Toni W. wrote: > I just moved to center-city Philadelphia and am at a loss to find any > interesting restaurants. By "interesting" I mean "very good food." I can't > even find anything that looks like a restaurant guide. Any help would be > appreciated. Try Jack's Firehouse. I've been there several times and have always been very pleased. The food is "gourmet" down-home as prepared by a very idiosyncratic Virgina-born chef. He uses local Lancaster county foods whenever possible. Last year he was chosen by Food and Wine Mag as one of the country's best young chefs. I don't know if it is still there, but Jack also runs the Diner in the Reading Terminal Market. Very different, no ambience, but good food. Joe King | Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are THE PERSONAL COMPUTER SHOW | not those of the Personal Computer WBAI-FM 99.5 New York | Show, WBAI, its Sponsors, its Compuserve 70117,325 | Members, and are not necessarily mine! MCI Mail 175-4258 | Fax (212) 599-3226 | Junkies and Computerists are called Users
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>From: [email removed] (John Kasdan) >Any suggestions for a good dinner in the $50-60 for two range? Any >type of food considered. Also, where can one have breakfast which >includes scrapple? For breakfast you might check out the Reading Terminal Market or the White Dog Cafe. Most of these others are in the downtown/historic/South St. area which is locally called Center City. Some are in West Phila. near the Univ. of Pa. campus. Italian: DiLullo's Centro, Garisole, Upstares at Varalli's, Portofino, D'Angelo's, Metropolis Trattoria, Baci, Tira Misu Asian(Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, some Japanese and Korean): Chinatown area Indian: Tandoori Palace(40th and Chestnut in W. Phila.) Seafood: Sansom St Oyster House, Bookbinder's Seafood House(15th St.) Steakhouses: Babe's, Morgan's, Ruths Chris Cajun/Creole: Cafe Nola, Magnolia Cafe Eclectic Restaurants: The Astral Plane, 16th St Bar and Grill, The Garden, Judy's The Knave of Hearts, Cafe Einstein, Carolina's, Catalina's, Mezzenote, Rose Tattoo Cafe, Callowhill, Warsaw Cafe, Waldorf Cafe. White Dog Cafe(34th and Samson Sts. Diners: American Diner(two locations, 42th and Chestnut and 5th and Spring Garden), Melrose in S. Phila. Again this is a *very short* list. You can get more detail from either the City Paper(weekly), Welcomat(weekly), or Phila. Magazine(monthly) restaurant listings. Karen Byrd, VAX Sys. Manager University of Pennsylvania Medical School Computer Facility Philadelphia, PA 19104 (USA) Internet: [email removed]
>Joe K. wrote: >>Toni W. wrote: > >> I just moved to center-city Philadelphia and am at a loss to find any >> interesting restaurants. By "interesting" I mean "very good food." I can't >> even find anything that looks like a restaurant guide. Any help would be >> appreciated. >Try Jack's Firehouse. I've been there several times and have always been >very pleased. The food is "gourmet" down-home as prepared by a very >idiosyncratic Virgina-born chef. He uses local Lancaster county foods >whenever possible. Last year he was chosen by Food and Wine Mag as one of >the country's best young chefs. There's a good reason why. He got his start, as far as I know, working under Georges Perrier, owner/chef, of one of the country's best restaurants, Le Bec Fin. > I don't know if it is still there, but >Jack also runs the Diner in the Reading Terminal Market. Very different, >no ambience, but good food. The Reading Terminal Market is currently being renovated in conjunction with the PA Convention Center construction. Jack's Down Home Diner is still inside the market but in a new location. Karen Byrd, VAX Sys. Manager University of Pennsylvania Medical School Computer Facility Philadelphia, PA 19104 (USA) Internet: [email removed]
> I just moved to center-city Philadelphia and am at a loss to find any > interesting restaurants. By "interesting" I mean "very good food." I can't > even find anything that looks like a restaurant guide. Any help would be > appreciated. I like La Buca for their excellent food and service. It's pretty expensive. The Victor Cafe is interesting in that they have opera-singing waitrons. The first time I was there, the food was excellent. The second time it was only so-so. -- Chan
Deux Chimenees is a wonderful french restaurant. It's on Locust St. between 12th and 13th sts. A bit more casual, The Astral Plane is wonderful!! It's on Lombard St. between 17th and 18th. Cheers!!
Someone wrote: : : Any thoughts on absolutely terrific restaurants here? Le Bec Fin I know : about and love. Anything to compare? If you're into fine Chinese dining, try Susanna Foo's. Its on Walnut Street at about 16th Street. I have not yet been there, but I keep hearing how good it is and its even made Conde Nast's (I think) list of top ten American restaurants.
