Vernick Food & Drink - Review - Rittenhouse - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

"Over the years, the Vernick name has become synonymous with special occasions, fantastic service, and chic settings. Vernick Fish is known for its incredible seafood, and Vernick Coffee Bar is one of our favorite places to grab a latte and croissant in the city. But the dishes at Vernick Food & Drink—the first-born of the family–are less exceptional. The modern American Rittenhouse restaurant focuses on seasonal ingredients, and its wide-ranging lineup spans from things like curried pumpkin on sourdough and sea urchin with warm scrambled egg to roasted venison topped with mole rojo and salted tomatillo. For most dining here, dinner always includes the crab toast that’s been a staple on the menu for over a decade. And while it’s all enjoyable and made with top-tier ingredients, wow-worthy it is not. photo credit: Clay Williams photo credit: Rachel Lerro photo credit: Rachel Lerro photo credit: Rachel Lerro Pause Unmute The sophisticated spot nails it when it comes to adaptability. Generally, it’s easy to walk in on a weeknight and grab a spot at the buzzy bar or lounge area by the windows and enjoy one of their signature cocktails and a couple of small plates. The top floor, on the other hand, feels much more polished. Up there, you’ll find young-at-heart neighbors splitting chili-tossed shrimp and a kanpachi crudo, dates ordering another bottle of red, and a few larger groups having business dinners or celebrating a friend’s fourth divorce. photo credit: Rachel Lerro photo credit: Rachel Lerro photo credit: Rachel Lerro Pause Unmute Because of its utility, Vernick is a great place to pull out of your back pocket for dining in the neighborhood (though you’ll definitely need a reservation for the second floor). It’s a great choice for an upscale date night, and a home run for dinner with the parents. The consistently good food and thoughtful service still make it a restaurant that people flock to as much as the city’s newer places. It’s either that, or the fact that most of us would be perfectly satisfied eating the citrusy crab toast for another 10 years. Food Rundown Blue Crab, Lemon Aioli, And Tarragon This toast is about as classic to Rittenhouse as the giant frog statue in the park, or $25 parking. Lump crab is piled on the toast of the day (it’s made with Metropolitan Bakery sourdough) and topped with earthy tarragon flakes. It’s simple and straightforward. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Kanpachi, Blood Orange, And Calabrian chili Like its sibling spot, the original Vernick knows its way around seafood. The acidity from the blood orange and the heat from the chili collide with the buttery fresh fish. Order away. Spaghetti, Romanesco Cauliflower, Toasted Garlic, And Pine Nut Bread Crumbs Nothing quite compares to a good plate of pasta, and this one is pretty solid. The combination of bright green cauliflower, garlic, and pine nuts isn’t much to write home about, but it passes the “wouldn”t mind a twirl or three” test. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Grilled Shrimp, Crispy Rice, Brussels Sprouts, Peanuts, And Thai Basil We don’t have many set-in-stone rules we abide by, but when a shrimp dish is on the menu, ordering it is one of them. We’re glad we stuck with our gut on this one. From the vegetables to the toasted nuts, every aspect packs a crunch. It’s sweet, spicy, and fragrant all at once. photo credit: CANDIS R. MCLEAN Chicken And Lemon Herb Jus The meat-and-potatoes purist in your group will gravitate to this wood-fired dish. The meat is juicy, and the skin has a nicely charred crisp. It’s not up there with our favorite whole chickens in this city, but this tender beauty comes really, really close." - Candis R. McLean