4 new things we want to eat right now

We’re drooling over Ms. Goody’s cupcake concoctions.
Credit: Aversa PR & Events

There’s a lot to be said for counting calories and eating nutritious, home-cooked meals. There is even more to be said for beer cupcakes garnished with bacon. Philly has officially become a foodie town, with delicious new treats being rolled out everywhere we look. Here are a few to try this weekend.

Brunch

Lamb belly hash

Now that acclaimed chef Mike Stollenwerk, formerly of Fish, is helming Branzino’s new 2,500-square-foot kitchen, the menu is getting more interesting. Even better, the Italian restaurant just added brunch hours on Sundays. We’re intrigued by the lamb belly hash with fried eggs, and the BYO Bloody Bar Branzino plans to add very soon. Bloody Mary, anyone?
Branzino
261 S. 17th St.
215-790-0103
www.branzinophilly.com

Lunch

Chinese/Vietnamese hoagie

This isn’t your mama’s Wawa shortie. The concoction ($4.95) is Vietnamese restaurant Mi Dac Ky’s take on a banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich, but layered with boneless Peking duck for a Chinese twist. You’ll also be biting into duck liver pate, cucumber, carrots, cilantro, and jalapenos for kick, all on a French baguette. The newly opened restaurant just joined a bunch of other Vietnamese spots in the New World Plaza in South Philly.
Mi Dac Ky
6th St. and Washington Ave.
267-239-5169

Dinner

Braised short rib tacos

These Smokin’ Betty’s tacos started life as a special, but lucky for us they were popular enough to earn a spot on the permanent menu. Bite into a perfect mash up of refried black beans, cheddar cheese, chipotle aioli, avocado, crispy shallots and, of course, braised short rib, on flour tortillas with a side of cherry tomato salsa ($18).
Smokin’ Betty’s
116 S. 11th St.
215-922-6500
www.smokinbettys.com

Dessert

“Drunkin’ Elvis”

Get in line for Ms. Goody’s newest cupcake creation, debuting today in advance of Philly Beer Week. The “Drunkin’ Elvis” ($3) features chocolate chip banana cake infused with Well’s Banana Bread Beer. It’s frosted with peanut butter buttercream and topped with a chocolate-covered piece of bacon. It comes with a napkin to wipe away the tears of joy.
Ms. Goody Cupcake
838 East Passyunk Ave.
215-334-2253
www.msgoodycupcake.com