FORK TURNS FIVE

It's hard to believe that Fork celebrated its Fifth Anniversary on Tuesday, October 15th. Time has flown by so quickly! We are so excited that after five years, our customers are still responding so enthusiastically to Fork. It means we are what we set out to be - a great neighborhood restaurant that offers delicious food and welcomes everyone. The support of our loyal customers and staff members has enabled us to offer the highest level of quality in food, service and atmosphere. The latest Zagat Survey included Fork in their Awards of Distinction, and reviewers named Fork the eighth most popular restaurant in the Philadelphia area. Thank you so much for the past five years!

To celebrate, we have been collecting stories and experiences from our guests for our Fifth Anniversary Drawing to win a free dinner. We were thrilled to receive many impressive entries describing engagements, birthdays, special meals and memorable occasions. Some excerpts that captured the essence of the many entries we received included:

"The weather was crisp and clear. She was anxious about meeting the mysterious Frenchman for the first time. She adjusted her skirt and pressed her lips together making the most of the recently applied lip gloss, entering the doorway of Fork. A quick glance to the bar and her eyes caught his. Philippe sat at the bar with a smile on his face and a hand on the seat to his right. She smiled back at him and took the seat he offered. The bartender brought her a drink. With drinks in hand, they toasted to their first meeting and the mutual appreciation upon seeing each other. "Yes, he is handsome." "Yes, she is beautiful." The room took on a life of its own as diners came and went, waiters brought and removed entrées. The delicious meal added to the perfect night. A few more drinks then a walk in the cool night air. The rest is history, but it all started at Fork." ...Gina

"We ate our way from appetizers to dessert with oohs and aahs. Subtle flavors, artful presentation and imaginative food pairings made for outstanding dishes."...Kerrie

"I have always enjoyed the fresh food and the changing menu, top notch service and good people-watching!".Kristin

"We've been dining at Fork since just after it opened, and each meal has been more enjoyable than the one before, leading us to state unequivocally that 'OUR BEST MEAL AT FORK IS OUR NEXT ONE'"...Toby

Thanks to everyone for their submissions. Winners will be notified the first week of November.

Dogfish Head Brewery Returns!
If you missed the Mexican Beer dinner in July, it's not too late to get in on Fork's popular beer dinner series. Back by popular demand, Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehoboth, DE returns to Fork for a dinner featuring authentic Thai cuisine on Monday, November 11th. International beer writer Michael Jackson has called Dogfish Head "America's most interesting and adventurous small brewery." On the menu will be tasty Neaua Kem Sot, Short Ribs Braised in Coconut Cream, and spicy Pla Tort Sahm Rot, Crispy Striped Bass with 3 Flavor Sauce. Sam, a lively personality, will be on hand to introduce some of his latest beers including 90 Minute Imperial I.P.A., Worldwide Stoudt and Midas Touch Golden Elixir. Sure to fill up quickly, call for reservations, 215.625.9425.

Beer At Fork
Victory Brewing Company's Festbier was such a hit at July's Mexican Beer dinner that we have added it to our fall beer list. Victory Festbier is mildly sweet with a nutty fullness. According to Brewer Bill Covaleski, "Victory Festbier is delicious with savory, roasted meats such as seasoned pork. The sweetness of this beer makes it a perfect foil for tomato dishes and soothing against spicy dishes." Brewed right outside Philadelphia in Downingtown, PA, Victory Festbier will be a perfect match with many of Fork's autumnal dishes including Grilled Herb Rubbed Pork Chop with Bartlett Pears, Red Bliss Potatoes and Sautéed Snap Peas.

Special Dates
All My Sons, the powerful American drama by Arthur Miller, will be playing at the acclaimed ArdenTheatre Company through Sunday, November 17th. Their holiday performance of "The Boxcar Children" will begin on Wednesday, December 4. Tickets may be obtained by calling 215.922.1122 or at www.ardentheatre.org. Arden subscribers receive 10% off their bill before or after the theater.

Fork will be closed after lunch on Wednesday, November 27th and Thursday, November 28th, so that our staff can enjoy Thanksgiving with their friends and family. We will be closed for Christmas after lunch on Tuesday, December 24th and will re-open for lunch and dinner on Friday, December 27th.

Celebrate Hanukkah beginning sundown on Friday, November 29th. Fork cookbooks and gift certificates make perfect Hanukkah gifts.

New Year's Eve is right around the corner. Whether you're planning to ring in 2003 at another party or with our family at Fork, you can always enjoy a sumptuous meal with us. For details, call 215.625.9425.

JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS - FORK COOKBOOK SALE
Looking for the perfect gift for your foodie friends? Contribute to a good cause while enjoying recipes from the Fork cookbook, such as Spicy Black Bean Soup, Grilled Feta and Olive Crusted Lamb Chops, Moroccan-Spiced Halibut with Eggplant Relish or Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake. Even better, during the months of November and December, you can get the cookbook for $25. That's $10 off! The stylish book features recipes and artwork from the restaurant and its talented staff. All of the proceeds from the book go to the Fork Scholarship Fund that will be awarded annually to local high school students interested in pursuing a career in the culinary arts. So far, the cookbook has raised over $12,000. This spring, Fork awarded a $3,000 scholarship to James Davis, who is attending Community College of Philadelphia. He plans to transfer to Johnson & Wales to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Restaurant Management after he completes his Associate's Degree in Philadelphia. Over the past several years, Fork has awarded almost $10,000 for local high school students. Also available are Fork gift certificates in all denominations. Order on line at www.forkrestaurant.com or by calling 215.625.9425.