Reader: What do you consider to be the most adventurous menus in the city right now?
C.L.: Hmmm . . . depends on what you mean by adventurous. Used to be that braised cheeks and pork belly were - but not anymore. You can find those in Manayunk (Gemelli on Main) or on the Main Line (Aperto). One possibility could be Han Dynasty (for chile-oil and peppercorn-fired kidneys), it could be Le Virtu or Amis or other Italians doing fun things with tripe; it could also mean game birds (Bibou does partridge and grouse, among other things), or . . . . Haven't been to Ela yet, but I'd expect Jason Cichonski to be pulling out some tricks over there.
Reader: We are on the chase for the best hot chocolate in Philly. Any recommendations? A recent stop was RIM Cafe. Wow, best so far. It's expensive, but worth at least one stop. The owner is quite a character.
C.L.: I've been hearing fantastic things about RIM's hot chocolate - I really need to go there. Also, Sazon, the Latin American place on Spring Garden, makes a good one. My colleague Ashley Primis just featured one at Golosa Chocolate Bar & Dessert Lounge (806 S. Sixth St., 215-925-1003, golosacafe.com) that is excellent, Italian-style. I really miss the tapas place the closed on South Street - their chocolate and churros was fantastic. Also, the Naked Chocolate Cafe (RIP) did a nice job. Time for a new generation of hot chocolatiers, I believe. I'm curious to hear who tops your list.
Reader: Cafe con Chocolate has great hot stuff!!
