Hoof + Fin

617 S. Third Street, Philadelphia


We went against our own rule of waiting to dine at a restaurant until it's been open at least a month. You know, so they can work out the kinks. But, the Girlfriends and I just didn't want to wait to get to Hoof + Fin in Queen Village. Three weeks opened is close enough.

If you've read anything about it already, then you know it's in the old Gayle space and has outdoor seating in a small courtyard. Bonus!

Overall the ambiance was intimate and cozy, thanks to the very dim lighting. If you have old eyes, bring your flashlight for the menu. It's farmhouse style with a touch of rustic, dish towel-esque napkins, butcher block tables, coat hooks on the wall and vintage paint-by-number artwork (clearly scavanged from someone's grandmother's basement) hanging awry on the walls. The noise level wasn't an issue as the restaurant never fully filled up.

Complimentary skinny breadsticks arrive first in a mason jar with basil cream dipping sauce, heavy on the basil. We heard the couple specials, one of which was a suckling pig. Interesting, I thought. The Girlfriends opted with the calamari and truffle aioli which also came with some grilled vegetables. It was very lightly breaded and mild. A nice starter. We also tried the cheese and corn empanadas. The empanada had a very thick crust, which when you cut into caused the sweet manchego cheese to ooze out. It also came with a small side salad. We liked the calamari better.

Roz had the pappardelle with braised short ribs in a putanesca sauce. It was not a heavy dish, slightly sweet sauce, and a good portion (meaning, not a ridiculous amount). She was very happy with it. Mo had the butternut squash risotto with mushrooms and soy beans, lightly flavored, not overcooked (as I find risotto so often is) and the beans were firm. It was also a good portion. You can order small or large plates of the pasta. While we didn't order a salad, we saw on another table that it comes in a metal bowl - the exact same bowl I use at home for mixing. The consensus at our table was that it was taking the rustic theme a little too far.

Because I don't eat red meat or pork, I had a hard time finding something on the menu. I selected "From the Grill" which has a small variety of seafood and meat. You have the option to pair it with one starch and one vegetable from a list of sides. I had the Mahi Mahi with grilled vegetables and buttermilk mashed potatoes. I hate to say that I was horribly disappointed. There was no description of the fish other than "grilled." I wrongly assumed it would be lightly seasoned and would taste mainly like mahi mahi. Big mistake. One bite in and I had a mouthful of Old Bay. And that's about all I could taste. So much Old Bay in fact, that I couldn't even eat it. Mo didn't have an issue with it so we ended up switching plates. The mashed potatoes were good, but the vegetables were saturated in balsamic vinegar. If you order something From the Grill, do yourself a solid and ask how it's seasoned.

Desserts were limited in selection. I'm always disappointed when there isn't something in chocolate, so we had bread pudding with vanilla ice cream and tres leches. Both were very good.

We had no problems getting same day reservations. Service was excellent and attentive but not overly so.


Check out the menu.

Saute

775 S. Front St., Philadelphia

It was time for Couples Dinner and the six of us headed to Southwark for drinks. An intimate spot, so not the best choice for our group pre-dinner drink. But they do have great service, wines and beers. The ambiance is soothing. Beautifully renovated with deep dark woodwork and jazz in the background--more appropriate for romance perhaps.

From there we strolled over to Saute, excited to try a new restaurant and with an outdoor space to boot!

While I want to give the food a relatively positive review, the service could have been better. Much better. Actually, our server could have had a better personality. How is it possible to be void of personality with a fun-loving group and their 6 bottles of wine? He alone nearly ruined the experience. Plus, the fact that they turned off the outdoor ambiance lighting on us (before 11 pm on a Saturday night!), completely pissed us off all to the point of not returning.

The new owners renovated the old Le Creole spot, even taking the trashbin filled alleyway and turning it into a nice outdoor area NOT on the sidewalk. Bonus! The menu is small, but makes it easier to choose. We started with the Crab and Tomato salad. The combined feedback from our group, "Where are the Jersey tomatoes?" These were flavorless and colorless. Fortunately, the dressing was nice and made up for the lack of tomato flavor. Shrimp ceviche had a nice kick and was fresh, however the avocado wasn't ripe or soft. Boooo. Grilled Pineapple was sweet at first then had a twist of heat. Nice. Polenta was sweet and salty, everyone loved it. And they put ripe tomatoes with it!

Lentils were coconuty, not to much curry. Scallops weren't gritty, very good. The special fish, Opah, was yummy over rice, but overcooked, as was the pork tenderloin.

Desserts were a waste of money. Someone likened them to "Jenny Craig Shit" Go somewhere else.

Before they turned the lights off on us, we all agreed we'd come back. The place has potential. Definitely hit or miss, and the outside was great. But the rudeness of kicking us out killed that chance.

What others say.

Dmitri's in Queen Village

795 S 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA - (215) 625-0556


Dmitri's is like an institution of the freshest seafood prepared in the most simple way. I'll never forget my first visit. I remember reading the review that raved about the grilled octopus. When it arrived in front of me, it smelled so unappetizing that I couldn't fathom it tasting good. But it did. It was so good in fact, that in the dozen or so times we've eaten there or ordered take out (weekdays only), the grilled octopus was a must-have item. We refused to waste an opportunity to order it.


Except I think I've finally had octopus burn-out. I just couldn't eat it again. My dining partner vehemently disagreed and dove right in. Freshly grilled octopus bits, drizzled with olive oil and served with lemon wedges and hot peppers. Not chewy. Just right. It's best eaten hot right off the grill.


Dmitri's is teeny. Cramped, in fact. Two high top tables placed next to the front door offer window seating as well as a clear view into the open galley kitchen where bar seating is also available for about six. Past that and up a step (Don't trip!) are about seven other tables. Get there early or wait in line...or at the bar across the street at New Wave Cafe.


Hot grilled pita wedges and fresh bread arrives first with olive oil for dipping. If I just ate the pita and the Avocado Citrus Salad I would be perfectly content. The Avocado Citrus Salad is the only salad I order when we dine there. It's not available for take out. My one complaint is that the bowl is way too small. Lettuce, avocado, grapefruit, orange and almond slices are jam-packed in this bowl. It's a struggle to keep the food from falling over the edges.


This last visit I decided to order a special - the scallops. As with all entrees at Dmitri's, the sides were rice and steamed spinach which, I hate to admit, is utterly boring. The scallops were simply grilled in olive oil but were gritty and instantly derailed my appetite. This is why it's best to stick with the basics, I suppose.

For a fresh, simple take on seafood in an intimate atmosphere, give it a shot. Don't expect romantic closeness though. People are in your personal space.

P.S. It's also cash only.