Ate at Devon myself tonight for the first time. Was impressed.
Menu was pricier than I expected, but I guess they're trying
to be closer to the Striped Bass type of thing than the Rouge
sort of thing.
Lobster mashed that came with my crab cakes seemed to have
plenty of lobster. Indeed, lobster mashed seems to be all over
the menu, as was the apsaragus (they said the menu changes
daily - is printed out daily - so perhaps only a few veggies
were good from market today?)
Shared house salad, her scallops and my calimari to start were
excellent. Bread (scone-like?) was delicate and warmed. I was
not as impressed by the crab cakes (a signature item*) as I
expected to be, but I think that may have been because I was
gorged by the time I got to them, so I didn't have much chance
to really savor them.
I really like what they did with the dining room. It's got a
spacious elegance that sort of reminds me of the Prime Rib.
And the semi-private spaces in the corners for group events
were very nicely done. Good lighting, too. I wonder how many
people go there and never leave the front (people watching).
The back space is really magnificent, really given that it was
formerly Houlihan's. ;)
Total damage was $74 before tip for three apps, two entrees,
one glass of wine and one soft drink. Considering how pricey
the menu looks/is, I was shocked to see the bill that low.
We were stuffed. Couldn't have handled dessert if so inclined.
Does this place seem to be doing well? I'd like to see it survive.
I hope the Fishmarket doesn't kill it once Stein opens that place up.
Tom
* Ever notice that the crab cakes are a signature item at just
about every seafood restaurant in existence? Or, for that matter,
any restaurant, seafood or otherwise, that has crab cakes on the
menu? What gives?Philadelphia, PA