Bistro SouthEast (Philly Again!)

Since we enjoyed ourselves so much last month, we revisited Bistro SouthEast, 1824 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146 (267-758-2838). The owners recognized us and welcomed us back. Once again, everything was flavorful and delicious. We enjoy our monthly 3-hour lunch with friends, Karin and George.

We shared many wonderful dishes:

Shrimp and Pork Potstickers:

Spicy Curry Wings - crispy, spicy goodness!

Thai Sweet Chili Wings:

Crispy Shrimp Roll (similar to Martini Shrimp at Bhan Thai):

Lobster Summer Roll:

Soft Shell Crab Bun:

Ken has been craving the Banh Mi since our last visit. We shared 2:

Vietnamese BBQ Pork:

Lemongrass Pork Belly:

BBQ Pork wins! Extremely flavorful.


Wines enjoyed:

Karin and George took home Mushroom Fried Rice; Ken took home another BBQ Pork Banh Mi.

Wish there was a place this tasty near home, as everything is so good.

Allora by da Soli (Italian)

After a rough week (month!), Ken took Jay to Allora, 892 NJ-73, Marlton, NJ, (856-596-6882) for a lovely dinner on Saturday, July 23, 2016. Mark did it again! Everything was fantastic!

The bread was soft and fresh.

We shared Suppli Roman Style - the Italian risotto balls were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Ken enjoyed the Veal Italiano, breaded cutlet with char grilled red peppers, Italian long hots, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.

Jay devoured the Sea Bass Filet Salmoriglio. The light dusting of bread crumbs stayed crunchy until the end of the meal. Just the right amount of seasoning. Love the risotto (more please!).

It was a little strange to see some tables with tablecloths and some without (and a little sticky), but it was nice to see the restaurant was busy. We love this food! Ken puts it #3 on his list.

Wines enjoyed:

Homemade wine by the Esposito family: Alicante / Zinfandel blend

 And a white...

Megan was a wonderful server. We have to remember to request Mark, our favorite.

Southeast Bistro (Vietnamese - Not NJ - Philly)

Our monthly lunch with Karin and George took us to Philadelphia - Southeast Bistro, 1824 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146. You can't go wrong with anything here. So Tasty!

We pre-ordered (two days in advance) one of the seafood "boil" combos (#4 - 1 lb. crawfish, 1 lb. shrimp, 1 lb. clams, 2 lobster tail, 4 corn, 4 potatoes, 4 sausages) since we were having lunch, not dinner, with the "Crasian" spices (Asian Cajun). Spiced just right.

While waiting for the boil, we enjoyed the spicy Thai Chili Wings - just the right amount of crispy, spicy goodness.

The boil - amazing! We asked for toasted french baguettes to soak up the spicy sauce.

We were kinda full, but still tried the Lemongrass Pork Belly Banh Mi - flavorful goodness.

George and Jay (and Karin) enjoyed the fried cheesecake, with chocolate syrup, and dragonfruit (Dorian).

Mui, our server (and owner), was awesome and such a pleasure!


Wines enjoyed:

There was a variety of soft drinks available that Jay would love to try!

We enjoyed ourselves so much that we plan to come back in July, instead of waiting until August.

*****

We ordered to go:

Karin & George - crab fried rice

Jay & Ken - 2 orders of the Thai Chili Wings and 2 orders of the Pork Belly Banh Mi


Excellent food and good company!!!

Vientiane Cafe (Philly Yet Again)

After a sad morning saying farewell to a former co-worker, on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, Jay went to Vientiane Cafe, 4728 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA (215-726-1095), with Karin and George (no Ken this time).

We shared many wonderful dishes.

Pork Spring Rolls and Vegetarian Naam Salad (Marinated rice with coconut flakes tossed with mint, scallions, parsley, lime leaves, and chill; topped with crush peanuts served with lettuce to wrap)

Angel Shrimps (Shrimp wrapped in wonton skin and deep fried until golden brown; served with sweet plum sauce) and Green Curry with Crispy Tofu

Everything is so fresh and flavorful!

Wine enjoyed:

We then shared more wine while hanging out on their porch...

Il Villaggio

This month's dining experience with Karin and George was at Il Villaggio, 211 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 (856-795-1778). Another wonderful, almost 3-hour, lunch on Friday, May 13, 2016.

Warm, crusty bread

Oysters - 8 of them! Yum!

Broccoli Rabe & Sausage Ravioli

Scallops Risotto - Diver scallops, pan seared, over mushroom risotto, truffle essence

Entrees

Jay and Karin shared the Bronzino Special (filleted table side) and the Zucchini Parmesan

Ken and George each enjoyed their own Veal Saltimbucca

Dessert shared:

Tiramisu

Tartufo

Wines enjoyed:

Looking forward to our next visit.

Had to take a picture of this beautiful table setting.