Year in Review: December

News

• Philadelphia’s beer scene loses a big force in Bruce Nichols.
• Bigos make their mark at Philadelphia Bar & Restaurant.
• Meatballs has a moment, we make a map.
• Looking for a successor to the McRib? Here’s a great sandwich.
• We put openings on the map.
• Matt Levin hosts a Four Loko dinner.
• With all the reviews in we unveil Barbuzzo’s annotated menu.
• Tony Luke opens in the Middle East.
• Craig LaBan has some gripes with Hop Angel Brauhaus.
• Foobooz is bought by Philadelphia Magazine.
• We just love the Dandelion’s logo and we’re not alone.
• Resurrection kills its award winning chicken.
• Philadelphia’s worst named bar is changing its name.
• The PLCB’s wine kiosks have been shut down for repairs.
• You give Philadelphia chefs an anonymous platform and they have heaps of dirt to dish.
• Philadelphia Magazine lists the 50 best places to eat right now.

Dish of the Month

Budino at Barbuzzo

My favorite ending is a chef’s savory-sweet delight, a chocolate budino pudding glazed with a lid of caramel with crunchy salt – at first a disorienting touch that ultimately deepens the allure. Add a glass of Malmsey Madeira, a caramel-coffee tinged with briny tang, and you’ll have a perfect match. Craig LaBan, Philadelphia Inquirer

Quote of the Month

“This innocent-sounding bowlful arrived at the table trailing an odor that can only be described as ‘uncomfortably human,’ like certain dank corners of the SEPTA concourse on a hot summer day.” – Brian Freedman, Philadelphia Weekly

Notable Openings

The Corner, Dandelion, Kokopelli, Marabella Meatball Company, Philadelphia Belle

Notable Closings

Spaghetti Warehouse, Swift Half, T.A. Flannery’s