City Paper’s Drew Lazor Features Avril BYOB in Meal Ticket… Thursday, July 30, 2009

Avril in pictures

See photos here.

Earlier today, Meal Ticket dropped by Avril (134 Bala Ave.) the upcoming Bala Cynwyd BYO from former Daily News food editor/writer April Lisante and her cheffing husband, Christian Gatti.

Opening next Wednesday, August 5, the 48-seater’s located literally less than a minute’s drive from the corner of Bala and City Line Avenues. There’s outdoor seating on both sides of the hearthy, dark wood-adorned corner space. Their linens — it’ll be a white-tablecloth — arrived just as we were finishing up; the logo sign you see in the first picture will soon be mounted above the dining room. Main Line golf heads will geek out over the restaurant’s branded tees, which Lisante’s placing in the men’s room.

The menu, split up between Northern Italian and Southern French traditions, features plenty of from-scratch bready elements — think refined presentations like profiteroles stuffed with lobster, foie atop brioche, corn pudding in a flaky round crust, etc. “People know their food nowadays, but not their pastries,” says Gatti (White Dog, City Tavern, Audrey Claire), who hopes his plates will “demystify” the craft of baking — debunking the not-uncommon belief that pastry is most often heavy, filling and unhealthy. They’ll start with dinner next week, and introduce lunch and brunch shortly thereafter.

“I’ve always said that our professions are very similar,” says food scribe Lisante, who headed up the DN’s dining coverage from 2001 to 2008. “Newsrooms aren’t so different from kitchens. It takes a certain personality — and love, and adrenaline.” She adds that she hopes to collaborate with Gatti on a cookbook in the near future.

NBCPhiladelphia.com Features Avril BYOB Opening Thursday, July 30, 2009

Love Story Behind Couple’s BYOB

By JONIDA SHEGANI

A local couple’s love of food led first to a love affair and now to the Main Line’s newest BYOB.

“Food is at the center of everything…It nourishes and brings people together. It brought April and I together,” said Christian Gatti.

The chef and a former Philadelphia Daily News food editor along with his wife (also a chef), April Lisante, will open Avril (French for April), on August 5.

The restaurant is right across the street from the Bala Theatre in Bala Cynwyd, so you can catch dinner right before you pop in for an artsy flick. The cuisine will be Italian and French, featuring items like fresh-baked bread, wild mushroom barquette with sea scallops ($12) and seared duck breast with peach and endive tarte tatin ($22).

You can dine at a banquet tables, the chef’s table for eight, or a romantic table for two. Or grab a seat outside if you’re looking for an al fresco dining experience.

“Avril is a dream come true for us,” said Lisante. “We’ve worked so hard to get to this place in our lives and can’t wait to share it with our guest.”

The restaurant will be open for dinner Tuesday though Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lunch hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Avril will also be open Sundays for brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Beside brunch on Sunday, Avril will offer a family-style menu. Diner’s can choose from three ($25), five ($34), or six ($40) course meals.

Blackfish Chef Chip Roman Featured in Main Line Today Magazine! Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Thrill of the Grill

All the necessities for the perfect outdoor feast, from luscious recipes to expert tips, gadgets and more.

By Dawn E. Warden
Photos by Steve Legato Published July 28, 2009 at 02:01 PM

(page 3 of 14)

Blackfish chef/owner Chip Roman, an avid fisherman, with a no-fuss grilled bluefish.

Roman Rules

Tips on grilling seafood from a chef who loves to fish.

“Too many people go out and buy the cheapest grill,” says Chip Roman, the culinary mind behind Blackfish in Conshohocken and its new like-named offshoot in Stone Harbor, N.J. “But you really need to invest in a heavy-duty one with cast-iron grates and a decent amount of BTUs to get the grill hot enough.”

And when it comes to grates, adds Roman, “don’t buy anything that looks like the one in your oven, and make sure it doesn’t have gaps more than 2 inches apart.”

Roman strongly advises against using 100-percent charcoal for cooking seafood. “It’s too hard to control,” he says. “Maybe if you’re doing something like a pork shoulder, which is more forgiving. But, for fish, gas is a better way to go.”

For added flavor, Roman mixes cedar, applewood or hickory chips into the charcoal briquettes. When using his gas grill—which he does more often—he pops the chips under the grates and directly onto the burners. If properly soaked, they’ll smolder, adding a nice smoky flavor to whatever you’re preparing.

And how hot is hot enough for this chef?

“Most grills go to 550 degrees,” says Roman. “But when the weather heats up, it’s possible to hit in and around 700, which is a pretty good number.”

To prevent sticking, keep grates clean and wipe them with oil (he uses a cloth) before cooking. Get the heat just right, and make sure the ingredients you’re using are grill friendly. For certain foods—scallops, for instance—it’s best to cook them in a cast-iron pan on the grill. That way, you get the same smoky flavor and minimal tearing, all while lessening the chance of overcooking.

