Sassafras Bar

Ever have an Ostrich Burger?

I did last night at Sassafras Bar in Olde City, topped with Gruyere cheese, served w/sweet potato fries and a pumpkin beer. The meat is not as dense as beef and has a slight gamy aftertaste, but in a good way. 2 Tines.

As the self-proclaimed sweet potato fries czarina, I give these and the accompanying Aioli sauce 3 Tines.

My friend, Robert ordered the Bison Burger, topped w/ Mozzarella cheese, which was a good burger, but our palates weren't discerning enough to tell it wasn't beef.
2 Tines

The space is so perfect for cozy fall/winter chats and rendezvous; they really should serve mulled wine. Very historic building - fireplace, bar, tin ceiling, detailing, fixtures, staircase, door nobs, the ladies room must once have been a sitting room or sewing room, still complete with a settee - all very turn of the century, if not older, certainly much older than the 35 years Sassafras has been in business. I wonder what was there before?
3 Tines for ambiance

This meal preceded my preview screening of Robert Downey Jr and Zach Galifianakis in Due Date. Not a great food/film compliment, an English saga would have been more fitting. Later this week, I'll be posting my Due Date commentary on the PFS site. Let's just say, if I had something really good to say about the movie, I would be writing that post now.

It was a very Tinsel & Tine day, as earlier I interviewed Madeline Deheza Hoefer a seasoned New York restaurant and hotel manager, now partnering with her husband Werner in the opening (Nov 20th) of a new coffeehouse/eatery in the Art Museum area called The Flying Saucer Cafe (26th & Brown St). She's also a big film buff, heading to Sundance again this year, and together with a friend started a weekly Philly Film Club. She and I had a great chat about film and food. I'm so looking forward to writing this post! Check back later in the week!

Rating System:
* Excellent - 4 Tines * Great - 3 Tines * Good - 2 Tines * Fair - 1 Tine * Poor - Tarnished