Hi all - Looking for a BYOB recommendation to celebrate my birthday on Sat. May 18. We will probably be 12-18 people, so need to be able to make a reservation. I'm looking for something reasonably priced w/parking nearby (Mom is handicapped). Family will be coming from Mt. Laurel, NJ, lower Bucks and Northeast Philly. So far, I'm considering Zorbas in Fairmount and Carlucci's in Yardley. Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Thanks for your help. :)

That's easy. Mom's spaghetti and meatballs and strawberry shortcake. My mom (at 90 yrs old) still makes all seven of her children a birthday dinner and this is always my pick.

thank you all so much for your thoughtful responses. Lots of fun suggestions!

actually, I was thinking center city and just beyond. We would spend Saturday night at my niece's apartment near Jeweler's row. Rather than full meals at a few places, I was thinking we could do a drink and apps at several places.

thank you

Hi Hounds - My sister, born and raised in Philly, has lived near Baltimore MD for the last 25 years. While she has been to center city occasionally over the years on visits home, she has not really experienced Philly's renaissance in terms of restaurants and neighborhood revitalization. If you had to choose, say, 6 eateries that showcase Philly's restaurant scene, where would you take her? Not looking for exclusive, she is in a position to do that anytime. I'm looking for delicious, fun and unique.

Thank you all :)

I know the size of our group will be an issue, especially for a byob. That's why I'm looking for some help :)

Thanks everyone, keep the suggestions coming :)

Hi Hounds - Hoping you all can advise me. My neice will be turning 21 in January and would like to celebrate at a center city byob with her cousins and aunts (10-15 people). We are looking for a place with a youthful vibe where we can all (ages 19-60) have fun. We are not a particularly quiet group. Looking forward to your suggestions. Thanks.

I had thought about a yogurt granola parfait bar. I like that idea and had forgotten about it. Thanks.

I will be hosting a holiday party this year for approx 18 of my girlfriends. The party will be on a Sunday about noon. Normally, we do a breakfast or brunch type menu. I could do a french toast casserole and a strata (both make ahead) and call it a day, but I'd like to change things up a bit this year. I was thinking maybe an afternoon tea or maybe offering soup along w/apps in the living room and then sitting down to salad and assorted quiches and of course pastries, cakes, etc w/coffee and tea for dessert. I live in a rather small townhome so, although I could do a sit down, it would be a bit cramped so I need to consider a buffet. As you can see, I'm all over the place. Please help! Any and all suggestions would be welcome. Thanks

I just recently discovered moroccan chicken tagine and I just love it. It's different, (at least for me) and delicious. Serve with couscous.

THANKS

I want to make a chocolate mouse pie but the recipe calls for melted chocolate chips. I have cocoa but no chips. Can I substitute?

thanks

Lemon meringue pie is one of my family's specialties. We also use the cornstarch recipe, although we don't pre-cook the meringue. You just want to bake the final product 'til the peaks are brown. Watch it carefully. When you pre-bake your crust, I would suggest pie weights or even better, dried beans to weigh down your crust so it doesn't collapse. The best advice my mom gave me was, have all your ingredients ready to go before you start. It's an easy recipe, but with several steps it will go more smoothly for you if you have everything pre-measured.

Can I substitute arborio for sushi rice for California rolls? Hate to go out and buy sushi rice for what may be a one time thing when I have plenty of arborio in the house. Thanks for any advice you can give.

I have never made gazpacho, but would like to try it this summer. What is your favorite recipe?

Need help from all you imaginative folks out there. For Mother's Day, the family will be gathering for a cookout. Nothing fancy, just burgers and dogs. I am bringing apps and a side. For apps, I'm doing stuffed grape leaves with an assortment of greek dips and pitas. What I need is ideas for a side. I want to shake things up a bit, while at the same time making something that will appeal to lots of palates. It would need to be cold or make ahead and heat at Sis's house. Any suggestions?

I make homemade manicotti as well. I don't see why you couldn't make it the day before. You could also make them now and freeze the manicotti individually and then defrost and sauce on Easter morning.

Thank you.

I will be attending the Van Gogh exhibit this Saturday and am looking for a restaurant for brunch. Needs to be within walking distance. Any recommendations?

IThanks. purchased the beer in NJ and, not being a beer drinker, was confused when I saw several types of Guinness. The young man at the liquor store said the draught was your standard Guinness.

I'm making a beef stew braised in Guinness for St. Patrick's Day. I bought a draught Guinness and then realized when I got home that the recipe called for stout. I then checked various similar recipes and some did not specify a particular type of Guinness. Should I go back and get the stout or will the draught work?

I'm not a big fan of his but I liked this show and I liked him. The guests were charming and seemed genuine and he was much more likeable when he was not so "scripted"

Thanks everyone. I guess I will have to break down and buy a bottle.

I understand the idea of letting the flavor of crab shine, but am I the only one who finds crabcakes to be sometimes bland and a bit dry? I love the taste of crab but am looking for a little zing in my crabcakes. Any suggestions?

LOL. Short and to the point.

Got to be 2% or 0% with honey, banana and granola. I don't particularly like bananas, but eat them because I know I should. Now, with yogurt and honey, I actually enjoy the bananas.