (there were two, and among the 11 of us we nearly finished off both of them) -- incredibly succulent and tender. The garlicky mustard accompaniment managed to improve on a good thing, I think. And the sides were fantastic. Who knew grilled scallions were so good?

Thank you to everyone for coming, and bravo to Katie for assembling a really interesting wine/beer/cocktails/etc list -- although we only tried the sangrias, I'm looking forward to a couple of Bad Educations in the future, along with some bacalo croquettes, maybe some anchovies, oh hey, throw in some flatbread while you're at it. All the rave reviews of this place are spot on. Hats off to Jose Garces!

[Jeff L]

I was fortunate to be among the attendees at the first porkapalooza held in Amada. I said it last night and I say it here, only exceptional restaurants rate 5 pages on E-Gullet. By all accounts, this place will be talked about for many pages to come.

I asked about 3/4 of the way through the meal if anyone had tasted anything they liked yet? Got a lot of laughs because without fail, every single thing my wife and I tried was excellently prepared with loving care.

My faves were the Patatas Bravas, so sublime and interesting. I also loved the texture and taste of the flatbread. The Tortilla Espanola was really tasty too.

Of course the pig itself, star billing and all, did not fail to put smiles on all 11 people's faces. I didn't know that the skin could taste so good. Forget about the mustard, didn't need anything as it was perfect standing alone. It was also cool being right next to the pig carver (I'm sure there's some fancy spanish word for this- I just don't know it) and watching his expert skills at work.

My wife, who was initially hesitant about looking at the poor pigs head enjoyed the sides and tapas more than the pig itself. I don't know maybe it's all those PETA functions she attends (just kidding)

It's not often that after eating so many different things, everyone has the same opinion..everything was great.

One word about the service is in order...perfectly attentive and professional. I'd like to think it was due to getting the right staffing and less a reflection of being a FOK.

Thanks again to Diann for putting this together and I will say the food was only outdone by the great company

Oh yeah, after all the tapas, cheese course, 2 pigs, sides, a few nice desserts and at least 3 pitchers or more of wonderful sangria, $65.00 per person. Not bad!!

[philadining]

Just a quick note about the cost: we actually ended up having 5 pitchers of Sangria, 2 of a few of the tapas, including the mixed charcuterie (probably could have gotten away with one of those, even among 11 of us) and we officially had roast pork for 8, which was no stretch at all to serve 11. We made a good dent in everything, but probably could have ordered a few fewer tapas, maybe even pork for 6, we really had loads of food. The $65 each included tax and service, and I think it was well worth it. Anybody with any self-restraint at all could get out cheaper, but that was not what we were about on sunday night!

Thanks are due Katie for putting in a good word for us, but it was obvious from looking around that we weren't getting extra-special treatment, service seemed quite good all around.

It's a little loud in there, but not as brutal as some places. I'm SO ready to go back...

[I_call_the_duck]

Sure we could have ordered less food, but I don't think the waiters took away any empty tapas plates. From what I saw, there was only some pig left. And you silly people wanted to go to Capogiro afterwards too . Of course, I was game, but fortunately(?) it closes early on Sundays.

I'm ready for Porkapalooza II. Or just going back soon.

[philadining]

It's true that there were not many plates going back that hadn't been practically licked-clean (I didn't even SEE the duck flatbread, somebody called the duck!) but I'm just saying, if one wanted to just go have a reasonably-sized dinner it wouldn't necessarily get up to $65 per person.

But you'd have to be sure to not go with an eG crowd...

[shacke]

It's true that there were not many plates going back that hadn't been practically licked-clean  (I didn't even SEE the duck flatbread, somebody called the duck!) but I'm just saying, if one wanted to just go have a reasonably-sized dinner it wouldn't necessarily get up to $65 per person.

But you'd have to be sure to not go with an eG crowd...

Sounds like a fanstastic evening. I hate being on the jealous spectator end

PhilaD, those pics are great.


Evan

[I_call_the_duck]

It's true that there were not many plates going back that hadn't been practically licked-clean  (I didn't even SEE the duck flatbread, somebody called the duck!) but I'm just saying, if one wanted to just go have a reasonably-sized dinner it wouldn't necessarily get up to $65 per person.

But you'd have to be sure to not go with an eG crowd...

Now who would have called the duck?

I was thinking that if were just the two of us, Mr. Duck and I probably could have gotten out of the place ordering about five plates between us.

Edited by I_call_the_duck, 23 January 2006 - 12:44 PM.

[Roonytunes]

I was one of the lucky attendees of this dinner and had a wonderful time. Both the company and the variety of food made for a very memorable dining experience. My favorite tapas dish was the squid in its own ink with risotto althought the duck/flat bread and spanish octopus were right up there. I really enjoyed the red sangria as well - very light and fruity! Thanks, Diann, for putting this together. I also thought it was a great deal for $65 to eat and drink as much as we did. I definitely will be going back soon!!