Chef Luke Palladino Cebrates Squash Blossom Season with Complimentary Fiori Di Zucca

Squash blossoms are in bloom! In celebration of the delicate flower’s return, Chef Luke Palladino presents two opportunities to enjoy complimentary samples of Fiori di Zucca at Palladino's on Passyunk (1934 East Passyunk) and Luke Palladino Seasonal Italian Cooking (199 New Road, Central Square, Linwood, NJ). 

Fiori di Zucca, which features locally sourced squash blossoms, is stuffed with sweet corn, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmigiano reggiano, tempura fried and tossed with parmigiano reggiano, chives and parsley. 

"Fiori di Zucca is our most popular antipasto ever,” said Luke. “Italians have fond childhood memories of their Nonna making these in the kitchen. The batter is so light that the flavor of the flower itself really stands out.”

Fiori di Zucca is now back on the menu while supplies last at both restaurants ($12.00/order). Enjoy two opportunities to sample this must-try dish. Details are below: 

1) Palladino's on Passyunk 
Squash Blossom Happy Hour
(Reservations/info: 267-928-4339)

Starting today, through June 5, 2015, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, enjoy complimentary samples of Fiori di Zucca when you join chef for happy hour. As a special pairing, chef will also offer a complimentary taste of Limonata. 

Limonata is one of several new cocktails to debut on a new drink menu at Palladino's later in the month. This thirst-quenching cocktail features Limoncello, Bombay Gin, St. Germaine, lemon, simple syrup and club soda. 

2) Luke Palladino Seasonal Italian Cooking 
Annual Squash Blossom Party
(Reservations/info: 609-926-3030)

Celebrate the return of squash blossoms at the shore on Monday, June 8th. Dinner guests will receive a complimentary tasting of Fiori di Zucca AND a complimentary glass of prosecco. Available during dinner hours which are 5:00pm to 10:00pm.

ABOUT CHEF LUKE PALLADINO

Chef Luke Palladino is a graduate of the esteemed Culinary Institute of Aemrica (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY and spent many years living and cooking in Italy. From 1997 to 1999, Palladino was executive chef and partner at Venice’s internationally celebrated Ristorante al Covo. Prior to his time at al Covo, Chef Palladino immersed himself in the culture and cuisine of Italy’s varied regions, spending time at restaurants in Rome, Piemonte, Puglia, Fruili, Sicily and Tuscany.

In the United States, Chef Palladino has worked with some of the country’s most respected culinary talent, including Paul Bertolli Jeremiah Towers, Emeril Lagasse and Todd English. Currently, Chef Palladino owns and operates Luke Palladino Hospitality Group, Altantic City, NJ.

Chef Luke Palladino Debuts Late Spring and Early Summer Menu at Palladino's on Passyunk

Chef Luke Palladino announces the debut of late spring and early summer dishes at Palladino’s on Passyunk (1934 East Passyunk). Eighteen new offerings will place the spotlight on vegetables and meats at the prime of their season and freshness.

Highlights will include Sweet Pea Tortelli (filled with ricotta, peas and mint, brown butter, shaved parmigiano), Black Spaghetti (made with cuttlefish ink, sautéed ramps, shrimp, bottarga, toasted bread crumbs), Pollo in Porchetta (poussin chicken stuffed with pancetta, garlic, sage, rosemary, fennel pollen, served over cannellini bean puree, broccoli rabe pesto, slow roasted tomatoes and Mixed Grill Spiedino (skewered shrimp, fish, Barnegat scallops, oregano-scented breadcrumbs, salmoriglio sauce).

For a sweet ending, Chef will supplement Luke’s Cannoli and Affogato with three new dessert offerings, including Ricotta Zeppole, Cheesecake and Fallen Chocolate Torta.

Chef’s spring menu changes mark the the first major transition of the menu since the restaurant opened in December of 2014. Going forward, Chef will debut new seasonal dishes two to three times each season. All mentioned new dishes are available starting this week. Let's eat! 

