I was putting a property under contract in West Philadelphia recently and had the opportunity to have lunch at Distrito -- a newer Mexican restaurant at 40th and Chestnut. 
The property was a few blocks West in Overbrook -- a nicely maintained and updated rowhome which will settle for around $100,000 at the end of this month -- but 40th and Chestnut is about the closest culinary experience, inside the City limits worth a trip.
For years the corner of 40th and Chestnut has provided some of the best ethnic food in the city. There have been several Indian, Thai and Mexican restaurants over the years. The current balance of Indian (my favorite being Tandoor India on 40th Street just south of Chestnut) and Thai (my favorite being the Thai Singha House on Chestnut just east of 40th street) restaurants has been signigicantly upgraded with the addition of Distrito, however.
The experience is jarring. Brightly colored woven chairs and ratan benches with cushions surround the tables. Postcards held in clips decorate the walls. The bar sits beneath illuminated white, text-only, signs that promote specials of the house.
The food also challenges. We ordered lunch specials which consisted of two small plates each, plus a beverage. We each ordered yellow tail tacos which were spectacular. Soft tortillas topped with batterd yellow tail, avocado and red cabage were beautiful to behold and magnificent
to taste. My other course was a shrimp ceviche, which was a Mexican version of a shrimp cocktail that included guacamole and a Mex'd up cocktail sauce. We didn't try them, but the margaritas, according to a friend and fellow realtor, are yummy as well.
Over the years I've had Mexican at many locations throughout the City, notably El Vez -- great table-side guac -- Tequila, Mexican Post, and not far from Distrito my heretofore favorite Zocalo. It's been a decade since I've been to Zocalo, actually. Located at 36th and Lancaster, they also serve up-scale "Mexico City" mexican and make a mean margarita.
The property was a few blocks West in Overbrook -- a nicely maintained and updated rowhome which will settle for around $100,000 at the end of this month -- but 40th and Chestnut is about the closest culinary experience, inside the City limits worth a trip.For years the corner of 40th and Chestnut has provided some of the best ethnic food in the city. There have been several Indian, Thai and Mexican restaurants over the years. The current balance of Indian (my favorite being Tandoor India on 40th Street just south of Chestnut) and Thai (my favorite being the Thai Singha House on Chestnut just east of 40th street) restaurants has been signigicantly upgraded with the addition of Distrito, however.
The experience is jarring. Brightly colored woven chairs and ratan benches with cushions surround the tables. Postcards held in clips decorate the walls. The bar sits beneath illuminated white, text-only, signs that promote specials of the house.
The food also challenges. We ordered lunch specials which consisted of two small plates each, plus a beverage. We each ordered yellow tail tacos which were spectacular. Soft tortillas topped with batterd yellow tail, avocado and red cabage were beautiful to behold and magnificent
to taste. My other course was a shrimp ceviche, which was a Mexican version of a shrimp cocktail that included guacamole and a Mex'd up cocktail sauce. We didn't try them, but the margaritas, according to a friend and fellow realtor, are yummy as well.Over the years I've had Mexican at many locations throughout the City, notably El Vez -- great table-side guac -- Tequila, Mexican Post, and not far from Distrito my heretofore favorite Zocalo. It's been a decade since I've been to Zocalo, actually. Located at 36th and Lancaster, they also serve up-scale "Mexico City" mexican and make a mean margarita.
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