While I haven’t been following The Next Iron Chef, I do want finalist Jose Garces to join the ranks and beat New Yorker Jehangir Mehta tonight.

Garces is one of Philadelphia’s few celebrity chefs, opening five restaurants there since 2005. Some of them have become go-to favorites, including Amada (tapas) and Distrito (upscale Mexican street food – my husband’s personal favorite). I’ve enjoyed the others on special occasions, including a baby shower at Tinto (also tapas, in a wine bar setting) and my 40th birthday dinner at Chifa (Sino-Peruvian, which tastes better than it sounds).  

So when my sister and I found ourselves in front of his latest offering, Village Whiskey at lunchtime yesterday, we had to stop in.

It’s smaller than his other places, with a menu focusing on upscale bar snacks, gourmet burgers, elaborate cocktails and more than 80 brands of whiskey. There was a wait for the leather banquettes and raised tables along the wall,  so we took seats at the long wooden bar.

Despite the high ceilings, the narrow restaurant feels cramped when you go in, especially when its crowded. Once you’re seated, though, the wood panelled room creates an inviting, old school atmosphere, like a city saloon in the 1930s. I’m sure it feels romantic at night.

While much on the menu was tempting (I’m going to have to come back to try the Kentucky Fried quail). we ordered classics: the 8 oz. Whiskey Burger with Jasper Hill Cheddar ($9 for the burger, $3 for the cheese), and the pulled pork sandwich ($12). Although the bartender tried to convince us to add cheese to our split order of $5 French fries, we decided that the duck fat they were cooked in contained more than enough calories!

My sister and I aren’t whiskey drinkers, so we had a glass of wine instead. As we waited, we watched the bartender, who always seemed to have a shaker in  hand, do his thing. He made a point of creating at least one cocktail in front of each group, which I thought was a great way to engage and entice customers. Next time, I may try the Philadelphia Fish House Punch, which consists of peach brandy, cognac, rum, tea, lemon and spiced sugar.

And yes, I said next time – because everything was delicious. The burger was a perfect medium rare, juicy and topped just a hint of thousand island dressing. Definitely worth the caloric splurge and a worthy competitor to other notable Philly burders (the Rouge burger, the Good Dog burger, etc.) I had ordered a basic cheddar topping to appease my less adventurous sister, but next time I might add advocado or the delicious-sounding horseradish crab salad to the beef.

The BBQ pork was also very good. It came with a tangy cole slaw and fried pickles, which I really loved. The duck fat fries, served in a julep cup, weren’t the best I’ve had – I tend to like a crisper, thinner fry – but they were more than adequate. Next time, I might order tator tots instead.

Service was above average. We only had an hour to eat, but we never felt rushed and our food came out in a timely manner. While the restaurant was busy, it still felt intimate enough for my sister and I to indulge in our girl talk without feeling that the rest of the place could hear us. With all the trips that I regularly take to Philly, I’ll definitely be back, next time with my husband (who i know won’t be able to resist the cheese on those duck fat fries!)