AllisonS's Profile
Fondue Recipe! Help!!!
I'm hosting a fondue dinner tomorrow and just found out that one of my guests doesn't like Swiss cheese...wondering if anyone has a great (preferably easy!) recipe for non-Swiss cheese fondue!!! I'm thinking perhaps cheddar or Mexican??? Open to other ideas, too!
Thanks!!
Best premade bloody mary mix?
I know bloody marys are easy to make and i would prefer to do that, but based on the volume i will need to make (and people that will be consuming them), I want to buy a premade mix. What's the best premade mix? Also, what kind of inexpensive to moderately priced vodka should I use? Typically, I use Finladia for stuff like this....
Girls' Weekend - Old City Dining Recs
I think Swanky Bubbles is the perfect place to go with girlfriends. I've gone there for 2 bachelorette parties, as well as random dinner with friends and everyone always enjoys it. The menu is mostly Asian, but there's also some pasta dishes...there's definitely something for everyone. The menu is designed for sharing, which is fun and who doesn't love champagne cocktails and chocolate fondue for dessert?
It's right on Front Street between Market and Chestnut, a less than 10 minute walk from your hotel. Definitely a fun place for a girls night out.
For bruch, I second the Farmacia and Continental recs, but would also add National Mechanics and Race Street Cafe for totally casual options.
Have fun!
Decent restaurant in Plymouth Meeting?
I'm meeting two friends in Plymouth Meeting for dinner tomorrow night. I'm not terribly familiar with the area, but I'm hoping for something other than the chains by the mall (PF Changs, Bertuccis, etc). I've heard good things about Blue Fin, but one of my friends isn't a fan of Japanese. Any other ideas? Thanks!
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Bertuccis
625 Cross Keys Rd, Sicklerville, NJ 08081
bachelorette dinner
I always think Swanky Bubbles is a great choice for bachelorette dinners. I've been there for bachelorette dinners twice (and for dinner in general countless times). Admittedly, there are better, more "chow-worthy" restaurants in the city....but Swank Bubbles is a really fun place for bachelorette dinners. They specialize in champagne drinks, which gives a celebratory feel. The entire menu is served family style so sharing is encouraged which is fun. Don't be put off by the menu, which has a lot of Asian items...there are a lot of great options for everyone.
Also, it's on Front Street between Market and Chestnut so the Old City bars are just a block away.
Small, Low-lit, Cozy, Romantic Restaurant Needed!
Definitely Chloe in Old City! It's on Arch between 2nd and 3rd. My boyfriend took me there on our second date and it was amazing! It's exactly what you're asking for: cozy, small, romantic, BYOB, and not pretentious at all! You will not be disappointed; it's an amazing spot!
The website is www.chloebyob.com
Keep in mind that they don't take reservations and it's cash only.
best non-gourmet burger in philly?
Good Dog at 15th & Chestnut (perhaps 15th & Walnut?) has my favorite burger. Not sure what you consider "fancified" but the Good Dog Burger is stuffed with Roquefort and has carmelized onions. If that's too much for you, you can get a regular burger which are great, as well.
I highly recommend Good Dog. Really laid back place to grab a burger and a few beers. You won't be disappointed.
alma de cuba - what's good?
Alma is one of my favorite restaurants and I've been there more times than I can count...I've tried pretty much everything on the entire menu. In my opinion, the not to miss starters are the smoked marlin and sancocho de pollo (soup). Both are incredible. For main dishes, my favorites are the seabass and, as bluehen mentioned, lechon asado (pork).
Since you mention that you're seafood fans, I must tell you that the dishes that have disappointed me are the Xim Xim (shrimp) and scallops. Both were definitely good, but still somewhat disappointing.
Bluehen is right on about the cigar...go for it!
Enjoy & report back!
Should we go to Rae?
I've been there twice and left unimpressed twice. I would skip it.
Woodstock, VT this weekend
Hi,
I'm spending the weekend at the Woodstock Inn in Woodstock, VT. Was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for great food nearby. Also would be very intersted in hearing any suggestions for bars that are open late. Preferably within walking distance (can be a long-ish walk) or short drive from Woodstock Inn.
Thanks!
Pizzicato in Marlton, NJ
I, too, have only been to the one in Philadelphia. I agree with Melitaman...a forgettable experience. Actually, I have tried the Philadelphia location twice, once in February and once in May. On my first visit, the place had about 2 other couples dining. We had to wait about 15 minutes before our waitress even came over to our table. From where we were sitting we could see that she was on the phone. When she finally came over, she apologized saying that she couldn’t hang up because she was talking to the owner! I was pretty appalled by this…WE are the customers! Shouldn’t the owner want her to hang up immediately when there were patrons waiting?!? Other than this, the service was passable. Food was bland.
On the second visit (a Thursday evening), it was very crowded. This was likely due to the fact that it was one of the first evenings this year that was warm enough to dine outdoors. They have a good number of tables for outdoor seating, about 12 or so, which is nice. However, like the first time, the food was a let down. I don’t remember what I got the first time. I think the second time was a pasta dish with crabmeat, shrimp and cherry tomatoes. I remember the tomatoes being the most flavorful part of the dish…and I don’t even like tomatoes and rarely eat them! I don’t plan on returning and wouldn’t recommend this place, especially with so many other great choices in the area.
Best hummus in PHL?
I've been on a major, major hummus kick for the past several months...where's the best hummus in the city or eastern Montco?
Thanks!
Great place for Philly Bachelorette Party Dinner?
When we did my friend's bachelorette party last June we started the night off at Swanky Bubbles in Old City. I'm not sure if you're familiar with it, but it's got a pretty large menu that will appeal to pretty much everyone. The menu has heavily Asian (including sushi) but you'll find some chicken, vegetarian & pasta dishes that will please a group. Everything is served family style which is nice for sharing. We liked it because the food isn't particularly heavy which can be good if you plan on a night of partying afterwards. They also offer a decent menu of champagne & champagne cocktails which is nice to give the party a celebratory feel. The food items aren't as pricey as a lot of the other trendy spots in the city. Also, the location is good if you want to go out in Old City afterwards or it's just a short cab ride from Rittenhouse.
Also something to think about...While it's true that a BYOB will save you money on drinks, most of them are small and do not take reservations, especially on weekends so it may not be ideal for a bachelorette party.
Philadelphia Wine Festival
I was wondering if anyone has been to the Philadelphia Wine Festival at the Convention Center.
http://www.phillymag.com/files/html/winefest2008/winefest.html
It looks interesting, but I must admit that I was somewhat shocked by the $125 ticket price. Has anyone been? Is it worth the money? From what I read online, it looks like there is food from local restaurants. What types of restaurants? Is the food included in the admission price? I looked on the website, but it didn't have a whole lot of details about the event.
Thanks!
Best pasta sauce in a jar?
I need to buy pasta sauce in a jar for dinner this evening. I was wondering what everyone thinks is the best jarred sauce. I've used Rao's on many different occasions, but I'm honestly not that crazy about it. IMHO, Newman's Own are the best jarred sauces that I've come accross. Barilla isn't bad either. I'd love to hear recommendations from fellow hounds!
Thanks!
