Drinks

The Prime Rib Sommelier Smackdown

Let’s get ready to rumbllllllllllllle! I know. It’s so obvious it’s not even funny but I couldn’t help myself. The Sommelier Smackdown is coming to The Prime Rib Philadelphia.

As if you didn’t already have enough reasons to go there.

The Smackdown is the wine school’s signature wine and food pairing competition. Started in 2007, it features some of the city’s finest sommeliers and wine professionals. Of course, the audience gets in on the fun to sample pairings and vote on winners.

Tuesday, June 10, we have Founder Keith Wallace vs. Sommelier Instructor Brian Freedman at The Prime Rib Philadelphia from 6 – 7 pm. Over the course of this incredible hour you will taste two courses and four wine pairings. Plus you’ll get a special deal if you decide to stay for dinner. And your head will be so full of new wine information you may have trouble fitting it out the door.

For more information and to register for the Smackdown, go to Vinology.

And why would you want to stay for dinner? I thought you’d never ask.

You thought era of the supper club is gone, right? Kaput. “No, ma’am, indeedididdily not,” my good neighbor, Ned Flanders, might say. You know Flanders, eternally cheerful, kindly nemesis of Homer Simpson?

Supper clubs are not gone. One is alive and well at 1701 Locust Street in Philadelphia. Philadelphia Magazine calls it the “Best Steak.” Simple. Straightforward. You can’t go wrong with “Best Steak.” Period.

The Philadelphia Inquirer discusses The Prime Rib with this elegantly worded line: “…step back into the era of the supper club, where leopard-print carpeting, live jazz, stiff cocktails and comfy leather chairs offer the ideal retro setting.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself, so I didn’t. Hope they don’t mind the attribution.

What is a supper club? Think 1940’s Manhattan complete with dress code and wine list. Think romance, excellence, live baby grand piano and string bass music nightly. Think Nick and Nora Charles, and ‘pass out on the floor it’s so good’ fresh seafood.

If you know what you like, and you like this, you’ll know it.

Don’t worry. The previous sentence did make sense in a non-linear sort of way.

Whether you’re going for the roast prime rib, rack of lamb, Chilean sea bass, or any of their other delectable entrée choices, you will enter at ease and leave in bliss.

There is one itsy bitsy detail you will need to file away between your ears. Business casual attire is required in the lounge and front dining room. Jacket in the main dining room. Yes, it’s that kind of place. You didn’t think they existed any more, did you? Well, they do. Be happy. This is a good thing. Leave the flip-flops and mystery food-stained Hawaiian shirt at home. Put on some real clothes and eat some real food.

Think about this as your best girl is slipping into a slinky black sexy something and heels – you’re headed for one of the “Top Five Romantic Restaurants in the US.” Who said that? Food and Wine magazine did, that’s who.

Believe them. Go.

Reservations would be a good idea and call (215-772-1701) at least a few days in advance.

The Prime Rib of Philadelphia is open for dinner, only, every night at 4:30 pm. They are located in the Warwick hotel, in the heart of Center City.

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