JAXON BYOB (Philadelphia, PA)

Yes, brings your finest of fine Ciroc bottle.  Peach flavor of course.  (Even though I don’t drink, but I’ve heard good things)  Or, bring your favorite bottle of wine!  (Red, sweet, if you’re interested in sending me a bottle!)  And enjoy an amazing meal at Jaxon!  Have you ever been to a BYOB restaurant?  For those who are socially ignorant like I am, BYOB is an acronym for “Bring Your Own Bottle”.  Literally.  Bring your own bottle of whatever alcohol makes you happy.  I’ve never been to a restaurant like that and never knew they existed.  Apparently, they’re pretty popular in some states.

Jaxon BYOB is located off of 3rd St in Philadelphia and is a small, quaint restaurant that looks like it seats no more than 40 people at one time.  The interior of the restaurant is neat with the kitchen facing the door so you can see all of the action that’s being done.  The menu changes daily and is written on a big board for you to see.  So, if you’re looking for a menu, you’re not going to have one.  Bring your reading glasses, and help your overall sophisticated look when you drink a fifth of that “hendawg”

Let’s discuss the amazing food that I devoured without even chewing.  Yes, it was that good.  Octopus, Mac and Cheese, Rabbit Pasta, and a Pork Chop were some of the things that were ordered.  But, let’s discuss the perfectness of how succulent this octopus was.  It was a nice size tentacle surrounded by Taramsalta, radishes, and Cucumbers.  So, as I’m writing this post I’m trying to think if I chewed any of the octopus.  Well, I didn’t.  And.. I know I didn’t because after I ate it all, I looked up, then looked back down and was sad that it was gone.  I actually contemplated on asking if I dropped it on the ground or moved it around, but I was the only one in the restaurant.  Yes, it was that good.  There’s not too much else I can possibly say about that dish, oh wait, I can.  The Taramasalta tasted like a sweet version of a hummus, but with much more flavor.

The second dish that was ordered was the mac and cheese.  It was good, but not enough cheese for me.  The noodles that were used weren’t macaroni noodles, but were similar to Cannelloni shells. The cheese that was used taste like a Gruyere and Cheddar.  I’m more of a smoked gouda man myself, but I wouldn’t complain if those two were in my pasta.

The third dish that was ordered was the Agnolotti.  It consisted of rabbit, chestnut, and tomato ragu.  This dish was a tie for second favorite of the night.  The rabbit was shredded and the overall dish was very light.  It was packed with flavor and you could barely taste the chestnut that was incorporated into the dish.  I was overall satisfied with the way the rabbit was prepared, but I was sad because so little was given.  I had to remind myself that I ordered a “small plate” so of course alot of pasta wasn’t going to be on my dish, but still, if I had enough room in my stomach to order more I would’ve.

Last but not least we have the Duroc Pork Chop.  It sat on top of a pumpkin risotto and pancetta.  The Pumpkin Risotto was some of the best risotto I’ve ever had.  It had pumpkin chunks cooked with the risotto that stood out with each bite.  It was very sweet and the pancetta added the saltiness but didn’t overpower the saltiness of the porkchop.  I asked for my pork chop to be cooked medium well, because no pork should be cooked “medium”.  Don’t debate me.  Even thought the pork chop was cooked medium well, it wasn’t tough at all, and if you weren’t raised with table manners, I’m sure you could’ve cut your pork chop with your fork.  This is a must get if you decide to go to this restaurant as well.

Overall, this restaurant was nothing short of spectacular.  I didn’t bring my own bottle, because I didn’t really think the BYOB meant, bring your own bottle.  Well, don’t forget to bring your own alcoholic beverage to this place, it’s well worth it.

OVERALL RATING: FIRST CLASS EXPERIENCE