BONUS (updated June 1st)  - FREE SQUASH BLOSSOM HAPPY HOUR! 

Starting today, through June 5, 2015, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, enjoy complimentary samples of Fiori di Zucca when you join chef for happy hour. As a special pairing, chef will also offer a complimentary taste of Limonata. 
 

NEW DISHES:

ANTIPASTI COLD

Vignarola - Baby artichokes, fava beans, peas, spring onions, mint, oilve oil. $10.00

ANTIPASTI HOT

NJ Asparagus Two Ways - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

NJ Asparagus Two Ways - Savory asparagus flan, truffled egg salad,    shaved asparagus, lemon, Ligurian oil, shaved parmigiano. $11.00

Wood Grilled Octopus - Ramp salsa verde, potatoes, olivada. $13.00

FRITTI

Spring Vegetable Fritto Misto - Swiss chard ribs, artichokes, asparagus, spring onions. $11.00

ZUPPA & INSALATA

Zuppa Di Carciofi - Purée of artichoke soup, fava bean pesto, Tuscan oil. $9.00

Spring Greens - Assorted greens, shaved Ubriaco cheese, spring vegetables, rhubarb vinaigrette. $10.00

The Anti-Wedge - Bibb lettuce, gorgonzola cheese, shaved bermuda onion, candied pecans, smoked chili ranch dressing, crisp pancetta. $11.00

FOCACCIA/ FLATBREADS

Carciofi - Stuffed with stracchino cheese, topped with baby artichokes, shaved bottarga, parsley. $17.00

Mortadella Focaccia - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

Mortadella - Stuffed with stracchino cheese, topped with sliced mortadella, pistachio pesto. $18.00

HAND-CRAFTED PASTAS

Sweet Pea Tortelli - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

Sweet Pea Tortelli - Filled with ricotta, peas and mint, brown butter, shaved parmigiano. $21.00

Black Spaghetti - Pasta made with cuttlefish ink, sautéed ramps, shrimp, bottarga, toasted bread crumbs. $26.00

Maccheroni - Beef ragu, pea tendril pesto. $24.00

WOOD-FIRED GRILL

Pollo in Porchetta - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

Pollo in Porchetta - Poussin chicken stuffed with pancetta, garlic, sage, rosemary, fennel pollen, served over cannellini bean puree, broccoli rabe pesto, slow roasted tomatoes. $24.00

Kobe Strip Steak 8 ounces. $48.00

Mixed Grill Spiedino - Skewered shrimp, fish, Barnegat scallops, oregano-scented breadcrumbs, salmoriglio sauce. $30.00

DESSERTS

Ricotta Zeppole - Moscato zabaglione. $9.00

Cheesecake - Photo by Aversa PR & Events

Cheesecake - Amaretti cookie crust, berry-basil composta, Florentine crisp, aged balsamic. $9.00

Fallen Chocolate Torta - Flourless Valrhona chocolate cake, Strega zabaglione, seasonal berries. $10.00

For more information, please visit www.lukepalladino.com/Palladinos, visit Open Table, follow @palladinosepx, like Palladino's on Facebook or call (267) 928-4339.

Save the Date: South Street Spring Festival Kicks Off Philadelphia Festival Season with All-Day, All Ages, Free Party on Sat, May 2, 2015

South Street kicks off Philly's summer festival season with a free, all-day, all ages block party on Saturday, May 2, 2015 from 11:00am to 8:00pm. Festivities will take over South Street between Front and 8th, plus continue onto 2nd Street Plaza.

Over 30 restaurants and bars will serve food and drink outside on the street.  The district will come alive with music and entertainment from three stages and eight additional street locations. Children of all ages will enjoy free family fun in the Kids Zone. Over forty artists and retailers will cater to your shopping needs. In conjunction with the Festival, Brauhaus Schmitz will host the 3rd annual German Maifest with German beers, dancers, music, food and the city’s largest Maypole.