A big grilling “don’t” for Roman: frozen fish. “You’ll just be fighting all the moisture that gets released once the molecules expand,” he says. “And you won’t be able to get that seared, charred crust you’re going for.”

Another bad move is using aluminum foil for anything other than grill-steaming a delicate fish like flounder, which has a tendency to fall apart. Meaty fish—striped bass, halibut, salmon, sea bass and bluefish—are best for cooking out.

As for grilling with the top down or up, Roman says it depends on how hot you want to go. For more complex dishes like seafood cioppino or paella, he puts a cast-iron pan onto an intense fire and adds ingredients one by one, based on their cooking times. Then he covers the grill for that smoky flavor, and turns the heat down low.

One of Roman’s favorite things to grill at home on a weeknight is a nice piece of mahi-mahi coated with Paul Prudhomme’s blackened seasoning mix, and covered with canned tomatoes and rice (sometimes from a local Chinese restaurant).

“Grilling should make mealtime easy,” he says. “Don’t get too fussy, but have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment.”

Savona’s Melissa Monosoff Voted Best of Philly’s, Sommelier! Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Best of Philly 2009 Preview: Restaurants

Sommelier: Melissa Monosoff

100 Old Gulph Road • 610-520-1200

Sommeliers, with their esoteric winespeak and predictably expensive recommendations, can ruin a nice dinner out. Not the laid-back Monosoff, who’s more supportive wine cheerleader than intimidating salesman. She’s added handy features like a half-bottle list at Savona. And while her wine list is terrific, nothing beats getting her friendly, jargon-free, budget-sensitive wine recs.

Photography By: Stuart Goldenberg

Avril BYOB Opens in Bala August 5 Tuesday, July 28, 2009

BALA CYNWYD, PA – (July 27, 2009) – Avril BYOB [134 Bala Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA; 610-667-2626], the realized dream of husband and wife team Christian Gatti and April Lisante is set to open Wednesday, August 5. Gatti, a longtime Philadelphia chef and Lisante, former Philadelphia Daily News food editor, will open a 50-seat, white linen BYOB on Philadelphia’s esteemed Main Line. Offering Northern Italian and Southern French cuisine, Avril’s menu stands apart from other restaurants with its focus on Gatti’s pastry background, featuring savory pastries, homemade breads, pastas and desserts.

Menu items include fresh-baked breads, Wild Mushroom Barquette with Sea Scallops $12 and Seared Duck Breast with Peach and Endive Tarte Tatin $22. A Bistro Menu will offer Espresso Foie Gras $16 and Bistro Steak Frittes $26. “Petit” plates range from $8-$16. “Grande” dishes average $18-$26. View the menu here.

“Avril is a dream come true for us”, explains April. “We’ve worked so hard to get to this place in our lives and can’t wait to share it with our guests!”

The husband and wife team share a life built on a love of food and family, and are thrilled to have fulfilled their dream of opening their own place. The couple met in 2003, during a Daily News photo shoot, where Christian was featured as one of Philly’s “hot, young chefs”.

Chef Gatti honed his chops in the kitchens of City Tavern, White Dog and Audrey Claire. He also worked for consulting company Concepts by Staib, which developed menus and did staff training for clients such as Shula’s Steakhouses, Sandal’s Resorts and Benchmark Hotels.

“Food is at the center of everything. It nourishes and brings people together. It brought April and I together”, says Christian.

The interior of Avril is awash in warm chocolates, mochas and black. Guests will dine at cozy black leather banquets, at a chef’s table for eight, or at romantic two-top tables. Al fresco seating is available in season, with accommodations for 16. The feel inside Avril is Southern French bistro, with dim candlelit tables, Provencal-inspired art and dripping beaded lighting.

Avril will initially be open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5:00pm – 10:00pm. In the weeks following, Chef Gatti will roll out lunch and Sunday Brunch, along with his BOMBANCE sur le DIMANCHE menu (Feast on Sunday). Guests can choose from 3 ($25), 4 ($27), 5 ($34) or 6 ($40) course “family style” menus.

