Deal Alert: Alison Two

On the heels of a stinging one-beller and a very different tale from Philly mag, Alison Two has put together a stimulus package that definitely passes in this house. Three courses. $35. Monday through Thursday from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Yeah, you’ll have to leave the city in the middle of the afternoon to eschew the traffic, but you can spend the whole drive home figuring out which critic you agree with. And while you’re there, pick up a box of Alison’s house-baked cookies in this nifty little chest of drawers, which might include pistachio macaroons, cardamom orange Madelines, granola Concord grape jam bars, lemon poppyseed biscotti, raspberry almond sesame sandwich cookies, Mexican wedding cookies. Only $15.

Menu in 3, 2, 1…

Appetizers

Creamy Parsnip Soup, Cured Duck, Citrus Hazelnut Butter
House Smoked Trout, Caviar, Fennel, Lemon Crème Fraîche, Chive Potato Cake
Chopped Salad, Romaine Lettuce, Blue Cheese, Poached Egg, Tomato, Asparagus, Herb Toast
Arugula, Duck Prosciutto & Manchego Cheese Salad, Membrillo

Entrees

Skate Wing, Cauliflower Puree, Fennel and Radish Salad, Cardamom Vinaigrette, Roasted Lemon
Grilled Hanger Steak, Bacon & Onion Frites, Tomato Chili
Grilled Pork Chop Al Pastor Style, Crispy Masa Cake, Pineapple & Salsa Verde
Roasted Chicken Breast, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts & Pearl Onions, Salsify Puree, Cider Reduction

Desserts

Cinnamon Brioche Bread Pudding, Caramelized Bananas, Banana Crème Fraîche Ice Cream
Meyer Lemon Creme Caramel, Candied Kumquats with Basil, Lemon Tuile
Chocolate Brownie Sundae, Vanilla Ice Cream, Double Sauce

Photo: ©2009 Courtney Grant