Pickled Heron update

not sure how big the portions will be, but the menu looks reasonably priced for the selections that you get. I also like the music on the main page of the website. I often just keep it running in the background.

Inky confirms soft open on Dec 17, hard open on Dec 20.
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/the-insider/135673438.html

Finally tried the Pickled Heron last night and it was really good.
Way too slow, even for a weeknight. I hope people can support this even half as much as they did the mediocre joints like hot potato. This is quality food.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-pickled-heron-philadelphia-2#hrid:sSqJZojUd6_uIQaj_ZjUig

Pickled Heron is wonderful food and exactly the type of place I would like to see succeed on Frankford. I really hope people continue to support it, even if it means artists like new kenzo going there.

I think I'll have to check it out soon - solo.

I'm gonna go there solo wearing a mask that looks like Craig LeBan, the most feared man in Philadelphia (if you dish out food).

Maybe they could host Quizzo. Like Wednesdays or something.

austen wrote:

I think I'll have to check it out soon - solo.

Let me know when you're going. My wife has NO interest in trying it and I've been looking for someone(s) to go with.

th wrote:

austen wrote:

I think I'll have to check it out soon - solo.

Let me know when you're going. My wife has NO interest in trying it and I've been looking for someone(s) to go with.

tax return is due in my account next friday. i said we'd give it a try then. you guys want to go?

Byob I presume?

codergrrl wrote:

Byob I presume?

yup

bozoloper wrote:

th wrote:

austen wrote:

I think I'll have to check it out soon - solo.

Let me know when you're going. My wife has NO interest in trying it and I've been looking for someone(s) to go with.

tax return is due in my account next friday. i said we'd give it a try then. you guys want to go?

Sounds good.

bozoloper wrote:

th wrote:

austen wrote:

I think I'll have to check it out soon - solo.

Let me know when you're going. My wife has NO interest in trying it and I've been looking for someone(s) to go with.

tax return is due in my account next friday. i said we'd give it a try then. you guys want to go?

Sounds good.

Since I finished that drug trial a week ago... I keep reading this thread as Pickled Heroin and picturing the wait staff is delivering pinky-sized packets of crushed up tan powder in spiced vinegar to diners in cocktail dresses and collared shirts.

Kenzo wrote:

Since I finished that drug trial a week ago...

Was Leo able to get you off?

th wrote:

Kenzo wrote:

Since I finished that drug trial a week ago...

Was Leo able to get you off?

ummmm... you may want to consider rephrasing that question.

meredith wrote:

th wrote:

Kenzo wrote:

Since I finished that drug trial a week ago...

Was Leo able to get you off?

ummmm... you may want to consider rephrasing that question.

Yeah, I held back on that one too! Lol.

grilled seitan - $17
o k ...

th wrote:

Kenzo wrote:

Since I finished that drug trial a week ago...

Was Leo able to get you off?

No he sucks at that. (See what I did there?)

not an entirely favorable review in the city paper: http://www.citypaper.net/food/2012-03-08-pickled-heron-review-philadelphia.html

Kenzo wrote:

th wrote:

Kenzo wrote:

Since I finished that drug trial a week ago...

Was Leo able to get you off?

No he sucks at that. (See what I did there?)

That's like a triple-entendre.

snailgem wrote:

grilled seitan - $17
o k ...

High but comparable to Vedge. At any rate, it's nice when a French restaurant offers a veg option.

meredith wrote:

th wrote:

Kenzo wrote:

Since I finished that drug trial a week ago...

Was Leo able to get you off?

ummmm... you may want to consider rephrasing that question.

No, I'd say it's pretty accurate either way.

snailgem wrote:

grilled seitan - $17
o k ...

