Late-night happy hour at James
Tuesdays from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. James Restaurant 824 S. Eighth St. 215-629-4980 www.jameson8th.com What's the deal?
Tuesdays from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
James Restaurant
824 S. Eighth St.
215-629-4980
» READ MORE: www.jameson8th.com
What's the deal?
Since the mister-and-missus team of Jim and Kristina Burke - chef and host, respectively - took over the spacious ex-Michael's Ristorante spot, they've made James a crown jewel of the Italian Market - a white-linen, mod Italian room darkly lit and romantic. The food is sharp, from crispy sweetbreads and cabbage leaves stuffed with foie gras and mushrooms to cioppino and pappardelle with duck ragu. The dining room's daring turns sensuous and fun in the restaurant's leather sofa-and-love-seat lounge: a Tuesday late-night happy hour that, during these winter months, plays to folks content to cozy in a corner, hanging and drinking.
Who's there?
Though a few over-30 dining couples linger for after-dinner aperitifs in the lounge area, it's under-30 folk, many from the immediate area, who come in after 10, sit at James' long, shiny bar, and populate its nook by the fire.
Playlist
Carmen Rizzo - "As the Day Breaks"
Parov Stelar - "Chambermaid Swing"
Diviniti & Pirahnahead - "The Reason"
DJ Oji & Joi Cardwell - "One Wish"
Sunset Blvd. - "Mrs Daisy May"
What's the look?
Women in Ed Hardy boots, thick black knit tops, and woolly berets face boys with knit-hat-head spiked hair, striped sweaters, and wonky work shoes. All sip cardamom cosmos and lagers while noshing on olives.
Overheard
"These guys are South Philly slacker hipsters," said Evan Gusz to his girlfriend Jackie Samschick, referring to the area's dressy nerds. "They're the in-cubicle guys who work in the neighborhood, I bet."
What to do
It's cold. Have farm-fresh hot apple cider spiked with rum and a bowl of roasted chestnuts when hosting your fireside chat. The music's volume is nicely low so you can manage conversation.
What not to do
Think that because there's a "happy hour" going on drinks are discounted (they're not) or that the game is on TV (it ain't).
Why go?
From the outside, James' green copy-book signage, window boxes, and views of wood-branch candelabras and chandeliers give a picture of fine dining - a necessary addition to South Philly's eating allure. But the late-night happy hour is a cool idea for neighborhoodies, new and old, looking for a comfy, boozy, chatty experience.
- A.D. Amorosi
