By Brenda Hillegas
Across Philadelphia and beyond, comfort foods are being reimagined with seasonal, yet unexpected ingredients and global influences. Below are just a few that have been getting the upgrade treatment from local chefs as they put their signature twists on some nostalgic favorites.
Harp & Crown
Pierogi — Caviar has proven to be a key ingredient in making comfort into luxury. At Harp & Crown, your pierogies will be topped with crème fraîche, caviar, and chive ($17), making for a great snack while you enjoy some bowling on site.
1525 Sansom St., harpcrown.com
Sampan
Cheesesteak Bao Buns — Sampan brings comfort to the forefront by fusing a Philly favorite with global flavors. These bao buns are also stuffed with provolone and cherry pepper relish ($12).
124 S 13th St., sampanphilly.com
SouthGate
Kimchi Fries — Loaded fries are taken to the next level at this gastro pub with Korean roots. They’re topped with bacon, cheese, scallion, kimchi vinaigrette ($14).
1801 Lombard Street, southgatephilly.com
Libertee Grounds
Masala Nachos — Along with local craft beers and indoor mini-golf, Libertee Grounds offers Asian-inspired dishes and other comfort food-forward items. Nachos include pico de gallo, queso, garlic sour cream ($13). Add pickled fresno peppers, kadai chicken or lamb kheema for an additional fee.
1600 W. Girard Ave., liberteegrounds.com
Rex at the Royal
Crawfish Pot Pie — Rex at the Royal focuses on culinary traditions of the American South, influenced by coastal regions. Their crawfish pot pie also contains mushrooms, Rex’s signature cheese blend, and tomato, and it’s perfect for sharing ($25).
1524 South St., rexphl.com
Bardea
Burrata Pop tart — At this James Beard-nominated American-Italian restaurant, Chef Antimo DiMeo transformed a childhood favorite by filling it with burrata and fennel sweet onion jam ($10).
620 N. Market St., Wilmington, Delaware, bardeafoodanddrink.com