South Street Spring Festival is FREE and open to the public. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go. 21 and up with identification to drink. Rain or shine. For the full schedule, visit www.southstreet.com, call 215-413-3713 and follow @officialsouthst #SouthStFest on Twitter.

BRU Craft & Wurst in Midtown Village Hosts My Smutty Valentine with 20 Smuttynose Rare and Vintage Brews

Celebrate your one true love: Beer. BRU Craft and Wurst (1318 Chestnut Street) hosts My Smutty Valentine Party on Saturday, February 14, 2015 starting at 2:00pm. Fall head over heels (figuratively, of course) for 20 Smuttynose drafts for only $5.00 each, including vintage and rare selections. Plus enjoy beer-infused chocolate desserts from Chef Andrew Gaspar. My Smutty Valentine will be hosted by Joanna Manzo of Smuttynose Brewing Company.  Selections will include:

• Finest Kind IPA
• Shoals Pale Ale
• Smoked Peach Short Weisse
• Durty
• Winter Ale
• Old Brown Dog
• Big A
• Really Old Brown Dog
• Bouncy House
• Imperial Stout
• Farmhouse Ale
• Gravitation
• Zinneke
• Tripel
• Smuttlabs Schmutzig
• Smuttlabs White IPA
• Smuttlabs Brett & I
• Smuttlabs Short Weisse
• Scotch Ale, vintage 2012
• Wheat Wine, vintage 2010

Twenty-one and only to drink. All selections are limited in supply and available until the kegs kick. Food and drink are pay-as-you-go. For more information, visit www.bruphilly.com, follow @bruphilly or call (215) 800-1079.

Super Bowl Must-Try Food, Drink Specials, Football Parties and More in Philadelphia

Catch the big game at Philadelphia's top restaurants and bars with must-try dishes, menu additions, drink specials, football parties, half-time shots and much more this Sunday, February 1, 2015. Below find the top specials and events in Old City, on East Passyunk and in South Street Headhouse District. 

Me N Mo Meatballs and More
214 South Street

Super Bowl Party and Take-out Menu Additions
Me N Mo Meatballs and More serves up red hot buffalo chicken meatballs, Hong Kong meatballs and drink specials for their first Super Bowl Party. Super Bowl can enjoy $5.00 red and white wine, $4.00 all bottled beer, and $1.00 off homemade lasagna and wedge salad with bacon and blue cheese. During halftime, Buffalo and Hong Kong meatballs are only $1.00. The game will be on at the bar, with the sound. Bar and dining room open early at 12:00pm for pre-gaming. Super Bowl Sunday will be the first full day that take-out is available for the full meatball menu. Buffalo, Hong Kong and Beef meatballs available by the dozen by calling ahead (267) 928-3262.

Palladino’s on East Passyunk
1934 East Passyunk

Palladino’s Super Bowl Party
East Passyunk’s newest restaurant hosts their first Super Bowl Party with food and drink specials at the bar, menu additions - and a surprise from Chef! Catch the game (with sound) on our killer 60" HD TV's. Chef Luke Palladino says “salute” with a complimentary Spaghetti Western shot for everyone at the bar at start of half time - featuring Tequila, Citronge, Lime, Blood Orange Aranciata.

Game-time food specials:

• Potato Skins - Truffle cheese fondue, crisp smoked bacon, scallion crème fraiche ($7)
• Calamari - With Cherry pepper aioli ($10)
• Pizzata - Thin crust brick oven baked flat bread stuffed with stracchino cheese, topped with pomodoro sauce, parmesan cheese, basil ($13)
• Short Rib Stuffed Potato - Braised Beef Short Rib Stuffed potato skin, Cheddar, smoked bacon, scallion creme fraiche ($14) (new)

Cocktail and beer specials:

• Peroni drafts ($4)
• Blood Orange Screwdriver ($9)

View fullsize

Nick’s Roast Beef in Old City
16 S. Second Street

Nick’s Old City Annual Super Bowl Party
Chow down on all-you-can-eat food and drink while you watch the games at the bar and in the dining room (with the sound on). Admission at the door is $40 per person and includes unlimited domestic drafts, well drinks and prize giveaways. Food buffet will include make-your-own roast beef and pork sandwiches, peel and eat shrimp, Nick’s famous wings, hummus and crudite, taco dip and more. The standard daily menu is also available for pay-as-you-go. The party starts at 6:00pm and runs through the end of the game.

