Theo Vadot ’19:
It is common belief that the dog is man’s best friend. If this holds to be true, you are in good company in the White Dog Cafe in the heart of Philadelphia’s cherished University City. As you walk into the Victorian brownstone townhouse, you are first greeted by a hospitable taproom, in the center of which is a grandiose bar. The next room you walk in is the Den, the first of ten whimsical and creatively named dining rooms; all of which are decorated around a main subject: dogs.
A local favorite in Philadelphia and the Main Line, the White Dog cafe is known for its contemporary American cuisine. The restaurant serves Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, and is valued for its local ingredients and creative dishes. Furthermore, the White Dog’s warm hospitality and inspiring cuisine are partnered with a strong initiative for environmental sustainability and community engagement, highlighted by the use of ingredients all from within 50 miles of Philadelphia.
To begin, the White Dog Cafe’s First Course menu offers a great variety of small dishes, from which two soups; however, the two soups offered are beloved options on this menu. First, the Kennett Square Mushroom Soup is a mouth-warming soup topped with the unique taste of truffle crème fraiche. On the other hand, the Butternut Squash Bisque takes a different approach. Including candied walnuts, it combines all the spices essential to bring out the flavors of butternut squash and results in a mouth-warming dish caused by the harmony of diverse spices.
A classic at White Dog, the Green Meadow Double Cheddar Burger is a customer favorite. As with all good burgers, the first bite is an initial burst of flavors that only gets better after the next bite. The grilled red onion combines beautifully with the sweetness of the tomato, without forgetting the explosive smokey flavor of the Bacon Mayo; all topping off the perfectly cooked burger with a slice of rich, molten cheddar.
Accompanying this White Dog classic, is possibly an even more essential dish at White Dog: The Truffle Parmesan fries. A simple side dish turned into a distinct taste, the grated parmesan compliments the rich truffle oil perfectly. The Truffle Parmesan fries have an amazing crunch, served in the typical steel can lined with wax paper, a classic American presentation for fries. These might just be the most popular item on the White Dog menu.
If you are looking for a vegetarian alternative to the iconic White Dog cheddar burger, look no further than the Mushroom “Cheesesteak.” As can be deduced from the apostrophes, this is no ordinary cheesesteak, as there is no steak in it; however, the Kennett Square mushrooms offer a fine replacement for steak, still accompanied by the essential cheesesteak toppings of cheese whiz, and of course, caramelized onions. It’s a different taste than the quintessential Philly Cheesesteak, but it is a perfect demonstration of White Dog’s creative and bold cuisine.
Without a doubt, the White Dog Cafe is one of the most cherished restaurants in Philadelphia, moreover on the Main Line.