urbanfabric's Profile
Barbuzzo, Fish, or Amis?
I don't think that Garces for dinner is a great value. Some of the dishes are pretty "precious." If you can get a reservation, I'd go with Barbuzzo as well. I've never had a slow meal there, either.
Restaurant with a great bar menu and a Television?
Not Barbuzzo, maybe Dandelion? I was in Square Peg yesterday and the bar has a TV.
Private room brunch for 40 people near Marriott Downtown
Not sure what kind of place you want, but if casual works, you might try Square Peg at 10th and Walnut. They have an upstairs space.
Byo wedding reception ideas?
A BYOB that seems like it would be big enough is 943 in the Italian Market.
You might just look at venues in the area, since I think it will be hard to reserve an entire restaurant on a Saturday night without having to replace their revenue:
http://partyspace.com/philadelphia
There are a handful of old, historic homes/gardens/etc that might fit the bill. You might also look at Upstairs at DiBruno Brothers on Chestnut, although it's a little more casual. We had our wedding and reception at Top of the Tower, it's BYOB, although more of a venue than a restaurant. The food was awesome.
Phila Bagel Co on Wash + Columbus closed? What now?!
I am reviving my old thread to ask, has anyone tried the NY Bagel Cafe and Deli on South Street?
http://www.citypaper.net/blogs/mealticket/NY-Bagel-Cafe-and-Deli-South-Street-menu.html
TAkeout, Center City, Maybe Chinese, but Open to Suggestions
We used to joke when they were called "Plan Eat Thai" that you had to plan in advance to eat Thai, otherwise you'd starve to death waiting for them to deliver. Even as long as it sometimes takes, I've also learned, never, never, try to pick up your order in person. You will wait even longer, but now you're standing in a 10x10 space staring at other people's orders.
TAkeout, Center City, Maybe Chinese, but Open to Suggestions
Nice, I'll have to rotate them in among our Squares and Circles orders.
Need suggestions for venue near convention center
We did an event at Yards, they can't do 300.
I like the suggestion of the Reading Terminal Market.
You might be able to use that Field House place that is across Filbert from the RTM.
That's a lot of people, though, I think barryg is right, your friend may have to stick with the convention center.
TAkeout, Center City, Maybe Chinese, but Open to Suggestions
I'd try Circles, they will deliver and you don't have to get spicy. Also try foodler.com for delivery.
Faves in University City near the Sheraton (with toddler)?
I like the White Dog Cafe (and yes, I've been recently) on Sansom Street. I think if you warned them you were bringing a toddler, they'd put you in a less busy room.
Take-out for picnic in Rittenhouse Square (or other park)?
My first thought was DiBruno's as well. However, depending on where you're coming from in UCity, you could stop at Picnic in the Left Bank building (along Walnut, a little west of the bridge to Center City) and get sandwiches. You could also take sandwiches to Penn's Campus. If you arrive during the week, there are lots of food trucks around Penn and Drexel's campuses and lots of open space for an energetic toddler!
ISO restaurant for private party, ADA accessible, vegetarian options:
I have rented the second floor of the Chestnut Street location of DiBruno Bros and they have an elevator in the back for access. You have to pay for the rental in addition to the catering, but the food is good and it's a fun place. You can bring your own wine and beer.
Lacroix also does lovely private events. I'm not sure if that would be out of your range, but it would be worth looking into.
Romantic/Dressy BYO Philadelphia - Birthday Dinner
I will third the recommendations for Russet and Farm and Fisherman. At F+F, we have found that each ordering a first and second course and then splitting a third is more than enough food and without dessert will keep us under $100. I think it's a lovely spot to dress up for, with the service being head and shoulders above Russet.
Best Sandwiches
I finally had a roast pork from John's (thanks to the Saturday hours!) this past weekend. I think I prefer DiNic's in the RTM. Someone on this board described John's being more herbal/floral and that's exactly what I found. I will be back to try a cheesesteak, though.
Another sandwich note, when eating by yourself at a sandwich place, be sure to notice if there is a difference in bread between a "small" and a "large." That is something I've noticed at several of my favorites. A "small" gets you an amoroso roll (or equivalent) and a "large" gets you a seeded sarcone's roll. That makes a difference to me with hoagies and roast porks. Ordering a small because you think you can't eat a large, and then getting a softer roll as a result may greatly impact your impression and enjoyment of the sandwich.
Late Night Sushi Friday Night
Fat Salmon is open until 11pm, doesn't give you much of a window, though.
Best Burmese Food Outside Burma...in Fort Wayne?!
Barry, you should win some kind of chow award for this thread! We were in Ft. Wayne for my brother's wedding this past weekend (from Philadelphia) and as I happen to scan the Great Lakes board occasionally, I'd saved this thread for that occasion. We had a late lunch at Akaungzaar Asian Restaurant and it was amazing! I asked the owner to point out the Burmese dishes and we shared a steamed pork dish (which we think was tripe-ish, but so so good) to start and then my husband had the Ket Kay Kite and I had the O Cut, both with pork. Incredible! The flavors were great, definitely different from other asian flavor profiles, and spicy (as we requested). We also had a drink that seemed to be like a thai iced coffee, but the owner pointed it out as burmese... maybe it was a tea? Not too sweet, very good.
Please critique my itinerary
for Asian:
Han Dynasty
Dim Sum Garden
my favs from your consider list:
bibou
amis
kanella
osteria
fond
I'd also consider:
Little Fish
Fish
Cochon
Russet
Philly Ray is right, best brunch is Lacroix, but I also like Kanella, Cafe Estelle, and Supper.
What kind of Mexican do you want? There are some great Taquerias around 9th and Washington. I hit Los Taquitos de Puebla most often.
