Old Reviews
Hit-or-Miss Affair at Dettera
Craig LaBan likes the wine selection at Ambler’s Dettera but he finds lots of other things to criticize. Dettera suffers from such a host of […]
Two Bells for Green Eggs
Craig LaBan anoints Green Eggs Cafe as another brunch line worth standing in, even if he does find some faults. For brunch, though, the breakfast burrito […]
LaBan Gives Props to Cichetteria 19
Craig LaBan checks out the new Cichetteria 19 off of Rittenhouse Square and he likes the “early vibe” and the spaghetti with cockles. A bit […]
Three Bells For Zama
Zama, the recent Japanese restaurant on 19th Street gets the three bell treatment from Craig LaBan. LaBan finds Hiroyuki “Zama” Tanaka’s Rittenhouse restaurant to be […]
Empanadas at Ladder 15
Craig LaBan says Queen Village’s loss is Sansom Street’s gain with David Ansill’s arrival at Ladder 15. Especially when it comes to the curry-braised lamb […]
2 1/2 Bells for Square 1682
Well it reads like a 2 1/2 bell review but Craig LaBan only does integers so Square 1682 gets a very nice 2-bell review. If […]
Two Bells for Percy Street
Craig LaBan finds some inconsistencies at the Percy Street Barbecue but enough good to make him a fan. Talk about a minimalist challenge. One mistake […]
Two Bells for Gemelli
Craig LaBan certainly has some complaints in his two bell review of Narberth’s Gemelli. But he also has some nice things to say about chef/owner […]
MidAtlantic Misses
Craig LaBan only wishes he could like MidAtlantic the restaurant as much as he likes MidAtlantic the concept. But too many gaffes leave that as […]
LaBan Reviews Pelican Restaurant
Craig LaBan visits the Pelican Restaurant, an Italian seafood BYO in Sewell, New Jersey. What he finds are well crafted Italian seafood favorites from Bill […]
2 1/2 Bells for Fish
If Craig LaBan gave half-bells you know that he would have awarded at least 2 1/2 and maybe 2 3/4 bells to Mike Stollenwerk’s fish. […]
Chew Man Booed
Craig LaBan dismantles Chew Man Chu, leaving no question to his contempt for the “’50s-dull Chinese American fare” and contrary to our thought, you can […]
Spicy Lunch on Sansom
Craig LaBan discovers the heat is back in Giwa’s dol sot bibimbap. Good Taste: Hot or Not Korean [Philadelphia Inquirer]
How Many Bells for Chew Man Chu?
Craig LaBan will put Chew Man Chu under his critical microscope this weekend. How will Marty Grims’ Asian spot fare? [poll “id=85”]
Koo Zee Doo Gets Praise
It’s pure Portuguese soul at Northern Liberties’ Koo Zee Doo. [T]his is the first kitchen I’ve experienced in the States to elevate the authentic flavors […]