One of my favorite spots to dine and unwind in Philly is Tria Cafe.  I had the pleasure of meeting the owner and some of the staff, and they couldn’t be a more accomodating, wonderful and extremely knowledgeable group of people.  Sitting down the other night, I chose a few dishes and drinks to try.  From 5 – 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, they have their 5 for $5 menu.  The rotating menu consists of a white wine, a red wine, world class cheese, and two beer selections.  My husband ordered the Cotes De Bourg, Chateau Blanchereau.  This is a French Merlot that was delightful to the palette.  I had a glass of the Chenin Blanc Blend known as the “Curator”.  It was a  French white wine that was a little on the sweeter side, and both of these wines complimented the Brillat Savarin Cheese very well.  This cheese was served with cherries that were poached in an alagash white beer.

My mouth is watering just thinking about this as I write.  Next up I ordered a glass of the 2009 DOURO “FLOR DE CRASTO,” QUINTA DO CRASTO from Portugal, while my husband had the 2011 BERGERAC ROUGE, CHÂTEAU MONESTIER LA TOUR from France.  Both of these sociable reds were the perfect blend for the Smoked Duck salad.  This salad, which was one of the most delicious salads I’ve had to date included: Smoked Duck with Poached Cherries, Pistachios, Grana Padano, Spinach and Citrus-Mint Vinaigrette.  Out of this world!

Then came two appetizers that we also split between us.  (Note, when you visit here, I feel it is best to order multiple things from the menu and share.  There are just so many great tasting items.)  The Housemade Lamb Sausage with White Beans, Piquillo Pepper and Mint-Feta Sauce had a slight kick to it and unique taste that seemed to be a customer favorite.  Then there was the Warm Poached Black Mission Figs with Gorgonzola and Prosciutto di Parma.  This was a perfect sweet and savory blend that I think was my favorite part of the tasting.

I had seconds on my most recent wine selection, while my husband had the La Fin Du Monde tripel.  As we sipped on these, out came our dessert, Lemon Panna Cotta with Blood Orange Sauce.  It reminded me of a lemon flan that exploded with flavor.  The sauce is really what brought out the taste.  Finally, as we sipped our espressos, I had the chance to sit down with the manager, Chris.  He was extremely knowledgeable as I mentioned, and I felt I could talk to him for hours about wine, beer, food and the industry.

Although I didn’t get to meet the chef, Patrick, my hat goes off to him, as he was one of the people creating these wonderful blends of food.  I hope to meet him one day as the talk of his kitchen inventiveness reminded me a little of myself (creation wise).  There is a long and interesting process and a lot of thought that goes into their menu, and the entire staff is involved in what is chosen or not to make the cut.

They have weekly training and a sunday school for customers that want to stop in for a quick taste and learn a little something.  With a seasonal rotating menu, outstanding staff, wonderful environment, and world class food, wine and beer, you couldn’t ask for a better place.  There are also three locations in the Philadelphia area, and a fourth coming this summer.  I want to thank the owner, Jonathan; manager, Chris; and our wonderful waitress, Casey; as well as the rest of the Tria family for providing such a wonderful experience.  Cheers!

For more information visit them on the web at: www.triacafe.com