BRU Craft & Wurst
1318 Chestnut Street

Super Bowl Party and U-Bahn Preview
Head to Mid-town Village and catch the game on projection wall (with the sound on) with $5.00 American Craft Drafts (16+ to pick from) and get a preview of the menu from the soon-to-open U-Bahn. Food specials will include $5.00 dips and sandwiches.

Taproom on 19th
2400 S. 19th Street (19th and Ritner)

Super Bowl Party and Menu Additions
Catch the game at the bar (with the sound on the TVs) and enjoy discounted drinks, off-menu specials, discounts and more. Drink specials will include $3.00 Yeunling bottles, $3.00 Chesterfield daughts, $10.00 Chesterfield pitchers, $2.50 Miller High Life and Light bottles and more. Wings (Buffalo with celery and blue cheese or Korean with cashews, ginger and sesame) will be half off during game time.

Chef Christina DeSilva presents Super Bowl additions all weekend long, from Friday to Sunday

• Cheese plate - Raw honey, smoked grapes, rye toast points, black walnuts, apple shnitz. Buttercup Brie from Cherry Grove NJ, Birch Run Bleu from Birch Run Hills, Chester County, and Snowfield from Saxon Creamery Wisconsin.
• Cheeseburger hush puppies - Cheddar, ground brisket, cornichons, mustard greens, tomato creme fresh.
• Munchies - Popcorn, smoked paprika, golden reason, pine nut, milk chocolate
• Pizza Pigs in a Blanket - Parsley and cheese Italian sausage, tomato, basil, parmesan, pizza crust
• Loaded Potato Burger - Pat Lafrieda brisket burger on potato roll. Cheddar, bacon, sour creme, scallion, potato chips

SliCE

Rittenhouse Sq., 1740 Sansom St., 215-557-9299
Italian Market, 1180 S. 10th St., 215-463-0868
Washington Twp., 137 Egg Harbor Rd., 856-302-5099

All three locations for SliCE will have the game on in the dining rooms (with sound). At Rittenhouse, purchase four pies of any variety and get one free (dine-in, take-out, delivery). In Washington Township and South Philly only, enjoy South Philly style "twice cooked" wings - first they are baked with salt and pepper, then they are deep fried and tossed in one of five sauces. The popular Signature Sauce is a delectable blend of flavor that balances both heat and sweet. The family recipe is an emulsification of hot sauce with several secret ingredients. Other varieties include barbecue sauce, hot sauce, dry (no sauce) and gluten-free. Super Bowl specials with twice-baked wings include: 

The Tackle
$29.95   
25 double-cooked wings and one large plain pizza 

The Field Goal
$45.99  
25 double-cooked wings, 15 mozzarella sticks, sea salt fries 

The Touchdown
$59.95 
50 wings and two large plain pizzas

All wings come with your choice of sauce or sauce combo, blue cheese dressing and celery.
 

Bridget Foy's 
200 South Second (Second and South Street) 

Super Bowl Specials
Head to Headhouse Square and catch the game on at the bar (with the sound) and enjoy chipotle wings for only $5.00 and Kenzinger drafts for $3.00 during the game. 

ELA
627 S. 3rd Street

Super Bowl Wing Special
Enjoy wings for only $10.00 a dozen. Order and pay online. Pick up anytime 1/31 after Noon, or 2/1 before 6:00pm. Sauce options include:

• Honey-Sriracha and Lime
• Chipotle-Salted Caramel
• Miso Mustard
• Old Bay
• Classic Old Hot Sauce

Order ahead: http://elaphilly.com/wings-pre-order/

Brauhaus Schmitz
718 South Street

Super Bowl Party and Specials
The game will be projected on a big screen in the Brauer Bund room and for $20 guests can enjoy a huge spread of pork rinds, roast beef, meatballs, wings & more. Plus, drinks will be on special for $5!

