This post is way over due … probably a week old. I’ve been tired this week. Sorry 
Last Thursday evening my very dear friend Phoebe came to Philly with her new son and hubby. Apparently her husband had gained a new hobby … mixology! He has become quite the cocktail expert and has a deep appreciation for fine liquors and beer. Apparently a friend of his was talking about a new restaurant in Philly. He said that it was a must try cause the food was exceptional but the bar may even be better.
It was the Farmers Cabinet.
And he was right … so right … delightfully, tastefully, wonderfully right!
Entering the Farmer’s Cabinet is a little bit like being in a movie. The odd smell of cheese. The two separate bars – one for liquor and one for beer. The uncomfortable looking barrel seats in the bar area. The piano player. The piano player’s singing. But this isn’t a bad “B” movie, or a lifetime chic flick, this is Boarwalk Empire meets Goodfellas meets Food Network meets Citizen Kane meets … you get the idea.
This place used to be a restaurant called Joe Pesci. The transformation they made inside the building is remarkable. You would never know you were in the same space. Except for the stairs that go into the back area. They aren’t normal steps. They are extra wide obnoxious steps. They still exist and they still suck after a few cocktails.
Now on to the important part. The whiskey sour. One of the best cocktails I have ever had in my life. It was smooth and delicious. Its a must order.
I also had the Walnut Street Shuffle which was very good. They take such pride in their cocktails. The waiter will warn you that it takes awhile for it to get to the table and at $12 a drink … it is well worth the wait and money.
Here’s my whiskey sour … isn’t it lovely?
There were 5 of us in the group, so we decided to order a bunch of different things and shared accordingly.
This is always the way to go by the way. I hate getting one entree … boring!
So this was the menu:
Cheese, Cured Meat and Bread platter with homemade Cherry jam and dijon mustard
Salt Potatoes with a brown butter dipping sauce (this was 5 stars)
Artisan Cheese Fondue gouda, triple cream brie, grana padonna (yummy)
Frisée pickled quail eggs, lardons, sherry brown butter vinaigrette, melted leeks (great salad! lardon rocks!)
Pea Tendrils salted ricotta, crispy shallots, preserved lemon vinaigrette (one of the best thing Ive ever eaten in life)
Grilled Elk Strip Loin seared foie gras, wild mushroom ragout, mustard smash potatoes (never had elk before, very tasty)
Rauchbier Smoked Pork Belly BBQ date mustard sauce, napa radish slaw (yummy but not really my thing)
So all in all, weird Cheese smell aside, I will be returning here … often I hope.
THE FACTS:
The Farmers’ Cabinet
1113 Walnut St
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 627-9000
www.thefarmerscabinet.com
Pros: Amazing Cocktails, Wonderful Food – isn’t that enough?
Cons: It is a little pricey. For our “sharing” menu and cocktails it was over $300.
Insider’s Tips: Go for the drinks and grab a few apps. I hear some nights that have live bands playing 20s and 30s music. Their beer list is extensive but get the WHISKEY SOUR!