Additional service to be added within a couple of weeks:
Sunday “BOMBANCE sur le DIMANCHE” menu 5:00pm – 10:00pm
Lunch: Tuesday – Friday 11:30am – 2:30pm
Sunday Brunch: is served 10:00am – 2:00pm

Avril * 134 Bala Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA * 610-667-2626 * http://avrilbyob.com

Bella Luna Pizza Kitchen is Back! Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Bella Luna is Back… And Pizza Is Available Everyday! Bella Luna Pizza Kitchen is back and in full-swing. Although construction is not yet complete, Bella is forging ahead with the area’s best pizza, sandwiches, hoagies, salads and wraps. Call 610.825.7151 for pick up or delivery. Your favorite dishes from Stella Blu and Gypsy Saloon are also available for pick up and delivery. In addition, Bella Luna is available to cater breakfast, lunch & dinner in your home or office. Or book their sister restaurants, Stella Blu and Gypsy Saloon to host your private events. Email Nicole for more information. Bella Luna Lunch Special: $7.95 “Create Your Own” Includes Potato Chips, Pickles and Soda Choice of Bread Rye    Multigrain    White    Wheat or White Wrap Choice of Meat Roast Beef    Turkey    Ham    Salami Italian Style Tuna Tuna Salad    Egg Salad    Chicken Salad Choice of Cheese American    Swiss    Provolone    Mozzarella     Cheddar Sharp Provolone (add .50 ¢) Additions Mayonnaise    Mustard Spicy    Mustard     Oil Red or Balsamic Vinegar    Lettuce    Tomato    Onion    Sweet or Hot Peppers    Bacon (add .50 ¢) Hours of Operation Monday – Friday: 11am to 10pm Saturday: 4pm to 10pm Sunday: 4pm to 9pm Delivery Hours : 11am to 2:30pm and 5pm to 10pm And check out Stella Blu’s new $10 Express Lunch Menu featuring choice of soup or salad, entree and softdrink. Call 610.825.7060 for reservations. 16 Ford Street * West Conshohocken, PA 19428 * 610.825.7151

Blackfish: Lunch Returns & Chef’s Tastings Continue… Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Lunch Returns at Blackfish: TheBig “Burb” Burger is back!!! Blackfish in Conshohocken is NOW serving lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm. Chef Roman’s affordable lunch menu includes farm fresh salads, sandwiches, seafood and pasta. As well as, one of Craig Laban’s favorites…the Big “Burb” Burger! Call 610-397-0888 for reservations. After 8 Special: 3 Courses for $40 Chef Chip Roman is pleased to offer a NEW mid-week menu for $40 (plus tax and gratuity). This special menu is available to guests with reservations beginning at 8:00PM every Wednesday and Thursday through Labor Day. Offerings will change each week upon the chef’s selection. A la carte menu is also available. Dinner is served from 5:00PM – 10:00PM. Call 610-397-0888 for reservations. Sample Mid-Week Menu: first course: chilled pea soup, lobster, mint ~ or ~ sautéed hudson valley foie gras, compressed rhubarb, grains of paradise, candied ginger second course: cape may skate wing, swiss chard, cherry tomato ~ or ~ agnolotti (meat stuffed pasta dumpling), toasted butter, sage third course: warm chocolate cake with house made ice cream ~ or ~ vanilla crème brulee Tuesday Chef’s Tasting: 4 Courses for $45 Every Tuesday, Chef Chip Roman will create a 4 Course Chef’s Tasting Menu for $45 per person (plus tax and gratuity). The menu will focus on a single ingredient each week. Upcoming chef’s tastings include tomato TONIGHT, scallop July 28, lobster August 4, beef August 11 & crab August 18. Call 610-397-0888 for information and reservations. A Tasting of Tomato - TONIGHT (7/21) Tomato gazpacho consommé marinated sardines,tomato confit, basil sous-vide pork belly, oven dried tomato yellow tomato sorbet, aged balsamic Upcoming Chef’s Tastings: A Tasting of Scallop – Tuesday, July 28 smoked scallop, yellow tomato, balsamic scallop carpaccio, watermelon, mint seared scallop, creamy polenta, tomato pesto peach melba A Tasting of Lobster – Tuesday, August 4 lobster, chilled mango soup lobster, tarragon crepe, baby tomato roasted lobster, chanterelles mushrooms, beurre rouge peach cobbler A Tasting of Beef – Tuesday, August 11 beef tartare, pickled hedgehog mushrooms, charred tomato vinaigrette seared flat iron steak, spinach, baby squash, chimichurri smoked short rib, red pepper puree, mustard greens blueberry clafouti A Tasting of Crab – Tuesday, August 18 smoked crab consommé, pickled sea beans crab and bell pepper terrine maryland “crab and corn cake”, old bay remoulade black cherry float 119 Fayette Street * Consohocken, PA * 19428 * 610-397-0888 blackfishrestaurant.com Blackfish Stone Harbor: More than just fine dining Blackfish Stone Harbor offers more than the finest dining on the Jersey Shore…Stop by for a drink and a bite from the casual bar menu. The bar menu is served 7 days a week beginning at 2:00 pm. Every weekend this summer, Blackfish Stone Harbor has great live entertainment lined up for your listening pleasure. Check the schedule here. Blackfish Stone Harbor * 9628 Third Avenue * 609-967-9100 blackfishstoneharbor.com

Blackfish Stone Harbor Featured in The Ticket! Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Blackfish Stone Harbor — A Shore Thing for Excellence

Published: Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Chef Chip Roman, at his new restaurant, Blackfish Stone Harbor, presents a plate of Cape May Salt Oysters.

