What’s cookin’ with Bri: Eating up in smoke

Maybe you are one of those people who can’t eat a salad without a stogie in your left hand.

Maybe the idea of inhaling smoke and the smell of steak at the same time makes you nauseous. Whatever the case may be, there is a place in Philly for you to still enjoy food.

For the non-smokers out there, sometimes eating out can turn a romantic excursion into a ‘when-will-this-end’ kind of night.

Going to a place with a bar really ups your chances of coming home smelling like one. If that really bothers you, call ahead and find out how they break up the sections of the restaurant.

Cuba Libre, for instance, does offer non-smoking sections. Here’s the kicker, though: you may end up far from the beautiful architecture and in a dark, cramped corner.

Definitely ask first where the non-smoking tables are, or you might be disappointed. Oh, and don’t be that person who walks into Melrose Diner looking for a truly non-smoking section.

Takeout food, a picnic blanket and an open field is the best recipe for fresh-air when you eat.

Try Chloe in Old City – it’s only open Wednesday through Saturday nights, but the food has won plenty of awards. It is a non-smoking, romantic, little BYOB that is moderately priced (entrees are around $20). Also visit Audrey Claire in Center City, another small BYOB with extra outdoor seats and a Mediterranean inspired menu.

My smoker friends, you should be grateful that we don’t live in New York City. Aside from insane cabdrivers, a great Urban Outfitters store and some crazy people, they have a super strict rule about smoking in restaurants. Luckily for you, Philadelphia hasn’t slapped diners and bars with a regulation like that one.

Speaking of diners, most allow you to smoke inside, either at the bar or in a booth. In the case of higher-class places, there’s probably a place just for you.

You might have to contend with some irritated individuals and their extra-loud coughing fits delivered concurrently with death stares.

But you don’t go to those places to make friends, do you?

The Continental, a chic Stephen Starr diner, allows smoking in the whole building. Do not let the idea of a diner fool you. This place serves up a huge menu of more than just burgers and shakes. They have a big brunch menu on the weekends with great omelettes and coffee.

So when hitting the town, know the places to smoke-up in, and those where you’ll need to leave the lighter at the door.

Brianna Barry can be reached at bbarry@temple.edu.