Heading back to Philadelphia, tweaking the agenda.
I recently ate at Fish for the first time, after having many lovely meals at Little Fish. I was really blown away by Fish. Whereas Little Fish always seemed to be about picking good fish/veggies and doing really straight forward, well made dishes, Fish seems to elevate that with more interesting kitchen work. Soft cooked (sous vide) eggs, smoking buttermilk, etc. I liked Fond, but would pick Fish over Fond.
Also, after just scarfing down some Federal Donuts, I would recommend them for a donut and coffee run. I've heard that the fried chicken is good, but maybe the donuts are where its at.
Special Dinner for three with a vegetarian in tow
I'd recommend Russet if they have a table for you. I think there may only be one vegetarian option, though: http://www.russetphilly.com/dinner/
Not American, but Cypriot, Kanella might be a good choice as well. Both are BYOB.
Soft shell crabs in Philly
I meant to thank you for this last week, bluehensfan, since it was my motivation to finally get to fish. The soft shell app you mentioned was phenomenal, but we were also blown away with our other dishes.
Smoked buttermilk! I could eat a lot of that.
Madison WI late March weekend
Thanks for all of your help, it was really, well, helpful! Started out the visit with a trip to the Old Fashioned. We had to wait a while, but we found some space at the end of the bar in the side room and chatted with drinks (and friend cheese curds) until we could get a table. Once seated, we inhaled the lazy susan #6 and some beer cheese soup. So good. Most of us got the fish fry, cod, which was great. Just as was suggested, a great casual place with good, local food. We even ended up back here the next day between the wedding and the reception and were able to fit in a few more fried cheese curds and the lazy susan #7!
I got up early on Saturday morning and wandered around a bit on my own. Hit up Bradbury's coffee for coffee and a muffin (and some local cured sausage to take home). I was really impressed with the Capitol area. A little later, I met up with my husband we went to Graze for breakfast/brunch. Split the beignets, and each had egg dishes. They were really really good. Great, fresh eggs with super yellow yolks. We also had bloody marys, loved the touch of the smoked sausage and cheese curd for garnish. And, what's the story with the beer chaser for the bloodys? It's a nice touch, but I've never seen that.
We walked down State Street, doing a little shopping before the wedding, and then stopped at Fromagination on the Square before heading back to the hotel. What a great shop! Picked up some fantastic local cheeses, crackers, and beers.
Thanks again, we had a great, short visit and long to return to see more of the city!
Anyone been to Alla Spina yet?
Sounds pigtastic! We are thinking that it's not that far from the new music venue, Union Transfer, so it might make a good pre-show spot.
Madison WI late March weekend
Thanks, I'm trying to strike a balance between what I want and acknowledging that this wedding weekend is ultimately going to end up being a reunion of college friends for my husband. And, they are not the plan-ahead crew. Old Fashioned seems to meet my foodie/eat local desire while still being a hang out. We were both excited about that recommendation.
Although, from soupkitten's post, it seems like if we can convince a few folks to go a little more upscale, we might be able to hit Graze...
Madison WI late March weekend
Thanks for the help, everyone, I really appreciate it. Harvest was first on my list initially, but we think we might go with the Old Fashioned. Even if it just ends up being the two of us. I will report back on the trip!
Casual Sunday Dinner near Lantern Theater
You're not far from Chinatown there, so you could search the board for recommendations. I like Sang Kee on 9th, north of Race. Also close by is Jones, a Stephen Starr comfort food place at 7th and Chestnut. You're really not that far from most Center City spots.
Philly Weekend in Late March -- How's My List Look?
Is it possible you're confusing the Lacroix breakfast buffet with their much fancier and more expensive ($55+) brunch buffet on Sundays?
cwdonald is right, there are a lot of great breakfast places (even though I'm a die hard Lacroix brunch fan) that are less fancy. Kanella is great (see the NYC Hound's write up of it recently), Supper is also excellent for brunch.
Madison WI late March weekend
Thanks, Marigold Kitchen looks great. I think it will be perfect for Saturday morning.
Macarons in Bulk
The ones that the Sugar Philly Truck makes are a bit larger than the standard size (maybe you give one instead of two?), but they are so good. Looks like they do catering, it might be worth contacting them about: http://www.sugarphillytruck.com/ordercatering/
Madison WI late March weekend
Hi folks,
I'm a Philadelphia hound looking for some help with a weekend in Madison in a few weeks. We're coming for a wedding, so not a ton of time to look around, but I think we can fit in some good meals.
We're arriving Friday. Staying at the Hilton Monona Terrace. In my mind, I'm looking for a nice dinner, preferably that takes reservations so I know we won't have to wait around, and where we can walk from the hotel to the restaurant. From the board, I gathered: Nostrano, Harvest, Fresco, 43 North (although the online menu doesn't really excite me), and Graze (which looks great but doesn't take reservations and L'Etoile looked a little fancier than we were going for). We don't really need Italian or Sushi (although Muramoto looks great), since we get a fair amount of both in Philly. Afterward, I'm looking for some place to grab drinks, cocktails and/or beers, and possibly meet up with other folks.
There is a possibility that there may be some grand, last minute effort to get friends together for Friday night dinner. This stresses me out, but I have to be prepared. So, I'd also take suggestions for places where we can roll up with a group on a Friday night (gastropubs? Great Dane?). I may be willing to get in the car for that, since I know other folks are staying at the Sheraton on John Nolen Drive.
I'm also looking for Saturday breakfast and Sunday brunch. We're willing to drive to either or both if needed. An earlier recommendation for Sunroom Cafe looked good for breakfast, as did Sardine for brunch. If there are other spots that would bring us to a great neighborhood that we otherwise wouldn't make it to, I'd take suggestions!
thanks in advance!
