With a fine dining tradition that began at Le Bec Fin in 1970, Philadelphia’s culinary star has gone meteoric over the last decade. Plus, there’s the eternal debate over who serves the best cheesesteak—Pat’s, Geno’s or Jim’s? It’s a complete food package in Philadelphia and its countryside environs, where groups can eat locally or travel the globe at a dazzling range of restaurants. Here are four from a field of plenty.
Markets have been a part of Philadelphia’s history since William Penn founded the city in 1682. Opened in 1892 as a farmers market, the historic Reading Terminal Market (www.readingterminalmarket.org) today is a foodie’s paradise of food vendors and restaurants. With its ground floor incorporated into the Pennsylvania Convention Center (the Center’s soaring Grand Hall and Ballroom occupying the historic Reading Terminal train shed), the venue is a can’t miss for conventioneers. With more than 80 merchants offering fresh produce, meats, fish, groceries, baked goods and much more, this local favorite is also one of Philadelphia’s most popular visitor draws.
In addition to culinary team-building options including outdoor grilling, pretzel baking and the worthy Cooking for a Cause program, benefiting U.S. soldiers returning home from service abroad, the Normandy Farm Hotel provides delegates with a distinctive dining experience at The Farmer’s Daughter (215.616.8300; www.normandygirl.com). Kenyan-born executive chef Mtele “Abu” Abubakar’s “Modern Farm Cooking” concept translates into delicious farm-to-table fare like the winning cheese and charcuterie plate. “Farm chic” describes the restaurant’s artful decor, private space included, as well as the recently expanded bar, which serves infused “farm-to-bar” tequilas, vodkas and whiskeys.
Anticipation is building for this month’s opening (I was the first journalist to see the space.) of Woodside Lodge at Spring Mountain (610.287.6469; www.woodsidelodgeatspringmountain.com) near historic Schwenksville, a newly renovated update of a circa-1920s country manor long popular with summering Philadelphians. Featuring seven two-room suites, a first-floor ADA compliant room and bunker room sleeping eight, the $1.5 million renovation also includes banquet space for up to 100 and a full-service restaurant and bar. Running the kitchen is executive chef Michael Kenny, whose resume includes stints as private chef to actor Will Smith and rockers Aerosmith. The property is attached to the nearby four-season Spring Mountain resort, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
Following in the footsteps of Stephen Starr, whose culinary empire put Philadelphia on the global foodie map, Jose Garces, Iron Chef winner and considered one of the country’s top Latin-American chefs, has put his own unique stamp on the Philadelphia scene. His five-restaurant collection, all with private event space, includes the convivial Amada (215.625.2450; www.amadarestaurant.com). Located in Philadelphia’s Old City district, this lively eatery, a great choice for a group celebration, serves mouth-watering Andalusian Spanish tapas along with great cocktails, sangria and Spanish wines.
