Two of the area’s best chefs are stepping it up this spring with some delicious offerings.
Did you know that June 18 is National Picnic Day? That’s OK. I didn’t, either. But I’m glad I know now, especially since Iron Chef and restaurateur extraordinaire Jose Garces is serving picnics to-go at his Locust Street eatery, Garces Trading Company. Beginning in May, the café/market will sell picnic lunches, perfect for a nice day in the park. Diners can choose from three options: the Happy Hollow, a snack basket for two with meats, cheeses, fruit, marmalade, crackers, drinks and sweets ($35); the Boathouse Row, a hearty lunch for two with pâté, salads, bread, mozzarella, olives, chocolates and sparking water ($45); and the Belmont Plateau, which is designed for two to four people and includes ribs, hot dogs, potato salad, chips, house-made mustard, macaroons and seasonal beer ($75). The best part? Every lunch comes with plates and cutlery, so you have nothing to worry about. Picnic lunches are available for walk-in customers, but a quick call the day before will ensure a basket with your name on it. Call (215) 574-1099 or visit garcestradingcompany.com.
In other good news, Terence Feury (former chef at Maia in Villanova) will soon serve his popular chef’s bistro dinner every night at Fork in Old City. For $45, groups of 12-20 guests can get a four-course feast centered around local meats, seafood and poultry. Look for spring lamb in May and wild striped bass in June. Chef Feury will also engage diners in discussions about food preparations and recipes. Visit forkrestaurant.com.
» West Chester Restaurant Week: April 25-May 1
» Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts Inspires French Menus in the City
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