I love when people moan about wanting a better variety or quality offering in the neighborhood and then balk at prices. And, HEY - isnt vegetarian/vegan restaurant food usually more costly than non-vedge? (but, I do agree the prices should at least start a little lower to get their customer base built up, and I fear they may not fare better than hot potato if they dont get more support from outside the hood)

The quality of the food I experienced at P.Heroin, was well worth the price and equal or better than good restaurants I try in center city, though I was deprived the fun of traveling and finding parking, so there was that :(
My vegan friend that had that dish, by the way, said it was totally worth it.

That article is ridiculous. The meal I had at pickled heron was one of the best I've had in a long time. I applaud their chef and hope they keep up the good work!

Ditto. I've eaten at Pickled Heron twice and it was excellent both times. I'm hoping to get back again soon.

Had an incredible meal at Pickled Heron. Their Beef Bourguignon was top notch.
Great amosphere too.

Veg options aren't usually more expensive [veg protein is dirt-cheap compared to meat] but I don't think it's unreasonable for a high-end place to charge more for seitan when the entrees are all in the mid 20s range.

Newcomer wrote:

Veg options aren't usually more expensive [veg protein is dirt-cheap compared to meat] but I don't think it's unreasonable for a high-end place to charge more for seitan when the entrees are all in the mid 20s range.

Oh, ok, got it. Yeah I agree. I just found in the past at veggie restaurants, they're not cheap. I think it takes more effort to be exciting w/o meat (in my very meat-biased opinion). Hey, Kraftwork adjusted their menu prices a couple dollars for a number of items before they were totally settled in. Now they're doing wonderfully, it seems. Hope the same can happen at PH

Frankford Hall is much better now that they've tweaked the menu, added happy hour, etc. It sounds like PH is pretty strong despite a few negative comments in the review whereas Hot Potato struggled from the start.

Newcomer wrote:

snailgem wrote:

grilled seitan - $17
o k ...

High but comparable to Vedge. At any rate, it's nice when a French restaurant offers a veg option.

true ($16 at vedge).
being a vegetarian, that's the only item on the PH menu that caught my attention. i'm glad they have good food and doing well, we sure need more eating places around here as opposed to drinking holes.
i'll get my seitan cheesesteak here:
http://www.thebeesknees-vt.com/BKLunchMenu.htm
;----)

I'm thinking this (PH) wil be the place for my birthday dinner. Its a few months off, but I'm thinking about it already. They seemed to have expanded their menu, so I'm excited to go.

Went here for my birthday last Friday, everything was really good and priced about what I would expect from this type of place especially since they can't make their money on alcohol markup. Generally classic preparations with some interesting twists in every item. I liked the feel of the dining room, it was inviting in a way that you'd feel comfortable dressed up or down.

My biggest concern was that the place was pretty dead, though we ate early for the area and some more people rolled in towards the end of our meal. I will say they need more prominent signage though, I had driven past a half dozen times previously keeping an eye out and not seen it. Even on Friday, I parked on the block it was on and walked past it without realizing it, which probably limits the foot traffic that could stop in. Or maybe I am just blind, which is a distinct possibility.

I rode by everyweek going to quizzo looking for it. Not until they put lights on the railings did I notice it.

Kensington Community Food Coop is offering this sweet deal:
$40 dinner with st benjamin beer.
Can be applied to your membership if you choose to join.
http://www.kcfoodcoop.com/events

Monday March 26!

new kenzo wrote:

Kensington Community Food Coop is offering this sweet deal:
$40 dinner with st benjamin beer.
Can be applied to your membership if you choose to join.
http://www.kcfoodcoop.com/events

Monday March 26!

That sounds like a really good deal.

Had a great meal at PH on friday, and was sad to see that it was so easy to get a table. They ran out of the calamari salad, and substituted scallops- paired with the blood oranges, it was amazing! The rhubarb stuffed gnocchi was a tart, and delicious pairing with the duck. I would love to see this place make it! Trying to pass the word onto my friends to come check it out!

