Receta Miss Rachel's Pantry - A VEGAN Philadelphia Gem
Exterior of Miss Rachel's Pantry: We have family in Philly, who knew?!
We’re living in an age of continuous media messaging. Many
ads make outlandish, hyperbolic claims, often overselling their wares, and they
come fast and frequently! This is especially true in the food and restaurant
industry. There’s barely a block of commercials that doesn’t contain at least
one image or mention of a food product or eating establishment. We’ve all heard
a certain (nameless) corporate restaurant chain’s tagline “When you’re here,
you’re family”, ad nauseam. This claim
- is untrue and…rather silly. But it does beg the question “can you really feel
- like family at a restaurant?” As of this past Saturday, I can say the answer is
“YES!”
While perusing the net to plan our trip to the annual Philadelphia
Flower Show, we came across what seemed to be a unique eatery called Miss
Rachel’s Pantry. Located in South Philly, Miss Rachel’s Pantry offers an
eclectic variety of vegan fair that’s certified kosher. During the day, Miss
Rachel offers various specials to be picked
up. After reading about what Miss Rachel
does, Mac was enthusiastic about trying to get reservations for us. When 2
seats were available, Miss Rachel, AKA Rachel Klein, reached out to us and the
date was set.
Every Saturday evening at 7:00 PM, Miss Rachel brings together
12 people at a “Farmhouse Table Dinner” offering an diverse four-course pre-fixe
menu that changes every week. Yes, you’ll most likely be sitting with folks
that you’ve never met before. It turns
out that our table had a very nice group of people; some whom were vegans,
others not. Our conversations were pleasant and not forced, flowing across many
topics from veganism, art, charter schools and crazy Philly stuff like The Wing
Bowl and the Vegan Wing Bowl (which isn’t as vile or full of debauchery as the
former). The topics wafted throughout the evening like the amazing aromas of
Miss Rachel’s Pantry.
Our Saturday Night's Menu
Before the meal, our table was offered two baskets of delicious grilled bread with a savory thyme spread (don’t tell anyone that I ate 5 pieces, shhhh!). Since you’re allowed one of two items from each course, Macaroon and I decided to simply order both and share with each other. Most of our fellow dining couples did the same thing.
Albeit everything was delicious, I was particularly fond of the barbeque seitan tips atop creamy edamame puree and the hearty potato chowder with coconut bacon. Mac fell in love with the tempeh Bolognese lasagna with layers of spinach & cashew ricotta and the SINFULLY delicious cookies and cream ice cream cake.
Macaroon put together a little slideshow of our lovely meal. We apologize in advance for any excessive salavation! LOL
Our waitress, Sally, originally from Brooklyn, was very
attentive and courteous and made some humorous observations. When she handed us the
bill, it was secreted in a vintage copy of Good Housekeeping! Before the
guests left, Miss Rachel came out (to applause) and humbly asked how everything
went. It’s comforting to know that there are still restaurant owners who take
pride in their business.
Would we schlep all the way down the NJ Turnpike to eat at
Miss Rachel’s Pantry again? The answer is yes. Her hospitality and great food
made us feel like family. And, like a devoted family members, we don’t want to
miss out on the fun.
Miss Rachel's Pantry
1732 W Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia PA, 19145
(215) 798-0053
www.missrachelspantry.com
Just a note: Reservations are required for the weekly
Farmhouse Dinner Table. Be sure to book your spot in time!