We were treated to a flight of brews on tap. From right to left: ESA, General Washington's Tavern Porter, Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce Ale, Philly Pale Ale. They didn't have Picky's current Yards favorite, Brawler on tap. Messy, who is not a beer fan, had a Yards root beer instead. It was tasty: a little spicy, not too sweet, but sadly, also a little bit flat.

It was our first visit to the new tasting room and we saw that they had a nice big menu to order from. We were there for a potluck so we had our own food to nosh on, but the menu looked great. There is a great selection of mix-and-match grilled cheese sandwiches ($3), soups and other tasty treats.

The brewery itself is a sustainable beast. Read up more about it here. That gorgeous bar above is made from reclaimed bowling alley planks.

Here's a shot from the back of the bar towards the entrance (and there's the surprised co-worker at center). There's a wall of recycled booths with a really cool vinyl wallpaper of all the logos of Yards beers.

To the left is a really nice, 100-year-old, made in Philly pool table. It has real pockets, as in "8-ball, side pocket" and no ball return – old school.

Right, the tour. Here's a shot of what the Yards crew calls Yards One: the original kettle from which beer under the Yards label was made.

Here's Frank showing us where the malt is kept, right in the room to his right. When he opened up the doors, it smelled luscious. The whole tour could've been just that room and Picky, a malty beer lover, would've been happy.

Frank took a seat next to the keg filling line. He talked us through the assembly line process which has several steps to make sure everything's nice and clean and sterile for beer to flow into.

And here is a very cool experiment: barley wine being brewed in some oak whiskey barrels. Small batch stuff for sure, but we're sure it'll be worth the wait. No, we didn't get to try some.

Giant stainless steel kettles and tanks within which the proverbial magic happens.

Some more info on the brewery and the tasting room from the site:

Tour Hours:
Saturday: Noon – 4 pm
(Tours are on the hour. Last one begins at 3:00 pm.)

The Tasting Room is open for business, pleasure, and special events. From floor to ceiling, the entire room reflects our commitment to environmental sustainability. We have bar tops made from old bowling alley lanes, recycled booths and lighting, and a pool table built here in Philadelphia more than 100 years ago. Come say hello and have a pint, or two, and purchase six-packs, cases, and kegs.

Tasting Room Hours
Monday – Saturday: Noon – 7 pm
Sunday: Noon – 4 pm
For Special Events, please call 215.634.2600.

Brewery Facts:

• Pennsylvania's first 100% wind-powered brewery.
• Current production capacity of 12,000 barrels a year.
• Hot water collected and recycled whenever possible.
• All glass and cardboard recycled through the Pedal Co-Op.
• Grains and dregs donated to local farms as feed.
• Earthen clay walls in the Tasting Room.
• Floors made from recycled concrete and coated in SoyCrete sustainable compound.

Yards Brewing Company
901 N. Delaware Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215.634.2600

We were seated along the pale green wall by the west-facing windows. The top portion of the walls used to be smoke stained from the tall candles which formerly occupied the decorative shelves. The candles have been replaced by decorative pieces and the walls repainted a uniform pastel which makes for a pretty hip, minimalist decor.

Picky had a Joe's Smoked Mozzarella Sandwich (with crispy prosciutto, tomato, arugula and garlic vinaigrette) for $7.50. There was nothing spectacular about the sandwich, but then again, nothing has to be spectacular with prosciutto — when it's good, it's just good. And this was good. Unfortunately, it wasn't as big as Picky normally likes his sandwiches. Perhaps he's been spoiled by Philly's gigantic "half" hoagie servings.

Messy had the three cheese and tomato panino, which was very large and very delicious ($7). We had wanted to try an appetizer (Tria has a great selection of bruschetta on the menu), but our waitress must have forgotten or not heard us. (We didn't bother to complain or press the issue – it was really loud in there.) All in all, we were quite satisfied with our tasty lunch.

Messy ****
Picky ***

The final word: Delicious simple snacks and sandwiches, even for the wine-ignorant.

Tria Cafe
123 S. 18th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 972-TRIA
Mon – Fri: Noon – Late Night
Sat: 4:00 pm – Late Night
Sun: 4:00 pm – 12:30 am

Way back during restaurant week, we decided on a whim to get a day-of reservation somewhere. . . anywhere. After a few calls to some fully booked restaurants, we got lucky at Loie Brasserie and Bar. So we got dolled up and strolled over to the restaurant just north of Rittenhouse Square and were seated promptly in a rear booth. The booths have nice high backs which kept the noise from the booth behind Picky's back to a minimum. It seemed as if we were seated right under an AC vent though as we were both cold and feeling a draft for the duration of our meal.

