As you might presume by the fact that I have a food blog, I really love Top Chef. I've been a fan since season two, and it has really increased my knowledge of food and my desire to try new things. I considered doing a complete recap of the finale, but that didn't happen. I do, though, want to give you some final thoughts, along with a restaurant review.
From the first episode, Kevin (who looks like Yukon Cornelius from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer) was my favorite "cheftestant," (he may be my favorite of all time) and I really thought he would win. I really liked his sophisticatedly simple approach to food, and I too love all things pork (no pig tattoo for me, though). I always thought Michael (the eventual winner) was the most creative chef by far, and Bryan (his brother) may have been the most technically precise chef. I also really liked Jen. (It didn't hurt that she works Philly.) It was disappointing to see Kevin lose, but I think he will be a star. If I'm ever in Atlanta, I must go to his restaurant and Richard Blais' (from season 4).
Speaking of Top Chef, Mrs. Real Job and I went to Jen's restaurant in Philadelphia - 10 Arts - the other day before seeing White Christmas at the Academy of Music (White Christmas, my favorite Christmas movie not called Christmas Vacation, was a great show). We had about 2 hours before the show started, so we went to 10 Arts without reservations and decided to dine in the huge lounge area in the lobby of the Ritz Carlton. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the food was excellent, and the atmosphere was really fun. We ordered several items off the lounge menu (pretzels, mini fish burgers, mini burgers, wild boar prosciutto flat bread, and house salad). The prosciutto flat bread was the star - filled with flavor. The house salad, for being nothing more than romaine and a garlic vinaigrette, was also really good (though probably priced too high). Finally, we ordered the beignets, which were awesome.
In addition to the food, the drinks were fun and really great. I had the seasonal Old Fashioned (with seasonal fruits). The wife had the Ri-pear cocktail, which was one of the best cocktails I've ever had. The muddled pear (one of the most underrated fruits) was excellent. We also had a hot apple cider with Goldschlager, which made for a great cinnamon-apple flavored drink.
So, in an ode to Top Chef, I highly recommend 10 Arts. I’m not sure how the regular restaurant is, but the lounge would be a great place to meet friends for drinks and food. It has a big bar with flat screen TVs and some large lounge tables which allow for some privacy. Hopefully I’ll be able to review Kevin’s restaurant soon.
To good food . . .
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