Patiod's Profile
Kinnaree in Horsham, PA
I think "mild" is the default, and you have to ask for "extra spicy". The people who dine there on Sundays (when we go) seem to be older, and I wonder if the chef has adjusted the spiciness to the clientele, who might not like as much heat.
Kinnaree in Horsham, PA
Thank you so much for this thread. We were looking for a moderately priced BYOB - something other than our usual Jade Garden (Dresher), Mina Cucina Rustina (Spring House) and From the Boot (Ambler, and not BYO) . Because the Hounds praised it, we ventured north to Horsham to Kinnaree, and will definitely be coming back. We had soup and several appetizers, and look forward to trying some of the entrees. The Tom Yum with shrimp was particularly tasty, as were the pot-stickers and the mushrooms.
I can't count the number of great dinners I've had thanks to the gang here at Chowhound (very frequently in places that don't look promising from the parking lot) and how many bad dinners I've probably avoided!
Laban gives Radice 3 bells???
Based on this photo, I'm thinking people have known what he looks like for some time now.
A few years ago, my husband and I were eating at Marigold Kitchen, and when he left to use the bathroom, someone asked me if he was Craig LaBan. I asked him if he thought Craig LaBan would be drinking a $7 bottle of Cavit, and he had to admit I had a point. But with different glasses, my husband could pass for the guy in that photo, so perhaps LeBan wasn't as incognito as he thought....
Need a restaurant that won't turn our table (Philly 'burbs)
We have reunion of Penn State girls who haven't seen each other in 30 years, so an hour won't do. We need a more European attitude, where we can stay at a table for a few hours (and we're willing to tip well). Also, we want to be able to hear each other (no loud music), but not disturb other patrons with our chatter (maybe a small separate room?)
Although we're from all over the country, two girls are staying in Lancaster and driving in, 3 staying in Fort Washington, one in Lansdale. We want to a restaurant reasonably near turnpike exits to minimize chances of getting lost, since I'm the only one who lives in the area.
Any food type is okay - in this case ambiance trumps Chowiness. BYOB is good. But the ability to sit at the table for a long time is key.
Thank you, Chowhounds! Amazing Chicago
So based 100% Chowhound recs, we two Philadelphia hounds chose our Saturday dinner and Sunday brunch.
Saturday dinner was at Quartino. At first, we were a little intimidated - big, noise, mobs of people, noise, servers with plates running around, noise - too too much. We were blessed with a corner table - which cut the noise - and a sweet server. Wonderful food - mushroom risotto, pizza, beef carpaccio, all delicious. The only dish that off was the mushroom bruchetta which tasted like pure vinegar, but the joy of small plates is that a misfire doesn't impact the overall experience. I'm just surprised there aren't more places like this in other cities.
Sunday breakfast was at Primehouse in the James hotel.
Wow. We're currenty sitting here trying to recover. What we can't figure out is how they do all that for $35 a person, and not a pancake in sight. What a foodie experience! Difficult to describe - you sort of have to experience it. And the staff was absolutely delightful, from the hostess to the manager to the bus guy, who was happy to answer our questions. Our one suggestion - go to the gym for a few hours beforehand.
Philly is not exactly a culinary wasteland, but we were wowed by these two places. And we wouldn't have found either without the assistance of the boards here. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Keep on posting!
Sun night favorite, Midtown East, reasonable?
Anyone have a favorite in the Midtown East area (39th & Lex) area for 2 Philly hounds? Not too expensive, but one that you've enjoyed a lot?
I stay there all the time, usually on Sundays, and the area feels deserted . Unfortunately, Branzini is closed, and I can't eat at my favorite sushi joint since SO isn't a fan (he doesn't care for Indian or Mexican either)
Philly hound seeks Irvine sushi/seafood
Wasa is not far from where I'm staying, and the website looked very appealing Opah looks great as well. Thanks so much for the good advice - will let you know how things work out!
Philly hound seeks Irvine sushi/seafood
We be in town on Sunday and Monday nights for business (when things are often closed) and looking for some good-rep-with-the-Hounds reccs (dining alone Sunday, with clients on Monday).
We're from Chicago and the NE, so we get good Italian at home - I'm thinking either California cuisine, seafood or sushi.
Thanks so much in advance!
Philly Cheesesteak
A bunch of my out-of-town clients had the same goal: to get the "best" cheesesteak. I told them about all the options, including Geno's and the owner's "This is America, when ordering 'speak English' " sign, and they all opted to go elsewhere. They couldn't believe anyone would be so provincial these days. Were we actually TRYING to suppress tourism?
Not only that, but they thought it was funny that a sign urging the use of English mangles its punctuation (the apostrophes used as underlines).
None of them would believe that the average lunch cart makes a pretty decent cheesesteak (although they took my word about ordering provolone or American vs. Whiz)
If I like Matyson, I have to try...
I just recommended Marigold Kitchen on another thread; it's where I ask to go for my birthday! Everything we've tried there has been delightful
(off topic --- the server there told us halfway through the meal that they suspected that my Significant Other was Craig LeBan. I laughed, and asked the server if he thought Craig LeBan would be caught dead drinking $7.99 pinot grigio. He agreed it was unlikely......)
DC Hounds Coming to Philadelphia in March
How about [link:www.marigoldkitchenbyob.com/marigold_kitchen_home.html|Marigold Kitchen ] 45th Street and Larchwood Avenue, in University City (which is not that far from your hotel). (215) 222-3699.
It's BYOB, which is a little bit of a pain for the traveler, but will keep the price to a more reasonable level.
