For those that have never ventured farther west than Qdoba and Allegro's, West Philadelphia has a stigma attached to it that breeds images of desolate paths and constant danger.
But to the contrary, the streets of West Philadelphia are actually quite scenic, lined with picturesque trees and charming townhouses.
Blending into the setting is Marigold Kitchen, a cozy townhouse itself that is quickly gaining fame for its fresh ingredients and neighborly atmosphere
Located at the intersection of 45th Street and Larchwood Avenue, the BYOB works its charm on its customers with cute wooden tables and artistic decoration that adds to the quaint ambiance of the restaurant.
While the close quarters of the dining room can sometimes make you feel like you're eating on top of other patrons - my date and I could easily overhear our next-table diners ragging on every member of their sorority - the restaurant's coziness adds to its intimate feel, as if you were at home
But where you might make Easy-Mac and scrambled eggs, Marigold adds an array of fresh ingredients that are matched by few establishments.
The food tends to run on the exotic side with a Middle Eastern twist, as evidenced by the sardines with sunflower seeds and golden raisins ($12) and sweetbreads (read: animal thymus) with crispy chicken skin ($13) on the menu.
Don't let Marigold's peculiar dishes scare you, however; every meal is neatly prepared and burgeoning with a combination of flavors that make just the right mix.
The black bass ($27) is perfectly complimented by Persian wedding rice and walnut sauce, and the menu contains a dry-aged ribeye ($28) accompanied by braised brisket and acorn squash, a perfect match for any steak savant.
While not the restaurant's strong suit, desserts adequately top off the night.
The almond cake with chocolate sorbet and strawberries ($7), though a little on the dry side, certainly does the trick, while the havlah semifreddo - a Turkish dish made into a soft, creamy gelato - with chocolate-sesame crisp and cherries ($7) make a fine combination.
Though quite a bit more expensive than its neighboring BYOB, Rx, Marigold Kitchen transforms dining from a nightly chore to an entire experience.
And to think, all this from a place you could call home.
