May 1, 2017

Urban Farmer – Philadelphia, PA

Urban Farmer was a delight to find especially as it was in the Logan Hotel that I was staying. I was born and raised in Philadelphia but I never really had a chance to visit in my adult years. Recently I had an opportunity to go back, and I found the experience to be very enjoyable and intriguing. With the growth of the technology sector in Philadelphia, it looks like it is growing into its own eclectic and foodie feel – similar to that of Austin’s transformation over the years. Austin has been dubbed Silicon Hills, so is Philly now Silicon Philly, or Silicon Valley Forge?

One thing is for sure, my first night out to eat left a great impression on me! Urban Farmer is unique but not lost on tradition and eclectic while maintaining composure. This is most visible in Urban Farmer’s dishes. When I arrived for my 6:30 pm Sunday evening reservation, I was promptly seated towards the middle of the dining room. At first, I thought about asking for a booth or something along the wall – just me being self-conscious about dining alone, but I didn’t.

The service, even dining alone, was on point. The server was very knowledgeable about the menu and also made some great recommendations. Also pointing out the beef tallow candle on the table was a fun note – I’ve never seen that before. After sipping on an old-fashioned, considering if I should stick my finger in the tallow candle to see what it tasted like (I didn’t), I ordered my dinner – three courses:

Seared Foie Gras with Asian Pear, slaw and almond crumbles – The Foie Gras was prepared perfectly, and the pear sauce, balsamic reduction, and slaw worked so well together. I wasn’t too crazy about the almond crumbles, but it did add additional texture that I think the slaw already provided.

Bone marrow with maple-mustard glaze, thyme, and crostini – This had to be the highlight of dinner for me. Yes, the bone marrow. I love Foie Gras, and I love steak, but the bone marrow felt like a melding of the two. The texture of a soft Foie Gras crossed with a beefiness of steak complemented with a hint of mustard spread on a crostini – heaven.

New York steak tasting – 6 oz each of North Carolina grass-fed, Creekstone Prime, and 1855 21-day dry aged. By far my favorite cut of meat, the striploin, I had to try this tasting dish. Being from Texas, I can’t figure out how or why some restaurant in Texas had not come up with this dish! We have beer flights, wine tastings, ice cream flights, etc. but no steak tasting – why not!? Texas steakhouses listen up – steak tasting menu – now! All of the cuts were great, and unique in their own right, but I did enjoy the flavor and texture of the North Carolina grass-fed the best.

Overall, Urban Farmer offers a great selection of steaks, snacks, and a unique drink menu that’s worth at least two drinks and a few more visits. I know I’ll be back.