Something's a Little Fishy at Sole Food, Philadelphia's Finest Seafood Joint

Having grown up thinking all seafood came from Mrs. Paul, back up was needed to review Sole Food. I enlisted Mr. J, who recently left a prominent local seafoodery. Mr. J jumped at the chance, the cheap trash is always up for a free meal.

Sole Food is often overlooked by locals, its location in the Loews Hotel is gorgeous, but not many of us venture up to Market Street for eats. It is common knowledge that the PSFS building, home to the Loews, is a magnificent piece of mortar. The restaurant is a match for the exterior. The art deco interior is softly lit, each table smartly situated to give every party privacy. Mr. J and I were impressed with the live jazz band, their melodies drowning out the chatter from the bar.
Noticing the thirsty glint in Mr. J's eyes, our waiter suggested a round of cocktails. We obliged. Sole Food's selection of drinkies is creative and extensive. We choose the Sparkling Sex, a mixture of Skky, Chambord, peach schnapps, Midori, champagne and pineapple juice. All our favs in one big glass. Feeling buzzy, we begged Chef Tom Harkins to begin bringing out the catch.

Harkins recently joined Sole Food after extensive stints at both the Rittenhouse Hotel and the late-lamented Circa. His experience and talent shows in the quality of the food. We started with the tuna tartar ($14), which was perfectly cooked with an apple reduction sauce, resting on a wonderful pastry. Sea scallops were next, alongside a crab cake topped with lobster and asparagus ($14). Mr. J noted both were impeccably prepared and presented, the crab cake itself a moist and flavorful highlight.

Next on deck was a pan-seared halibut ($19). The fish highly complimented by oven roasted tomatoes and an unworldly pesto potato puree ($19). We knew it was a hit when Mr. J groaned while chewing. Sailing away from the sea, next came the filet mignon lying on a potato pancake garnished with veggies. The filet was, as Mr. J put it, "one helluva piece of beef."

Almost stuffed, we were persuaded by our adorable server to indulge in a bit of desert. Listening to Mr. J's suggestion, we choose a magnificent cheese, jelly and fruit platter ($20). To satisfy the sweet tooth, we ordered a chocolate martini, which nearly sent Mr. J into a dry orgasm. Nearly.

Mr. J's tummy was about to burst, so we called the feasting to an end. While I was convinced the meal was stellar, it was up to Mr. J to make the final call. Declaring it a winner, he assured me that Sole Food was not a catch you would throw back.