I was there last night and am still fantasizing about the meal I had (The paella on special) today. Also looking forward to trying brunch there

I was there yesterday (Sunday) and it was just wonderful, wonderful, wonderful

went there last night for the first time, and i got the duck. i don't usually like duck, and i haven't had too many experiences with it, but this was the absolute best duck i have ever had. the skin was crispy and the flesh was tender... it was just incredible. i thought the rhubarb gnocchi was just okay, but i didn't really care because the duck was that good.

we split the charcuterie and the octopus salad between the three of us, and both were excellent. even the bread was delicious.

i was happy to see the dining room nearly full towards the end of our stay. we were there for over two hours, and people kept filtering in all night. the waitress commented that it was the fullest she'd ever seen the dining room. i really hope it stays that way. i will definitely be back!

it's not even 10 am and now Im starving for duck! thanks Meredith. Glad to hear all the good news.

I love a good duck.

I'm starved, anyone want to go get a duck?

On my way to buy a grill and artificial turf for my home made soccer pitch. Enjoy. China town is always good for some duck.

Not a fan of peking duck. Well I mean I like the duck, but then they ruin it with that brown sauce and onions.

sdm wrote:

Not a fan of peking duck. Well I mean I like the duck, but then they ruin it with that brown sauce and onions.

I had a nice duck loin salad at Plough & Stars, and also Hinge usually has some duck on the menu...pretty good. I think the best duck I've ever had was at Cafe Nola, years ago when it was actually on South St.

The Laban review -

http://www.philly.com/philly/food/20120408_The_Pickled_Heron.html

thought it was a gentle and kind review. I agree about the price remark but am happy over all with it's optimistic support.

ghettochicken wrote:

Another so called snooty place for the local pretentious turds to hang out.

if by snooty , you mean not dirty or a dive bar, yes.
if by pretentious, you mean quality food that wasnt deep fried or from the freezer section, yes.

You, ghettochicken, are brilliant and wise. Im impressed with your use of a 3-syllable word like pretentious. Bravo.

Am I a pretentious turd because, when my parents showed me the Laban review, I was able to say, offhandedly, "Oh, yeah, that place? I've already been there." ;-)

Seriously though, my parents showed me the review this weekend, and asked me all about it. I plan to take them there the next time they come down.

I LOVED my dinner there, and will go back again soon.

austen wrote:

Am I a pretentious turd because, when my parents showed me the Laban review, I was able to say, offhandedly, "Oh, yeah, that place? I've already been there." ;-)

Seriously though, my parents showed me the review this weekend, and asked me all about it. I plan to take them there the next time they come down.

I LOVED my dinner there, and will go back again soon.

I've eaten at places that would make a billy goat puke, but for some reason I won't go to places that get less than 3 bells from Laban. (Looking at you Barclay Prime, with your cheap, wet-aged beef)

Man, I would love to be a pretentious turd.

Coder wrote:

Man, I would love to be a pretentious turd.

Dahling, it is QUITE fun.

Maybe someday.
A girl can dream.

They just got another 'Meh' review in today's Philly Weekly.
http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/food/reviews/
Take it with a grain of salt..It IS the Weekly after all..Barely above the Auto Shopper in the food review relevancy dept. But two lukewarm write-ups in a row have gotta sting a bit.

I will agree with them that putting a white tablecloth, uber-foodie joint so far outside of the Center City/ No Libs. gravitational pull is a long-shot gamble..

Not sure if our corner of town is really ready for it..Yet Loco Pez is going gangbusters..So.. I dunno..Maybe time to dumb down the menu a bit and make it more of a neighborhood spot ?? Glad I'm not in the restaurant business.. Its F'n brutal.

ForeverChanges wrote:

Not sure if our corner of town is really ready for it..Yet Loco Pez is going gangbusters..So.. I dunno..Maybe time to dumb down the menu a bit and make it more of a neighborhood spot ?? Glad I'm not in the restaurant business.. Its F'n brutal.

Made my first foray to Loco Pez last night and it was impressively busy for a weeknight. I loved the drink menu, but I gotta say the food itself did nothing for me (but at that price, not a huge deal).

