In preparation for last night’s highly-anticipated (especially in my house) Game of Thrones premiere, a few pals and I ventured to City Tap House (3925 Walnut St., Philadelphia) in University City for their exclusive Brunch of Thrones.
The event, which was totally booked as indicated by the restaurant’s Twitter account (“not even a Lannister could get a reservation”), featured three entrees based on the show paired with three specialty Thrones beers from Brewery Ommegang. Here’s how our tasting unfolded …
Eating Our Way Through City Tap House’s Brunch of Thrones:
Sansa’s Lemon Cakes
Though the troubled redhead refused to eat anything in last night’s premiere episode, it is no secret that Sansa Stark really enjoys her lemon cakes. The dessert is considered a delicacy only available to the upper crust in Westeros, but City Tap House allowed every common citizen (with a reservation) to enjoy. Their interpretation of the dish, which included fluffy lemon pancakes topped with a tart berry compote and thyme butter, was both sweet and savory. Sansa would surely have a hard time turning these down.
Stark’s Poultry Pie
The Stark’s Poultry Pie, which consisted of pulled duck, green onions, and mushroom gravy was topped off with puff pastry and a poached egg. The hearty dish, served in a heavy cast iron skillet, definitely looked like something you’d catch Jon Snow chomping down on at dinner time.
Flea Bottom Bowl of Brown
Despite the name, the Flea Bottom Bowl of Brown was not actually served in a bowl…but that didn’t make it any less delicious. The gigantic portion of country-fried steak, paired with brown gravy, potato hash and fried eggs, would fill the stomach of any man (or woman) in King’s Landing.
Beer Fit for a King from Brewery Ommegang
The meal featured three specialty Game of Thrones beers from Brewery Ommegang out of Cooperstown, New York (yes, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame). The brews were served in speciality chalices and paired well with each of the offered entrees. I personally enjoyed the fruity flavors of the Iron Throne Blonde Ale (6.5%), while my companions lapped up the darker Take the Black Stout (7%) and spicy Fire & Blood Red Ale (6.8%).
Red Wedding Bloody Marys
We rounded out the meal with a few Bloody Marys in honor of the infamous Red Wedding scene from last season. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t yet watched, but the bloody affair definitely requires some sort of cocktail before viewing. Actually, several cocktails. And if it is any indication of the season to come, we’re going to need to keep drinking. Here’s to another 10 episodes of shock, betrayal and blood!
Find City Tap House at 3925 Walnut Street in Philadelphia; phone: (215) 662-0105. Learn everything you need to know about Game of Thrones.
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