Manny Brown's
512 South Street

Super Bowl Specials
Game will be on in bar and dining room with sound on. During game time, enjoy 40 cent wings and $2.75 pints of Miller Lite.
 

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia Hosts French-Inspired New Year's Eve Party at Down Town Club

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia co-hosts Natanya DiBona and Kayli Moran have partnered with Cescaphe Event Group to throw a French-inspired New Year’s Eve Party at the Down Town Club this Wednesday evening, December 31, 2014.  The Historic Down Town Club (Public Ledger Building at 6th and Chestnut streets) will be transformed into a beautiful evening in Paris with three themed rooms from Hôtel Costes in the Place Vendôme to Moulin Rouge and Versailles. Live music and entertainment, specialty French cocktails, and top shelf open bar will be available all night. General admission from 10:00pm to 2:00am is $145.00 per person. VIP experience tickets cost $200.00 per person and a special VIP cocktail party at 9:00pm plus a phase one registration to 2015 Diner en Blanc Philadelphia (ticket registration still required). Complimentary valet parking included. Tickets are on sale at www.philadelphianyeparty.com. 

DiBona and Moran are combining their passion for planning unique events with the culinary and hospitality expertise of the Cescaphe Event Group to provide a delightfully Parisian New Year’s Eve experience.  “We know how much Dîner en Blanc guests love the event’s French heritage, so we decided to expand on that really have fun with the theme”, said DiBona. Cescaphe's signature food stations will offer a culinary tour of France in each space, featuring such classic dishes as Coq au Vin, Boeuf Bourguignon, Ratatouille, Bouillabaisse and much more.

As with Diner en Blanc, the co-hosts are working with Mole Street to provide the entertainment for the evening which includes New York’s La Vie en Rose and two European-trained DJ’s: DJ Sabeel Chohan (who performed at the inaugural Dîner en Blanc in DC this past September) and DJ Sean Smoove.  Edith Piaf will also make an appearance with members of The Bearded Ladies cabaret.  The Professional Dance Ensemble from Philadelphia Dance Academy will also be performing and fashion illustrator Denise Fike will be sketching guests.  There will be a midnight toast and the Down Town Club’s floor-to-ceiling windows will offer spectacular views of the fireworks on the Delaware River.

TICKETS

Tickets are on sale at www.philadelphianyeparty.com. General admission from 10:00pm to 2:00am is $145.00 per person. VIP experience starting at 9:00pm is $200.00 per person and includes a phase one registration to 2015 Diner en Blanc Philadelphia (ticket registration still required). Complimentary valet parking included.

VIP EXPERIENCE 

Guests may start New Year's Eve at the Down Town Club an hour early! A very special VIP reception will be held from 9:00pm to 10:00pm that includes a tasting of grower champagne, curated by local wine expert Brian Freedman, paired with a pre-party menu from CEG Executive Chef Eric Hall that includes: American Caviar, Crème Fraiche, Golden Potato Blini; House Cured Duck, Mango Compote, Black Pepper Crisp; Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Potato Gaufrette; Seared Diver Scallop with Parsnip Crème, Benton’s Bacon; and Roast Chiogga Beet, Chevre, Apple Chip; and Seared Foie Gras, Sweet Potato and Black Currant Gastrique. Live music, engraved tasting glass and valet parking included. All VIP ticket holders will receive phase one invitations to next year’s DEB (ticket purchase required). Space is limited.

FULL MENU 

** Les Fromages & Charcuterie
An array of French cheeses and charcuterie; Baked Brie de Meaux en Croute with fresh Raspberry filling, Boucheron, Roquefort, Cow Affinois, P’tit Basque, and St. Andre.  Pate de Campagne, Garlic Sauccisons, Smoked Duck Breast, Vegetable Pate, Herbes de Provence Salami.  Accompanied with fig jam, orange marmalade, port wine preserves, Marcona almonds, pistachios, honeycomb, and dried fruits.

