Within 24 hours of reopening the South Street Bridge, archaeologist Jill Weber gave West Philadelphians an intoxicating incentive to test the new pavement. In a much–shortened cab ride to the 1500 block of South Street, enticed vinos will land at the site of Jet Wine Bar — this Penn grad’s most recent excavation. Jet is carved out between the yoga studios and murals that give the bohemian district its charm. The inviting front window and warm blue lighting scheme give Jet a friendly vibe, and the restaurant is contemporary and trendy. We were greeted by a man in a suit upon entry and sat among twenty–somethings darkly dressed for a romantic night on the town.
Weber, who travels around the world for her job, opened the wine bar in hopes of emulating the atmosphere of exotic rest stops she wound down at after long days in the field. Jet doesn’t embody one single culture, but instead weaves together aspects of many. The wine list, which they say originated from a “global vineyard,” features bottles from Greece to rural Pennsylvania.
As the Digable Planets oozed through the speakers, we gazed over the menus. Most of the options would have been appetizers at a regular restaurant, which is why we didn’t feel guilty ordering five dishes. Jet is the middle ground between large–portion BYOBs and foodless bars — by the end we were satisfied, but not stuffed.
We started off with something predictable, a mushroom and cheese tart ($9) to fire up our senses. The spinach–heavy snack was unquestionably delish but inaptly named. Feeling adventurous and pseudo–vino–savvy, we ordered three rosés and two cheeses to sample. First stop — Morocco. The Gris ($9) was the unanimous favorite. Described on the menu as a “pleasant, sociable wine,” the feel was much lighter than the French La Saignée Rosé ($9). And while we’re all for supporting local flavor, both foreign treats were more savory than the Cabernet Franc from Stargazer, PA ($8.50).
Onto the sparkling, onto Portugal! The Quinta de Cabriz ($10.50) was decadent as was the thinly sliced, tender Prosciutto di Parma ($4) we ate on sourdough slices. The Gorgonzola Dolce cheese ($4) was oh–so melt–in–your–mouth. And the Provolone Auricchio ($3.50) was sharper than most but a perfect balance to the wine’s acidity. The gastro expedition drew to a close with a glass of red Carmenere from Chile and some Jamon Serrano ($4). Both tastes were unfamiliar, yet satisfying; their exoticism lingered on our palettes.
We left with a warm glow of satisfaction to shield us from the Philly wind, well–travelled and well–fed. Girls' night out was a great success, though we both vowed to drag a boy along next time; Jet is very consciously a date destination. We’d suggest the exotic locale for anyone in need of a romantic getaway who can’t make the Saint–Tropez redeye, or to anyone who just likes good food, a nice wait staff and, most of all, fantastic wine.
Jet Wine Bar
1525 South St.
jetwinebar.com
Don't Miss: A glass of Moroccan Gris
Skip this: Mushroom and Cheese Tart
$$$