Jane A. wrote: > > >Any thoughts on absolutely terrific restaurants here? Le Bec Fin I know >about and love. Anything to compare? > When I lived in Philadelphia, my favorite formal restaurant was Friday Saturday Sunday near Rittenhouse Square. Their menu changes nightly but everything is wonderful! Even on a student budget it was worth every penny. Alyssa
Jane A. wrote: > Any thoughts on absolutely terrific restaurants here? Le Bec Fin I know > about and love. Anything to compare? Try The Dining Room and the Ritz-Carlton. We've had heavenly lunches there. However, avoid the "other" restaurant there. We went there for dinner one night, and after we decided not to order any wine (we had just come from one of the wine tastings during the Phily Wine Festival and didn't need any more alcohol before tackling the long drive home), service rapudly deteriorated - it was nowhere near the level we'd grown accustomed to around the corner. Also try Michel's, at the Latham Hotel. Opened only within the past year and not as elegant as Le Bec Fin (which is on our Wish List) or some of the others mentioned, but we had an enjoyable lunch there a few months ago. Bon Appetit! Helena Robinson [email removed]
Helena R. wrote: > > Jane A. wrote: > > > Any thoughts on absolutely terrific restaurants here? Le Bec Fin I know > > about and love. Anything to compare? > > Try The Dining Room and the Ritz-Carlton. We've had heavenly lunches > there. However, avoid the "other" restaurant there. We went there for > dinner one night, and after we decided not to order any wine (we had > just come from one of the wine tastings during the Phily Wine Festival > and didn't need any more alcohol before tackling the long drive home), > service rapudly deteriorated - it was nowhere near the level we'd grown > accustomed to around the corner. > > Also try Michel's, at the Latham Hotel. Opened only within the past > year and not as elegant as Le Bec Fin (which is on our Wish List) or > some of the others mentioned, but we had an enjoyable lunch there a few > months ago. > > Bon Appetit! > Helena Robinson > [email removed] --------------------------------------------------------- Have now been to Michel's 3 times and love it, very interesting menu. The Dock Street Brew Pub is also one of our favorites for lunch and for sheer elegance the Fountain in the Four Seasons Hotel -- the food is excellent also. Le Bec Fin is OK but makes me a bit claustrophobic it is such a narrow restaurant. One or two of their dishes are spectacular but I have not wanted to go there again. I also second Susanna Foo, great restaurant. DiLullo Centro is a very attractive restaurant and of course the Italian food is very good indeed.
One word of advise about dining at Susanna Foo's, ask to be seated upstairs if possible. The upstairs area is supposedly the smoking area. However it was recently done over and is a very elegant room in which to dine. It's much better than sitting downstairs where the room is generally crowded, noisey and less pleasant if you want to have a conversation. The last time I was there, my dining partner and I practically had the upstairs room to ourselves.
Karen Byrd, VAX Sys./Net. Manager
University of Pennsylvania
Medical School Computer Facility
Philadelphia, PA 19104 (USA)
Internet: [email removed]
[email removed]Jane A. wrote: Dmitri's @ 3rd and Catharine. Wins local restaurant rewards all the time. You'll probably have to wait at least an hour for a table but ther is a bar across the street and they will come get you when your table is ready.
There are some amazing and somewhat lesser known restaurants in Philly and surrounding areas - two that I've found in Delaware county are The American Bistro in Morton PA (near Springfield on rt 420). Elegant food, bring your own wine. In Ridley Park is a tiny little New Orleans style restaurant called the New Orleans Cafe you will need reservations and bring your own wine. Ciboulette(French), Saloon(Italian), La Veranda(Italian), London's(American) and Jack's Firehouse(American -featuring native game and local vegies) are other Philly favorites Happy Dining! Cindy Otto
Disclaimer: Author bears full responsibility for this post May I suggest Dmitri's, one of Philadelphia's hidden treasures, and it's BYOB and extremely hip. I'm trying to remember exactly where it is. Look it up when you get there. You will not be disappointed. Of course, there are tons of great places to eat in Philadelphia. A favorite Italian spot of mine is Cafe Longano at 9th and Catherine?) Of course, that area is crawling with wonderful places to eat. Susanna Foo is a wonderful experience. Chineses food with a French flair. The pheasant dumplings are terrific. Everything was. And the presentation is wonderful. Unless you're loaded, though, I'd suggest you go with others and eat the way Chinese food is eaten best, family style (that is to say order lots of things and share). They won't mind. Portions are small but savory. Also, dessert is a must! And I know someone mentioned the Astral Plane but I wanted to mention it again. Good place to go for brunch. Although they seem to have stopped the build-your-own Bloody Mary bar (or at least didn't have them last time I was there), they have *the best* mashed potatoes I have ever tasted. And the eclectic decor is great. Finally, The Fountain at The Four Seasons, 19th and The Parkway, Logan Circle. Never eaten there, but be nice to Danielle, the concierge. That's my sister! (BTW, I hear the food is great. But again, pricey.) Marie ([email removed]) BTW, not Pat's, Geno's, or Jim's, but GENNARRO'S!!! These cheesesteaks can be found at 11th (or is it 12th?) and South. The place is a little dive, but the meat is high quality (no gristle-steaks here, no siree) and piled HIGH.