I had a dinner at a well-regarded French restaurant in San Francisco last year, and then had the same entree for dinner the very next night at Marigold. Marigold's version (haddock in pastry) was SO much better. I've had some really neat, really different dishes there - once had an appetizer that looked like two small fancy easter eggs -- avacado, wrapped around a tuna-salad-like concoction. Tasted even better than it looked.
My Birthday!!
A bunch of my out-of-town clients found El Vez (after I had compiled a long list of Chinatown suggestions), and they LOVED it. I find it a little loud, but no one can deny that it's fun! I'd recommend ordering all appetizers (you HAVE to get tableside-made guacamole) if you do go. Fun atmosphere, fun servers, good food - other than the noise level, what's not to like?
Italian in a small boutique hotel
Yikes! Not on the cable car line, and I'm pretty sure it was on Post, so it was Fino, in the St Andrews. But hey, the thread has given me some great ideas, plus the right restaurant!
Italian in a small boutique hotel
Ding ding ding!!! That has to be some sort of record!!! That's exactly it!
Thanks so much Husky!
Italian in a small boutique hotel
Last time I was in Your Fair City the concierge at the Handlery sent me to a wonderful Italian restaurant which was on the ground floor of a boutique hotel. It was a few blocks west and north of Union Square. Was surprised at both the prices and quality (I usually mistrust concierges).
Hoping SF Hounds will be able to help a Philly hound with the name (or any other suggestions you might have that are within walking distance of the Mark Hopkins).
Thanks!
Open Monday in Theater District (near W54 & B'way)?
Thanks so much. I've bookmarked your reccs for the future (even if he doesn't get that part, he'll be back up there auditioning again).
Based on comments here, I choose Nocello's for yesterday, and then ended up just eating Tapas at Devine Bar on 54th near where he auditioned instead. Great little dumplings, not-so-great bruschetta, but we were so wound up we're a bit hungry.
Thanks so much for the reply, RGR
Conshohocken dining-a tale of two Italians (Pepperoncini & Viggianos)
We've only been to "From the Boot" once, and it was great. I wouldn't go again on a Saturday night, though! They don't take reservations, and the place is too small for the number of people that want to eat there (all toting their bottles of wine or 6-packs of beer).
We only go to Viggiano's for 2 things: We split the mushroom bruchetta (yes, it looks like dog food, but it tastes great) and split lasagne. Then take the rest home, for another whole meal (the lasagne portions are huge). Now that they're cut up the space, the tables are oddly positioned in small, chopped-up rooms that feel like they used to be someone's bedroom.
Pepperoncini is one of our favorites - the only caveat is DON'T ORDER THE PIZZA 'TO GO'!!! It's great when eaten right at the restaurant - microscopic crispy crust, fun toppings. But by the time you get it home, it's soggy and inedible - the thin crust doesn't transport/age well. So enjoy, but eat in!!!!
Open Monday in Theater District (near W54 & B'way)?
S.O. has big audition tomorrow afternoon, and we need a restaurant nearby (with alcohol to celebrate or commiserate) that's open Monday night -- not necessary easy to find on the night that the theaters are dark.
Something other than just bar food, hopefully. Maybe a trattoria, a little bistro, something not too outrageous (especially if he gets the part - actors don't get those big expense accounts) but chow-houndy. You guys have led me to some great NY find when I AM on expense account - don't leave me in the dark tomorrow!
Are There Any Upscale Soul Food Restaurants In Philly?
I'm sure you've tried Geechee Girl, then. A friend at work had her wedding reception there, and reminded me that they have moved -- still on Germantown Ave, but a few blocks away.
Southern/Gullah inspired cooking - not necessarily soul food, but I've had some really delicious meals there. One warning - have a little cracker or something before you go -- the service can be agonizingly slow. Friendly, but slow!
3 days in Kirkland (expense a/c) 3 day SEA (cheap)
Philadelphia Hound who has never been to Seattle before. Have relied on the L.A. and San Fran boards before, and gotten great suggestions.
Looking for reccs in or around Kirkland, where I'll be working for 3 days, and able to expense dinner. Saw reccs for Restauant Paradiso and Cafe Juanita.
Also looking for cheap finds in Seattle and Bainbridge Island for lunch or dinner for the portion of the trip where I'm on my own.
Favorites are sushi, cooked seafood and italian.
Thanks!
Need some cool places to eat (and watch a football game) Philly..
I’d second Society Hill Hotel bar.
Chickie and Pete's is fine if you want really loud and and really crowded, and really basic bar food.
Five Guys Hamburgers vs. Bootsies
Thanks for the recc of Union Jack's - walked by several times, and didn't even know they served food! Will try them on our next trip to the Keswick!
Completely agree about eating at chains - we are so blessed that we don't HAVE to eat at chains here!
Goodbye Passeros
Almost every weekday morning, I enjoyed a perfect espresso at Passeros, and then this morning, it was gone. Not just the one in Suburban Station, but the one at JFK as well. The sign indicates that some of the shops will be taken over by "Juan Valdez Coffees" and some of the same staff will remain.
Any other grieving Passeros fans out there in Chowland?
Brandywine Valley---Where to Eat, What to do?
If you want to give stomach and wallet a break from big pricey meals, I'd recommend Hugo's Inn, an old-fashioned tavern about 200 yards south of Longwood Gardens on Route 1. Inexpensive (for the area) food, with and emphasis on mushrooms (great mushroom soup, pickled mushrooms, a wonderful mushroom "skillet", steaks with mushrooms - you name it). It's full of locals, both the horsey set and the hoi polloi. If you're with a large group, the service is incredibly surly, but if you're a family or couple, they're a lot nicer.
Divan--Stay Away
Corkage fees are NOT routine in Philadelphia. I agree with the previous poster - the way to discourage them is not to patronize the places that charge them.
