The Philly steakhouse boom has sent restaurants scurrying to source meats from more exotic locales. Table 31 in the Comcast Center has tapped Stockyards Packaging Co., of Chicago; Wagyu Japanese cattle from Snake River Farms in Boise, Idaho; organic steaks from Harris Ranch in Coalinga, Calif.; and organic lamb, veal and pork from Niman Ranch, Calif.
Wednesday night's episode of the reality show "Top Chef" on Bravo, set in Chicago, will feature a tour of Allen Brothers, a high-end meat packer.
Turns out that Union Trust, the steakhouse opening at the end of the summer in the old Kellmer's jewelers at 717 Chestnut St., has the exclusive Philadelphia independent contract to serve Allen Brothers beef.
Speaking of "Top Chef": Can you imagine David Ansill, chef/owner of Ansill in Queen Village, competing on the show? Of course you can. He's bright, erudite, opinionated, combative and innovative. According to whispers, Ansill was approached to send an audition tape to Bravo for the next season. Contacted earlier today, Ansill would not talk about it.