Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Capitol Grille

The best steaks around, without a doubt, Capital Grille, their menu consists of high quality beef. Capitol Grille is one of few restaurants in the country that serves dry aged beef and dry ages the beef themselves. Between this 14-21 day process the beef becomes more tender and more favorable. By doing so, Capitol Grill has control over the meat from the time they purchase it to the time they served it. Which is why I highly recommend this restaurant. Besides the fact they serve my all time favorite, Lobster Mac N Cheese, you can top any dish off with fresh lobster or crab. They hold a strong reputation for not only high quality food but also high quality service. I have been to three different Capitol Grilles have always had a great experience.

 My most recent meal was in Philadelphia.
 
 
Located on
1338 Chestnut St
 
I usually always start out big, especially at Capital Grille. They are known for their fresh selection of seafood. I always have the worst time deciding whether I want crab cakes, the raw bar (consisting of raw clams and oysters) or their famous lobster bisque. So to make things easier on myself, I get all three, by choosing the Seafood Tower.
 
Fresh Lobster, Crab Meat, Oysters and Clams
 
 
Every now and then I get a salad, this time I chose the Wedge with Blue Cheese and Applewood Smoked Bacon. It was perfect, my favorite part was the bacon.
 
 
The Wedge Salad
 
 Sometimes I can't help myself and squeeze in a soup , how could I not.







 
French Onion Soup
 
And as for the grand finale, below you see the Filet Oscar, served with lump crabmeat and drizzled with Capitol Grille's house-made Béarnaise. This steak was so tender and juicy, I was completely satisfied.
 
The Filet Oscar
 
I paired my main dish with my favorite, gooey Lobster Mac N Cheese and more Asparagus, cooked to perfection.
 

 
 
And in case you are wondering your answer is No, I did not eat this entire meal by myself, lol. Below is my sister's entre of choice, her favorite is the Filet Mignon topped with Lobster.
 
 
Filet Mignon topped w/ Lobster

 
Capitol Grill is amazing, but I will be honest with you, it is quite pricey, but to me it is worth every penny. Between the dinning experience (the staff makes you feel like royalty) and consistency of fresh, delicious, artfully crafted food, you can not go wrong with Capitol Grille. I would also recommend Ruth Chris and Fogo De Choa a Brazilian Steak House, both are located in Philadelphia.


Sunday, November 10, 2013

Teca













I tried out Teca for the first time and it was amazing. Located in the heart of West Chester Pennsylvania, on 38 E. Gay St. Their menu is influenced  from different regions of Italy. There is plenty to choose from on the menu and the service was excellent!

 

This is the first restaurant that offered me both grilled and fried Calamari, I was thrilled.
















Crab Meat Neapolitan, layered with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Avocado, and Mango Salsa
















Specialty Arugula Salad topped with cured meat and Italian cheese "Formagio"





Vitello alla MilaneseBreaded veal Cutlet, Crispy Pancetta, Fontina Cheese, Tri-Color Salad, Lemon Olive Oil


 

Gnocchi alla Fiorentina Spinach, Parmigiano and Ricotta Cheese infused Gnocchi, Parmigiano Cream Sauce, this was my favorite. The sauce was so rich and creamy, the Gnocchi's were fresh and full of flavor. What a perfect dish.

Portion sizes are great, you will not leave hungry, great Italian food and awesome atmosphere. I look forward to visiting Teca again soon!

Whit Dog Cafe

 
 
 
I was in Philadelphia when I came across the
White Dog Café.
 Located at 3420 Samson St. The White Dog Café is know for it's contemporary American cuisine and for  purchasing only the freshest ingredients from local farmers. I heard of this restaurant many times and decided to give it a try and this is what I ordered.




I chose the Beet Salad 
 







Crisped slices of granny smith apples, lightly fried tofu, and creamy goat cheese crumbles on top of a bed of fresh organic arugula









and the appetizer special of the day, Oysters on the half shell.








I assumed the Oysters were going to be raw but the black caviar made up for it and they were still a knock out.
 
I later learned that all the restaurants fruits and vegetables are purchased from farms that do not participate in the use antibiotics, pesticides, hormones and other harmful chemicals. HORAY!            I will definitely come back to The White Dog Café, Two Thumbs Up!






Random Seafood Fest Anyone ....?


I was craving seafood and so I decided to have a Seafood Feast. Here you see broiled Salmon, sautéed Asparagus, Lobster Mac & Cheese, Scallops sautéed in butter and perfectly seasoned JUMBO shrimp. It was amazing :-) !