Sophie's Food Truck used to be right outside HUP on 34th St in the early 80's. She was also the first to have a truck running all night so those on 11-7 and other shifts could enjoy her food. Long gone, apparently. She and her family used to run a Deli in Schenectady, NY.

The Stafford London, in St James, would be a lovely spot for Christmas Eve. You could also participate in the annual carol sing in the wine cellar with mulled spirits, You are also close by then to go to the service at St James Palace if you want to be out that late. Book early.

How about The Stafford in St James. They have a superb chef, Mark Budd, and a world class wine cellar and sommelier, Gino Narducci. They have room for your group and will do a bang-up, first class event.
http://www.kempinski.com/en/london/Re...

>"I'm also a fan of street/truck food, although my wife isn't as adventurous as I am."

Just ask a student which cart has the best cheesesteaks. They will know.

Fork.

The Stafford Hotel in St James has many options for such an event, including their historic wine cellar.

How about Villa di Roma in the Italian Market? My personal favorite.

Two options come to mind, The Waterworks by the Art Museum and the University Museum at Penn. Both nice spaces.
Having wheels in Philadelphia can be a real disadvantage/expense for an evening event. Would suggest the guests take taxis or better yet, engage some open-air trolleys to shuttle the guests.

Here's a recent Wandswowrth thread: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/694251

Why not email the restaurant? http://www.innthepark.com/feedbacktoo...

Pizzacato at 3rd and Market (just down from the Franklin Post Office, where you must send postcards that are hand franked). Great variety, little pizzas, pastas, etc. Attentive staff. Also, The Continental at 2nd and Market.

Friends moving to the area in August; any recommendations for dining in the area? Also need some child-friendly spots too. Thanks very mch!

Steve Poses? No one better.

The OP has probably left CT for Philly. However, at the RTM one must save room for the Raspberry Truffle ice cream for desserts at Bassett's Stand on the 12th Street side.

Easy, Villa di Roma. Have the 'Steak My Way' rare. No gravy but you can get a side or two. Cash only. Middle of the Italian Market, S. 9th Street.

Might try El Vez, straight shot down 13th Street (@ Locust). Great Mexican food, fun atmosphere.

Hemostats are also useful for removing bones in salmon and other fish. Also slicing mushrooms using one's egg slicer is the easiest!

I would use any good cream of asparagus soup. I think Knorr also makes a packet version.

Tried one of the "Best" burgers at Butcher & Singer. Burger was generous and cooked rare to my taste, but the bun could not stand upto the beef juices and disintegrated while I ate. The fries were standard and over-fried, hard as nails.
That, and the wait staff continues to call me 'Hon' and I am old enough to be their grandmother. This is consistent each time I go, and I am tired of trying to fix this disrespect one server at a time. Never going back.

While not take-out, I do like Sole Food at Loew's across the street. It seems to fly under everyone's radar.

While certainly not the worst by any stretch of the imagination (or Zagat rating), I was disappointed with my meal at al Duca in St. James, and I always enjoy everything at Cecconi's in Mayfair. Further afield, love The River Cafe, but that's a very common opinion.

LOL! Yes, I have eaten at many restaurants in London, way too numerous to list, but on my last trip: Le Gavroche, Al Duca, L'Orangerie,, River Cafe, Matsuri's....for example. It's just that I always stay at the Stafford and find their Dining Room under Mark Budd is excellent and very good for the specific recommendations that were asked. It is wet and nasty here in Philly with snow on the ground and sleet hitting my windows. I would kill for some of Mark Budd's "Foie gras terrine with rabbit" and then some real comfort food, 'Bangers and Mash."

Do check the private dining arrangements at The Stafford Hotel in St. James. They have a wonderful room in their >300 year old wine cellar, along with the guidance of their Master Sommelier. The food is wonderful there. The staff are even more wonderful, as is the chef, Mark Budd.

I love the turkey club sandwiches with a side of dressing at Bassett's and then some raspberry truffle ice cream at the other Bassett's.

How about the lunch spot inside Boyd's at 18th & Chestnut. An offshoot of 'Raw' on Sanson. Great Bento Box selections. The best!
Also, for a treat, Di Bruno's has great take out, but it's a bit pricier.

Victor's Cafe in South Philly, along with Villa di Roma. Used to be able to say Bookbinders, but it was updated and has now closed. Sigh. It does amaze me that the Pub in Pennsauken has remained the same.

Matyson over Fork, and I think it's BYOB. (I don't drink so haven't noticed if there is a bar, which would be tiny.)

The American Bar at the Stafford Hotel, in St James. Great food and a very good wine selection. Very relaxed.

The Carrot Cake at Smith & Wollensky on Rittenhouse Square is very good and very big. Or just go to the web site of Steve Poses, legendary restauranteur, get the recipe and make it yourself.

Another vote for Lacroix. However, for specific cuisines, both Morimoto and Buddakan are open for lunch. For a steak house, Union Trust on Chestnut Street is a fantastic room with good food. (Have appetizers next door at Morimoto's, then steak at UT!)