Our server pleasantly assisted Messy in picking out a glass of wine – she went with a sauvignon blanc – while Picky went with a bottle of Anchor Steam and a glass. Our two drinks along with a couple glasses of water came out quickly, but our appetizer and entree took some serious time to make their way to our table. Picky noted that the water tasted like the glasses hadn't been rinsed properly, still chalky, so he nurssed the Anchor Steam throughout the meal.

Messy started off with the summer soup sampler consisting of espresso cups full of golden tomato gazpacho, roasted beet borscht and a classic vichyssoise served atop a folded napkin on a rectangular plate. Having seen vichyssoise on numerous menus but never tried it, Messy knew she had to take a chance. Now Messy knows why she never tried it: cold, creamy leek soup is not that appealing. It was, however, more appealing than the other two soups. The golden tomato gazpacho tasted very much like salad dressing, and the beet borscht — well, honestly, what was she thinking ordering a cold pureed beet soup?

Picky went with a gratinée lobster gnocchi with zucchini, tomato and toasted bread crumbs which was served in a half-inch high by four-inch in diameter circular tin. The lobster chunks were delicious, but the portion was laughable. The gnocchi was fine, but it wasn't anything special.

When the entrees arrived, about half an hour after we were through with out appetizers, we both stared in disbelief at Messy's heirloom tomato tarte tatin with fresh buffalo mozzarella, baby greens and basil pistou. When Messy first saw the choice on the entree menu, having no idea what "tarte" or "tatin" means, she was expecting something somewhat substantial — maybe an heirloom tomato stuffed with cheese with a side salad and some crusty slices of bread. Not so — It was all of two slices of tomato and a little drop of mozzarella underneath a small pile of sprout-like greens. It was, basically a serving barely passable as an appetizer masquerading as an entree. However, it might have been the best two slices of tomato and cheese Messy has ever had in her life — it was seriously delicious. Unfortunately, she ate it in all of three or four bites and was left to ogle Picky's completely incomparably-sized meal.

Picky wisely went with an entree with the size clearly labelled on the menu: steak frites: 10 oz. delmonico steak with house-made mushroom Worcestershire, pommes frites, and roasted garlic aioli. The steak came out just as he ordered, medium rare, which was a good way to start out. [Picky's had too many burgers and steaks come out overcooked so a simple correct temperature of meat always makes him happy.] The mound of frites was larger than Messy's entire meal from start to finish. The platter came with a small crock of mayonnaise dipping sauce which was not to Picky's liking so Messy took it for herself as she dipped away with the frites while Picky opted for the plain ketchup. The steak was delicious and a decent size. The mushrooms were a nice texture, not rubbery, not slimy, just right.

For the final course, Messy went with a chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake with blackberry coulis which was easily the largest portion she had all meal. It was very good, but quite rich and too much for her to eat all by herself. Picky kindly volunteered his fork to help out. Picky wanted the crème brulée, but they were all out by the time we ordered so he opted for a puff pastry with custard filling instead. The pastry wasn't easy to cut. It took some effort to get all the way through it each time, on the slightly mushy side as if it were sitting out all day.

Messy **1/2
Picky ***

The final word: Don't expect to go home full, but do expect some good eats.

Loie Brasserie & Bar
128 S. 19TH STREET
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103
PHONE: 215.568.0808

We ended up at the Pontiac Grille because there was a man outside handing out 10% off coupons. Messy was seriously craving a frozen margarita, and there was a sign out front proclaiming margarita were only $4. With open air windows looking out on South Street, it seemed like the perfect choice. Unfortunately, after being seated at the window, we learned that no frozen margaritas were available, although they did have every conceivable flavor of the non-frozen variety. Messy opted for the pina colada flavor, and it was really good, in an overly sweet, artificial kind of way.

We wanted to make it home in time for the White House Correspondent's dinner, so we decided to just order appetizers and a sandwich to take home for later. Messy ordered the Tex Mex nachos with guacamole. They were quite good and certainly big enough for a group to share with cups of sour cream and salsa to go along with the guacamole. Picky had the chicken fingers. They were not as crisp as he'd like them, but the honey mustard and bbq dipping sauces more than made up for that.

We took home an open-face turkey and swiss cheese sandwich with cranberry mayo, greens, tomato and red onion. It came with what seemed like hand-cut potato chips and a pickle. Unfortunately, we were so full from our appetizers that we put it away in the fridge and forgot about it until the next day, at which point it was incredibly soggy.

