If you are planning a trip to the "city of brotherly love" any time soon be sure to check out the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge.  This elegant dining establishment housed in Philadelphia's historic Fairmount Water Works is an experience not to be missed.  The sweeping views of the Schuylkill River make it an ideal outdoor dining spot or you can try the even more sophisticated glass enclosed dining rooms. With its Mediterranean inspired menu you are mentally transported to a great café or bistro with every bite.  Michael Karloutsos and wife Anastasia opened this restaurant in 2006 hoping to make their first restaurant endeavor the stuff that dreams are made of and I would say they have done just that.  

Today, the Water Works team shares with us a dish that truly represents what they have become known for - Simple Elegance: Pistachio Encrusted Grouper with Kalamata Olive Orzo, Sautéed Purple Rain Spinach with Red Orach, Citrus Beurre Rouge, Pomegranate Foam

Kalamata Olive Orzo, Sauteed Purple Rain Spinach with Red Orach, Citrus Beurre Rouge, Pomegranate Foam

Pistachio Encrusted Grouper  

• 4-7 oz. Grouper Filets (skin off)
• 2 Sprigs of fresh Thyme
• 2 oz. Diced Shallots
• ½ oz. Fresh squeezed Lime Juice
• ½ oz. Fresh squeezed Lemon Juice
• ½ oz. Fresh squeezed Orange Juice
• 3 oz. Red Wine (Preferably Cabernet)
• ½ lb. Butter
• 2 oz. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 oz. Pistachios
• ¼ oz. Whole Peppercorns
• 2 oz. Panko Bread Crumbs
• Salt
• Pepper

Season Grouper Filets with salt and pepper.  Set Aside.  Crush Pistachio and mix with Panko Bread Crumbs.  Coat the top of the Grouper with pistachio mixture.  Sear bottom of Grouper in oil and finish in a 350 degree oven in a non-stick pan for 10 minutes or until fish is cooked.

Sauce: Sauté Shallots and fresh squeezed juices in a sauce pan over medium heat.  Add peppercorns and 2 sprigs of fresh thyme and reduce to au sec.  Finish whisking whole butter until sauce emulsifies.  Season with salt and pepper.  Strain and serve.

Kalamata Olive Orzo

• ½ lb. Greek Orzo Pasta
• ½ oz Kalamata Olives
• 8 oz Heavy Cream
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Begin by putting a pot of water (with a little salt to help the pasta not to stick) on your stove and bring it up to a boil.  When the water appears to be boiling add your Greek Orzo Pasta.  You will cook your pasta until al dente and strain.  Meanwhile, as your pasta is cooling you want to puree your Kalamata Olives in a blender to a paste.  Take your pasta and sauté it with some butter and add your Kalamata paste.  Add your heavy cream and reduce until it takes on a creamy texture. Add Salt and Pepper to taste.

Sautéed Purple Rain Spinach with Red Orach

• Purple Rain Spinach
• Red Orach
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive Oil

Begin by putting a sauté pan on your stove.  Add about a tablespoon or two of olive oil into your pan.  The flame should be on medium heat.  Spread your oil evenly throughout the bottom of the sauté pan.  When your pan is hot enough (steam rising up from the surface, but the oil is not burning) throw in some of your Purple Rain Spinach and Red Orach.  The oil will give a shiny appearance to your food.  You don't want it to appear wilted, if so you have overcooked it.  Add Salt and Pepper to taste.

Pomegranate Foam

• 4 oz. Pomegranate Juice
• ½ tsp. Lecithin

Add the Pomegranate Juice as well as the Lecithin into a hand blender.  Blend the two ingredients together until foam rises to the top.

About Water Works

Built in 1812, the Fairmount Water Works was an engineering and architectural marvel, pumping fresh water for Philadelphians until 1860. Today, this National Historic Landmark is home to world-class cuisine and the magical dining experience that is the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge.  Dine beneath the high barrel-vaulted ceiling of the Engine House or the glass enclosed Solarium. Relax with casual dining in the Breezeway and cocktails in the Caretaker's Lounge. Our outdoor terrace offers cliff-side dining, as well as a riverside veranda overlooking the Schuylkill River and famed Boathouse Row. Experience the Water Works Restaurant and Lounge and discover how this enchanting place that once made history now makes unforgettable memories with a delectable diversity of dining styles and unsurpassed service.