By Frank D. Quattrone
Ticket Editor

Its décor bears a striking resemblance to classic black-and-white photography. White tablecloths are entirely apropos here, as is the white wooden “sculpture” of sea reeds that greets guests as they enter. The white wood walls and fluted lanterns also fit well.

So don’t expect marlin or tuna stuffed and swimming vainly on the pristine walls — or lobster traps, fish nets, buoys or other overt reminders of the Jersey shore. This is, after all, Blackfish Stone Harbor, and Chef Chip Roman will have none of that.

Believe it or not, there is warmth to the place that compliments its utter lack of pretension. Perhaps it’s the staff — earnest, hard-working, happy to be there in the chef’s new shore restaurant, an extension, with appropriately nautical notes, to his flagship Blackfish in Conshohocken.

Beloved by Philadelphia magazine (which recently placed the Conshy restaurant among the Top 10 of its 50 Best Restaurants for the second consecutive year) and food lovers throughout the region, Blackfish has been setting a new standard in what has been described as “progressive American gastronomy.”

FREE Hot Dogs at Doghouse Burgers this Sunday! Tuesday, July 14, 2009

al fresco dining…

FREE HOT DOGS + LIVE MUSIC + CUTEST DOG CONTEST + MORE

July, 2009

Summer Dining

It’s the dog-days of summer and both Doghouse Burgers and Firecreek are celebrating the season with al fresco dining. This Sunday is National Hot Dog Day and Doghouse Burgers is giving away FREE hot dogs from noon to 8 pm! In addition, Doghouse is introducing their new juicy Angus Beef Sliders and BBQ Pork Sliders. Meanwhile, Firecreek is serving “hit-the-spot” cocktails riverside, and introducing new seasonal additions to their menu. free hot dogs!! Sunday, July 19th, noon – 8 pm Sunday, June 19th is National Hot Dog Day! In honor of this special day, Doghouse Burgers is giving away FREE Hot Dogs from noon – 8 pm. Bring your family and your four-legged friends…they’ll be treats for them, too! Did you know…According to the National Hot Dog Council Americans consume 7 billion hot dogs or 818 hot dogs every second between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Come and enjoy a few on the house at the Doghouse! Enjoy a day in the park and FREE hot dogs at Doghouse Burgers. See you there! live music + al fresco dining Saturday, July 25th, 10 pm – midnight It’s time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and riverside views at Firecreek! While you’re enjoying the ambiance, be sure to check out Chef Carlo deMarco’s newest additions to the menu. Stick around after dinner and soak in the sounds of live music from Josh Komorowski. Bring your friends and family for great food, good company and the best atmosphere along the Brandywine River. Firecreek: 20 Brandywine Ave * Downingtown * (610) 269-6000 Doghouse Burgers:  (610) 269-4000 The Latest Dishhh… Check out the Latest Dish Blog and be sure to sign up for the Latest Dish email newsletter to receive news and special events on the area’s best restaurants! Dish Public Relations Blog: thelatestdish.wordpress.com Web: dishpublicrelations Twitter: twitter.com/TheLatestDish Facebook: Dish Public Relations Email: info@dishpublicrelations.com

In This Issue Free Hot Dogs Live Music + Outdoor Dining Cutest Dog Contest Quick Links Firecreek is now on OPEN TABLE! Check out the Reviews Make Reservations Join Firecreek on Facebook and Twitter Join Doghouse on Facebook and Twitter Enter our Cutest Dog Contest Post your pup’s picture on Doghouse Burgers Facebook Page and enter to win a Doghouse gift certificate, t-shirt or baseball cap. Cutest Dog wins! Doghouse will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes to the cutest pooches.  Winner will be chosen July 31st. Additional Outdoor Seating at the Doghouse Summer is here and what better way to enjoy it then with burgers and fries on Doghouse Burger’s expanded outdoor patio. Grab a cold beer or a nice glass of wine while you’re at it!

Derek Davis Celebrates 18 Years in Manayunk: 3 Courses for $18 Monday, July 6, 2009

Derek Davis Celebrates 18 Years in Manayunk: 3 Courses for $18 …All Summer Long! Derek Davis, former chef/owner of Sonoma and currently of Derek’s in Manayunk, is celebrating 18 years on Main Street by rolling back the prices! All summer long, Derek’s will offer a 3 course menu for $18, that reprises the greatest hits from the past 18 years.  A selection of wines by the glass will be offered at $5. Derek’s 18th Anniversary $18 Rollback Menu (3 courses for $18 per person, plus tax and gratuity)

Savona in Gulph Mills Featured on 6 ABC’s FYI Philly… Monday, July 6, 2009

…For best Al Fresco dining: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=6621748