We were there for an early dinner on a Saturday night and could've stayed for a lively music set afterwards, but we had to jet home. Maybe next time.

Messy ***
Picky ***

The final word: Quick and tastey bar food with a view.

Pontiac Grille
304 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-925-4053
Daily: 5pm – 2am

After not being able to get a seat at several other University City hang-outs on a Friday night, we decided to try the less-crowded New Deck Tavern. Even though it wasn't super-busy, we had to wait about 15 or 20 minutes while our hosts bustled around with headsets waiting for a table for two to open up. There were plenty of Penn kids out milling around, taking a break from finals preparation and enjoying the unlimited free peanutes that the New Deck provides.

We got a cozy table for two way in the back. Since we had plenty of time to look over the menu (which is pretty much an Irish-infused TGI Fridays type of thing), we knew exactly what we wanted. We ordered the spinach and artichoke dip for an appetizer, and it came out immediately. Picky found it a little too creamy and too salty, but Messy, who was starving, gobbled it up happily. Messy decided to go with a special: the tomato and cheese toasty. It was a delicious grilled cheese and tomato sandwich which was served with a tremendous heaping of unfortunately soggy fries. The sandwich was good, but it was still just a grilled cheese sandwich, and at $6.50, a pretty pricey one.

Picky opted for the less conventional bangers and mash. Unfortunately, they were less sausage-y and more breakfast link-y. Five shriveled up links were lined up on a mound of yummy mashed potatoes. Around the mound was a moat of gravy with peas and a few strings of onions. The breakfast links were disgusting. Just plain disgusting. Picky's used to much better bangers and mash with delicious plump sausages and a ton more onions [Picky loves him some onions]. Picky's pint of Guinness wasn't so hot either. Perhaps the pipes need to be cleaned or the taps themselves. All in all, our meal was somewhat disappointing.

Messy **1/2
Picky **

The final word: Mediocre bar food. . . but free peanuts!

New Deck Tavern
3408 Sansom St
215-386-4600
7 days a week: 11am – 2am

We went here for a prix fixe Valentine's Day dinner with three courses and complimentary bubbly (a great deal at a total of $80/couple). Since we didn't go on a normal night, we can't comment on the regular menu items, but we can tell you what we had!

We started off with a "Kiss Martini"– a heavenly concoction of Godiva white chocolate liqueur, vodka and a Hershey's kiss. (Hey, it was Valentine's day!) Messy had a standard salad that was not especially good, although it was extraordinarily large. [Sidebar: Messy will never understand why restaurants insist on serving huge, uninspired salads. It's not like they make good leftovers.] Messy's main course was vegetable risotto– also very large but unfortunately, tasteless. Picky, on the other hand, started off with a wonderful lobster soup. (Not a bisque, don't call it a bisque! There is no cream added, it's just reduced.) The best part of the soup is the homemade sweet potato crisps lying right in it. Picky's entree was a delectable filet mignon with a Hawaiian coffee glaze. All this was washed down with a complimentary bottle of merlot (Picky has connections!)

We finished it off with a pretty tasty dessert sampler and two glasses of bubbly which neither of us finished – we're not big fans of the bubbly, but that's just us.

Messy **1/2
Picky ***1/2

The final word: A much better bang for your buck if you're a meat eater.

World Fusion
123 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 215-629-1100
Tuesday through Thursday: 5 PM to 10 PM / Bar Menu 5 PM to 11 PM
Friday and Saturday: 5 PM to 12 AM / Bar Menu 5 PM to 1 AM
Sunday: 5 PM to 9 PM / Bar Menu 5 PM to 10 PM Closed on Monday
Lounge Hours – Tuesday through Sunday: 10 PM to 2 AM
Bottle Service Available

Messy had the Balsamic Roasted Portobello Mushroom with Mozzarella on a sourdough roll with pesto, grilled onion, and roasted peppers. It was excellent, considering Messy doesn't like most portobello mushroom sandwiches.

Picky had the Lemon-Herb Grilled Chicken Sandwich with melted mozzarella and pesto on sourdough bread with roasted peppers, tomato, and romaine, which came with weird hand cut potato chips. The only one in our party who liked the chips was Messy. (Go figure.) Picky fancied himself a glass of the house beer, the Leg Lifter Lager, complete with a logo of, yes, a white dog lifting its leg as nature called. It was a light colored and light tasting beer, neither to Picky's liking.

