January 2, 2008

Die-Hard Locavore

Locavore Restaurant Guide

Prefer the farmers market to the supermarket? Then you’re a locavore. Here are a few places that share in your campaign to eat close to home.

White Dog Cafe
What: All dishes are made from sustainably harvested seafood and humanely raised meat and poultry and locally grown fruits and vegetables. Try the strip steak from Chester County’s Buck Run Farms paired with Cherry Hill’s own Flying Fish’s beer-battered onion rings.
When: Mon.-Sat., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5:30-10 p.m.; Sun., 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5-10 p.m.
Where: 3420 Sansom St. (215-386-9224).

Fork
What: The legendary Old City restaurant features a lovely rustic gingered sweet potato soup with root veggies from Busy Bee Acres via Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-Op.
When: Mon.-Thurs., 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri., 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Sat., 5-11:30 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & 5-10:30 p.m.
Where: 306 Market St. (215-625-9425).

Bistro 7
What: Saffron risotto makes the ideal side dish to the tender lamb from Lititz’s Meadow Run Farm. It’s just one of the succulent dishes featuring local, organic ingredients from chef Michael O’Halloran.
When: Tues.-Thurs., 5:30-10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 5:30-10:30 p.m.; Sun., 5-10 p.m.
Where: 7 N. Third St. (215-931-1560).

Restaurant Alba
What: The honey and rosemary roasted pear appetizer features earthy artisan Birchrun Hills Blue from the Chester County dairy.
When: Tues.-Thurs., 5:30-9 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 5:30-10 p.m.; Sun., 5-8:30 p.m.
Where: 7 W. King St., Malvern (610-644-4009).

Marigold Kitchen
What: The pork loin entree — courtesy of Berks County’s Country Time Farm — at this University City BYOB could make even die-hard vegetarians yearn for a taste.
When: Tues.-Sat., 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: 501 S. 45th St. (215-222-3699).