Extremely useful information. I've had stone and blue crab, but not golden. Am really intrigued about the shrimp you refer to. If you have time, Frodnesor, could you advise on best place to find those critters? Thanks.

OMG! Such a great post. Just nabbed a reservation based on this post. I love langoustines. Question - Was there other local fare that out of towners should be aware of? We are coming from California.

Thanks for all these great suggestions. I managed to get a reservation at the Dutch and MC Kitchen, so I need to make the decision. (You know how Chowhounders obsess on this stuff!!) I appreciate any nudges in the right direction.

Hi Chowhounders, I'm organizing Sunday lunch for a few friends from London who are staying at Fontainebleau. We were going to go to Joe's Stone Crab, but it isn't open at that time. Any ideas? Am open to anything except Cuban as that is saved for another night. Many thanks in advance! Max Tartuffo

My family lives on St. Thomas, so I wanted to give you a couple of additional suggestions:

OCEANA (in Frenchtown) - This would be your splurge dinner. Patricia, the owner, knows her stuff and the setting is pretty amazing.
ASOLARE (St. John) - Take the ferry over to St. John and book the first seating at Asolare. The view is extraordinary and the food gets better each year.

I hope you have a great time.

Hi All,

We are looking for a beautiful setting with delicious food around the Raleigh-Durham area to take my adopted grandmother. Occasion is Saturday lunch. Don't want anything overly formal. Thank you in advance for your help. Not always easy to combine both requests,

Thank you both for your suggestions. I booked at Osteria since we are staying in Center City. Will be a nice walk down Broad Street. I did come across a passionate pizza blogger who shredded Osteria. I appreciate his passion but I'm going with cwdonald's advice. We'll probably try a couple of dishes. You may be interested in this other resource.

Best Philadelphia Pizza Blog
bestphiladelphiapizzablog.blogspot.com

Hello Chowhounders,

Years ago, when I was a grad student at Penn, I visited a pizzeria who did clam pizza once or twice a week? It was extraordinary and we don't have anything like it in California where I now reside. Any opinions on whether this still exists in Philly? I've tried reading other threads. Thanks in advance!