Village Whiskey: A Savory Honor
Village Whiskey offers the classic American vintage style setting where you can go after work to kick back a few drinks and enjoy a hearty burger to top off your evening. This restaurant not only offers a romantic atmosphere, but also a classy Audrey Hepburn feel, if seated at the bar. Village Whiskey offers a delectable range from their raw bar to entrees to cocktails. It certainly has the all American Great Gatsby aesthetic and vibe, if not the burst of flavor.
The Chef, Jose Garces, has emerged to be one of nation's most gifted chefs and restaurateurs. Garces holds the coveted title of Iron Chef and is a 2009 winner of the James Beard Foundation's prestigious "Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic" award. It is a savory honor to dine in one of his establishments. The dishes he creates are not miniscule or particularly fancy, but are fresh, classic, and belly-satisfying.
Village Whiskey is located on 20th and Sansom Street. When Philadelphia is graced with pleasant weather, the restaurant offers outdoor seating for those who want to soak up some vitamin D while sipping on some shaken and stirred classic and contemporary cocktails. The interior has a classy vibe, but certainly not expected to be black-tie. The seating is limited due to their narrow, rectangular shape, and seats are quickly filled before seven. Even on a week night, the wait time expected is close to an hour to an hour and a half. But don't fret, they are up to date with modern technology and will text your party when your table is ready. So in the mean time, you can go enjoy a couple of cocktails from their [100 percent] whiskey bar to "quicken" the wait time.
The burger I had recently was one of their monthly signature burgers: March VW Nola Burger. VW Nola is a blackened burger [medium-rare] placed in between two soft sesame rolls with sliced Andouille sausage strips laid parallel to the burger, topped off with some tobacco onions and crawfish étoufée.
The first bite was beyond perfection. The softness of the roll molded into the meat and the juice released a plethora of complimentary flavors. The meat itself is so flavorful; it just melts in your mouth. Every bite that followed only confirmed my salivary desires. My fear of facing the last bite came a bit too soon and I had to part ways with Nola. Rarely do I lick my fingers, but I was in the comfort of my room and this burger deserved a finger-licking gesture.
The food here will allow your taste buds to bask in the talent of Jose Garces and will have you agreeing with his coveted title. After a satisfying brunch or dinner here, you can proudly say that you ate at an Iron Chef's restaurant and come out with glossy eyes and an aftertaste aching for a next Village Whiskey dine.