http://www.metro.usen-us The Stanton Social is the place that brought hip to the Lower East Side. And unlike most other places that tried to notch up the cool factor in the enclave, the Stanton Social remains while other flashes in the pan have burned out. This is thanks in part to chef Chris Santos, who opened the restaurant four years ago and maintains the restaurant’s status through his hard work — and camera-ready face.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/20/07/3823-82/index.xml Nothing says autumn like pumpkin flavored fill-in-the-blank. And since we know you can’t resist Dunkin’ Donuts’ pumpkin donut deliciousness, we scoured the city in search of more of these seasonal goods. From sweet to savory and everything in between, even the pickiest of palettes will find something to devour.  http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/13/02/4110-82/index.xml The banh mi — aka the “Vietnamese hoagie” — has long been popular at Vietnamese cafes and delis. But today, we’re seeing the sandwich pop up on menus at gastropubs and higher end restaurants. While some might lament non-traditional takes on the banh mi, we find it’s hard to be provincial about a French-inspired Vietnamese sandwich that in Philadelphia is often served on a Sarcone’s Italian roll.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/12/07/4535-82/index.xml Prospect Heights has always had a slight chip on their shoulder when it comes to dining (it hardly has the vibrant restaurant scene as their hipper, pricier neighbor, Park Slope). But The Vanderbilt, the recently opened restaurant and bar,  hopes to change all of that.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/12/07/0202-82/index.xml This fall, Upper East Side mainstay davidburke & donatella (the flagship restaurant of restaurateur David Burke) had a bit of a foodie metamorphosis. Not only was the restaurant renamed David Burke Townhouse, but it also went through a redesign — complete with a revamping of the dining room and bar, as well as the menu. Although, as this week’s Hot Chef, the French-born executive chef of the restaurant, Sylvain Delpique, says: “Many of David’s signature menu items are still on it.” http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/06/07/1958-82/index.xml Things never stay the same, even when it comes to favorite dishes. But while some are long gone, the Royal Tavern (937 E. Passyunk Ave.) is bringing back favorite menu items that have been 86ed.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/05/10/0711-82/index.xml http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/05/08/3434-82/index.xml http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/05/08/2755-82/index.xml Meet Maggie Poppins, long-lost sister to Mary. Maggie is a British nanny too, but she really took care of her kids. http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/27/00/4629-82/index.xml http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/21/09/2150-82/index.xml It’s been four years since the Meatpacking District hot-spot Buddakan opened. Chef Lon Symensma has worked at the majestic Asian restaurant since its launch and is currently at the helm — and loving it. And we love the 32-year-old for referencing “Lady and the Tramp.” Coupled with the fact that he rides a motorcycle, this guy is awesome. http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/16/04/0721-82/index.xml Vincent Chirico, chef and owner of the Upper West Side spot Vai Restaurant, cooks up modern Mediterranean/Italian food influenced by his grandmother. But Chirico isn’t just good with his hands in the kitchen — he also built the entire restaurant by hand. http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/09/07/0818-82/index.xml Back in 2004, South Philly writer Carla Spataro was leafing through a copy of New York City-based journal Literal Latte and thought, “Why isn’t there something like this in Philadelphia?” She tried to think of someone she knew in publishing, and quickly gave Christine Weiser a call. It was on.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/09/06/4117-82/index.xml To celebrate their favorite show, Sofia Italian Steakhouse (1430 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury)  concocted three killer cocktails for October.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/09/05/4331-82/index.xml If you hear a chorus of horns any time this weekend, it may or may not be because of traffic, but it certainly is because of a jam.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/09/05/0822-82/index.xml Love oysters? Then the only place to be this Saturday is at the annual Grand Central Oyster Frenzy at the historic Grand Central Oyster Bar.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/02/04/5228-82/index.xml Jose Garces will be competing on “The Next Iron Chef” starting this Sunday but he’s far from the only Philadelphia food personality recently featured on television.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/01/04/4022-82/index.xml I’m no Frank Bruni, but I have something in common with the New York Times food critic — we’re both bidding farewell to our columns.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/09/10/22/0128-81/index.xml BOSTON. I can’t think of anything less rock ’n’ roll than chickpeas, but don’t tell the Sa-ter Brothers, because they have built a musical empire out of hummus at the Middle East in Central Square. http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/09/10/00/1932-72/index.xml It’s September, the students are back in town, and University City is buzzing with activity. Here’s what’s happening west of the Schuylkill River this fall: http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/09/09/05/5602-82/index.xml