Dmitri's is at 3rd and Catherine. Also, I heartily agree wit your choice of the Astral Plane (17th and Lombard).
Someone wrote: : I'll be travelling to Philadelphia next week on business. Any suggestions : for places to eat relatively near the Convention Center? In particular : I am interested in Sushi, Fish or vegetarian. If there are places with : unique cuisines or dishes (dare I say yuppie food) I would appreciate : your thoughts. Someone else will have to help you with Sushi, i don't touch the stuff, but the Convention Center is right next to Chinatown... My absolute favorite place there is Tang Yean, on 10th Street between Race & Vine. They have a very extensive vegetarian menu, and also a great selection of seafood. They bill themselves as "Chinese Health Food", and there is no beef or pork on the menu. Definitely have the vegetarian dumplings, they are wonderful! ------------------------------------------------------------------- Audrey Marsh "when the going gets weird, [email removed] the weird turn pro..." [email removed] - raoul duke -------------------------------------------------------------------
Try the White Dog Cafe on 34th and Sansom for a great mix of stuff, vegetarian and non. At any rate, you get a really creative meal each time, and it's been excellent every time I've been there. It's also not terribly expensive (though it's not cheap), so that is not really a problem. Happy eating... Rob Someone wrote: : I'll be travelling to Philadelphia next week on business. Any suggestions : for places to eat relatively near the Convention Center? In particular : I am interested in Sushi, Fish or vegetarian. If there are places with : unique cuisines or dishes (dare I say yuppie food) I would appreciate : your thoughts. : Thanks for you help.
Kert S. wrote: >I'll be travelling to Philadelphia next week on business. Any suggestions >for places to eat relatively near the Convention Center? In particular >I am interested in Sushi, Fish or vegetarian. If there are places with >unique cuisines or dishes (dare I say yuppie food) I would appreciate >your thoughts. > >Thanks for you help. Be sure to try Rangoon around the corner from the (Convention Center (In Chinatown - 10th street just North of Arch ) Also the Reading Terminal.
Holly M. wrote: > Kert S. wrote: > > >I'll be travelling to Philadelphia next week on business. Any suggestions > >for places to eat relatively near the Convention Center? In particular > >I am interested in Sushi, Fish or vegetarian. If there are places with > >unique cuisines or dishes (dare I say yuppie food) I would appreciate > >your thoughts. > > > Sushi: You won't do better than Genji on the 1700 block > of Sansom street. About right. Keep in mind that "do better" is relative. Genji's the best in Philly, more or less, but it really doesn't compare to similar restaurants in most cities. This is not a good sushi town. > I'm one of those in the minority that believes > that either Bookbinders - the Old Original at > Second and Walnut or Bookie's on 15th between > Walnut and Locust should be experienced at least > once. Bring your gold card and stick to what > they do best - snapper soup, oysters on the > half shell and lobster. A serious minority, on this score. I'd say avoid either Bookbinders unless you're a chump with a fat wallet. Strictly for suckers and mindless loyalists. > The Striped Bass was, I believe, named "Restaurant > of the Year" last year by Esquire Magazine. If > your concierge can get you a reservation, bring > your platinum card for this place. Whenever the > Great Gatsby makes it to Philadelphia, he's right > at home within the grandeur of the Striped Bass. Which is what's so annoying about the restaurant. Very good fish at double the price that they ought to charge; you're basically paying for ambiance. If you enjoy feeling like a fatcat with money to drop, they're probably obsequious enough here to satisfy. Otherwise, go elsewhere. > Unique: Try the Irish Bard (not the Irish Pub next door) > on the 2100 block of Walnut Street for Nouvelle > Irish cuisine. It's pretty damn good. Give it a shot. > > Chanterelle's in the old home of Le Bec Fin on the > 1300 block of Spruce prepares, nightly, a pris fixe > chef's vegetarin dinner. Yes. > Jack's Firehouse on the 2200 block of Fairmount prepares > mushrooms and grains you probably haven't chomped > before. Maybe. I still need to return to this place; I've had one miserable experience and one decent one. Give brunch a shot, maybe.
