MLTimes's Profile
Under the Oak Cafe, has anyone been?
I'll second this description of the restaurant itself, and have to mention a pink lemonade cupcake from their stand at the Piazza farmers market this summer that was to die for.
Decent Breakfast/Brunch in KOP
Nudy's in Devon, or shoot down Montgomery Ave to DuJour in Haverford.
Zahav
Or just buy Zahav's hummus to go, either from Green Aisle or directly from the restaurant.
Brunch in Ardmore area with good bloody marys?
DuJour is full service and full bar. Still busy for takeout before school/work in the morning, but dinner is candles on the table, $20+ entrees.
Applewood smoked bacon or just great smoked bacon?
Green Aisle Grocery sells the to die for bacon that Marshall cures and smokes at Cafe Estelle.
Suggestions for Wedding Rehearsal Dinner for 100 in Philly in July ?
Without knowing what "not a fortune" is, Positano Coast comes to mind for a party that size, if they want walking distance to the hotel.
But I do like the idea (albeit a somewhat pricey one) of putting out of town guests into trolleys for a mini tour of Philadelphia en route to dinner.
Having guests drive their personal vehicles to dinner would be an expensive mess.
Angostura Bitters
Before the holidays I saw some at the 5th Street Superfresh (front of the store), but I'd also recommend the Fee Brothers bitters at Green Aisle Grocery.
High tea service in Philadelphia or nearby
I didn't see it mentioned on the other thread, but XIX at the Bellevue does a lovely afternoon tea. Particularly nice in good weather when the doors are open or when you can sit on the terraces and enjoy the views.
THE WINE SCHOOL of Phila - could use lessons in customer service
I can't comment on their procedure if one of the bottles is corked. But that said. . .
Isn't there a law on the books in PA that limits pours at tasting events to 1 ounce? That's why they and pourers at wineries and other events use the special spout. (Can anyone comment on the size of the pours at Tria's fermentation school, which is the only other wine class that I can think of in Philadelphia other than the Temple class with McNulty, which is a total free for all where people do show up with the expectation of leaving with a buzz.) IMHO, the point of wine classes is to taste the wine, learn how to discern the 6 different flavors in the glass, and learn information about the wines, regions and foods in a presentation/lecture format, not to drink wine and socialize. If you go in with the wrong expectation, I can see how there might be confusion or disappointment.
That said, I've done the 101, Italian wine and corked/forked class at WSOP and found everyone -- guests and staff-- to be lovely and polite, and went out of their way to be kind and accommodating to a singleton. Also, I've never had a class at WSOP that didn';t involve flights, rather than the singles you describe. Admittedly, though, I've never been to a Smackdown event, though I would pay $60 to attend a chef's presentation (though, not GP, as I sort of think he's a smacked a** -- no flames for that please. . . .)
Stromboli or stuffed bread - near Delco/Main Line
Second for Marchianno's in Manayunk. Also, Conshohocken bakery makes a mean tomato bread, which suggests their stromboli would be worth a try.
Recommended beer distributors - Philadelphia area
I'm willing to trade off paying a few dollars more per case for convenience and selection-- so it's Stone's (near work) and Bella Vista (near home) for me.
Just so-so in Chestnut Hill...
I agree that CH falls short on good food. Is the bakery still in that back parking lot near the thrift shop? I used to looooove their soup and croissant sandwhiches on a chilly winter day.
Fun gifts for a Phila Foodie
Why is there a wait to use a GC? I hope Shola isn't flying south for the winter. Did I miss some news about his plans?
The only other GC's mentioned in this thread are to WF and TJ's, both of which the OP vetoed. The other recs were for actual gifts, not GC's.
Good to know Foster's has preserved their kitchen. I really do think the Knife Skills class is a great offering.
Fun gifts for a Phila Foodie
I'm not sure why the post-Christmas closing date for the HH Farmers market is relevant, as the OP is looking for a Christmas present, which is typically shopped for in the time before, not after, Christmas.
I'd skip DiBruno's because it's largely overpriced, overly hyped and their products aren't particularly special or unusual any more as the culinary landscape in Philadelphia progresses.
Foster's, too, has little that can't be found elsewhere and for less money. The best thing in Foster's was the Hands on Knife Skills Class. Since they had to close the store on Market Street, does anyone know if this class is still offered?
Last thought, the one gift I didn't mention was either a cooking class with or seats at a dinner prepared by Shola or Alex & Aki (or all three). That, to me, is an ultimate food-related gift.
Fun gifts for a Phila Foodie
I'd skip Fosters and DiBruno's and instead head to Green Aisle Grocery on East Passyunk Avenue, the Head House farmers market, or to the State Store for a bottle of Root.
Cocktails in Philadelphia
A good list and I particularly second The Franklin, based on what the OP described. For restaurants with good cocktails, I haven't been to Chick's since Katie left, but have enjoyed her creations at The Oyster House, while also having an excellent meal. And there's always a visit to (hopefully next Iron Chef) Jose Garces' Village Whiskey.
Sheraton - N. 17th and Race
Going in the other direction, Sabrina's and Kite & Key are 2 blocks away on Callowhill. There is a v. good Jamaican food truck at Community College.
Cooking Class in Philly
Shola's classes are still "coming soon" but he'd be my absolute first choice of teacher, so maybe shoot him an email via the SK blog. http://www.studiokitchen.typepad.com. He will also come to you for that "in home" setting, but it would be "BYOF" in addition to "BYOB".
The Wine School has also started doing cooking/pairing classes.
Cocktails @ Morris House Hotel, Philly
It's a lovely setting but can't be as good as it was when it was M and Katie L. was behind the bar. One of my food and drink experiences ever in Philadelphia . . . Shola guesting in the kitchen and Katie at the bar.
Society Hill-Sunday Bfast?
Probably not what you're looking for, but Zeke's and Fulya are where we always see our neighbors on Sunday. For a "brunchier" brunch, we head to the usual suspects in Northern Liberties and Bella Vista.
Quintessential Philly (not cheesesteak)
Actually, several state stores are open on Sundays as are both locations of the Foodery and lots of local bars, so it is quite easy to buy beer, wine AND "the hard stuff" on a Sunday in Philadelphia.
Where can I get Schweppes Bitter Lemon?
The food market at Society Hill Towers (in the courtyard where Zahav will be setting up outdoor seating) has Bitter Lemon by the can on the very bottom of the soda cooler case. Not sure if they sell it in larger quantities, but thought I'd mention it anyway since this thread was just revivied.
Hot new restaurant in the symphony house
Although tempted, I'm trying to be a better person so I won't comment on the address "14th and Pine."
Can anyone comment on whether the food and service at the city Du Jour is any better than the one in Haverford? It's a decent option for a Saturday lunch in the suburbs where there aren't as many options. However, if the city location isn't far and away better than that, I'd be inclined to skip it.
Sunday breakfast/brunch suggestions?
On the total opposite end of the scale from the Four Seasons (i.e., a very tiny, not at all fancy, inexpensive, and walking distance from the Hyatt), is Cafe Fulya, a Turkish cafe, at 2nd and Monroe (just south of South Street). Also has the benefit of taking you through the Head House Farmers Market, so you can pick up gorgeous fall fruit or other snacks for the drive home.
