CHIC & SAUCY: Best Bang for the Buck – Tasting Menu at High Street on Market
Chic & Saucy covers fine dining in Philly with an equal emphasis on food and flair
Chef Eli Kulp, head chef of upscale American restaurant Fork, has spearheaded the direction of High Street on Market. Chef Eli, who brings a combination of old-fashioned fermentation techniques and contemporary cooking styles, keeps flavors fresh and dishes interesting.
This restaurant in old city is fairly small. Its dim lighting, rustic décor, and open kitchen create a cozy intimate feel.
After perusing the menu, my dinner mate and I opted for the tasting menu, which at $45 for eight dishes, seemed quite a bargain. The courses were a never-ending stream of food. Although I expected bite-sized portions, each serving seemed full size. Note to self: come extremely hungry.
Each dish was flavorful with key distinguishing ingredients. Our first course course, the potted shrimps, was shrimp enrobed in a velvety foie gras served with mini toasts. As a lover of all forms of pâté, I was pleasantly surprised by this seafood variation.
Another dish in the sequence, a medley of mushrooms paired with eggplant, baby kale, frisee, and a runny farm egg, was a bounty of rich smoky flavors, and one of my favorite dishes of the night.
The seaweed bucatini with shaved lobster and scallions was perhaps the most unique pasta dish I’ve tried. The noodles were long and dense and had a nutty and distinctly seaweed flavor. The sauce was light and complemented the bold colors and textures. This nutrient dense pasta is a perfect dish for vegetarians and pasta aficionados alike.
Another course, a series of soft grainy breads paired with three spreads, varied greatly. One of the spreads, a flavored butter was overly mild. The second spread resembled a sweet fruit puree. However, the last spread, a whipped squash mousse was both sweet and umami. After an initial jaw dropping look between my partner and I, we both fought to scrape the bread board clean of that miracle spread.
Another favorite of the night was the braised pork shank. The tender meat fell off the bone with minimal effort. It was savory and not overly greasy. Even though my stomach was ready to burst, I committed to finishing every last bite.
For dessert, my favorite option was the trifle, a layered ricotta, chocolate syrup, and hazelnut concoction. The textures varied from fluffy, to silky, to crunchy, and the liquid cocoa balanced out the bitter cheese for an balanced airy finish.
Overall, High Street on Market delivered excellent and distinctive dishes in chic and unpretentious atmosphere. And at $45 for an eight course tasting menu, it’s one of the best deals in the city. If you’re in Old City, don’t miss out on this gem on 3rd and Market Street.
-Raquel Macgregor