I'll definitely go back, but not for the food. And great to see them doing so well regardless.

Two bells from Laban is not meh.

lstriar wrote:

Two bells from Laban is not meh.

But it also ain't three bells.

no one claimed it was

ForeverChanges wrote:

lstriar wrote:

Two bells from Laban is not meh.

But it also ain't three bells.

It also isn't zero bells or one bell. I'm not sure I understand the point of this game but this is the kind of math I'm very good at.

That there is what's known as scientific precision.

Coder wrote:

That there is what's known as scientific precision.

That's some stein bait if I ever heard it.

Forgive my obtuseness.
In the restaurant business, from my admittedly limited exposure to it, it seems that the first year of operations are always make-or-break. The odds against you are so stacked that you have to hit it out of the park on every single front (press reviews,waitstaff performance,word of mouth,location selection) in order to make it past the growing pains stage. Any less than favorable press, especially for a upper tier food quality place like Pickled Heron, is a potential death blow..Hence my 'F'n brutal' remark.

I'm totally pulling for them BTW , I want to have my birthday dinner there next winter.

2 bells from Leban isnt the same as, say, a 2 star movie review. He rarely gives anything 4 bells so I consider his 3 bell reviews about as good as it gets so 2 is pretty darn good. he's been reviewing this way forever. But it's funny, sometimes you read his reviews and he really doesn't say anything bad about the food and you expect 3 bells but he only gives it 2. This seems like one of those reviews. Most of his gripes seem kinda subjective (portions sizes too big, using more expensive oyster mushrooms and not cheap button mushrooms in the beef Bourguignon, they should use store bought seitan, etc). I'm also puzzled when he implies the prices are too high but only because it's in Fishtown - that shouldn’t have a bearing on the final grade. Never mind that everything else was great. When you read between the lines in this his review you can tell it will be a great experience. I can't wait to try PH out.

Atomic Larry wrote:

2 bells from Leban isnt the same as, say, a 2 star movie review. He rarely gives anything 4 bells so I consider his 3 bell reviews about as good as it gets so 2 is pretty darn good. he's been reviewing this way forever. But it's funny, sometimes you read his reviews and he really doesn't say anything bad about the food and you expect 3 bells but he only gives it 2. This seems like one of those reviews. Most of his gripes seem kinda subjective (portions sizes too big, using more expensive oyster mushrooms and not cheap button mushrooms in the beef Bourguignon, they should use store bought seitan, etc). I'm also puzzled when he implies the prices are too high but only because it's in Fishtown - that shouldn’t have a bearing on the final grade. Never mind that everything else was great. When you read between the lines in this his review you can tell it will be a great experience. I can't wait to try PH out.

This is a spot on analysis. And the bell ratings system also reflects price/value. If you are charging $12-15 an entree, the threshold for 2 bells is not necessarily as high as if you are charging $20-25. Because the former provides better value if the food is equivalent in quality. 2 bells for a new BYO is pretty good. His comments about service were very spot on, and if you don't have high quality service and highly knowledgeable wait staff you will never get 3 bells. And 3 is about as high as it gets for a BYO from Laban.

Most restaurants won't even get a review from Laban, he doesn't like to give reviews that would destroy a business, and most restaurants would probably grade out below one bell.

There's some great restaurants with 2 bell ratings, so Pickled Heron is in great company. The over all tone of his review was very positive and optimistic. What's most important to remember here is that Laban visits more than once or twice before giving a review.

The city paper and the like are often reviews by armature snarky young writers. And for this you can also look at their movie reviews and realize they're reading base are high school idiots that read for the gratuitous cursing and snide remarks.

I hope I dont come across as just blindly loving this place out of hope they'll succeed. I just happen to have had two great meals there so far.

Video of making ravioli.
http://philadelphia.foobooz.com/2012/04/13/foobooz-tv-hand-made-ravioli-from-the-pickled-heron/?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Foobooz:%20Philadelphia&utm_content=