** Fruit de Mers
Chilled Shrimp, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Crab Claws, and Canadian Lobster; Freshly shucked Oysters and Clams; Alaskan King Crab Legs and Cold water Lobster tails;  accompanied with horseradish, cocktail sauce, shallot mignonette, and lemon.

** Les Poissons
Chef Carved Salmon en Croute with sauce aux fines herbs, garlic aioli; Griddle Seared “Loup de Mer”, Mediterranean Sea bass with caper and herb olive oil, “Truite Amandine”, crisp Trout fillet with Almond Sauce.  Escargots, sautéed to order in Pernod Butter, served in a pastry shell. Accompanied by Saffron Pilaf, Haricot Verte with red peppers.

** Salades Composées
Salade Niçoise – composed salad of Mesclun greens, Seared Tuna, Haricot Verte, Egg, Tomato, Fingerling Potato, and Lemon Anchovy Vinaigrette, served in a mini martini glass.
Salade Betteraves - Roasted Beets over greens with candied Walnuts, Crumbled Goat Cheese, Pickled Shallot and Aged Sherry Vinaigrette, served in a mini martini glass.

** Les Classiques
Carved Meats:
Carre d’ Agneau Rôti a la Provençale -  Chef Carved Provençale style Rack of Lamb with minted Tomato Coulis;  
Herb Roasted Tenderloin of Beef with Roast Garlic-Horseradish Aioli and Mushroom Demi-glace;   served accompanied with Artisan French rolls
Coq au Vin – Roasted Chicken with bacon, Pearl onion, in a Red Wine Sauce;  
Boeuf Bourguignon – Slow Cooked Short Rib with Root Vegetables, Burgundy Wine.
Bouillabaisse – Traditional Fisherman’s Stew with Scallops, Monkfish, and Shrimp in a Fennel laced Tomato broth, served in a pastry shell
Pommes “Dauphinoise” - Classic garlic and onion flavored scalloped potatoes.
Ratatouille – Provençale dish of slow cooked eggplant, zucchini, tomato and peppers.

** Soupe et un Sandwich
Mini Grilled Brie and Brioche
Mini Croque Monsieur with Sauce Mornay

Served with shooter glasses of:
Fall Spiced Butternut Squash Bisque
Lobster Bisque
Tomato Basil Bisque

** Les Desserts
Fondue au Chocolat – Bittersweet Chocolate fondue with strawberries, bananas, pineapple, pound cake, lady fingers, apples, and marshmallows
Butlered French Miniatures – A variety of miniatures including Palmiers, Chocolat Pots du Crème, Tarte Tatin, Eclairs, Truffles, Berry Financier, Mille Feuille, and Macrons
Crouquembouche – classic French dessert tower of profiteroles bound with spun caramel.
Crème Brulee – miniature Vanilla Crème Brule, topped with a burnt sugar crust.

** French Signature Martini
Midnight in Paris: AbsolutPear Vodka, Domain DeCanton Ginger Liquor Simple Syrup, Fresh lemon juice

ABOUT DINER EN BLANC PHILADELPHIA

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia is an annual outdoor pop-up dining experience that celebrates community, friendship, public space and "dinner as an artform." It has been held annually since 2012 in such beautiful spaces as Logan Circle, the JFK Bridge over the Schuylkill River and the Avenue of the Arts.   Diner en Blanc Philadelphia will return for its fourth year in the summer of 2015.  For more information, please visit http://philadelphia.dinerenblanc.info or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DinerEnBlanc.Philadelphia.

ABOUT CESCAPHE EVENT GROUP

Cescaphe Event Group orchestrates over 600 weddings per year at five distinctive Philadelphia locations, including Cescaphe Ballroom, Tendenza, Vie, The Atrium at The Curtis Center and The Down Town Club. Learn more about Cescaphe Event Group by visiting http://www.cescaphe.com.