Bourdain in the HOUSE!!!!

So, I was reminded that I haven't posted a blog post in eons.  It isn't because there isn't enough going on, but because there seems to be too much going on.  In a beautiful karmic happenstance, I found a perfect blog worthy subject.

I happen to be a GIGANTIC fan of Anthony Bourdain.  His books and television show cut to the core of being a "foodie".   I don't always agree with him, but I always respect what he has to say.  For example, I truly disagree with his pretty over the top bashing of Sandra Lee's "Semi-Homemade" approach and franchise.  To me, "Semi-Homemade" is 100% better than not trying at all to cook at home.  Not everybody has the time, willingness nor ability to make food at home all the way from scratch every time.  Plus, this allows me to justify posting a picture of Sandra Lee....

But in general, I'm on board with Anthony.

Anthony has two really compelling shows for people who love to travel and are adventurous about eating:  No Reservations and The Layover, both on the Travel Channel.   Per Philly.com, Bourdain is in Philadelphia!!!! 

Acclaimed chef and television personality Anthony Bourdain is storming through Philly Tuesday.

Bourdain is in the city shooting an episode of his Travel Channel show "The Layover," which profiles what somebody can do in a city in 24 to 48 hours.

Around noon Tuesday, Bourdain and his crew took a trip down 9th Street near Christian in Bella Vista and stopped in DiBruno Bros. to try a few things.
"The perfectly ripe and ready raw milk Stichelton cheese at @DiBrunoBros was a major score," Bourdain Tweeted.

Adam Balkovic, who works at DiBruno Bros., said that its owner Emilio Mignucci, took Bourdain around the Italian Market before he headed to the sandwich shop Paesano's. At Paesano's, Bourdain dug into sandwiches with owner Peter McAndrews: the Liveracce (crunchy fried chicken livers, sliced sopressata, sautéed onions, Bibb lettuce, and roasted tomatoes), Gustaio (lamb sausage, sun-dried cherries, fennel and peppers), Arista (pork with broccoli rabe), Paesano (brisket).

Nathan Baynes of Paesano's said the Liveracce was Bourdain's favorite and that he was "impressed by his candor" toward others as people clamored to get photos with him. Bourdain also hit up the Mutter Museum (its website announced the Bourdain declared that it has "the best gift shop ever"), and made his way to the Barnes Museum, the Barnes Foundation said in a Tweet. (Source: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20120724_Anthony_Bourdain_making_his_way_through_Philly.html)

 It would be a dream come true to escort Anthony around Philadelphia for The Layover, and I don't disagree with some of the choices.  However, what I see so far does not scream for me the "perfect" layover in Philadelphia.  Knowing his shows, and watching him for well over 6 seasons, here's what I'd recommend for the Philadelphia version of "The Layover".

1.  The Standard Tap, Northern Liberties - Smelts.

Anthony is a foodie.  Anthony likes to drink alcohol as an essential hobby.  The Standard Tap has got to be on his destination list.  They could mention the Duck Confit salad, they may eat a terrine du jour, perhaps try the chicken pie.  But, if Anthony Bourdain comes to Philadelphia and does not have a craft beer and smelts at the Standard Tap, I'm going to be VERY angry.  Thus, #1.

2.  Mutter Museum, Center City - cool gross stuff

They certainly got one right by bringing Anthony to the Mutter Museum (how do I get the proper dots over the u in Mutter, anyway).  This is the Museum of the College of Physicians in Philadelphia, and home to the largest collection of medical oddities anywhere in the world.  Kathleen and I have been here, have the coffee table book from here, and recommend it to those we know who would "get it".  This item in the museum will directly lead Anthony to order a salad at his next stop:

3.  McNally's Tavern, Chestnut Hill - The Dickens 

Chestnut Hill is a short cab ride from Center City.  Anthony could swing the fare.  There is no doubt that I would send him to McNally's on Germantown Avenue.  Home of the original Schmitter, now served at Citizens Bank Park.  However, that would be a highlight, but I would get Anthony "The Dickens" from McNally's.  They fresh roast a turkey every morning for this sandwich, which is basically Thanksgiving in a roll.

4.  Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Center City - ummmm...art?


OK, who the F sent Anthony Bourdain to the Barnes Foundation?  Now, it is a world class facility, with an unparalleled collection.  BUT, it is not Philadelphia's finest moment.  If Anthony watches "The Art of the Steal", he'll cut the footage from the episode.  So the Philadelphia Museum of Art is too passe, with the ubiquitous stock footage to be of Anthony running up the front steps Rocky-esque.  For something essential to Philadelphia, you send him to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts on Broad Street in Center City.  Has everything from essential classics to modern masterpieces of every genre.

5.  Chubby's, Roxborough - Cheesesteaks

It is a Philadelphia episode.  Anthony, by law I believe, must eat a cheesesteak.  Pat's and Geno's have the lights and the fame, but product that pales in comparison to others in the city.  Tony Luke's is great, but that place gets enough Food Network coverage.  Jim's on South gets enough publicity from its cooks selling drugs from behind the counter.  On Henry Avenue in Roxborough, sit D'Allesandro's and Chubby's.  Both great.  I'm taking Anthony to Chubby's because of the complementary hot pepper bar, which has nearly dissolved my tongue on a couple occasions.

I happen to believe that would make 5 interesting segments that could create a Layover Philadelphia show that would really feel Philadelphia.

Honorable Mention:  DiBruno's Cheese, Chinatown Underground Market, Oyster House, Vetri, Rodin Museum, Insectarium, Rotunda Bar at the Ritz-Carlton, Citizens Bank Ballpark