You could search all day for the name "Fork" emblazened on a trendy Market Street door, but you would be looking in vain -- there's only a picture of one.
Such is the witty charm of Penn alumna Ellen Yin's refined yet modern American dining room.
Sit at the central bar to keep an eye on the scene or choose a place in the adjacent but more intimate dining room. The restaurant's eating space is small, but its tall ceilings keep it from feeling crowded.
The decor is simple yet sophisticated, much like the menu. But despite the elegant surroundings, don't be afraid to dress somewhat causally.
Yin prides herself on fresh ingredients presented in creative ways. Fork boasts an inventive menu with several variations on continental cuisine.
While it would be hard not to, you ought not get too attached to your menu selections, because they may not be there on your return visit.
In fact, Fork prints a new menu daily.
Luckily, my choice -- the hanger steak -- has been a mainstay for the greater part of a year. If you like flavorful meat, the spicy chimichurri sauce, a South American staple, makes it stand out.
All entrees come with two side dishes, and the menu has several atypical options. One end of the spectrum features oddities like yucca frites or vanilla jasmine rice, but you can also order comfort food like mashed potatoes.
My guest ordered a whole bass, which, with head and tail included, may appear a daunting prospect. But the flavorful sauce -- Szechuan black bean -- makes it worthwhile. The stir-fried vegetables on the side were also especially tasty. Unusual touches on basic dishes, like the Asian-inspired spices on the bass, are Fork's signature mark.
Our waitress was knowledgeable and offered excellent recommendations, especially when it came to dessert.
These suggestions were most helpful; the dessert menu is almost as diverse as the dinner menu.
Try the bittersweet chocolate mousse, a rich, smooth concoction served with an assortment of fresh berries. Or go with a bowl of creamy gelato instead.
And if that weren't enough, many ice cream dishes are served with a cookie; select from chocolate walnut, sugar, and oatmeal -- our choice -- among others.
But be warned: The desserts are quite filling, so be sure to leave plenty of room. I recommend ordering two and sharing. All the options are so enticing that there's no reason to get just one.
And, of course, don't forget to order a glass from Fork's fine wine list. The restaurant offers a far-reaching selection of bottles from lesser-known vineyards from across the world.
The Italian red we sampled complimented the juicy hanger steak wonderfully.
If you're looking for an adventurous menu with an ethnic flair, but not quite ready to leave American dishes behind completely, Fork is the place for you.
