My Dinner with Phil

I've thought of Phil Roy as a friend since he became an 'FUV fave back in 2000. But I didn't realize that he's not just a world-class songwriter, he's a gourmet chef...until my sister sent me an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer about his "I'm Not Leaving the House Tour." He's created this evening where a bunch of folks come to his place for dinner, followed by a private concert. What a concept!

The last time he was at the station to be on my Sunday Breakfast show, I told him I'd love to come to one, perhaps with my siblings, who all live in the Philadelphia area. He said, what a great idea, let's work out a date - which is how a host of family and friends descended on Phil's apartment in Center City for "Plattfest with Phil."

The evening began on the deck off his second floor kitchen, with a beautiful skyline view. While Phil's beloved dog Travis kept an eye out for dropped morsels, we gobbled up house-cured salmon on crostini, fresh pearl mozzarella with cilantro aioli on crostini, guacamole with chips, and papaya and brie quesadilla with pica de gallo, washed down by beer and wine. Not bad for starters! If I were a restaurant critic, I was already awarding him 4 stars. But since I could see chicken and shrimp barbecuing, I knew I'd better pace myself.

A few raindrops started falling, and within a few minutes the skies opened up. Fortunately, Phil had set up a circle of chairs and sofas in his living room. He told us we were being treated to the last such affair at his place, since in the future he'll only do them at The Restaurant School in Philly, which is less of a strain on him and his tiny kitchen.

Out came grilled shrimp with garlic and oregano, ginger-soy marinaded chicken, espresso-rubbed flank steak, asparagus in olive oil and lemon, butter leaf, arugula and fennel salad with papaya seed vinagarette, and coconut jasmine rice with toasted sesame seeds. Bon appetit! Phil said that he'd always been interested in cooking and could have just as easily pursued that as a career as music.

After a short break, Phil sat down with his guitar and a small amp and treated us to an hour-long performance, drawing on songs from "Grouchfriendly," "Issues + Options," and the upcoming "The Great Longing," finally due later this year from Universal Music. (Fans can purchase advance copies through his website, www.philroy.com.) Phil's always worn his heart on his sleeve, and hearing him in such an intimate space was truly special.