David McDuff

Yesterday... Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, a medium-bodied, aromatic IPA from down-state Delaware. The brewery is located in Milton and their brewpub, I believe, in Rehoboth Beach. Perhaps not for those that aren't keen on hoppiness. That said, it's quite well balanced and has a nice, crisp mouthfeel. Definitely one of my current favorites.

Given the time of day and time constraints you'll be facing, the best bet would probably be Brigid's (726 N. 24th Street). It's within walking distance of the PMA and is open for both lunch and dinner. I'm sure that you can at least order something at the bar at 4:00 PM. The ambience is sort of upscale bar or Belgian brasserie. The food offerings are solid and there are always good beers on tap. As the 30th is Memorial Day, though, I'd be sure to call ahead to see if they'll be open. You could also try London Grill. Again, given timing, you may have to settle for a bar menu. If all else fails, there is a restaurant in the Museum.

Quite simply, non-vintage means that the fruit going into the wine came from more than one vintage (annual growing season). Non-vintage wines exist in all categories but are most common, at good quality levels, in sparkling and dessert wines. That is exactly the case here, as evinced by the Cava (Spanish bubbly) and Commanderia St. John (Cyprean dessert wine).

If you've enjoyed Cafe Sabarsky and would like to make the shift to dinner and step it up a notch, be sure to check out Wallse in the far West Village. Chef Kurt Gutenbrunner owns both spots and shows off some very fine Austrian cuisine, focusing on regional and seasonal classics, market driven ingredients and a light, pristine touch in the kitchen. The wine list is all Austrian and includes some real gems; be sure to ask Aldo Sohm, their sommelier, for guidance.

If you're in town early enough in the day and are thinking of a down-home style brunch, aka good diner food, check out Morning Glory Diner at the corner of 10th and Fitzwater in South Philly. I think you'll find the food more satisfying and interesting than at Silk City and the environment a good bit cleaner.... There's usually a wait for a table, but if it's a nice day it's worthwile. If you're looking for a shorter wait and a location closer to Chinatown and Center City, and if you're a practitioner of eating breakfast for lunch, then check out Blue in Green. They serve solid omelets and, to my carb loading tastes, the best pancakes in town. You'll find them in the middle of Jewelers Row on Sansom Street between 7th and 8th. I would strongly second philadining's recommendation of paying a stop to Capogiro. The hazelnut (nocce) gelato is a personal favorite. A walk through the Ninth Street market is a no-brainer, with DiBruno's (cheese, oils, etc.) and Esposito's (butcher) being excellent spots to do a bit of provisioning while you're in town. Enjoy.

Shall we get the ball rolling again? I made a second visit to WD-50 during a long weekend in the city recently. Having dined a la carte on my first trip, I decided to explore the chef's tasting menu, along with accompanying wines, this time around. I've taken the liberty of posting an image of the tasting menu -- here's the link: WD-50 Tasting Menu Image I could go on at length, I suppose, but I'm a bit more tempted to just post the menu and see what kind of questions it generates. I'll be more than happy to share thoughts about the experience. I'll at least get the ball rolling by giving kudos to Wylie's dad -- I think his name is Dewey -- for putting together some very fine wine matches with the wild array of courses. It was particularly pleasing to find something as unusual and tasty as the Ciro Rosato making the grade.

Check out a place called Crown Palace, located just off Route 18 in Marlboro, NJ. It's a bit of a hike from the Edison/Woodbridge area but I always found it worth the drive when I lived in Highland Park. They have an extensive menu, full of the standard fare of course but with some serious, traditional dishes as well. Their dim sum weekend brunch is arguably the best in the area.

Nice post, Shacke. I've been an occasional but steady customer at the Bakery House since first moving to the area over ten years ago. In that time, they've never been nor tried to be a patisserie nor do they practice "high pastry art." Their forte is excellent down-home baking, plain and simple. Lots of eggs, lots of butter, lots of sugar and lots of love. Simple, good quality ingredients. Prices may appear high at first glance but I think the end product justifies the cost. I'd have to give highest marks to their pies -- particularly the deep dish apple and just about any of the berry pies. That said, they make a damn tasty coconut cake, very respectable jewish apple cake and cinnamon coffee cake, and a delightfully savory Bay State muffin.

Thanks for the welcoming words, Katie. I'm sure I'll make it to the PA forum before long. Cheers.

It's wonderful to find so many waxing eloquently -- and positively -- about a shop at which I earn my daily bread (in the Wilmington, DE branch). Let me just provide a little update on some of the above threads. Due to some of the inevitable delays involved with construction and business licensing in any big city, it's now looking like a New York opening in autumn/fall rather than in spring. As for the $100 Bon Marche sampler, after eight years at the same price, the combination of inflation and the feeble dollar has finally forced us to change the price to $125. Still a great deal for twelve bottles and a perfect introduction to the small farm wines in which we specialize. If anyone has specific questions, please don't hesitate.