Spot O’ Lunch: Giwa July 7, 2008

I’ve been hearing the accolades extended towards a little Korean eatery for YEARS now, but have never had the chance to personally stop into GIWA.

Located on Sansom Street between 16th and 17th (just a hop away from the Rooster bar) this cute streamlined cafe offers about 8 or so two-seater tables and a kitchen-adjoining bar. Red walls, deep wood and dim metal accents accompanied by lush green plants are relaxing, adding to the cosiness. The windowed storefront brings in copious sunlight making the youngish crowd shine even brighter. So make it casual, grab a stool and watch as a talented and friendly staff whips up tasty Korean food.

Even a person with the smallest association with Asian food will not be intimidated. I’m sure those faint-of-heart souls still exist somewhere right? Right?!?? The menu is short and simple. Dumplings, soup, rice, and marinated meat are the standards around which the Korean fare is created. AND creative!

Giwa is known for it’s Bibimbop; a sizzling rice bowl loaded with veggies and your choice of chicken, beef or tofu. I just couldn’t see myself eating THAT MUCH rice, and believe me the portions are quite big. Also on the menu: Korean style marinated beef or Bulgogi. This delectable dish has been made personally for me by my Korean grandmother for yeaaaars now. I couldn’t possibly try another’s, only because I know it wouldn’t measure up. Sorry, no.

Instead I settled on the Dak Bulgogi, a spicy marinated chicken dish with rice (I opted for multi-grain at a dollar more) a small salad and kimchi. There were many ordinary drinks to choose from, mainly soda but I chose Japanese Green Tea. My food was good, filling and healthy; all things I strive for when making a selection. I could have had the chicken a bit spicier, but Phreaked is just alllll about the hotness like that.

I sampled a bit of my friend’s beef (he ordered the traditional Bulgogi) and it was ok, not fantastic. Then again, like I said, who can measure up to Mom Mom? The more important thing was that we were just missing the lunch rush so we had a quiet place to catch up. The atmosphere was tranquil and that’s why we’ll be back.

Center City Swills, Slurps and Staggers June 27, 2008

Center City Sips Wrap Up

So what else was I doing in my time away from you? For a period of time: nothing fun. I was on a detox diet. I was confining myself to meats, veggies and fruits. What’s worse: NO ALCOHOL!

I was going strong for about three weeks and then a lovely Wednesday afternoon and a trip to Vintage sent me falling off the wagon!

Every Wednesday the Center City District presents an occasion to get hammered and grope men in suits who are pretending to “network”. With gas prices so high and the shore feeling oh-so-far-away, I am sure the cubicle set are even more amped to get down with the animal within. Wednesday becomes the new weekend: Jersey shore debauchery come early, folks.

A few weeks ago, I had a grand ole time touring around with my alcoholic, yet amazingly well-planed, cohorts. We decided to have a drink at each bar and really make the most of our Rittenhouse mini-crawl.

Table 31: Too crowded. INFLATED on all accounts. Sangria was lovely. Trying to order some nibblin’s was impossible. Of course our waitress was no where to be found when we needed our check.

Chima: Was holding a private event so unfortunately we had to move elsewhere. Hit it up this past Wednesday for just a glass of wine however and was quite impressed by the décor of crème, red, textiles, and circles. Hawwwt!!

Elephant and Castle: Always looked like an interesting watering hole on the outside. Yet inside?? Very VERY ordinary patrons. We grabbed some chicken tenders and potato skins to pad our stomachs. Adding to the junk food mood I ordered a featured drink called Cherry Coke. Mmmmm…

Mantra: My favorite stop. We set up shop at the downstairs bar. Striking: a rippled golden wall and mirrored mosaic installation make the bar a haven. We tried pot stickers, delish, and believe me, I’ve tried many a pot sticker that has fallen flat.Our bartender kept Redhead Asians coming! I would fancy the concoction a sort of Sake Cosmo except with Pear.

Mantra

Post 7 o’clock (the ending of the citywide special) we made trips to two more bars. Stir, the new gay friendly joint just off Rittenhouse Square, and Vango, always a favorite of mine. Walking down the ally to Stir however, made me feel as if I was going to a shady bathhouse, not the new homo-mingler. Once more, the crowd chanting Stir dashed my hopes for the Continental Midtown roof deck- trading it for a cement sanatorium. It’s cute, but no windows are a serious concern for me.

After ambling away from John, my bartender who apparently didn’t know how to pour beer (I’m not kidding you; he took my Blue Moon bottle, dumped it into a 16 ounce fluted pint and gave me 10 inches of foam), we kiki-ed at Vango. Highly recommended, although stay away on Saturday night, toooooo crowded. To my bartenders and severs: please check out my girl Cyoni’s Industry Night at Vango every Monday. Look for a gorgeous petite blonde with knockers up to her chin, tell her Phreaked sent you Miss Honey.

Detailed list of ‘Sips’ participants HERE…