Lost Restaurants Of Philadelphia

Culinary Memories from Philadelphia's Past...Beyond the Cheesesteak Long before Philadelphia's food scene was splashed on covers of Bon Appetit and local establishments garnered accolades like "America's best restaurant," culinary pioneers set the city's restaurant industry ablaze. Frenchman Georges Perrier brought the city the highest, most-respected opulence, Le Bec-Fin, for 40 years running. The ultimate seafood institute, Old Original Bookbinder's, held the title of the world's largest lobster tank and prepared impeccable oyster Rockefeller. Steve Poses changed the culinary game with the Frog that captivated palates with the infusion of international flavors. The nation's very first automat, Horn & Hardart's, consistently delivered near-perfect comfort food classics via vending machine. Amy Strauss revisits celebrated spaces, unforgettable personalities and must-have recipes that made Philadelphia's historic restaurants remembered for their delicious moments in time.

The culinary history of Fairfield, Connecticut, brims with bygone and beloved eateries and watering holes. Discover some of these lost classics, from the Sun Tavern--where George Washington enjoyed a few victuals--to the Scenario, where local celebrities always had a seat reserved at the bar. The best doughnuts in town were at the corner of Post and Beaumont at Devore's, while Art Green served up his famous chocolate cream pies at the Pie Plate. Join author Patti Woods for a generous serving of nostalgia complete with nachos from Sidetrack's, chili from Kuhn's and maybe even an ice cold beer from the Driftwood.

Discover the fascinating stories of Knoxville's eateries as author and historian Paula Johnson dives back in time through the stories of the city's great restaurants. Over the past 225 years, Knoxville dining has come full circle - from early taverns and saloons to upscale continental cuisine and back to the roots of local eating experiences. Greek immigrants Frank and George Regas founded the legendary Regas Restaurant, which operated for 90 years, spreading culinary influence throughout the entire city. Early country music stars frequented Harold's Deli while visiting the city to perform on Tennessee's first live radio shows. Guests from around the world sat 266 feet in the air at the Sunsphere Restaurant, a fine dining establishment run by the Hardee's Corporation during Knoxville's World's Fair.

Alongside its vineyards, the Napa Valley boasts restaurants celebrated for their pioneering spirit. Stroll through the memories of this region's mouthwatering eateries with tales of the enterprising women and risk takers who helped make Napa a foodie haven. The Empire Saloon made history by being the first business to serve food in the fledgling city of Napa, and a little over a century later, the Magnolia Hotel set the standard for fine dining in Yountville. The A-1 Café made Chinese cuisine a local favorite, and Jonesy's set the aviation community aflutter with its tasty special potatoes. Join author Alexandria Brown as she delves into the history of Napa County's gone-but-not-forgotten restaurants and their classic dishes.

Dig into the storied restaurant history of the Buckeye State’s capital city. Ohio’s capital city has long had a vibrant restaurant culture that included German immigrants, High Street eateries and the fads of the times. Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas wrote their thanks for a great meal at the Maramor. Yankees star Tommy Henrich held his customers spellbound with stories in his Diamond Room. Mama Marzetti dropped William Oxley Thompson’s birthday cake and swept it back up off the floor. Join authors Doug Motz and Christine Hayes as they explore the stories of Woody Hayes’s Jai Lai, manhole cover menus and bathtub décor at Water Works, as well as many other lost and beloved restaurants.

A six-months' summary is included at end of June and Dec. issues, 1963- .

A noted Philadelphia restaurant critic reviews 123 of her favorite dining places in Center City and nearby, including places suited for families, couples, students, and the wealthy