Chef Peter Woolsey’s Cassoulet Is Cooking

At Bistrot La Minette

In the south-west of France, many towns have their own version of cassoulet. Most are based on a stew of white beans and various forms of pork. Emeril Lougasse makes one with duck confit and andouille sausage. Paula Wolfert simmers boneless pork shoulder and cannelini beans to create a rich, hearty winter casserole. Cassoulet is a typical winter dish made of dried beans and preserved meat from the fall harvest.

Peter Woolsey, chef/owner of Queen Village’s charming Bistrot La Minette has created his own version. Inspired by a recent trip to Toulouse and Carcassone, France, Peter’s cassoulet will appear on the restaurant’s menu for a limited time this winter. His version is made of a lamb stew base with duck confit, white navy beans and home-made Talouse sausage. It’s lovingly slow-simmered for hours with aromatic vegetables and a little smoked pork belly for flavor. Can you think of anything more satisfying on a cold winter night? Try Bistrot La’s Minette’s cassoulet with a hunk of the chef’s hand crafted rustic French baguette and a glass of Cahors and your meal will be complete. Bon Appetite!

Bistrot La Minette
623 S. 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215.925.8000
http://www.bistrotlaminette.com

Restaurant Week the Entire Month of January at Two of the Area’s Top Eateries!

If you’re dreaming about a terrific night out on the town at one of Philadelphia’s top restaurants, but don’t want to break your budget, read on. Two of our favorite dining spots are offering recession proof specials the entire month. So, call and make a reservation now. This is your chance to enjoy some great food presented by two of Philadelphia’s rising star chefs, at prices you can afford. Bon Appetit!

Bistrot La Minette
623 S. 6th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215.925.8000
http://www.bistrotlaminette.com

Did you happen to catch a peek of Chef Peter Woolsey’s mouth-watering triple cheese macaroni gratin on the cover of January’s Philly Mag?  It’s enough to make your mouth water. Well, the entire month of January you can indulge in the chef’s intriguingly authentic classic French bistro dishes without breaking your piggy bank. Every Monday through Friday evening, enjoy three courses for $30. Add two glasses of wine for $42. This Queen Village hot spot has a neighborhood charm and handcrafted warmth that will keep you chanting vive la France.

Meme
2201 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.735.4900
www.memerestaurant.com

Hot off the press, Inquirer food critic Craig LaBan just upgraded his review of this excellent dining spot. Chef David Katz’s small seasonal menu focuses on great ingredients, sharing-size portions and sharp technique that produce memorable takes on standards. Check out the skillet-sizzling mussels, the strip steak with potato-blue cheese croquette, or the steel head trout. Every night but Saturday  throughout the month, the restaurant will offer three courses for $35. This is your chance to find out what everyone’s talking about. Yummy!

Who says there’s no such thing as a free meal?

Benny Lai is inviting you to sign up for a chance to win a dinner for 8 in his new restaurant, Vietnam Cafe. If you haven’t been, check it out. We love it. This colorful, sophisticated hot spot is located at 816 S. 47th Street (47th & Baltimore).

The restaurant has three private dining rooms. Ideal for parties of 8 to 80. Benny and his staff need to practice serving small groups.  Would you like to be the group the restaurant practices on? There’s no fee. What an opportunity!  You’ll enjoy a multi-course feast.  Alcohol and gratuity will NOT be included.

To enter, just  send an email to Vietnam@breslowpartners.com.  Make sure to include  your name, email address and phone number. Date of the dinner must be mutually agreed upon. No purchase necessary to enter. Deadline is February 1, 2010. We hope you win!