TWO Philly restaurants make Esquire's "it" list
Zahav and Distrito made critic John Mariani's list of best new restaurants, as seen in Esquire's November issue.
John Mariani, whose list of best new restaurants for Esquire mag is the fall classic for foodies, has picked two Philadelphia restaurants for the first time: Zahav, Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook's refined Israeli spot at Society Hill Towers followed on a blog here, and Distrito, the lively Mexican in University City from Jose Garces.
Garces made it a two-fer. Mariani also named Garces' new Chicago restaurant Mercat a la Planxa to the list.
Rae was on Mariani's list last year. Bliss (under chef Francesco Martorella) was on it in 2004, and Lacroix at the Rittenhouse (under Jean-Marie Lacroix) was on it in 2003. That year, Lacroix also was Mariani's restaurant of the year.
The November issue, due out Tuesday, blurbs:
Distrito – Distrito is one of the most fun places you’ll ever knock back a few cans of Dos Equis. No doubt Distrito could get away with serving decent Mexican grub, but Chef Jose Garces is using his new venue to show off his love and knowledge of Mexican street food – from guacamole tossed with lump crabmeat and ceviche of red snapper, olives, capers and tomatoes to huaraches, masa cakes stuffed with carnitas of charred pork, chorizo, ham, potato, and Oaxacan cheese.
Zahav – Zahav means “gold” in Hebrew, which is what chef Michael Solomonov hopes he will strike by offering people the food, flavors and even the wines of
