Supper, Philadelphia PA

I first ate brunch at Supper in September and remember it as a perfect meal. The food was superb, the atmosphere warm and inviting, the service attentive, a brunchmate spotted a celebrity a table away, and chef/co-owner Mitch Prensky came to our table at the end of the meal requesting feedback.

Perhaps my expectations were set too high because, aside from two exceptional highlights, my second visit in December proved disappointing.

The first highlight is the hot chocolate that I request off the menu. It ranks in the Top 5 Best Hot Chocolate That I Have Ever Had. It is made from real chocolate and is not too sweet or rich. The only drawback, I unfortunately discover after agreeing to a second cup, is the price tag ($6).



The second highlight is the Cornbread Hushpuppies ($4). Covered with grated Parmesan, they are crispy on the outside and sweet and moist inside.




Over the summer my brunchmate ordered the Cornmeal Pancakes ($12) and I had had a bite. They were quite hearty and filled with berries—a bit too heavy for warm weather but exactly what I want now to fill me up on a cold December day. They arrive with berries on top, rather than in the batter, and are much lighter and more gritty than I remember; not bad but not at all what I envisioned.


My brunchmate orders the Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Marshmallow ($8). The presentation is outstanding: marshmallow is torch-blown on the side of the bowl and our server pours the soup table-side around a dab of apple slaw that rests in the middle of the bowl.


Unfortunately the soup itself is a bit too sweet and could use some heat to create the complex flavors that are essential in a good butternut squash soup.



Overall the atmosphere of Supper is relaxing, my brunchmate and I stay chatting after the meal is finished, but the service is curt and perfunctory.
The restaurant is mostly empty, but I have the distinct feeling that we are interrupting someone who believes he has more important things to do. It is fortunate that we have exact change because after delivering our bill, our server does not come near our table again.

Still somewhat of a newcomer among Philadelphia restaurants, I hope that Supper will get things back on track again soon—and not let the Best Of Philly 2008 award-hype get to its young head—because where else in this city will you find an “Old School” Breakfast Cereal Buffet ($7 for as much as you can eat) with selections such as Quisp, King Vitaman, Crunch Berries, and Kaboom.



If you go:

• 926 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
  
• Phone: (215) 592-8180
• They accept credit cards.
  
• Supper Website