Feature Article

Taste: In Search of ... Chili

Forget the vegetarian and white-chicken kinds. We’re talking manly, stick-to-your-ribs stuff, perfect with a beer in the dead of winter.

By Victor Fiorillo

Photograph by Stuart Goldenberg
On Fire
Firefighter-owned, firefighter-themed SmokeEaters Pub has (natch) an award-winning smoldering, slightly sweet sausage-and-bean chili. Though the beer lineup’s impressive, they recommend a Miller High Life with the chili. Hey, it is Mayfair.
7681 Frankford Avenue, 215-338-4188, smokeeaterspub.com.


He’s Got Game

Bridgewater’s chef Michael Zulli loves game, and it shows in his black bear kebabs, boar stews and game chili. Kangaroo, elk and caribou combine with cocoa powder and chipotle peppers to create something between a mean Texas chili and a mole.
30th Street Station, 215-352-5014, bridgewaterspub.com.


Dressed Up

One of our favorite no-pretenses bars in Northern Liberties offers a $9 chili — which seems like a lot for a no-pretenses bar. But The Abbaye uses short ribs and pork shoulder braised in veal stock, San Marzano tomatoes, cinnamon, cumin and pumpkin seeds. We’d say it’s a delicious bargain.
637 North 3rd Street, 215-627-6711.
Originally published in Philadelphia magazine, January 2008
 

Change text size
Print

Email

Write a comment
 
 

User comments

Love SmokeEaters!
Posted by | Jan. 5, 2008 at 8:59 PM
COMMENT:
Can't believe a place in the neighborhood made Philly Mag! They deserve it though! The place looks great - totally remodeled from old owner. Good beer also brings hot firefighters. Wings are good too!
he's got game...on two playing fields now.
Posted by | Apr. 8, 2008 at 2:48 PM
COMMENT:
I don't need to take a train to play in the game. From Bridgewater’s Pub, the city’s best kept secret…Chef Michael Zulli, has joined in the much anticipated South Philly Tap Room expansion, the namesake burger Chef Zulli created for the new venture - SPTR Beer Burger; beer cheese, beer braised onions...perfection.

Post a comment

To comment on this article you must be logged in. Not registered?
Philadelphia It List

Holiday Entertaining

Spice up your holiday party with tips and recipes from the area's most talented specialists. Watch The Chef's Kicthen 11/11-12/30 on CN8 every Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm.
 
 

SIP 411

Browse our SIP411 bar guide & get connected to what’s hot & happening at Philly’s lounges, restaurants and bars. Stay connected with weekly txt alerts delivered to your phone!