porky

After his graduation, my boyfriend moved to Philadelphia for a year while I was still in upstate New York wrapping up my last year of undergrad.  Every once in a while I would take a grueling 8 hour bus ride down to Philly to visit.  Was it worth it just to see him? Yes; but did the anticipation of a perfectly warm, slightly sweet, and very cheesy pan de bono from Alma de Cuba, a creamy, mildly tart Italian froyo from Yogorino, and a prohibition-style cocktail from The Franklin make the trip all the more bearable?  Most definitely.

Philly is where we discovered Amada.  I love the concept of tapas in itself, but when Jose Garces tossed in authentic Spanish flavor, New World influences, and a dash of his culinary genius, I was SOLD.  

A new job opportunity took the bf away to DC, but recently we took an impromptu one night trip to Philly in order to experience the glory of Amada once again.  A friend had reserved for us Cochinillo Asado- whole roasted suckling pig, which came with four side dishes: grilled green onions, herb-roasted fingerlings, garbanzos con espinacas, and rosemary white beans.  The meat was brined so it was unbelievably tender and the skin was perfectly crisp yet it somehow managed to magically melt in your mouth.  My loves, I promise that this in itself will make a trip to Philly a worthwhile experience.


Other recommendations:
Boquerones- white anchovies, pine nuts & olives.
Pulpo ala Gallega- spanish octopus
Madre e Hijo- chicken breast, fried egg, mojama & truffles

ps. Make sure you order the suckling pig in advance!