CURRENTLY SERVING:

Having withstood the wrath of anti-gentrification West Philly vandals during its soft opening, The Gold Standard Café has survived to celebrate its official grand opening this weekend. Their outdoor seating area on the corner of 48th and Baltimore is a fine place to hang out and see West Philly passing by as you dine on a menu that uses fresh ingredients (with an emphasis on free-range meats and locally-grown vegetables) in an interesting collection of menu items, all of which are priced under $20. The Café is currently serving its summer menus. Dinner highlights include Persian Lamb Kebabs with Tabouleh and a Cucumber Yogurt Salad, Baked Salmon Filet wrapped in Corn Husk, served with Bay Scallops and Lemon Olive Oil Sauce,and Lentil Salad with Grilled Tofu. Their weekend brunch menu is also solid, with items like Eggs Benedict (with Canadian Bacon, Crab, or Smoked Salmon), Tofu Scramble, and Grilled Brie-Tomato Sandwich on Whole Grain Bread with French Fries. While the reviews on Yelp have been mixed so far, we like the way The Gold Standard takes traditional menu items and puts a unique spin on them, remembering that any new restaurant experiences growing-pain glitches. If you’re in the area this weekend, be sure to stop by for their Grand Opening Festivities, including free food, giveaways, and live music.