Philly restaurants worth visiting, local chefs worth following - based on TV worth watching.
1. "Iron Chef" Jose Garces
Philly's most televised chef won't be slowing down any time soon. But you can, at J.G. Domestic, his laid-back American joint in Cira Centre.
2929 Arch St., 215-222-2363, www.jgdomestic.com.
2. Good Dog Bar
Locals love the cheese-stuffed burger. Guy Fieri of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" goes for the duck pot pie.
224 S. 15th St., 215-985-9600, www.gooddogbar.com.
3. Kevin Sbraga
"Top Chef" season 7 winner wins again with his months-old rustic-chic bistro. Book in advance.
440 S. Broad St., 215-735-1913, www.sbraga.com.
4. Aaron McCargo Jr.
The South Jersey host of "Big Daddy's House" and 2008 winner of "Food Network Star" gives cooking lessons Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. on the Food Network.
5. Maui's Dog House
Another Fieri favorite, still in North Wildwood, now also in Center City. Have one with bacon, cheddar, kraut and mustard.
200 S. Broad St. (downstairs at Bellevue), www.mauisdoghouse.com.
6. Robert Irvine
The Brit-born former chef of Atlantic City's Resorts (who once copped to fibbing about feeding Princess Di) makes like Gordon Ramsay on "Restaurant: Impossible," Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on the Food Network.
7. Sampan
Chef-owned by Michael Schulson of "Pantry Raid," "Ultimate Cake Off" and "Go Ahead, Make my Dinner," this hot spot is known for its edamame dumplings and fishbowl cocktails.
124 S. 13th St., 215-732-3501, www.sampanphilly.com.
8. Jennifer Carroll
She didn't make it to the finals of season 6 of Bravo's "Top Chef," but this DN Sexy Single has hinted about opening a restaurant called Concrete Blonde later this year.
- Lauren McCutcheon
