Chris Jazz Café Rolls Out Alligator Fest

Chris’ Jazz Café Rolls out New Orleans-inspired Alligator Selections with a Philly Twist

The Gator Italiano ($20) inspired by the classic South Philly roast pork sandwich with a Cajun twist. Chef DeNinno utilizes alligator meat flown in from the bayous of Louisiana. The incredibly tender beef is seared, braised and confit'ed for seven hours, says DeNinno. The meat is handpicked and piled on a Liscio's seeded baguette along with fried long hots, provolone and topped with a luscious Bordelaise sauce — a nod to DeNinno’s classic French culinary background (he was a captain at Le Bec Fin). The sauce made with dry red wine, bone marrow, butter, shallots, and demi-glace. “People are going to be surprised when they bite into this juicy sandwich,” said DeNinno. “My team likens it to roast pork, but better!”

Also, part of Chris’ Gator Fest line up are Gator Wings ($12). These mouthwatering morsels are seared and slow cooked in duck fat. “The meat we use is the fore shank of the reptile, which is the calf, so you’re not eating any tail meat,” explained DeNinno. “Our award-winning regular wings are also available.” Rounding out the Gator-centric menu are DeNinno’s North Carolina-style Gator Po’boy ($8), in which the meat is marinated in apple cider vinegar and chili flakes and served with fried green tomatoes and remoulade sauce on a mini artisan Kaiser Bun. Chris’ Gator Fest is available for a limited time only, and for the record, says DeNinno, “it tastes way better than chicken!”

Chris' Jazz Café, which specializes in Southern-style cuisine, serves lunch, dinner, and drinks in a relaxed lounge setting with live jazz performances six nights a week. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturdays from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Learn more by visiting Http://ChrisJazzCafe.com