Timothy B. wrote: > >Holly M. wrote: >> I'm one of those in the minority that believes >> that either Bookbinders - the Old Original at >> Second and Walnut or Bookie's on 15th between >> Walnut and Locust should be experienced at least >> once. Bring your gold card and stick to what >> they do best - snapper soup, oysters on the >> half shell and lobster. > >A serious minority, on this score. I'd say avoid either Bookbinders unless >you're a chump with a fat wallet. Strictly for suckers and mindless >loyalists. Had a bowl of Snapper Soup from the Old Original Bookbinders recently. Spine tinglingly rich veal stock, great flavor. Had a half dozen box oysters on the half shell from 15th Street Bookbinders a couple of months ago. Icy chilled, succulently plump. Ordered another half dozen. Like I said, order what they do well - what they are famous for - and be prepared to pay a price that includes their 100 plus years in business - and you'll walk away happy. Both Bookbinders, like the Liberty Bell, are part of Philadelphia's history and should be experienced. If you order intellegently and don't join the lemmings in blindly prejudging the place as a "tourist trap" you'll emerge well fed, happy and neither a chump, a sucker nor mindless. Despite what some locals may say about the restaurants, they wouldn't have the local following that they do have (and they do have a following most restaurants would kill for) if they weren't doing a lot right. One more time - order what they do best and enjoy the experience.
One place is Carman's Country Kitchen - Breakfast and brunch only. For details and some other non-tourist Philadelphia eating head to: http://www.hollyeats.com/Philadelphia.htm Holly Moore HollyEats.Com
NNTP-Posting-Date: 1 Oct 2001 01:06:20 GMT
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Someone wrote:
> What are good places to eat in Philadelphia these days? Some places
> locals like.
Check the phl.food group. Speaking as a Philadelphian, your question is too vague, if you're looking for a recommendation. You can find nearly any type of cuisine and price range restaurant you may desire while in Philadelphia. For Italian, my favorite is Ralph's which is on 9th Street between Catherin and Christian Streets.
There's also a wonderful restaurant called Jack's Firehouse in the Fairmount section, close to the Art Museum, that has wonderful food. This restaurant is owned and operated by Jack McDevit (sp?) who used to have a cooking show with Bobby Flay on the Food Network.
Don't forget to try a Philly cheesesteak. There are lots of places in Philly where you can find a good Philly cheesesteak. Also, don't miss a visit to the Reading Terminal Market. This is a wonderful place to go for lunch.NNTP-Posting-Date: 7 Oct 2001 16:05:36 GMT
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Robert B. wrote:
>
> It was pretty full when we were there. I assume most of the diners were
> locals, but couldn't say for sure. Anyway, it's world class food. I never
> ate there when Perrier was still in the kitchen, but the new chef is doing
> wonders. I found it up to the standards of NY, SF and Chicago's best
> restaurants without question.
Georges Perrier also runs Brassiary Perrier which is in the middle of the 1600 block of Walnut Street, roughly one block west of Le Bec Fin. This place opened up about three years ago, and its much less expensive and a bit more casual than Le Bec Fin. Also Le Bec Fin serves lunch which is considerably cheaper than dinner there. I believe there's a web site for both restaurants. Anyone who's curious can probably find the web site easily via a search.NNTP-Posting-Date: Fri, 2 Nov 2001 20:02:52 +0000 (UTC) User-Agent: slrn/0.9.6.2 (SunOS) Xref: usenet.INS.cwru.edu rec.food.restaurants:54650 Brian T. wrote: Someone wrote: * *> Georges Perrier also runs Brassiary Perrier which is in the middle of the *> 1600 block of Walnut Street, roughly one block west of Le Bec Fin. * *Georges also runs "Le Mas Perrier," which recently opened in Wayne, right *off of Route 30. Haven't eaten there yet, but I've got nothing but good *things to say about Brasserie. I've been to Le Mas twice for a regular dinner, and once for brunch (I think it was Fathers' Day brunch). All experiences were fabulous, and they were very accomodating of our sleeping infant (first time - slept in a stroller that lies flat) and joyful toddler (third time). No "attitude" from the staff (or other patrons) about our (well-behaved all things considered) child.