Jezabel's — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Such a shame.

My father is from Argentina, and I just got back from a 2 week trip in Buenos Aires and Santa Cruz province to visit family and explore a bit. Came to Jezabel’s for a taste of my second country. But boy was I disappointed. The prices are outrageous. 5 dollars for an empanada half the size of a normal empanada. Another 5 dollars for a cafe con léché in a tiny mug filled with bitter coffee that tastes nothing like the creamy brew you can almost literally get anywhere in the entire country of Argentina. If you come here, don’t expect to check your email or read the newspaper either. I had my computer out for 1 minute to pull up the Washington Post, was scolded by the owner to put it away, but she said I could read a book. Does she know that many people read digital formats these days? Is reading from a dead tree somehow superior?

I live 3 blocks away. I would have been here at least weekly if the prices were reasonable, the food and drinks good, and the atmosphere welcoming. Unfortunately none of those things are true. PLEASE DON’T GET THE IMPRESSION THAT ARGENTINE CAFES ARE LIKE THIS PLACE!!! They are not. They are wonderful, sometimes elegant, sometimes rustic, but always good value and professionally run. I guess I’ll wait for my next trip to Buenos Aires to get a decent empanada and cup of coffee.

I didn’t try the alfajores. They looked good, but they were similarly outrageously priced.

West Philly is full of great little coffee shops. I would have been thrilled to include an Argentine cafe into my rotation. I really wanted to...

So I went to Jezabel's on a perfectly crisp morning, looking to get some empanadas and maybe some other baked goods. I went in there, and it had a high-end but comfortable atmosphere. There is the cafe side of the restau (restaurant for short) and a dining side of the restau. The woman up front was very welcoming and hospitable, answering all of my questions about the baked goods and the cooking classes that they host. I chose the lenteja (lentil) empanada and the Pollo (chicken empanada). In tasting both of the empanadas, I was a bit disappointed. The spicy chicken empanada wasn't really spicy, nor was it flavorful. Same for the lentil empanada. I was a little bit surprised by the lack of flavor. The meat was cooked correctly; however, for me, the chicken had a texture I wasn't used to. It was slightly rubbery, but it was still average in its taste. The very hospitable waitresses brought me a chimichurri sauce to accompany the empanadas; unfortunately, this sauce just tasted like oil. Nothing to have a foodgasm over, sadly. Now, I have only tried the empanadas. I am sure they might have some flavorful meals, or sabroso, as I like my meals, but what I had, left me wanting more... of something else. I'd say, if you are looking for mild and high-end, this would be your space. The ambience was fine, and welcoming. The waitress does her job very well. I didn't try the sweets, even though they were so tempting and...

Wow! I almost don’t know where to begin. Besides the food, the best part of my experience was getting to chat it up with the cafe owner, Jezabel. I stopped in on a Sunday with friends… we dined in and sat in the sitting area where there was an unobstructed view the kitchen. Jezabel was there rolling pastry dough and was happy to share stories about her passion for food — recreating and modernizing her childhood food traditions. Everything about Jezabel’s is a WHOLE vibe. It’s no wonder… Jezabel’s cafe is warm and inviting… and, truly a reflection of her warmth. Y’all need to treat yourselves. Likely I should say something about the food… My go-tos are the empanadas — the spicy beef and spicy chicken. And, I’ve committed to trying something new each time I stop in. My last visit, I added Medialunas and Facturas into my rotation. Oh! LOVE the chorizo and lentil soup, which is seasonal. Ohhh… and the quiche is delicious. All of the food is decadent and delicious and reminiscent of home and comfort… a definition that will vary person to person. But, believe me when I say, Jezabel gives a taste of her home and traditions — with a twist — in every bite. Stop in. And, you can...