We were told by Messy's sister that the bathrooms were confusing with funky labels on them, but can't vouch for that. We'll have to go back to lift our legs at another time.

Since reviewing The White Dog, they've changed ownership, management and menu
Messy ***1/2
Picky **

The final word: Very good and not very cheap.

White Dog Café
3420 Sansom Street Philadelphia, PA
(215) 386-9224
Lunch: Mon – Sat: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Brunch: Sun: 10:30am – 2:30pm
Dinner: Mon – Thu: 5:30pm – 10pm, Fri & Sat: 5:30pm – 11pm, Sun: 5pm – 10pm
Grill: Mon – Sat: 2:30pm – 1am, Sun: 2:30pm – Midnight
Bar: Daily Open until 2am
Happy Hour: Sun – Thu: 10pm – Midnight

Their sandwiches were good, but both of us were desperately trying to recreate an orgasmic past sandwich experience – and Ten Stone's portabella mushroom and goat cheese could not live up to the similar sandwich at Sotto Voce on Seventh Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Similarly, their pulled pork came up short when compared to other juicy masterpieces Picky has experienced.

The main bar area is spacious. A good sized U-shape bar with a slab of slate displaying the daily brews on tap. Tables line the main room which can get crowded quickly. During the nice weather, tables are set up all around the exterior of the building. There's a seating area directly behind the bar which is good for a gathering of twenty or so. To the side, there's a darker room with a pool table and a plasma flat panel television. This deep room which runs the length of the bar is a great spot to watch sports or get a little space between the more hectic bar area and yourself.

On its face, however, the food is pretty good. And they always have a good selection of local brews on tap and bottled.

Messy **1/2
Picky **1/2

The final word: Good, if you don't make comparisons.

Ten Stone Bar and Restaurant
2063 South St.
Philadelphia, PA
215-735-9939
Mon – Sat: 11:30am-2am
Sun: 10am – 2am (kitchen closes at 1am)

Can it be? Is it possible we found the perfect restaurant this early in our adventure? We had only dreamed of such a place, where Messy could have a vegan burger and baked brie while Picky gobbled on ribs and beer-battered onion rings. Nodding Head boasts an extensive menu that could satisfy anyone from, well, Messy to Picky. Make sure to order fries, or something you can dip into the highly addictive signature bourbon mayonnaise.

We've been to Nodding Head with as diverse companions as Picky's carnivorous college buddies; our vegan couple friends; and Messy's diabetic dad, low-cholesterol-dieting mom, and notoriously picky brother. The food has been consistently good all around. Even though the food there is great, on two subsequent visits, we've come across some serious Philly 'tude from the hosts at the top of the stairs. But that hasn't stopped us from going back, the food is just too good to pass up and the service is almost always great (always accomodating requests for extra bourbon mayonnaise!).

Nodding Head is a brewery as well. Award winning beers flow from their taps. They usually have about five to choose from each day, Picky's favorite is the Grog – a dark beer falling in between a Newcastle and a Guinness.

Messy ****
Picky ****

The final word: Bound to please everyone.

Nodding Head
1516 Sansom St, Second floor
Philadelphia, PA
Mon.-Sat.: 11:30 am- 1:30
Sun.: 11am-Midnight. (Jazz brunch and Quizzo at 9pm)
(215) 569-9525

Nick's is like a piece of South Philly in the middle of bougie Olde City. We enjoyed some fairly-priced pub food while we were entertained by the Eagles game on several TV's, wing-guzzling frat boys at the next table, and an attractive-yet-hardened waitress with no time to be charming.

Picky's cheesesteak was too dry, but that didn't discourage him- he's going back for the famous roast beef. Otherwise the food was pretty good. With all of the options in Olde City, Nick's might not be a top choice. But, then again, if you're short on cash and craving beer and cheesefries, Nick's is the place to be. Especially since there is a "French Fry Gallery" section on the menu, with thirteen choices available. It starts off with the normal golden french fries and golden cheese fries, but then the gallery expands. Maryland crab fries, cajun fries, chili fries, gravy fries, pizza fries, chajun cheese fries, curly fries, curly cheese fries, curly crab fries, curly cajun fries and curly cajun cheese fries.

Nick's kitchen is open until 1am all week and the bar closes at 2am, so if you find yourself craving grease while you're out at a club in Olde City, break out a little early and head on over to Nick's.

Messy **
Picky ***

The final word: We'll be back for the namesake. Well, one of us, at least.

Nick's Roast Beef
16 S. 2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA
215-928-9411