Philly Food and Drink Aficionados
Knock Philadelphia
No - I'm not demanding that you knock Philly - heaven knows it's been knocked around enough!
I finally had the time to check out Knock Restaurant for dinner a couple weeks ago - and thought I'd share my two cents.
First some background, Knock opened within the past year in that cursed location at the corner of 12/Locust streets - former home to Lula and other fare. Once Lula closed and the rumor mill began that Bill Wood (founder/owner of Woody's) was going to sell his bar and was shopping around for a spot do to a restaurant, all eyes turned to this intersection. If ANYONE could make something stick in the true epicenter of the Gayborhood - it would be Woody.
And, it seems as if he has done just that!
John and I arrived for a non-reservation Saturday night dinner prior to seeing The Magnetic Fields at the Merriam. We were a bit worried - but thankfully, it was 6pm and the host was able to give us a table, knowing we'd turn it before 8 - when the place was booked solid.
We sat in the back near the grand piano - thankfully quiet. The space was quite familiar to me, as I was a strong patron of Lula and knew that space inside-out. It was amazing to see the renovations up close: from warm carpeting on the floors to a rich full color to the walls - not to mention great wood accents. The space was quite classy and just as cozy.
John and I sat in the corner both - and what was interesting was to watch the spot slowly come to life as every minute passed. By the time we left, it was as if we were in another space completely! Just as good, but much livelier. Saturday night had arrived, that's for sure.
Now onto the food: we both had the baby arugula salad with manchego cheese and spiced cashews - the spiced cashews really made the taste of the dish work for me. As an entree, John had the crab cakes and I had the chicken breast - it was served with a mushroom ginger broth, baby yellow yukon potatoes and chicken sausage, a full dish indeed. John's crab cakes were perfect - overflowing with crab and just a hint of breading.
We skipped dessert - since we had to make a curtain - but I know we'll be returning ... perhaps not on a Saturday, since I can easily see one feeling a bit rushed at the peak dining hours. But if you're looking for a quiet getaway - consider Knock on a weeknight ... especially in the back ;)
I finally had the time to check out Knock Restaurant for dinner a couple weeks ago - and thought I'd share my two cents.
First some background, Knock opened within the past year in that cursed location at the corner of 12/Locust streets - former home to Lula and other fare. Once Lula closed and the rumor mill began that Bill Wood (founder/owner of Woody's) was going to sell his bar and was shopping around for a spot do to a restaurant, all eyes turned to this intersection. If ANYONE could make something stick in the true epicenter of the Gayborhood - it would be Woody.And, it seems as if he has done just that!
John and I arrived for a non-reservation Saturday night dinner prior to seeing The Magnetic Fields at the Merriam. We were a bit worried - but thankfully, it was 6pm and the host was able to give us a table, knowing we'd turn it before 8 - when the place was booked solid.
We sat in the back near the grand piano - thankfully quiet. The space was quite familiar to me, as I was a strong patron of Lula and knew that space inside-out. It was amazing to see the renovations up close: from warm carpeting on the floors to a rich full color to the walls - not to mention great wood accents. The space was quite classy and just as cozy.
John and I sat in the corner both - and what was interesting was to watch the spot slowly come to life as every minute passed. By the time we left, it was as if we were in another space completely! Just as good, but much livelier. Saturday night had arrived, that's for sure.
Now onto the food: we both had the baby arugula salad with manchego cheese and spiced cashews - the spiced cashews really made the taste of the dish work for me. As an entree, John had the crab cakes and I had the chicken breast - it was served with a mushroom ginger broth, baby yellow yukon potatoes and chicken sausage, a full dish indeed. John's crab cakes were perfect - overflowing with crab and just a hint of breading.
We skipped dessert - since we had to make a curtain - but I know we'll be returning ... perhaps not on a Saturday, since I can easily see one feeling a bit rushed at the peak dining hours. But if you're looking for a quiet getaway - consider Knock on a weeknight ... especially in the back ;)
Add a Comment
3 Comments
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Comment by Kurt on May 27, 2009 at 8:06pm - Let's make our June brunch date. What do you think?
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Comment by Kurt on December 1, 2008 at 9:04pm
- Mikie and I have been there a few times. I like the food but am still uncertain about the space - the vibe basically. Next trip we should make it a 4some :)
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Comment by Marilyn on November 12, 2008 at 10:54pm - I need to try this place. The baby spinach salad sounds wonderful. Corn Fritters with Mushroom Ragu sound absolutely heavenly! The lamb chops would take me over the edge, with no room for dessert! :o
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