Melograno's, Philadelphia, Pa.

Located in center city at 21st and Samson St. the 7 year old Melograno is one of the best italian BYOB restaurants in the city. The new space, they moved almost 3 years ago is larger with an open kitchen situated in the back of the restaurant. Fridays and Saturdays are crowded and demand a reservation earlier in the week.
For starters you must, must, must order the pappardelle tartufate it is simply amazing. Oh course you need to like mushrooms. The melograno salad is also a fine choice for you salad fans.

The entrees are diverse and yummy. My date had the skate the other night and it was really good served with mash potatoes. The pork chop is also very big and meaty and always cooked to perfection. The lamb is slow roasted and well prepared. Another item i like is the breaded chicken with tomatoes and prosciutto. Melograno is a modestly priced restaurant which should be on everyone's list.

Fond, Philadelphia, Pa.

Oh how I am so fond of you. This 3 year old BYOB in the quickly maturing East Passyunk neighborhood has quickly become a favorite of mine. The staff is so professional and the chef is a professional.
The restaurant is small and on one trip it was very noisy so be prepared. The restaurant is simple, soft yellow walls and hard wood floors. The chef, Lee Styer was vetted at two of the most exclusive places in town. Le Bec and La Croix. Mr. Styer knows exactly what he is doing in the kitchen. A handsome young man in his late 20's Lee is going to be around for awhile.

The menu will change with the season but if the yellow fish tuna is on the apps side order it. One of the better apps this city has to offer. The frissee salad and the foie Gras are also very good app choices.

As for dinner I have enjoyed the Pork Loin and the Steak. Their are also some wonderful fish dishes that I would not sleep on. Make a reservation to Fond you will not be disappointed.

Bella Pizza, Philadelphia,Pa.

A friend of mine suggested that if I want a good Mexican meal go to the Pizza shop on the corner. Yeah strange very strange. I did not see any Pizza but the food was fabulous. From the outside and inside it looks like a pizza shop with a few tables for eating. Looking at the menu you can get traditional pizza shop fare but I did not see anyone do that. I always know an international restaurant is going to be good when it is supported by their friends. On this occassion I was the only blue eyed non spanish/mexican native in the place. As my dining experience continued I also rounded up a few conversations with some of the daily customers. When gentleman who has been in the U..S. from Mexico for three years told me this was the best authentic Mexican in the region. Wowser big praise.
When you walk in their is a specials board which changes daily and the regulars told me to always check out first.
At 3 for $5.00 the Tacos are a steal and good. Also the Tostados at 3 for $5.00 are very filling and very tasty. The regulars told me everything is fresh and yummy. They also have authetic drinks and ice cream... Enjoy...1140 S. 9th Str.